Hardware, your opinions....

[Voltimus]

I've decided I can't put it off for much longer, I need to record, unfortunately, my local guitar store people aren't very helpful. So, I was wondering...What hardware do I need to convert my guitar playing to media on my computer. Do I need to Mic? or is there a way that I can plug into my computer and record directly and have the ability to model amps? I'm completely ignorant of this subject, so any enlightenment is appreciated.

[Voltimus]

Ok, never mind......

[Grim]

Voltimus,

There are a number of good audio cards for use with the PC or Macintosh. I started out with an Echo Mia card, as it supported 24-bit recording and also had standard 1/4" jacks, so you could use the Line Out or Recording Out jack from your amp and go directly into the computer, or use something like a Pod, V-Amp or other such modelling unit to go into the computer. From there, you need the right software to capture the input. I've used Sound Forge and SONAR in the past, but these days I pretty much just go straight into ProTools.

Grim

[gtrhrcane]

Wow, you've got quite a broad question here Voltman. Not too easy to answer all in one post. Put it this way, it's a big world only getting bigger. That said, let me give this a shot. I'll have to ask some questions to get real specific but after I'll give my 2 cents for a general answer.

Do you just want to record for fun and sharing on the jam, or do you want to get serious?

What are the specs for your current PC, and your gear? With a good breakdown I can see what you currently have and how you can get away with using what you've already got.

For the short answer, you can run an out from one of your pedals to a 1/4'' - 1/8'' adapter from RadioShack, a couple $. Plug the end of that in to the 'line in' on your soundcard. This will get you going hardware wise.

You'll need some software to use too, Audacity is free and easy. Slipstream uses it and seems to like it. I didn't, but I'm a little spoiled now.

I'll stop at this for now, I suscribed to the thread so I'll know when you respond, and we'll go from here.