Recording guitar to PC

[yyz_u4ea]

When I use the emulated line out from my marshall into the breakout box to the soundcard, I get no audio signal. The only way I get an audio signal is plugging directly into Line 1 of the breakout box.

Also, I tried the amp's headphone out, same result. But when I plugged the guitar jack about half way in the headphone output I get audio signal. Why is this?

I don't have a mixer yet....is this the problem? I recorded guitar before without a mixer and got great results.

I only have a vocal mic so micing the amp is not the way to go for me. I need also a mixer and a shure sm57.

So....What could be the problem.....everything is also configured properly in windows/control panel. (Audio drivers & Devices)

 

[AlChuck]

When I use the emulated line out from my marshall into the breakout box to the soundcard, I get no audio signal. The only way I get an audio signal is plugging directly into Line 1 of the breakout box.

Huh?

Try that one again; it sounds like you are saying "I get no audio signal when I plug into the breakout box. But if I plug into the breakout box, I get an audio signal."

Also, I tried the amp's headphone out, same result. But when I plugged the guitar jack about half way in the headphone output I get audio signal. Why is this?

I'd bet it's because your breakout box has a balanced TRS jack and is expecting a balanced TRS plug instead of the standard unbalanced instrument plug. What soundcard do you have? Those with 1/4" balanced ins are usually configurable to take either balanced or unbalanced connections.

I don't have a mixer yet....is this the problem? I recorded guitar before without a mixer and got great results.

No, though a decent mixer would allow you to accept the unbalanced line in and route it out through a balanced line output from the mixer.

I only have a vocal mic so micing the amp is not the way to go for me. I need also a mixer and a shure sm57.

Why not? Did you try it? There's no law that says you need an SM-57 to mic an amp, it's only the most-widely-used way. But of course you need a preamp for the mic...

 

[Bumpy]

I used to get really excited about using the line-outs on various amps untill I heard the captured sound. Now I am a big fan of putting a mic on a cab for both live and studio work. Its simple and reliable and easy to tweak.

Good luck!