What do i need to do this.............

[Remy]

I want to record my guitar to my PC. If possible, i would like to hook my guitar or amp directly to my sound card. Also, i would like some kind of drum machine on the computer so i can make beats to go with the tracks. Effects for the guitar would be nice too. So, can i hook up my guitar/amp directly and is there some cheap software that does all that i ask?? Im not looking for super-high quality, its just a start. Thanks
Remy

 

[VooDu Valve]

I want to record my guitar to my PC. If possible, i would like to hook my guitar or amp directly to my sound card. Also, i would like some kind of drum machine on the computer so i can make beats to go with the tracks. Effects for the guitar would be nice too. So, can i hook up my guitar/amp directly and is there some cheap software that does all that i ask?? Im not looking for super-high quality, its just a start. Thanks
Remy

N- Tracks makes software for about 45 bucks, and Cakewalk has software (which I use) that will do what you want, and it is affordable. The thing to remember is that a good sound card is a must as well....M-Audio audiophile 2496 for example ... seems to me that you want a program to support midi or DXi or VST plugins. personally i'd steer you toward Cakewalk Home Studio. It's like 149 on their site but you can get it cheaper. I believe both companies have downloadable trial versions. One more thing... you need to learn about the software and be willing to invest some time it's not like a 4 track push record and go ........ but i'ts a million times better in the long run.
Good Luck
Chris

 

[Cyrokk]

If your amp has a "speaker out" and a "line out", then you will want to connect the "line out" to your soundcard. NEVER connect the "speaker out". However, the sound quality directly from the amp is typically not very good. You would be better off using an amp modeler, such as a POD or the cheaper Digitech RP-100.

For drum samples, Fruity Loops is a pretty popular software program.

 

[manning1]

try the demo of powertracks. lots of guitar fx built in.
its saved me a bundle on plug ins.

 

[Remy]

Ok, thanks for the help guys. My amp has a headphone jack, but no line out--so could i plug the headphone jack to the soundcard??? And if not, then ill need some sort of DI box right? And then the software and i should be up and running? I have just a soundblaster card right now but ill get a new soundcard soon. IF my amp wont work, im looking just at some cheap DI boxes like behringer makes, would those be ok?? thanks again