Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Thorsten Hinrichsen on December 5, 2011 at 4:22am

Hi Dan. you could also try a hardware-interface like the ones from Line6 (they're made for guitar recordings). They include good guitar software with lots of amp simulations. They start at about 100 dollars (including software) and some also have microphone jacks and phantom power (if you want to use condenser microphones). My "winter flavours" recordings were done with that equipment (no "real" amp used).

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Permalink Reply by 3 String Blues on December 5, 2011 at 4:59am

better yet, just go direct with somthing like the "amplitube stealhplug", it might be perfect for you and is only 74 bucks

 

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Permalink Reply by Hip Bone Bellaire on December 5, 2011 at 6:09am

You can't just plug your amp into the mic/line input of the computer...sorry but the signals are different... spending money on an amp isn't your problem... I use a mixer to get a line out  to line in to the computer... a mixer will cover vocals to guitars... the amplitube stealthplug looks to be a real nice item as well, but not sure it will cover a mic for an input...you can get a mixer for 50.00 new but around 100.00 price is a good start I have this one  http://www.musiciansfriend.com/pro-audio/yamaha-mg102c-10-input-ste...   godd luck

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Permalink Reply by Mark Bliss on December 5, 2011 at 8:56am

Hey Dan,

A few cents more to add to the above, in as simple a summary as I can. Note that you will get as many opinions as people posting on this subject..... Heres mine.

Computer soundcards vary all over the place, but in general, the ones that come in most computers have very poor input performance when using the mic input. They are generally designed for a speaking voice at best, certainly not attempting any accurate recording of live music. Some will work from a mag guitar pickup, (a little) others not so much. Attempting to use the mic input as a line input is even more sketchy, it will usually be distorted and feedback prone at best, if it works at all. Some higher end sound cards have line in, usually on the rear of your desktop, but many of those arent very good either.

Recommending anything is hard, depending on what you really want as far as capability. It really depends on your intended use.

I think most of us would probably like to at least be able to input mic and guitar alternatively, or simultaniously at some point.
The next consideration is whether you intend to do any multitracking. Sound on sound capability brings up the problem of latency, caused by the delay between input and playback effecting any attempts at properly synchronizing your tracks when recording or even attempting to play along.

An interface used as an external soundcard solves many problems by providing various options, possible combinations include having high Z and Low Z inputs, line inputs, line outputs for monitoring and headphone outputs as well, all with some attempt to minimize latency. Some older units had no onboard mic preamps, but nearly all do now. As several people have mentioned already, there are many inexpensive options for this, and the technology and price point are improving rapidly. I watch the developements in this area with some interest, and see some very affordable options popping up all the time.

You could start as simple as a USB microphone for just recording to Audacity in a live setting. I carry a little Samson unit in my laptop bag that is smaller than a small cellphone that has very good sounding results for about $60. It has two mic pattern choices and a mic output for monitoring directly at the mic input. It is a very sensitive and capable cap mic with its own little foldout "stand", or can be adapted to a conventional mic stand. Be aware that you will need to isolate it somewhat, as setting it neer or on the same table as a laptop, for instance, captures the hum of the hard drive quite well. Background noises very well too!

If you are an iPhone or iPad user, the IK media iRig is worth a look. It looks like it could be fun to mess with, but it is a single channel/solo geared unit. You mentioned wanting to use a microphone as well.......

One very attractive step up option at this time, for a relatively inexpensive and portable recording setup is a GTR3 setup from Waves. It includes a basic interface to your computer (co-developed by PRS allegedly, but they may just be using his name for "branding" purposes.) combined with a Guitar amp/cabinet/effects emulation software package that is state of the art. The software has the advantage of a stand alone option so it doesnt have to be run as a DAW plug in if you dont care to get into that at this point, but the option to do both later if you wish. And in my opinion the sounds are far less "digital" or "sterile" sounding than a lot of the similar Line6 Pod farm stuff. At $199 for the interface and software its a pretty good looking deal. You will need an addition $50 I-Lok security license dongle thingy however to register and use the software. (the dongle can contain other waves plug in licenses if you expand in the future though) You can check it out and hear some samples HERE

The next steps up would be to include more input channels or support for MIDI I/O for input options supporting computer based synths or "virtual" instruments, but the prices jump up at this point and you are getting into the level where you should really consider a dedicated computer and need to be aware that to run a lot of tracks at once you will want a fairly current (fast) dual or even quad core processor, and a pretty big mass storage solution for all the sound files you will be acumulating.

I'll be glad to add more if I think of anything, but for now my advise is that this gets complicated. Start simple and wade in in steps!

We need an active home recording discussion group here on CBN!

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Permalink Reply by Mark Bliss on December 6, 2011 at 1:34am

Revisiting this a little, I realized my memory of the price on the Samson microphone was high, It was under $50, and I meant it had a HEADPHONE output at the mic input for monitoring. HERE is a link to the model I have.

Also I forgot to disclose, I use a Tascam 122MII USB interface that is a little older model, it is a two channel and has MIDI support. One of the channels is switchable between guitar and mic, and it has onboard mic preamps. Very simple and basic interface, I picked it up when on sale or during a rebate offer for about $100.

Also, I am aware that some of the latest small practice amps have some USB interface capabilitys. Take a look at the JAMVOX device, I know someone else has this feature, but I cant remember off the top of my head..........

Bottom line, these are general comments and are the best I can offer not knowing someones exact intentions, or desire for future expansion. If you play through an amp, get sounds you are happy with and just want to capture it to your computer, A USB mic might be your most economical solution. If you intend to multitrack, you will probably want to look into an interface.

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Permalink Reply by Dan Sleep on December 6, 2011 at 2:17am

I just searched, and we DO have such a group!

http://www.cigarboxnation.com/group/cbnationrecordingcollective

Guess I should have done more research before I posted...what a slacker I am...

Mark Bliss said:

We need an active home recording discussion group here on CBN!

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Permalink Reply by Dan Sleep on December 6, 2011 at 2:19am

Thanks for all the info, it helps a lot. I only record every so often, so I can't justify spending a lot on this project. But who knows, if I can get it all set up, it might encourage me to record more stuff.

I have been using Audacity, and would like to stick with what I already have a basic knowledge of. But in reading, some of the devices don't seem to be compatible, or people have had problems getting the two to work together. More research is necessary I guess..

Mark Bliss said:

Revisiting this a little, I realized my memory of the price on the Samson microphone was high, It was under $50, and I meant it had a HEADPHONE output at the mic input for monitoring. HERE is a link to the model I have.

Also I forgot to disclose, I use a Tascam 122MII USB interface that is a little older model, it is a two channel and has MIDI support. One of the channels is switchable between guitar and mic, and it has onboard mic preamps. Very simple and basic interface, I picked it up when on sale or during a rebate offer for about $100.

Also, I am aware that some of the latest small practice amps have some USB interface capabilitys. Take a look at the JAMVOX device, I know someone else has this feature, but I cant remember off the top of my head..........

Bottom line, these are general comments and are the best I can offer not knowing someones exact intentions, or desire for future expansion. If you play through an amp, get sounds you are happy with and just want to capture it to your computer, A USB mic might be your most economical solution. If you intend to multitrack, you will probably want to look into an interface.

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Permalink Reply by Jeff Wells on December 6, 2011 at 4:38am

Okay, here's my 2 cents.  I just bought a new guitar and amp.  The amp is a Fender Mustang I, and cost $100.  It came with a couple different softare installs:  one is a driver/configuration for the amp itself, the other is Ableton Live Lite (recording software).  Haven't recorded an actual song yet, but just playing around until I got the settings right, am able to record through the USB into the recording software with the exact sounds I'm getting from the amp.  Soon hope to have an actual CBG song recorded.  The driver is Fender ASIO.

Hope this helps.

 

jw

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Permalink Reply by Hip Bone Bellaire on December 6, 2011 at 5:12am

And How are you getting vocal into the computer?

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Permalink Reply by Hip Bone Bellaire on December 6, 2011 at 5:41am

sorry that response was meant for Jeff..

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Permalink Reply by Jeff Wells on December 6, 2011 at 6:34am

You can use a mini-jack mic in the mic in on the computer.  However, I need to get a better mic before I do this.  Another option would be to plug the mic into the amp on a clean channel, since it records direct from the amp through the USB.

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Permalink Reply by Mark Bliss on December 6, 2011 at 6:56am

The Fender Mustang series was one of the new amp series I had seen with interfacing capabilitys, I forgot.

They have some very interesting features, I would like to hear some of them.

The Mustang Mini  "practice" amp is feature packed, and can operate on batterys for portability. The available tone presets, some backing tracks, very cool looking stuff!

The Mustang I is a pretty affordable option for a little more power.

The Fender website is acting up for me, but I am curious how far up the model chain you have to go to get a second channel suitable for a mic input for live performance.

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