Total Noob Question: Mixer / guitar software

[Capelo]

Hi guys,

I am totally new to using my laptop for music related stuff. So apologies for the dumb questions. I have been thinking for a while about getting an interface and software so I can use my laptop for practicing, recording, messing around, etc...

To be perfectly honest I am totally clueless about what I need to buy. I don't even know how to plug my guitar to my PC!!! So, any tips for building a no-frills "home studio" are most welcome.

Cheers,

Jose

[ecc83]

Hello Jose and welcome.
I am going to zap straight to the point with a specific Audio Interface. The M-Audio Fast track pro. Presently £128 from Thomanns but if that is bit much they can be found second hand for 1/2 that and are so reliable that it is almost certain to work. Apart from being a decent AI in its own right the Pro is one of few at the price that can be relied upon to work with any computer, any OS system, even macs.

You then need something decent to listen on and you could plug the pro into a hi fi system but a pair of headphones is ok. Sennheiser HD202s are about £15 and more than good enough for a starter.

That is all the hardware you need to record electric guitar! (I assume you have a lead!)

Next you will need some recording software, you will get MANY more suggestions, ignore them all and download the free Samplitude Silver software from MAGIX.

If in the future you want to record voice, look for a small, pencil style "capacitor" (aka condenser) microphone. Plenty about well under 100quid.

Dave.

[Capelo]

Hi Dave,

Wow! Thanks a lot for the detailed reply. Really appreciated! Now its time to do some research and watch a bunch of video os how to use the M-Audio (I can't stand instruction booklet!)

Cheers,

Jose

[Capelo]

Hi Dave,

I just checked Thomann but couldn't find the Fast Track Pro, they only seem to have the MKII and the Ultra. Any other recommendations in that price range? Line6 POD Studio UX2? In case it helps, I have a Macbook that comes with Garageband. Thanks!!

[IanCorps]

I quite like the Line 6 Toneport UX2 , it just works seamlessly with my Mac and its very reasonably priced , plus they come up on ebay now and again

[ecc83]

Hi Dave,

I just checked Thomann but couldn't find the Fast Track Pro, they only seem to have the MKII and the Ultra. Any other recommendations in that price range? Line6 POD Studio UX2? In case it helps, I have a Macbook that comes with Garageband. Thanks!!

http://www.guitarguitar.co.uk/record...11081609421088 I know it says "on order" but I have found them very nice people to deal with.

I cannot personally recommend another AI except the NI Komplete Audio 6 whaich is even better than the pro but more expensive, but not ony is it a very good AI it also comes with a very useful software bundle.

I shall keep looking for a Pro for you!

Wow! http://www.gear4music.com/Audio-Inte...204x4_match_b_

Dave.

[Capelo]

Thanks a lot guys for the responses!! I have been watching some vids on the Tube and the two AIs suggested here look quite interesting. I will do some more research on these two and keep an eye for M-Audio Fast Track Pros in case one comes up on evilbay or here on the forum.

Cheers,

Jose

[RightOnTime]

I quite like the Line 6 Toneport UX2 , it just works seamlessly with my Mac and its very reasonably priced , plus they come up on ebay now and again

The POD Studio gets dismissed a fair bit because the preamps/converters aren't all that great, but I think it's a great, intuitive bit of kit for casual recording. POD Farm ain't half bad either.

[Bumfluff101]

Hi,

I’m in similar position, I know which software I am going to use – Amplitude for modelling and Audacity for basic recording but I don’t know which usb interface. I tried the Peavey Xport but couldn’t get it to work with my laptop, tried all the drivers but nothing.

Has anyone just used a guitar jack to usb cable? If so, did it all work?

[ecc83]

Hi,

I’m in similar position, I know which software I am going to use – Amplitude for modelling and Audacity for basic recording but I don’t know which usb interface. I tried the Peavey Xport but couldn’t get it to work with my laptop, tried all the drivers but nothing.

Has anyone just used a guitar jack to usb cable? If so, did it all work?

There are other good reasons to use a proper AI. Monitoring for one.

What is the operating system on the lappy? If it XP you can use any of a vast range of interfaces. Many will now be available cheaply because they are not so hot on Win 7. One such is the Emu 0404usb 2. Used to be most people's top recccy in the sub £200 AI stakes.

I think that crown has now passed over to the NI Ka6 but that is now over 200quid most places. The reason why I always suggest the M-A fttpro is because it works on any computer you can lay your mitts on.

Another oldie but goodie is the Tascam 122, 144 mks 1 or 2.

Lastly, if you have a pedal that is NOT "true" bypass you can get away with the Behringer UCA202 (I have in fact just bought a new one because they are just "handy"! Gave the other one to an impecunious mate of my son!) .

Dave.