Recording Guitar

[trigun500]

I know this may be a long shot but what would be the best way to record my guitar through the PC? I would like to be able to hook up my guitar directly to the PC to record and also hook up a mic for recording with my mp. What would be the ideal sound card? Or would I be better off using an external device?

Thanks

 

[oynaz]

Check out M-Audio's range of sound cards.

What equipment do you have right now?

 

[trigun500]

Originally posted by: oynaz
Check out M-Audio's range of sound cards.

What equipment do you have right now?

Well if you mean recording equipment none. lol I am just getting started. But if you mean guitar I have: Lefty ESP H201/Lefty Fender Jaguar --> Digitech Whammy --> Crybaby 535q --> Boss tremolo --> Boss Flanger --> Modded Boss DS1 --> DOD Envelope Filter --> Ibanez Delay --> Peavey JSX w/ Marshall 1960A cab

 

[oynaz]

OK, as I see it, you have 3 options:

1. Get a decent sound card, a decent pre-amp (or mixer), and a good microphone. Mike your amp, and record. Pros: good sound, you can record other things than just your guiter. Cons: the loudest solution.

2. Get a really nice sound card with a built-in pre-amp, and a good microphone. Mike your amp, and record. Pros and cons same as 1.

3. Get an amp simulator (your amp might work), and a chep sound card (some amp sims have USB connectivity). Pros: Silent, cheap. Cons: Poorer sound quality.

 

[trigun500]

Originally posted by: oynaz
OK, as I see it, you have 3 options:

1. Get a decent sound card, a decent pre-amp (or mixer), and a good microphone. Mike your amp, and record. Pros: good sound, you can record other things than just your guiter. Cons: the loudest solution.

2. Get a really nice sound card with a built-in pre-amp, and a good microphone. Mike your amp, and record. Pros and cons same as 1.

3. Get an amp simulator (your amp might work), and a chep sound card (some amp sims have USB connectivity). Pros: Silent, cheap. Cons: Poorer sound quality.

Ok, would this sound card work? OR could I go cheaper?

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/...LT-PCI-Digital-Audio-System?sku=701376

 

[hurtstotalktoyou]

That's definitely a great card, but keep in mind you'll *need* a mic to go with it. Running your guitar directly into your card will produce a strange, unnatural effect. You do not immediately need a mixer or preamp, though both would be advisable in the long term.

I would suggest the Nady CM-88 ($46) as a starter mic, and perhaps an Audigy SE 7.1 ($28). Then get a mic cable and extension adapter ($24) from RadioShack and you should be set. That's $98 for a basic but complete recording setup.

Once you get a feel for recording with a PC, then you can move onto more expensive components. I don't recommend it for now, though.

 

[trigun500]

Originally posted by: hurtstotalktoyou
That's definitely a great card, but keep in mind you'll *need* a mic to go with it. Running your guitar directly into your card will produce a strange, unnatural effect. You do not immediately need a mixer or preamp, though both would be advisable in the long term.

I would suggest the Nady CM-88 ($46) as a starter mic, and perhaps an Audigy SE 7.1 ($28). Then get a mic cable and extension adapter ($24) from RadioShack and you should be set. That's $98 for a basic but complete recording setup.

Once you get a feel for recording with a PC, then you can move onto more expensive components. I don't recommend it for now, though.

Hey that's just in my budget. Thanks a lot. Something just to try out.

 

[oynaz]

A Delta 10-10? What would you use 10 (!) inputs to? You are only recording a single guitar, right?

Hurtstootalktoyou: I am sorry, but that is very bad advice. The Nady mic is phantom powered, and thus will not work directly in a SB card, and will not work with your suggested mic cable. Apart from that, small-menbrane condenser mics are generally bad for recording distored guitar.
An Audigy SE are quite good at playing back sound, but not very good at recording it. It's decent, but probably not worth the money over an onboard sound solution.

To the OP. For a $100 budget, stick with your onboard sound for now, unless it is utterly rubbish. Perhaps this is what you are looking for:
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/...st-Track-Studio-USB-Bundle?sku=703609V
This will allow you to plug your guitar directly in, and he sound quality is very good for the money. You even get a decent mic.