n00b

  • Thread starter Thread starter 2o5o
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2o5o

New member
hello
i play guitar and would like to start recording at home on my computer
i have NO idea on what is needed to start recording.
i have an electric guitar, a computer, and amp.
what do i need?
thanks
 
You'll need at least one microphone and a preamp and maybe a replacement soundcard. Even more than that, you need to tell us what your budget is to help guide you. (and tell us about your computer's soundcard)
 
You need a soundcard or interface. A simple USB interface would be ok if you're only doing a couple tracks at a time. Also look at cubase se its a hundred bucks and its the recording software. Then you'll need a mic to plug into your interfact to record your amp. Really thats all you'll need to start. To get a more indepth explanation of what you need go to tweakheadz.com and read tweakz guide.
 
You'll need a decent way of importing your sounds to your computer (soundcard or sound interface) There are several different kinds to choose from.

PCI - Goes inside your computer case (tower) directly plugs into the mother board.

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/rec/navigation?page=1&N=100001+309132&Ns=P_Price|0

USB - Plugs into a USB port on your computer or Laptop

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/rec/navigation?page=1&N=100001+309115&Ns=P_Price|0

Firewire - Plugs into a Firewire port on your computer or Laptop

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/rec/navigation?page=1&N=100001+309117&Ns=P_Price|0

Then, depending on how you want to record it, do you want to setup microphones on your guitar amp? Then you'll need a good mic or two and a decent preamp that will be able to accomodate however many mics you are planning on using. You can do a search on this site on all of these topics.

If you want to plug in direct, you can find a good DI box, Line 6 makes a few nice interfaces as well.

You'll also need software, I personally use Cakewalk Sonar Homestudio V4.0. So obviously that is all I can really comment on, you'll want to do some investigation on software as well. A word to the wise, posting things like "what is the best <insert hardware question here> won't get you very far, it will require effort on your part, but if you aren't willing to take the time to look into things yourself, you'll have a hardtime finding someone around here to hold your hand through it. Not saying that's what you're doing, just offering some friendly advice.
 
can't i just plug in my amp directly to the interface?
is recording with a mic better?
thanks
 
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