Guitar to USB?

Ryan K

Is there a device/adapter that will connect the chord that runs from my guitar to my computer's USB Port. I am asking because my amplifier is only "Hi-Gain", and I'm wondering if there is a way I can connect my guitar to my computer for custom amp sounds (i.e. Hi-Gain, Fuzz, Overdriven) and so I can record my playing.

Answer
You need an interface or sound card geared for pro recording because they have almost no latency and use low latency ASIO drivers compatible with pro recording and sequencing software like Cakewalk SONAR Guitar Tracks, Garage Band, etc...

This is a nice USB interface that comes with good software amp modeling, stomp box models and effects. No pro recording software is included though. http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Line-6-Toneport-GX-USB-Recording-Interface?sku=241406

There are also multi effects units being sold that have USB outputs. This might be your best bang for the buck because it would allow you to use the effects with your amp too. http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/DigiTech-RP250-Multi-Effects-Pedal?sku=156607

Then there's the GNX4 that has USB out, comes with excellent recording / sequencing / MIDI software included, has a setting to simulate bass with a guitar, and even does multi-track recording without being hooked up to a computer at all. $500.00 though... http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/DigiTech-GNX4-Guitar-Workstation-?sku=150848

I just bought a GNX3 for $250.00. A steal, considering they used to go for $500.00. http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/GNX3/ Musicians Friend is already sold out. These won't last long.

The drawbacks are that there's no USB output (although there is a digital out that works great with pro recording sound cards having digital inputs like my M-Audio Audiophile 2496 http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/MAudio-Audiophile-2496-PCI-Digital-Audio-Card?sku=701341). The on-board multi-track recorder uses smart media cards that are no longer being made and sell for about $50.00 on eBay. Some people have some on hand from older digital cameras. The drum machine sucks...

On the good side... The unit sounds fantastic, the price is right, it has the bass simulation effect, and Cakewalk Guitar Tracks software is included for recording and sequencing on the computer!!! Doing multi-tracks without the computer is so fun and easy too, even if the drum machine sucks...

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What is a good firewire or usb audio interface for home?

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Anthony A

What is a good inexpensive firewire or usb audio interface. Nothing special just something to record guitar, but good quality. I have a macbook pro and firewire would be good be usb will work also. I just want something to record my guitar, but not sound terrible.

Answer
If you're on a macbook pro, I think you should go for M-Audio ProFire 610 Firewire Audio Interface

features:
Firewire audio interface:

Bit/192 24 kHz,
10 inputs , 6 outputs
2 M-Audio preamps “Based Octane”
Phantom Power supply (48 V)
integrated DSP mixer,
switch Master Volume,
can be used independently as a microphone preamp with 2-channel AD converter / DA,
firewire power or external power source,
2 headphone outputs with separate volume control,
Input / Output MIDI
2 microphone / instrument XLR / TRS,
8 line outputs (1 / 4 “TRS balanced)
input / output Coaxial SPDIF (on RCA)
2 FireWire ports
compatible with both Windows and Mac

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How do you set up a condenser microphone?

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bryant

I want to set up a condenser mic to record my guitar but I don't know how. I already am getting these things:

-MXL 990/991
-Behringer usb interface
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000J5XS3C/ref=ox_sc_act_title_3?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER
-Male to female xlr cable.

I know that you plug the female end of the xlr cable in the microphone, and the male into the usb interface; but how will you connect the usb interface to the computer? There's only female rca inputs and outputs, and I think 2 1/4 inch jacks. Do you get a Male rca-to-male 3.5mm jack and then plug that into the computer?

Answer
That model of Behringer mixer, the Xenyx 802, DOES NOT have a USB interface built into it, even though it came up among the hits when I searched for a "Behringer USB mixer."

The Behringer models with USB interface have "USB" on the end of their model number. They plug right into a USB port on your computer.

Instead of the Xenyx 802, you need to get the equivalent but USB-capable version, the Xenyx Q802USB. I hope it's not too late to cancel and change your order!

Musician's Friend carries the Xenyx Q802USB for $15 more ($79.99) than the non-USB version:
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/pro-audio/behringer-xenyx-q802usb-mixer
Amzon sells it for a little more ($89.99):
http://www.amazon.com/Behringer-Xenyx-Q802USB-Audio-Mixer/dp/B008O517IC/ref=sr_1_1?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1360282258&sr=1-1&keywords=802usb
(they both sell the non-usb Xenyx 802 for $64.99)

BTW I checked out the rest of the low-end Behringers, and there are two cheaper ones with USB interface (the 502USB and 302USB) -- but they don't have phantom power (which your MXL 990/991 mic requires), so the Q802USB is the one to get.

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How do I prevent noise when Plugging USB Audio Interface on Laptop that is plugged on an electrical outlet?

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xXx-delacr

This always happens when I plug the USB Audio Interface on my laptop which is plugged on the outlet. It produces this noticeable noise which I find intolerable. More so when I plug my guitar and use some effects with it.

But it doesn't happen when the laptop is powered by the batteries. I can't resort into this solution because I use my laptop sometimes in gigs and I can't gamble my performance if something went wrong and the laptop dies.

Answer
Is there some reason that you can't plug in your interface, then plug in your laptop.

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What type of device could i get to record electric guitar, electric bass and electric drums onto my computer?

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Loving Fai

I want to be able to record these Instruments directly into my computer, nothing professional, but i want it to sound clean. I looked into the "Behringer Guitar Link UCG102 USB Interface" but was told my electronic drums would probably be too much for the computer and could damage it. Does anyone know what i would need?

Answer
O would say if you are interested in using this for solos I would buy a Tascam US-122L, it records tone great. Midi inputs and all! But if you wanna do a rhythm track I would definitely look into a Logitech USB microphone. Both are very reasonable. I use my Electric Drum kit all the time on my Tascam and it works like a charm!

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What's the easiest PC music recording software to use?

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JD Kreativ

I am interested in setting up a basic home recording studio (vocals, guitar, piano, light percussion) and purchased an Alesis io4 USB interface. I tried setting it up with Cubase LE5 but that was a complete disaster.

Can anyone recommend a decent home recording software that is: easy to use for those new to recording, and not outrageously priced. Please only real user responses, I can't deal with anymore marketing hype at this point.

Answer
Audacity and a USB mike for acoustic recording. The USB interface you got I guess is for electrics, but I don't know much about that... I play acoustic and sing.

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What is a good firewire or usb audio interface for home?

guitar usb interface image

Anthony A

What is a good inexpensive firewire or usb audio interface. Nothing special just something to record guitar, but good quality. I have a macbook pro and firewire would be good be usb will work also. I just want something to record my guitar, but not sound terrible.

Answer
I buy all of my HDMI, USB, Firewire and other cables from TriangleCables.com. A few years ago a friend recommended them to me, and I've been buying my cables and other computer and electronic hardware from them ever since. They have so many products all at competitive prices. In addition, I've received only the best service from everyone I've ever spoken with. They have the most helpful customer service technicians who have helped me install many different types of cables and other hook ups.

I hope this helps make your decision easier.

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How to use a computer as a guitar amp?

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Quinn

If i buy a normal male to male guitar cord, then buy this converter http://cgi.ebay.com/New-Guitar-USB-Interface-Link-Cable-PC-Recording-USB-/150596238212?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item23103c3b84#ht_2462wt_1139

along with some amp computer program, will that be enough to use my computer as an amplifier?

Answer
That's a recording interface. A computer isn't a guitar amp and should not be used that way. If you need an amp, buy an amp.

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