Direct line in sounds AWFUL!! i need help!! :(

  • Thread starter Thread starter leon91
  • Start date Start date
L

leon91

New member
Hi there.

im Leon, totally new here in this forum
but figured what better place to come to find out more about a home studio than here?

basically my issue is my PC is obviously useless
i have a very fast internet connection but the pc still struggles to loads youtube videos without crashing every few seconds. and i know its the pc
as i have tried the same tasks on my laptop using the same gear as in speakers, internet, same room even.

the pc spec is pretty modern:
Acer M1610
windows vista ( upgraded to 7 )
intel dual core
etc etc

but its just useless at doing anything more than being an office pc.
so obviously not good at using as a studio pc.
tried using it as one and the result was a crackly,quiet pile of rubbish!
i used:

head: Line 6 Spider III.
cab: Bugera 4x12
software: Reaper 4
speakers: logitech 5:1

it sounded crackly and i mean crackly and slowed down
my speakers crackle when playing any sound/video
( the speakers work perfectly on any other pc )
**im in need of proper monitors
so can you guys suggest me a good set?**

anyway,
the pc is probably going to be sold and build my own from scratch to high standard.
does the problem sound familar to you guys?
is it usually the pc that causes it?

i would prefer to be recording via a miced cab
using a sm57 but untill i get paid next months its gotta be a direct in.

what do you guys think?
thanks in advance

Leon
 
I don't think it could possibly be the PC.

But it could be software. Some driver whosamawhutzitz somewhere set to the wrong amount of megagigs or something. Either that or you are clipping something somewhere to get oomph out of Logitech speakers.

Keep in mind that a single recorded guitar is going to be 3 or 4 times quieter than that same guitar in a finished song because of all the headroom you need to work. I doubt those Logitechs have enough power to play a single recorded track with ample headroom at an acceptable mixing volume.
 
Also invest in an interface. Much, much better than a line in connection. As far as your other computer problems...well...I'm no steve jobs, so....no clue.
 
Look into Cab simulation / Impulses. Direct guitar signal needs to be put through some kind of speaker emulation to sound right.
 
thanks for the replies guys.

i realised very quickly after re-reading my post that i was not using any audio interface at all.. which does explain a lot.

im looking at the:
M-Audio Fast Track MKII USB Audio Interface

anybody had any experience with the interface?
if its good, ill purchase that one, providing i can find a good price in the UK.

ill probably seek to update the sound card aswell. gives me a better chance then.

i did find a package by M-audio
for what works out at £140 for:

M-Audio Fast Track MKII USB audio interface,
dual M-Audio StudioPro 3 desktop audio monitors,
an MXL V63M Condenser studio microphone,
a 20' XLR microphone cable,
a 10' 1/4"-to-RCA Dual Patch Cable,
a tripod microphone stand

i would look to sell the mic and buy a SM57. but other than that, that seems a fair deal, especially as the interface alone is £70+
unfortunatly the company selling that package does not ship to the UK and i cant find it anywhere else.. gutted :(
as that would also get rid of the speakers im using at the moment.
 
I haven't had any experience myself with that interface, so I can't really help you there. But a one more thing will help us get you in the right direction. What all are you going to record? Guitar only? Guitar and vocals? Full band? Anything with a MIDI? This helps determine what interface you need in the long run...and therefore can save you money in the long run.
 
im looking to record guitar and possibly bass guitar.
i doubt ill be recording vocals (at least not yet)
and probably use toontrack EZdrummer for drums.

hope that helps?
 
Yep now we just need someone with knowledge of distributors and what gear is offered where you live. Sadly, that's not me...

But, I can give suggestions. I think if you will be going about it that way, you just need a 2 input interface, with XLR inputs. Other than that, dont really know what to tell you. Im pretty new at this myself, but I hope I helped a little. :cool:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top