Guitar and Vocals at the same time

  • Thread starter Thread starter aivaras
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aivaras

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Hey people! I've wanted to record my electro-acoustic guitar and my vocals at the same time. I plug my guitar to Line in and my Microphone to Mic input, but the thing is that i only can record one instrument at the time. I use Creative Soundblaster, the internal one. Is there any settings or tricks, so that i can record both at the same time :)? Thanks in advance :)!

Aivaras.
 
These things usually have a stereo input, so yes, there probably is a 'trick' to record both at the same time, but honestly a way better option would be to pick up a cheap two channel usb interface.

Those things are designed for what you're doing whereas Soundblaster cards are focussed more on playback and basic input functionality for gaming/skype and the likes.
 
The trick is to use tools appropriate to the task. If you want to record, get an interface. That's what they're for.
 
Soundblasters do not have very good A-to-D converters, like already said, they are for gaming and other computer audio use, not recording.
 
For the record, I agree with the previous replies. Your recordings will sound much better, and life will be much easier, with a proper recording interface.

But it is possible to record from both inputs if your card has the Playback Redirect (Stereo Mix feature). This is also known as What-U-Hear. You can search for those terms on Creative's support site to find a list of cards that support the feature. I've never used it myself, so I can't give any details of how. But you should be able to find details on the net somewhere.

If your card doesn't support that feature, you can still do it. But you would need an external mixer and a way to connect it to the line-in of your card. I won't get into that method at the moment, as it takes a little explanation. If you'd like the details, let me know.

John
 
I agree you'll probably want to invest in an interface, but there's no reason not to have a play around and some fun before you get one. I did a number of my first demos using a similar set up to what you have. This was one of the better ones.

I used a standard dynamic vocal microphone I picked up for a couple of pounds in a cheap shop (it's not great but was a considerable improvement on using a 'computer mic'), and positioned myself a couple of feet away to get the vocal, guitar and a bit of ambience. Compress, EQ and you might have something great. But it will be in mono.

I suspect you might find this gets you a better sound than what you're trying to do, as piezo pickups generally sound pretty horrific in recording. Why not have an experiment anyhow? It took me a few goes to get the vocal/guitar mix right, and when i listen back they seem very hissy, but it was very much my jumping off point into the world of home recording.
 
Last edited:
Goldilox said:
I used a standard dynamic vocal microphone I picked up for a couple of pounds in a cheap shop (it's not great but was a considerable improvement on using a 'computer mic'), and positioned myself a couple of feet away to get the vocal, guitar and a bit of ambience. Compress, EQ and you might have something great. But it will be in mono.
Click to expand...


Go back far enough in time and all recordings were made this way, nothing wrong with that approach. Today though, for such little money a 2 channel interface like an m-audio fast track or the like will really open up your options for little money. Unfortunately then you'll want to record more than 2 inputs simultaneously (I'd want to record the pickup in the gtr, mic the guitar, mic the vocal, plus a room mic=4 inputs), and then you'll need yet a bigger interface.... and the cycle continues with you always buying something bigger until you die. ;)

Since you want an interface that gives 2 separate inputs (recordable to 2 separate audio tracks) then buying something that can do just that doesn't give you any room to grow. If you can afford it, look a little bigger than you need right now, like a used profire2626 or the like, that gives more inputs than you can possibly use now, AND offers the ability to add on to it for later expansion.
That idea goes for all audio gear- if you need a console with 12 inputs, buy one with 16, because as soon as you enjoy those 12 you'll find reason for more!
 
If you want to record Guitar + Vocal simultaneously, this vid should help you out... although you definitely need 2 mics.
Puremix_recording vocals&guitar

I you just have one, then you need to find the sweet spot where the vocal and the guitar sound balanced... and not to muddy.
 
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