need cheap way to get 2 guitars recorded on my computer from scratch

  • Thread starter Thread starter espM2
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espM2

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HI,

I am looking for an inexpensive but efficient way to record two guitar inputs simultaneously theough my computer.

I am fairly new to this and am basically starting form scratch. I have a usb input and one rca input on my current sound card.

I am debating on whether to buy a better sound card, a simple usb interface or some other option. Also, I am confused as to which software is the ideal choice for rough editing/recording of 2 guitars.

Doing a little qiuck research I found something called guitar tracks 2, which apparently has an adapter to plug guitars straight into your sound card. Have any of you used this?

Also, where do you guys buy your recording euipment from? where is a place with good prices online?


Any feedback is appreciated!

thanks!
 
It would help if we knew what kind of computer you have and your OS.;)
 
yeah, forgot about that.

Im running windows Xp on a AMD 1700 (1.4GHZ), with 128 MB of RAM
 
Well since I'm one of those freaks that doesn't do Windows (Mac guy) I'll give you my $.02 on getting sound into your PC.

The quick & dirty method: the cheapest Soundblaster you can find.;)

Better:
If you don't need more than 4 simul. inputs and want to keep it simple go for a USB box. Some of 'em even have controls for mixing if you get the right software. Easy to swap to another machine.
TASCAM, Roland are a couple brands.

If you need more inputs and better sound quality take a look at the Delta stuff from M Audio. This is just one example that seems to get good reviews from both sides. There are many more options.

I'm sure others will be along shortly to offer more platform-specific help.

Good luck.:)
 
i agree with the M-Audio comment.........the delta cards are great
 
One other thing: get more RAM. It's cheap right now and you really can't have too much. 128 is pretty lean for any audio work IMHO.
 
If all you need are two independent inputs to record two guitars then any old SoundsGhastly card will work. Left channel for Guitar One. Right Channel for Guitar Two.

I've heard some stuff carefully done on a $20 Ensoniq soundcard that was pretty damn acceptable.

The key is to get a decent signal level to the line input on these cards to try to mask as much of the horrible noise floor as you can. Your cheap out here would be to use two mics (SM57s) into some cheap mic pres into the soundcard.

Another scenario would be to use a standalone CDR/CDRW and then import the tracks into a digital only card. Much cleaner than using the converters on even a $100 sound card.

I'd agree with M.Brane on the RAM. 128 is a bit light for XP, while being perfectly acceptable under Win98. I think they designed that O/S for 256 as a minimum and 512 for any kind of multitasking.

For SW look at Cool-Edit, GoldWave and n-track.
 
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