Guitar to Computer, no sound w. SB Live Card

[zyx345]

I am new to this forum but am honored to be part of.

I am trying to run my Tech 21 amp signal into my computer via the amp's XLR direct recording output into my computer's SB Live sound card. It is connected via cable w. XLR on one end & 1/4in on the other w. a 1/4in side having an 1/8in adapter on it.

I hooked my amp up to my computer sound card in the "line in" but couldn't get it to work. No sound even through the monitor. I am using Creative Labs recording software.

The strange thing is I can hook my tape deck to my computer no problem but when I try w. my guitar amp no sound. I also tried running the signa via. headphone output to the computer but also has no sound. Does the SB Live sound card not accept guitar signals?

 

[joro]

Hi,
OK...
first....
don't plug an amp line out to the line in on your soundcard....you will more than likely fry your soundcard....
The way to do it is to mic the amp and send the signal that way...

now....a question for you...
Do you have the line in of the SB selected (or muted) on either the creative task bar or your windows mixer?

You need to select the source for the signal prior to recording...just like you have to with the software that you use...I am not familiar with Creative software but, if it is a multi-tracking software then you should HAVE to select the source of the signal for each track....

Hope that helps.
Take it easy,
Joe

 

[zyx345]

Thanks Joe. That helps a lot. I didn't know that you could fry the soundcard by plugging the amp to the line in. I am a novice when it comes to computer recording. I currently do not have a mixer. Just the amp, sound card, & recording software.

I did however have the Line In selected when I tried to record as well as the monitor selected. I tried all of the inputs & all of the software selections with no success.

I thought it was as simple as just plugging everything in & hitting record. From a novice perspective, what do I need to properly record guitar into my computer?

Can I use a device like the Digitech GNX 3 or Line 6 POD connected via USB cable to direct record guitar tracks?

 

[joro]

Can I use a device like the Digitech GNX 3 or Line 6 POD connected via USB cable to direct record guitar tracks?

Sure...I use a POD but I run through my mixer...you can go direct line out or through a USB or even through a MIDI channel...

Why don't you make like a small investment in something like a ....

**ahem**


Eurorack mixer......

**runs for cover from all the Behringer bashers **

a used one is around $40.00 for MX 602A.....
It was my first mixer and it treated me decent enough....ya know?
Plus, it has phantom power and will allow you to use a condensor if you want to....
which might be why your amp record line out didn't work...
I don't know Tech 21 amps but, does the manual say that you need phantom power to modulate the signal from the "record out" of the amp?

Good luck man,
Joe

 

[Wireneck]

Don't get confused, some amps do in fact have a "direct line out" that is meant for direct recording. Most of them suck ass, unless it is some sort of modeling amp (line 6 etc..) but alot of amps do have them. Is this the case with yours?
What you don't want to do, is plug a "speaker out" jack into a soundcard or anything other than a speaker cab for that matter. I believe that is what JORO is warning you about.

 

[Richard Monroe]

I think wireneck is correct here- You have to trouble shoot the signal chain from one end to the other. First, find anything that accepts a line level signal, and verify that the line out is putting out a signal. Then verify that the cable is actually putting out a signal at the other end. Then, hook a CD player or anything that puts out a line level signal to the soundblaster, and verify that the input is active. I don't know what your problem is, but that should narrow it down. You might consider a Line 6 guitar port, $100 at 8th street. -Richie

 

[Richard Monroe]

I think wireneck is correct here- You have to trouble shoot the signal chain from one end to the other. First, find anything that accepts a line level signal, and verify that the line out is putting out a signal. Then verify that the cable is actually putting out a signal at the other end. Then, hook a CD player or anything that puts out a line level signal to the soundblaster, and verify that the input is active. I don't know what your problem is, but that should narrow it down. You might consider a Line 6 guitar port, $100 at 8th street. -Richie

 

[zyx345]

Don't get confused, some amps do in fact have a "direct line out" that is meant for direct recording. Most of them suck ass, unless it is some sort of modeling amp (line 6 etc..) but alot of amps do have them. Is this the case with yours?

The amp I am using is a Tech 21 Trademark 10. I believe it is a modeling amp as it has Marshall, Mesa, & Fender emulations. By the direct line out it specifically says" "The Sans Amp XLR jack is for direct recording or going straight to a PA."

Would that make it safe to hook up directly to my computer SB Live sound card or do I need a mixer?

Tech 21 Trademark 10 Specs

 

[Wireneck]

Since its a direct line you should not need a seperate mixer. It sounds like you have the connections right. I would test the amp direct out through something else and make sure its working correctly. I can't think of any reason why it should be a problem but maybe it has something to do with the fact that it is an XLR out jack. If the line in on your soundcard works with the tape deck the problem is somewhere before the card.
Never used the Tech 21 amp either but you might browse through your manual and make sure you don't have to switch to "direct" mode or something like that. Alot of the digital amps these days have funky features like that. Maybe one of these suggestions will help. What your trying to do, should in fact work though.

 

[Wireneck]

You also said that your headphone out wouldn't work on the line out. Maybe check and make sure that your 1/4" to 1/8" adapter isn't messed up. Just another thought. Volume knobs are always another good spot to start lol.

 

[joro]

it's a modeling amp so it should work...Richie and Wireneck are absolutely correct...there is something wrong in you signal chain/settings...

good luck man,
Joe

 

[zyx345]

I finally got a signal into my computer. I basically ran the XLR direct recording output of the amp to the Line In on my soundcard & plugged a cord into my headphone jack to bypass the speaker then turned the level to 10. I guess the problem was that I didn't have the level turned all the way up to 10.

This gave me some signal into my recording software. Its not the strongest signal but it is adequate. Its about 3 bars on the recording level line. I just have to mess with the volume settings & mixing on my software to get a better sound. Thanks for all of the help & suggestions!