line in vs. microphone in

[Jittle]

I'm using CW's Guitar Tracks with a Soundblaster Live sound card. I read somewhere on this board that it is much better to use the line in than the microhone in. Is this true? I can't get nearly the volume I do with plugging my guitar into the "microphone" jack when I plug my guitar into a line in jack. What could I be doing wrong? I am brand spanking new to this, so forgive me if this is a stupid question!

 

[DavidK]

Line in.

 

[getuhgrip]

It just dawned on me reading this that when I first started with SB Live, Power Tracks and Samson mic, I was going thru the mic input and couldn't figure out why the level was so constricted.
Duh!

Hey Jittle, have you got a few bucks to invest in a dedicated recording soundcard ($200ish)?
If so, take a cruise thru this site and get some foundational info on soundcards. Some have built-in pres to support guitars, mics, ect..

Good luck.

 

[SPINSTERWUN]

Fagedaboudit (MIC IN, that is).

You should always use the LINE IN.

peace out...

spin

 

[Jittle]

thanks !

Thanks for the advice! Don't have the cash right now for a new sound card, but might look into a preamp. Any suggestions??

 

[Jittle]

scratch that

Any suggestions for a decent INEXPENSIVE preamp?? Or maybe I should go the soundcard route....