Any Help/Advice??

AshMcAuliffe · #1 07-02-2009, 12:40 PM

I've been making all my recent songs at home. I'm wanting to put some melodic and heavy guitars on top of my electro tracks but haven't got the foggiest idea what to do or where to start. Is there a program or way to hook the guitar up to the laptop?
Any advice on the best way to do this would be much appreciated.

Drummer Drewy · #2 07-02-2009, 05:00 PM

yeah, well I don't know about the "best way." However, one way is to use an interface, like the Line 6 Pod 6 interfaces (there are 2 or 3 different "cheap" models). Then you'd need software that can record sound-on-sound, to add the layering.

Another way is try a Tascam DP-02CF. you can plug into it and do the layering/mixdown on it.

These devices -- I think -- connect to the USB port on your computer.

There's free software, such as Wave Edit (shareware), that you could use for editing your audio files and saving as mp3's.

The Tascam records at CD quality (16-bit, 44.1khz). There are also more expensive units. It depends on what kind of budget you are on, and the scope of the project. (Probably you'd want a higher bit rate, to make a more professional master).

Buy TASCAM DP-02CF Digital Portastudio | Multitrack Recorders | Hardware | Musician's Friend

hope this helps.

AshMcAuliffe · #3 07-04-2009, 02:55 PM

what about a downloadable vocoder program?? any recommendations?

bigmuff · #4 07-27-2009, 06:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AshMcAuliffe

what about a downloadable vocoder program?? any recommendations?

I used to have an awesome VST vocoder, but god knows where it is now.

Not that this helps you much.

As for guitar to laptop, you'll need an interface of some sort. Failing that, you can get away with plugging a line out from an amp or something straight into your laptop soundcard, but it'll probably be shit.

I have two interfaces - an M-Audio Fast-Track USB with XLR, guitar and line inputs and fancy(ish) monitoring setup; and an M-Audio JamLab, which is basically just a really small box with an input for a guitar, an output for headphones and a USB lead. It's not great, but still a big improvement on the laptop soundcard. Used the jam lab in place of a practice bass amp with headphones while travelling. Comes with some basic pedal sim plugins too.