[Kuolema]

Hey guys, quick question...
What's the best way to record electric guitar if I plan on using vst effects (Boss ds-1 vst and an amp sim) to add distortion? Does it make sense to record a clean tone through my amp, or should I get a mixer and plug the guitar directly into the computer?
Thanks,
-Kuolema

[Neblix]

If you have a real good amp, don't use software. Mic your amp. (if it's a good one I mean)

Otherwise, yes, plug directly into your computer. Don't get a mixer, get an audio interface with good pre amps. I can only vouch for the Audio Kontrol 1 but it is discontinued.

[SonicThHedgog]

Originally Posted by neblix

If you have a real good amp, don't use software. Mic your amp. (if it's a good one I mean)

Otherwise, yes, plug directly into your computer. Don't get a mixer, get an audio interface with good pre amps. I can only vouch for the Audio Kontrol 1 but it is discontinued.

This^ and you would need a impendence box or a preamp to plug your guitar to a mixer, which is what I do, but you would still need a interface to reduce noise and slight midi stress on your pc.

[Neblix]

Originally Posted by SonicThHedgog

This^ and you would need a impendence box or a preamp to plug your guitar to a mixer, which is what I do, but you would still need a interface to reduce noise and slight midi stress on your pc.

Or you could just get an interface and what the hell why are you talking about MIDI?

[Kuolema]

So what's the difference between an interface and a mixer, and why should I go with an interface?
I need something cheap, so I'm looking at this: http://www.long-mcquade.com/products...Line_Mixer.htm.
It sounds like that's not what you're suggesting though...

[Neblix]

Originally Posted by Kuolema

So what's the difference between an interface and a mixer, and why should I go with an interface?
I need something cheap, so I'm looking at this: http://www.long-mcquade.com/products...Line_Mixer.htm.
It sounds like that's not what you're suggesting though...

An interface is an external sound card either by firewire or USB. A mixer is just a hub for audio signals through 1/4 or 1/8 jacks. Some have neutrik connector inputs.


You want an interface because that will double as your sound card so the audio processing will be done in the interface instead of your motherboard. Interfaces also have pre amps, so when you try to record your guitar your computer won't play it as super SUPER le quiet.

[Kuolema]

Okay, so something like this: http://www.long-mcquade.com/products...-in_Preamp.htm?
I'm glad they have something in my price range

Just out of curiosity, if you were to mic an amp and then run it through a virtual amp on the computer, would it sound funny because it's going through 2 amps?

[Neblix]

Originally Posted by Kuolema

Okay, so something like this: http://www.long-mcquade.com/products...-in_Preamp.htm?
I'm glad they have something in my price range

Yes, but don't get that one. It doesn't have the same kind of input jack that guitars use.

Originally Posted by Kuolema

Just out of curiosity, if you were to mic an amp and then run it through a virtual amp on the computer, would it sound funny because it's going through 2 amps?

Absolutely not. I've gotten a good high gain metal tone by putting a software amp through another one.

[Kuolema]

Okay, thanks for the replies!
As for guitar compatibility, what should I look for? Would this one work?

Edit: Nevermind. That has the same inputs doesn't it? I imagine I could get some sort of adapter though?

[SonicThHedgog]

Originally Posted by neblix

Or you could just get an interface and what the hell why are you talking about MIDI?

Cause midi is sexy....


Oh there this thing called the "Palmer" somthing cant remeber, it lets to connect your amp/combo to this device, and emulates miking.