Grateful Dead Music Forum

This is probably really stupid, but I have never tried to record anything before and I am not particularly computer saavy. But, my daughter and I have looked a little at software for our PC at home for recording voice and/or guitar. The entry-level software is ridiculously cheap, $30 can get us in the game and stuff at $60 or so seems to have a lot of features that might be nice to have. My question is how do you get the signal into the computer? Our PC doesn't have a sound jack that would match the signal out jack on the amplifier. I also assume I would have to buy some kind of microphone for recording voice? If so, this would probably have the same jack as the input jack on an amplifier, yes? Is there some kind of converter to use a USB port or something?

There is a ton of options out there Mick,

I do not play iin a band (Anymore) but I have used some pretty simplistic SW (Cakewalk) to lay some stuff down. Very basic but it does allow me to record, play back and play along, that is really my sole purpose for recording to the PC. Multitracks can be "Bounced" just like the old days..... Fun and easy to figure out... I never cracked the manual.

I did buy a card for the PC that allows me more input points other than the on board "MIC" and "HEADPHONES" jack.

Check any of the musical equipment websites and you will find some of this stuff. You can also find some good resources on the net... I am at work and do not have time for the research, however it is not hard to stumble on this information. I would guess, there are some good discussions on this board as well.

Heads up... Running directly to the PC may give you a less than desirable tone. You can put a tube pre-amp in between the line coming in from the guitar / mic and it will do wonders for the tone.

I would not typically advise go small and work your way up to what you need as that can be cost prohibitive. In this case, it depends on what you are trying to do with the recording. For me.... I am happy having decent sounding playback for me to play along with. I dropped less than a couple of hundred on all I need at this point... Subject to change.... as I discover the "Jones" for more blinky lights.
Good luck,
PEACE,
Phil

Phil:

Thanks for the response. Yeah, all we really want to do is record some rhythm tracks and loop them for playing along and practicing. After further examination, my laptop does have a "mic" input, but like I said, it is very small in diameter (like the size for headphones) compared to the jack that comes out of my amplifier (the regular size for connecting the guitar to the amplifier). I have an adapter to take the small connector on my headphones and to fit into the amplifier (if I want to listen to myself through headphones for example), but I have never seen an adapter to go the other way. Does such an animal exist?

Hey Mick,
There is. Check this.... http://www.radioshack.com/product/index ... age=family

I'm sure you can find this at most electronic stores... perhaps even "WallyWorld"

That will get you what you need. I do have a suggestion....

The way I have my set up is a bit different.
I utilize effects, I would think you would want something a little more than just a dry guitar going into the PC.

You can get a string of effects, and configure them as you would as if you are playing through an amp. It will sound different, so an amp set-up that you love may sound like garbage running the same way into a PC Mic input. so you may have to move and swap, keep an eye on the level settings on the effects one that is really cranked may have an adverse affect on the rest of the chain.

Regardless, set up the effects, plug the guitar in to the input of the first in line, then daisey them together, and instead of using an instrument cable to go to an amp, buy a 1/4 inch Male to 1/8 inch female adapter then use a 1/8" to 1/8" cable to run right to the PC.

Keep in mind, the amp that you would normally be running through obviously is not there. There will be a difference.

That method is not the high dollar, high quality recording method, however, I travel quite a bit and I take a modeling effect unit (XT Live) a few cables and adaptors, my guitar, headphones and a little inspiration and I have a mobile recording rig.

I'm getting a little long winded here so if you want to discuss, throw an PM my way.
PEACE,
Phil

Phil:

Awesome, thanks! I think I have the idea of what I would need to get a start, a microphone and that adapter at the least. I know what you are saying about the tone changing depending on the gear, but I don't have any effects equipment at the moment. I am thinking we will sink the whole $5 into the connector you linked and see what the guitars sound like raw, then make a decision. When I get around to pre-amps and effects, I might be sending you that PM!

Thanks for the input.

Mick

Glad to offer it up.... For what it's worth...
Good luck and hit me on the PM anytime.
PEACE,
Phil

Something like this would also work for very cheap.

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/ ... sku=631239

More features = more money. They also make fairly inexpensive USB connected mixers.

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/navigati ... 7c0&page=1