Recording on the computer

I played with my guitar in the pc for months when I started without an amp. The guitar had relatively hot single coils en de soundcard was a ultra cheap SoundBlaster 16 from the mid nineties. No probs.

You can use software to actually shape the direct guitar sound. Many bands record that way these days (mostly in the metal scene).

This and the related threads are confusing to me, as there seems to be contradictory advice based on different setups. Keep in mind that I'm fairly new to both guitar and recording, so perhaps I'm not understanding all that's being said.

Blackzerogsh asked about running a cable from his amp's line-level output to his soundcard's line-level input. This sounds perfectly logical to me: line level out to line level in.

The problem would be in running an amp's speaker output to a soundcard's line-level input, or perhaps in running an amp's line-level o/p to a soundcard's microphone i/p. Yes? No? Maybe?

Separately, if there is indeed a potential risk in connecting a guitar directly to a soundcard (as the guitar o/p is not line level), couldn't you buy a cheap DI box and run that to the soundcard?

I'm just trying to learn and keep it simple at the same time. Let me know if I'm in error.

this is why it is alot easier just to spend a little money and get a cheap interface....u could probably find one as low as $80

p.s. sledge hammer,

yes that is a very smart idea. by a D/I box, that is a safe way. the way i blew my card was not from an amp into my computer but from connecting my guitar straight into my computer

I've recorded many many many things on my computer just using my amp's headphone jack to my sound cards line-in jack. Have never had any troubles with it. U just have to make sure u don't turn the amp up to loud. Watch the recording levels to make sure this doesnt happen.

the way i blew my card was not from an amp into my computer but from connecting my guitar straight into my computer

This can not be posible since there is NO power coming from your guitar.

I've been thinking about what I need to record too, with a slightly different requirement. My amp is in another room, so what is a cheap setup for me to be able to record without having to lug my amp to the other room?

Can I record out of the output of an effects pedal (like a used zoom 707 that's coming in my mail?) Or maybe something like a Behringer V-AMP 2?

Basically, something portable that does not cost way too much. Any suggestions?

(I am eliminating the cheapest option of plugging the guitar directly into the soundcard because of at least one reported problem destroying the soundcard..)

I've been thinking about what I need to record too, with a slightly different requirement. My amp is in another room, so what is a cheap setup for me to be able to record without having to lug my amp to the other room?

Can I record out of the output of an effects pedal (like a used zoom 707 that's coming in my mail?) Or maybe something like a Behringer V-AMP 2?

Basically, something portable that does not cost way too much. Any suggestions?

(I am eliminating the cheapest option of plugging the guitar directly into the soundcard because of at least one reported problem destroying the soundcard..)

If that's the case get Guitar Port..I think it will be best for you since it has all the effects and amp modeling needed for recording and it acts like an interface without danger to your soundcard. I believe it cost $99.

That's what I use and I love it. I switch back and forth between my V-Amp and Guitar POrt. The sounds are similar so when I practice on one I can find the sound on the other. Plus with Guitar Port you can download tones remade of your favorite artist.

Going from your zoom pedal should work once u get it :)

Going from your zoom pedal should work once u get it :)

Cool! I was hoping that could work.

It's coming slowly through USPS :-(

the way i blew my card was not from an amp into my computer but from connecting my guitar straight into my computer

This can not be posible since there is NO power coming from your guitar.

Sure there is Mike. What do suppose gets amplified.

Electric current passing through wire wrapped around a magnetically conducive pole piece or block turns the pole piece into an electromagnet (a magnet created by the presence of electric current). The electromagnet generates a magentic field around itself. When a string vibrates inside the magnetic field of an electromagnet, a form of electrical energy is created, a vibrating (oscillating) electric current that can be transmitted to the other critical device, the electronic amplifier. The amplifier increases the strength of the current received from the pickup thereby enlarging or amplifying it.

Yea but it's not enough of a current to blow a soundcard...it'e probably less of a current than a 9v battery

don't do wat tracker said....i tried the exact same thing and blew my soundcard within 15 minutes.

the way i blew my card was not from an amp into my computer but from connecting my guitar straight into my computer

Ummmmmm, No you didn't blow your soundcard by doing the exact same thing I suggested!

I have the HRD (40 watts) and I did what I suggested and never had a problem.

Yea but it's not enough of a current to blow a soundcard...it'e probably less of a current than a 9v batteryWAY less than you'd get out of a 9V battery. Several of the pickup makers' sites show voltage outputs for their pickups. I don't know exactly how they're measuring them, but they range from maybe 80-120 mV for some of the Fender type single coils to a few hundred mV for some of the hottest humbuckers and P-90. Meanwhile, the DC resistance for these things ranges anywhere from maybe 4K ohms to 15K ohms, and the AC impedance will be very high. A passive pickup isn't going to fry an amp input by its output.

(I am eliminating the cheapest option of plugging the guitar directly into the soundcard because of at least one reported problem destroying the soundcard..)

It wasn't the act, it was the inevitable in his case.

so, umm will plugging the guitar into the soundcard from the amp fry the sound card or not?