Help Needed! PC Guitar Recording

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futurepet

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Regarding my *simple* bedroom setup for recording music into a PC running CoolEditPro.

Question Number 1:

I'm mic'ing my guitar amp with a Shure 57. This is then running directly into my Audigy's "mic in" and getting amped by the soundcard software (20db). Would it be worth my while to get a mic preamp to do this instead, and then run the pre-amp into my line-in instead of mic-in?? No difference? Huge difference? (Am I even getting this right?) I'm not so happy with the sound obtained from the 57 right now (thin, hollow, shrill, etc); but it could be that I haven't perfected my amp/guitar settings and mic placement. Or could it be that I am not using a mic preamp?

Question Number 2:

Sometimes I don't want to Mic the guitar amp, and would rather find a direct (non-mic) connection. I'm interested in running a cable from my Amp to my Soundcard, but my amp doesn't have a Line Out, regrettably. Can I convert the Speaker Out of my Amp to line level, and then run that into my soundcard's line in? I imagine this would require the use of some kind of signal conversion box? (I realize using the speaker out may sound silly, but humor me. I like having as many options available as possible....or maybe it's no so silly? I really don't know....).

Question Number 3:

I've seen/heard of these little boxes that you run an electric guitar into, and then run that into the line in of the soundcard. I have to say, I don't like the idea of not using the Amp within the chain. But, should i reconsider?

One point to keep in mind: i'm not interested in spending lots of money, so advice including "buy a mixing board" probably won't do me lots of good right now.

Thanks so much! I appreciate anybody's time and knowledge on this matter....
 
I just picked up an M-Audio audio buddy from guitar center for $50, its just two preamps with phantom power...its got two 1/4in out puts that you could run into the line in of your sound card. It has XLR and 1/4in in so you can plug your mic or the guitar direct, or even a track of each at the same time

i think it would give you the options to do alot of what youre talking about and for $50 i think this thing is quite a deal
 
Q1: I think the SM57 to the mic in is your current problem. The "correct" way is mic-preamp-line in.


Q2: Keeping options open. Does your Amp have a headphone jack so you can play quietly to yourself? If so, you should be able to run that to the line-in. You'll probably need a 1/4" to 1/8" converter though assuming the audigy has 1/8" ins and your amp has 1/4" outs. You can easily get one at Rat Shack. You may just be able to run the speaker out to your line-in with the same 1/4" to 1/8" converter above. Or you could run it to the mic in. Experiment.

Q3: Recording Direct. I think you are talking about a POD. Amp modeling has come a LONG way. I just got a GNX3 and I just LOVE the sounds it has. I ALWAYS run the footpedal direct to the soundcard. I love the recorded sounds I'm getting. I have run my GNX to my Amp, and recorded with an SM57 and it pales in comparison to the sound I get with the GNX direct. IMO.

Just FYI, what you just "may need" IS a mixing board. Mixing boards have the preamp included. So, if all you think you will "ever" need is a Mic pre to record with your mic, then by all means just get a pre-amp. But a hardware mixer just fit so well into my setup. Without ever having to pull cords in and out, I have my GNX3 run in stereo to one channel, my DTXpress run in stereo to another, my SM57 on one of the channels with an XLR and my computer OUT to another in on the board so I can listen to the return on my headphones connected to the board. Plus, I have more room for expansion when I want to add a keyboard or some more mics. I still only have the ONE analog in on my AP2496, but then again, I can only play one thing at a time. You may end up wanting a mixer eventually. My single Pre sits at the bottom of my closet now.
 
qoute: Q3: Recording Direct. I think you are talking about a POD. Amp modeling has come a LONG way.


yeah you want a pod or pod-like sort of thing. I get made fun of for just using an eq pedal as a little preamp for most stuff, but that works too... then i can use my normal pedal setups. Not 'ideal' but with a decent eq pedal we are talking about as good as you can do for under 100 bucks!

;)
 
"You may just be able to run the speaker out to your line-in with the same 1/4" to 1/8" converter above. Or you could run it to the mic in. Experiment."
QUOTE] j

I was under the strong impression that running my amp's speaker out directly into my soundcard's line in would result in potentially serious damage to my sound card. Isn't the speaker out a way hotter signal than line level? Wouldn't it need to be converted somehow? Or am I wrong here? I'd really like to know....

thanks for the other info, it's very useful indeed!
 
hey futurepet, he was talking about how some guitar amps have a jack specifically for headphones.

i have a peavey 'bandit' and it only has a preamp out. It is amplified, but i haven't done any damage to my soundcard with it... the only thing is that i can't turn off the speaker while it's sending the signal. A headphone jack would be great cause usually it cuts the signal to the speaker in the amp. we are talking about an amp with a built in speaker right?? i am anyway:p
 
You may just be able to run the speaker out to your line-in with the same 1/4" to 1/8" converter above. Or you could run it to the mic in. Experiment.
Click to expand...

AAAACCCCCK!!! Don't follow this advice! Run away!

Think about it -- a speaker output comes from the power amp section of the guitar amp, and is meant to drive those speaker cones to vibrate furiously enough to send all those sound pressure waves out at gut-throbbing levels.

The power amp starts with a line level signal from the preamp. It's entire reason for existence is to boost the line level signal created by the preamp to drive them speakers at audible volumes. Therefore, obviously a speaker out is a very strong electrical signal relative to a line level signal.

If you try this you will fry your soundcard's inputs.

Experiment, my eye...

dopey, a preamp out is a line level output, also sometimes called a direct out, so of course it hasn't fried your soundcard.
 
AlChuck said:
Think about it -- a speaker output comes from the power amp section of the guitar amp, and is meant to drive those speaker cones to vibrate furiously enough to send all those sound pressure waves out at gut-throbbing levels.
Click to expand...


OK, so is there no way for me to get a line-level out from my amp if it doesn't have a "preamp out" or "direct out" on it? Because mine does not.....so am I just screwed on that front ?
 
I wouldn't worry about it. Direct outs usually sound like ass anyway.

Just get a preamp for your mic and you will be all set.
 
TexRoadkill's right, direct outs typically don't sound so great. Miking the cabinet is far better.
 
on the preamp issue...

So, what's a good recommendation for a mic preamp to be used with an SM57, then running into my computer soundcard? I'll do some research, but any names you guys wanna throw at me?

thanks,
-Michael
 
well what have you got on hand? Or are you gonna just go buy a preamp? There are cheap ones for under 100 from behreinger but they break ...
 
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