Recording Directly onto a Computer

[JesusSaves]

What device do I use to record my guitar directly to my computer? I'm tired of using my mic, as it has horrible quality.

[Triskele]

Get a better mic. That's basically your only choice.

[mhb]

At 3/21/06 07:19 PM, Glaisne wrote: Get a better mic. That's basically your only choice.

what rock are you livin' under? steve, get an 1/8" - 1/4" adapter. run a cord from your amp's preamp out or line out (not the speaker out) to the line in on the sound card. i got the adapter that i have at radio shack for like $3 so it shouldn't cost a lot for it.

[JesusSaves]

So all I need is a single adapter and I'm good?

[Triskele]

Oh, an electric guitar? Lol, I listen to too much folk music :P

[RadRacer]

I wanna try this, but I am worried that it will blow up my soundcard or something. Also where is the line in on the soundcard? Like my computer has a mic outlet, headphone outlet then another one that I can't figure out beside those. Is that the line in for the soundcard maybe? Also how do you record it once you got it working thru your computer?

[Anima-Theory]

You could use a another interface between your computer and your guitar, I use a tape deck and set it to record, then I set Goldwave to record in "Line In" and then I just play, the only problem for me is that I cant hear what i'm playing :P

[JesusSaves]

Can someone post a link to an adapter? I want to be absolutelty sure I get the right thing.

[GoreBastard]

I use a Line 6 guitar port. It's just like a multi effects amp build into your computer, and all you do is plug your guitar in, and you can change the effects on your computer. It's awesome, and even though it's self advertising (Lemaou), check some of my songs out to hear what it can do when combined with a drum program.
:-)

[mynamewontfitin]

I use one of these little babies. Works like a charm.

[GoreBastard]

At 3/21/06 10:23 PM, mynamewontfitin wrote: I use one of these little babies. Works like a charm.

Wow, that looks pretty cool.

[RadRacer]

At 3/21/06 08:26 PM, Anima_Theory wrote: You could use a another interface between your computer and your guitar, I use a tape deck and set it to record, then I set Goldwave to record in "Line In" and then I just play, the only problem for me is that I cant hear what i'm playing :P

What exactly does the tape deck do?

[ZombiePosessor]

At 3/21/06 10:23 PM, mynamewontfitin wrote: I use one of these little babies. Works like a charm.

That's what I'm using now, just recentley got it and I'm in love with it. All the songs I'm working on sound so much better than when I did the 1/4" to 1/8" running to soundcard setup. Plus it doubles as a MIDI controller and can have audio from your OS and apps sent thru its headphone jack so yuo can listen on speakers if you live w/ ppl and can't be loud at night.

[mhb]

yeah man a us-122 is definitly a nice thing. my friend van has one. he's got this whole pro setup. he's crazy. but steve, as for a link to an adapter, here. hope that helps.

[Khuskan]

At 3/21/06 08:26 PM, RadRacer wrote: I wanna try this, but I am worried that it will blow up my soundcard or something. Also where is the line in on the soundcard? Like my computer has a mic outlet, headphone outlet then another one that I can't figure out beside those. Is that the line in for the soundcard maybe? Also how do you record it once you got it working thru your computer?

You could put the guitar through a preamp and the headphone/audio out from the preamp into the mic in. Thing is, unless your preamp has multiple outputs, or you have a soundcard that auditions what you play live in realtime, you wont be able to hear what the quality will be like.

Start saving for an SM58 microphone, they're perfect for micing up amps, also get a soundblaster live, which has the ability to live preview all audio input.

I also recommend soundforge or audacity for recording, as they can both monitor inputs.

[JesusSaves]

At 3/21/06 10:19 PM, GoreBastard wrote: I use a Line 6 guitar port.

Ah! I've heard of that before! I think THAT might be what I'm looking for. I'll google it. Thanks to everyone for the help.

check some of my songs out to hear what it can do when combined with a drum program.

Sure, why not?

[jarrydn]

At 3/22/06 11:21 AM, Khuskan wrote:

Start saving for an SM58 microphone, they're perfect for micing up amps, also get a soundblaster live, which has the ability to live preview all audio input.

Actually, the SM-57 is better for micing amps because it's uni-directional ;)

Come to think of it, I don't think I've ever seen anyone mic an amp with a 58.

[Khuskan]

At 3/22/06 08:17 PM, jarrydn wrote:

At 3/22/06 11:21 AM, Khuskan wrote:

Start saving for an SM58 microphone, they're perfect for micing up amps, also get a soundblaster live, which has the ability to live preview all audio input.

Actually, the SM-57 is better for micing amps because it's uni-directional ;)

Come to think of it, I don't think I've ever seen anyone mic an amp with a 58.

In all honesty, most of the concerts I prepare are on a tight budget, and 58's are all that are to hand. Either way, they'll both function.

[pitbulljones]

yep ive get a couple of tools i use to record directly into me pc, sum times i just jack it straight into my mic port, using an electric, but ive also got a tascam us-122 n i have to say its an awesome piece of kit for the cost, when i bought it it was 180 pounds n that was about 2 ys ago. Ive also got a digitech rpx-400 effects pedal which has a built in soundcard and thats really good to use if your wanting effects put in, it also tailors for mics, and various lines, now that was closer to 300 quid again about 2 yrs.

I'd go for the tascam out of the two, and then purchase a copy of ik multimedia's amplitude which is just an awesome plug-in for guitar. Failing that there is the Line-6 pod, which is a total guitar fix. and another programme which i just remembered is Native Insturments Guitar rig, it's a plugin or standalone programme but u also get an outboard effects pedal.