Electric Accoustic plugged directly PC

[avalokite]

So I have been reading a plethora of information in these forums and others. From "my" interpretation of what I have read about starting to record with the most basic equipment is that I should be able to plug directly into sound card mic port with 1/4 jack out, to 1/4-1/8 in. (converted to 1/8 with plug attachments). I may sound very limited in my knowledge but I know my way around computers and I have done some actually studio recording so I have a general grasp of the process. ** THE POINT IS ** Audacity does not pick up the signal. I have a fender acoustic, not a new battery in it but still working, I feel it may be important to say that my speaker setup is in 1/8 in. headphone out of PC to A.V. in to EQ, out EQ to ONKYO tuner amplifier, then out to speakers. Audacity picks up my mic In. drum machine just fine.

Any direction would help immensely... also I know there is this Info in the forums but I need some real step by step basic info on how to eventually record my acoustic into Audacity. I think that a DI is needed? but I also don't understand the whole concept?

 

[Music-Junkie]

The easiest thing to do would be to pick up an affordable interface, something like a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2. That'll make all recording much easier forever!

 

[guitaristic]

Yeah, you can plug into the soundcard, but it's much easier (and better-sounding) to use an external audio interface for recording.

 

[Armistice]

Get an interface and get a proper multi-track DAW program.

DIs are useful boxes, but it shouldn't be the next thing you buy.

You can thank me later..

 

[mjbphotos]

Since you are obviously aware of the inherent issues in using the built-in soundcard in your computer ....

In Audacity, you need to make sure you have selected the Line-In jack as your input device. From the Edit drop-down menu, select 'preferences' then under interface, select the line in under 'recording device'. It might show something like 'Microsoft Sound Mapper' as the choice.
If you don't get any input signal doing this, the output of your guitar is not strong enough for the input and you would need a preamp (or DI box) -but don't buy a preamp, just get an audio interface with a DI input as already suggested.