Guitar / Computer Setup

[xyzz]

Hey guys,

I have a new guitar coming in later this week and I’m trying to set up something on my computer where I can play around with guitar rig, play along to backtracks, and also loop/record. I am not interested in professional sounding recording… I just want to be able to play – but with good sound.

I've been reading about this stuff all day - but I'm still confused


Here is what I have:

M-audio fast-track usb

Guitar Rig 1 Control

Software:
Ableton Live
Guitar rig 3

I am also planning on grabbing a pair of studio monitors ... I'm looking at m-audio AV 40's..

Also, I'm wondering if I need a small mixer - maybe just a 4 channel. Not sure if I need this or not.

I'm basically wondering how I set this up...

Guitar -> m-audio fast track USB -> Laptop ...

m-audio fast track -> speakers


Where does the foot controller fit in?

Also, what if I want to sing along while I play. The m-audio fast track has a guitar AND microphone input. Can I use both at the same time? or do I need a mixer? I'd also like to control each signal seperately. (ie. different effects on vocals and guitar - at same time).


Thanks in advance for any replies

 

[Washburn100]

Congratulations on the new axe! What did you get?

You have it right, guitar to fast track to laptop.
The guitar rig pedal is a midi controller, so you will plug that in seperate and use it to control GR3.

So , fast track is your audio device, guitar rig pedal is midi device. Make sure to set them up this way. With both, download the latest drivers and make sure you disable the laptop soundcard and save yourself hours of agravation. Just remember the fast track IS your soundcard.

I don't think you can use a mic and guitar through the fast track at the same time. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[xyzz]

Congratulations on the new axe! What did you get?

Thanks, I got an epiphone les paul ultra II. I've been playing guitar for around 10 years, but i've only had an acoustic for the past 3 or 4 years... I want to get set up nicely for my new guitar =)

So, I guess if the mic wont work at the same time, I have to either a) get another audio device (fast track or similar) or b) the better option would be to get a small firewire mixer

is this correct?

If anyone know if I can run both at the same time or not, feel free to let me know

Also, any thoughts on the speakers? From what I've read the AV 40's by m-audio are pretty good.

 

[xyzz]

actually, I have another question...

how do I hook up the midi controller?

this is what the back looks like:

 

[Washburn100]

I did some research and rea;ize the guitar rig controller you have is and old audio style, not midi (it sends the control signal in an audio format like the sound of a modem). I am not familar with this type of unit, but I did find this entry on the NI FAQ site. Hope this helps:

Setting up the RIG KONTROL 1 with the M-Box

Setup of Rig Kontrol 1 with mbox (Note! It is different to any setup with the Rig Kontrol 2)

Because of the mbox's monitoring nature and the sensitivity of the inputs the setup might be harder in relation to other cards. Do everything from GUITAR RIG standalone to eliminate any other issues.

1. The mbox defaults to mic input which has an impedance that is too low for the software. You have to switch both inputs to LINE in order to use this correctly.

2. Input Monitoring must be off. That means turn the knob to playback.

3. Connect the Foot controller Ouputs to the mbox. Connect Foot Controller Output 2 to mbox Source 2 and Output 1 to mbox source 1. Plug the Guitar into Rig Kontrol Input 1. With this setup you should get the Guitar input fed to mbox source 1 (the top knob on the mbox)

4. In GUITAR RIG you can use the auto mode to find the control signal. Therefore you have to press ON. With the above setup the Guitar signal is on the L(eft). Therefore, this should be selected. If this is confusing you can just turn this ON and do it the long way (explained in step 5). Also open the foot control control panel so you can see everything more clearly.

5. The control signal is source 2. However, it might happen, that the software input settings have changed. Find the Guitar signal. Go to the input module and check the channel. It is either left or right. Select one at first to see if you hear the Guitar or the control signal. If it is the control signal, then the other one must be the Guitar. For this setup, both should never be active.

6. You have to adjust each input gain signal on the mbox to feed an appropriate signal into GUITAR RIG. Be very careful as turning the Control Signal gain very high will freeze the function, a level too low will cause it to not be recognized. With Source 2 set to line the knob can be safely set to the middle.

7. If you encounter problems, make sure that in the Input module Rig Kontrol has not switched to AUTO again.