Is it possible to record with an acoustic pickup directly to the computer?

[boggledegop]

Hi there,

I've just started playing guitar again after a long lapse and was looking to record my tunes, so I can have an easier time remembering how to play them and get the right timing and whatnot. I have a Dean Markley Pro Mag acoustic pickup but can't seem to get an input into my computer. Is it even possible to do this without an amp or mic and if so can someone please recommend what kind of settings to use? I am not looking for anything high tech and would prefer to just use the sound recorder that comes with windows if possible.

Thanks in advance for any advice and sorry if this is covered somewhere already.

 

[BitchyKitty]

What kind of sound card and inputs do you have (if any?).

 

[boggledegop]

I believe i have a realtek hd audio rear input, at least thats what it says in my Sounds and Audio Devices properites from the control menu. Not great with computers so i don't know if thats what you're looking for. I have a mic input in the front and back, and a line in input in the back. Hope that helps some

 

[BitchyKitty]

Technically I think you CAN go into your computer in one of those mic inputs. You'd probably have to use a 1/4 to 1/8 inch converter from your guitar cable.
I dont think it will sound very good, but give it a shot.
* You should probably be going through a DI box (or an amp modeler or mixer) to change the signal impedance (I think).
In your sound recording program (Im assuming yuo have one), it will probably either default to your audio input - or you will have to chose it.
Let us know if this works.

 

[solo.guitar]

Yes you can, but you will need a 1/4" to 1/8" converter like Kitty said so the guitar cable will fit into the LINE IN of your soundcard. Don't expect great results.

Using a direct box would be better but honestly I'm not sure you would actually hear a huge difference in sound, at least I didn't.

 

[boggledegop]

Well i've tried it out but i still can't seem to get anything to work. I have tried plugging into the mic and line in spot, but don't seem to get any sound. I also tried running my stereo into the jacks and still don't get any sound so it might be possible that it is my computer. Guess i'll have to find a mic. Thanks anyways though, much appreciated.

 

[XLR]

You should be able to get something coming through by plugging it into the mic input, though the quality won't be great. Make sure you've got your mic input turned on in the Windows mixer. In the Windows mixer click on the Options menu, then Properties, then select Recording, then make sure the the mic box is checked. Turn the volume way down and gradually turn it up as you try the pickup. Disregard if you've already done this.

Tim

 

[boggledegop]

I am thinking perhaps there is something wrong with tthe pick up, as i bought a cheap mic today and it works fine. I'll try the mixer if i have one, and let you know how it turns out, as the mic is very very quiet and ends up staticy but does the job.