Q. As a beginning guitar player, I think it would be helpful to record myself and play it back for self-critique. Is it possible to record directly to my computer without using a microphone? My guitar has a built-in pickup.
A. That sounds like a great way to improve your guitar skills. Fortunately, I can give you some pointers to make it work.
Connecting a guitar is different from connecting other audio sources to your sound card. You shouldn’t connect a guitar directly to your computer. Without some sort of amplifier, the sound will be too low.
Rather, connect your amp to the computer. The amp will have various output jacks. Make sure you use the correct one. Never, never, never connect the speaker-out to the sound card. Doing so will likely fry the sound card. Instead, use the amp's line-out.
Line-level connections ensure the sound is a standard volume. The sound won’t be too loud or too quiet. The controls on the amp won’t affect the output volume.
Some amps have other line-level outputs. You can also use these to connect to your computer. If you’re unsure if an output is line-level, check the instruction manual.
If you don’t have an amplifier, you can use a preamp. A preamp is a less powerful amplifier. It will boost the signal before it goes into the computer.
Some sound cards have preamps built in. These are usually external sound cards that connect to your computer via FireWire or USB. You can also purchase stand-alone preamps.
Additionally, you can use an audio mixer. Audio mixers are generally used with multiple audio sources. The volume of each source can be controlled independently. This would probably be overkill if you have to buy one. But it is usable if you already own a mixer.
Now you can connect your amp, preamp or mixer to the computer. Run a cord to the computer’s sound card.Sound cards can vary widely in terms of connections. The most basic accept three 1/8-inch plugs. One is for headphones and one is for a microphone. The third one is a line-in. This is the one you should use. If the jacks are not marked, check your computer manual.
Incidentally, your audio cords might have 1/4-inch plugs. You can purchase an adapter for about $5 at an electronics store.
High-end sound cards have numerous input jacks. If you’re unsure about the inputs, consult the manual.
Once the physical connection is in place, it’s time to look at software. Windows has software called Sound Recorder. It is very limited.
Instead, download Audacity. It’s a free program developed specifically for music. You can even do some fancy editing with it.
You can now start recording yourself for self-critique. I’ll wager it won’t be long before you’re setting up a digital studio.
Source: http://www.komando.com/tips_show.asp?showID=9190
