simple question - recording guitar direct to computer

[cephlon]

I will be recording bass, guitar, and an analog (not midi) keyboard on my computer. Right now I am looking to get an audiophile 2496 and a behringer mixer. I also have an Alesis 3630 compressor that I got from my friend. When recording direct, can I just run through the compressor into the mixer into the card, or should I get a DI box like the V-AMP 2 or GI 100?
Thanks for all your help...

 

[Wong]

If you've got the gear, just try both methods and see which one works best. But I'd suggest using the V-AMP2 or any other amp simulators for recording guitars direct.

 

[Mr Nice]

The bass you can probably get away with plugging it directly into the mixing board, but as for an electric guitar you should mic the guitar amp.

 

[cephlon]

Well I only have the compressor, i dont have the amp sim. And I definitly don't want to mic the amp. My real question is should I use an amp sim, or will the compressor work fine?

 

[AlChuck]

Try it.

For my tastes the sound of an electric solidbody guitar recorded straight is sterile and uninspiring. You can add effects for ambience, etc., after it's recorded, but it's hard to play your best when what you are hearing is so dry and cruddy. That's why I would be lost without some kind of thingie to plug into (I have a POD, which I love to pieces).

 

[cephlon]

yeah, i would agree with you. I have recorded guitar and then added effects, but the result is distastful. I much prefer to hear the effects as I play.

 

[Wong]

I think you should use the amp sim. I don't know about using compression on a "direct to computer" guitar signal would work because even without compression, the sound's rather dead in my own opinion.