Want to record my guitar into my computer

[redstratocaster]

But have some questions as to the best setup. I have a mic that came with a kareoke machine (probably not very good quality but I'll upgrade later) and I want to be able to record an amped guitar and vocals with it. I currently have a laptop with Logic Express. My question is, whats the best interface that will let me plug in the mic's 1/4" input and connect it to either a USB or 1/8" input on my mac, without getting tons of squeal and background noise? Should get something that will let it plug into the computer directly (like an adapter) or get a box that has inputs for mic, guitar, etc. Also, when I get some more cash and want to upgrade my mic, what condenser (for recording lead guitar and vocals) and dynamic (so I can record heavily distorted rythm guitar) can I get for under 200 bucks each? Or are there condenser mics that I can use to record heavily distorted guitar? Thanks for any help.

 

[SouthSIDE Glen]

But have some questions as to the best setup. I have a mic that came with a kareoke machine (probably not very good quality but I'll upgrade later) and I want to be able to record an amped guitar and vocals with it. I currently have a laptop with Logic Express. My question is, whats the best interface that will let me plug in the mic's 1/4" input and connect it to either a USB or 1/8" input on my mac, without getting tons of squeal and background noise? Should get something that will let it plug into the computer directly (like an adapter) or get a box that has inputs for mic, guitar, etc. Also, when I get some more cash and want to upgrade my mic, what condenser (for recording lead guitar and vocals) and dynamic (so I can record heavily distorted rythm guitar) can I get for under 200 bucks each? Or are there condenser mics that I can use to record heavily distorted guitar? Thanks for any help.

Probably the best interface for what you describe would be a small 2-channel box with halfway decent mic preamps in them. Yyou can also run the guitar direct into it or through your pedals and/or an amp modeler like a Pod into it if you like. And they will practically plug n' play into your USB port.

Go to someplace online like Misician's Friend or Sweetwater ot ZZZounds (any place like that will have them) and look up a couple of different models from m-Audio and also the Tascam us122. The Tascam is the most expensive but it is hands down my personal favorite in that class. But the m-Audios are pretty good too for a few bucks less.

As far as the condensers for mixing the cab go, while you're on those sites do some searches on the inexpensive condensers from MXL, Studio Projects and about a half dozen different brands now. $200 condensers from the Pacific Rim are becoming almost as commonplace as cell phones now Also, don't pooh pooh even a simple SM57 on the cabs. They can often deliver as good of an amped guitar sound as anything else, depending on placement and cabinet sound.

HTH,

G.