Cakewalk/mics&preamps

[limoguy]

Hi Guys!

New to the forum. Also new to digital recording. I have decided to start out using Cakewalk Guitar Tracks Pro to record audio & guitar tracks for work tapes.

I understand that preamps are necessary to boost the output signal of the mic to line level. While I haven't picked up Cakewalk yet, at their site they advertise that recording is "plug and play." No where do they suggest I need a preamp for anything.

Does recording vocals from my mic absolutely require a stand alone preamp or have they designed this software with some sort of preamp feature built into it?

Appreciate any help guys!

limoguy

[TexRoadkill]

You still need a preamp for using real mics or direct instruments. You could use a computer mic without a preamp but it will sound like crap.

[subtractor]

Plug and play is just a windows software/hardware standard. They aren't talking about microphones...

[limoguy]

Thanks for the replies to my earlier post concerning preamps, mics, and Cakewalk Guitar Tracks Pro guys!

So I definitely have to have a preamp to record my audio and guitar to the software ( one more thing to buy arrrrgh! ).

So what preamps would you guys recomend for a newbie? Something reasonable price-wise. I only need to plug one mic and my guitar into the preamp. I play on a Guild 12-string with Fishman pickups, and my mic is a shure C606.

Lets go shopping!

limoguy!