How do I connect my guitar to my computer?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Carvin-it-up
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Carvin-it-up

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I am trying to use my computer to do some simple recording and I don't know how to connect my guitar to the soundcard. I have tried to connect it to the "line-in" and the "mic" port but, no dice! Need a little help please...
 
Well in order to record your guitar well, there are three methods, that i know of, these are:
1) You buy a device such as the Johnson J-station (I reccomend) or the Line6 POD. These can connect to your sound card through a S/PDIF digital port, and will produce, with the right sound card, a proffessional sound. however this would cost $150 for the j-station and a further $79 for a compatable soundcard such as the Sblaster live! or for 24bit recording $179 for an audiophile 2496.

2) The more feasable and perhaps inexpensive method is to buy a microphone (see the microphone forum for an appropraite one) and mic your amp (see guitars + basses forum for more info) This can produce a great sound, or a terrible sound, it all depends on your soundcard and which mic and amp you use. However the only cost would be the microphone, and an amp if you haven't already got one.

3)I have never tried this, but have heard the sound it produces, and it aint good, but it's the cheapest of the three. There is a cable which connects the guitar into the line in on your soundcard. I know nothing about this, i just heard a guy using this method on netmeeting. I dont know what cable he used but i'll try and find out for ya. But it was really crap quality, and i don't think it was a cable specifically for this.

I would suggest the 1st method as it enables you to edit your recordings and change the sound around alot. Also the J-Station is a great gadget to own www.johnson-amp.com/jstation.htm also it's all recorded digitally and if you choose the audiophile or another 24bit soundcard then its at a proffessional level.

What guitar/setup you use?

regards

aL
 
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I've got a Carvin 750 (acoustic) w/ Fishman pickup. My soundcard is nothing special (128bit SoundBlaster) and it doesn't have the S/PDIF connector you mentioned. It only has stereo jacks. I got a 1/4" to 1/8" stereo jack adaptor and tried to connect the guitar directly to the "line-in" and I got nothing.
 
you will either have to go into the "mic in" or use a preamp to go to the "line in"....the line in method with some type of preamp sounds alot better....
 
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