Need help getting set up

[Zeno]

Hi,

I have no idea what I'm doing. I'm a guitarist and am interested in getting the sound from my guitar onto the computer. I already know I need a new, decent soundcard (using an older SB Live right now), and I'm alright on the software front (Cakewalk, CoolEdit, etc), but as far as actually connecting the guitar into the computer, I'm lost. Do I need something along the lines of a J-Station modeling preamp (only asking because I saw someone else reference it here)? Is it actually possible to use my own solid state fender amp, line out from the preamp out into the line in on the sound card? Or should I really line out of the amp, into a real mixing board, and then input into the sound card? HELP! I'm clueless.

 

[Ziller]

You should be able to go from the line out of your amp right into the line in on the soundcard. You'll probably need a cable that goes from 1/4" mono (from your amp) to 1/8" stereo (into the computer).

Other options would be to get a preamp and mic, or a real mixing board and mic, and mic your amp. You may get a better sound, or at least more of the sound your used to. Then go into the computer.

Ziller

 

[hongteck]

There are basically two decent solution, one is not very considerate to family members especially if you record at night (which most of us do) and the other not ..

1) mic the amp with a SM57, go through a preamp into your sound card. do this if you have a good nice sounding amp

2) use a POD, J-Stations or a DG-8 direct to your soundcard.

have fun !

 

[AlChuck]

Recording the amp's line out will get you something, a good representation of what the signal coming out the preamp stage sounds like. Unfortunately, this is not what you hear -- the power amp and the speaker cabinet have a great effect on the sound. Consequently you are likely to be disappointed with the sound of what you record this way. It will probably sound very characterless.

That said, there are ways to improve it after the fact with plug-ins -- something like the ReValver amp simulator, or one of those analog tape warmth emulation things, and of course some ambience goes a long way towards getting a palatable sound recorded.

The disadvantage (at least for the moment) is being unable to hear it in real time. It always takes the wind out of my sails when I record something that sounds lifeless, and conversely if what I'm monitoring sounds great, I get excited and tend to play with more energy and passion.

Soon, with the new WDM driver archietcture and applications written to use them (like Cakewalk's new SONAR being released in about 10 days), the latency of DirectX effects will be reduced to the point that you can apply them in realtime while you are recording.