Recording guitar/keyboard through laptop

  • Thread starter Thread starter matt douglas
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matt douglas

New member
Hi,

I have a HP laptop but it doesnt have a very good soundcard, i was wondering what you guys think are the best other techniques for recording mainly electric guitar and sometimes keyboard through my laptop?

i need a technique that stops that annoying lag from when you actually play to when the sounds is actually heard as well as a nice quality recording.

I have $200-300 to spend on equiptment (be it external "soundcard device" or input to usb)
Can you recomened any good devices that will help me with this?

also can you recommend a few good recording programs.

Sorry if i sound a little noobie, still very new at this recording stuff.

Thanks guys.
 
Read similar posts in the Newbies forum and save more, is my advice.
 
You need an audio interface. If you wnat to record the electric guitar direct in (DI), not micing an amp, you need an interface that has a HI-Z input (means it has a strong preamp for the low level signal).
The Line 6 Pod UX2 might be a solution for you, although you might want to upgrade to a better interface at some point.
 
I just graduated from that level myself and was able to setup my "studio" for under $300 buying some used gear.

I have an HP laptop as well. I picked up an M-Audio Fast Track II interface from CL, a pair of used M-Audio AV40 monitors for and a legit copy of Mixcraft 5 by Acoustica for under $200. You can download a fully functional 14 day trial version from their website. Others here like Audacity and Reaper as well.

I used some GC gift cards to buy a MIDI keyboard. Over the years, I've accumulated loads of mics to use so, no extra expense incurred there. Pretty basic setup but, for a newbie like me, it provide everything I need to get started.

Good luck and have fun!
 
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