Best way to go amp > PC

ChronicPyromaniac · #1 06-22-2010, 09:27 PM

So I did a search but couldn't find exactly what I was looking for. I just bought a new Mac, and I was wondering if the best way to plug my Ampeg BA115 into it would be using the XLR line out into the mic input, or if I could use the headphone jack into the mic input. It's really just a matter of me getting the right cable to do it, but if I don't need to I'd rather not. The headphone jack also cuts off the speaker, which would allow me to record silently, but I'm worried about blowing the sound card. Any help would be awesome!

mkrtu9 · #2 06-22-2010, 09:34 PM

Just for goofing and practicing with songs I take a regular instrument cable from my bass and put an 1/8" adapter and plug it straight into the mic input then I use a program called Amplitube2 for my sound. However when I record I use additional equipment.

JimmyM · #3 06-22-2010, 10:20 PM

I don't think it'll be a problem using the headphone input.

will33 · #4 06-22-2010, 10:44 PM

Just to get sound into the thing, use whatever you've got or whatever configuration results in having to buy the least amount of adapters/parts. Adjust gains/volume as needed. Not saying that's the path to the richest, most stellar sound but it'll get you there.....can always "fix it in the mix".

Bassamatic · #5 06-22-2010, 10:56 PM

I take the line out or tuner out of my MB amp into an adapter cable that lets it plug into my mic input on the computer (the pink jack). I use Audacity to capture the sound with no problems. I was surprised it was so easy.

254 stringer · #6 06-22-2010, 11:23 PM

On my mac I just use a 1/4 to 1/8 adapter and plug into the mic input on the back on garage band if that's what your using you have to go into preferences and change the input from built in mic to built in input garage band has some pretty decent preset bass sounds that you can tweak to your liking to use the head phone out I would think you would need a stereo chord but I'm not sure

254 stringer · #7 06-22-2010, 11:26 PM

One more thing your title should read best way to go from amp to mac cause according to the commercials it's not a pc

craig.p · #8 06-23-2010, 09:26 AM

Maybe their systems don't have a line in. But you're right -- it does sound like a gross mismatch and almost asking for input overload. However, can't argue with It Works.

Well, anyway, I use an ART USBPhonoPlus v2 -- not because it was designed specifically for line to PC (USB), but because I needed to transcribe vinyl and it just happens to have line inputs as well. Also has a subsonic filter.

ChronicPyromaniac · #9 06-23-2010, 09:28 AM

It's basically the same thing. I want to use my amp as the go between because I know exactly how the setup sounds right now, I won't have to tweak it at all. I cannot use the headphone jack for this application?

PC = personal computer, so really pretty much every computer is a PC.

Chasarms · #10 06-23-2010, 09:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChronicPyromaniac

. . . PC = personal computer, so really pretty much every computer is a PC.

Technically, you are absolutely correct. However, it is typical to refer to a non-Mac windows machine as a PC. Thus, the silly Mac commercials with the young hipster and the not-so-young, not-so-hipster.

poorbassist15 · #11 06-23-2010, 09:39 AM

I usually take the 1/8" out from my Line 6 POD to line in on my PC and record with Krystal. Doing this into the mic input would overload it, resulting in clipping. I've done it that way, it works but sounds like s***.

BassIan · #12 06-23-2010, 10:36 AM

A Line6 POD makes a great audio interface if you already have one. If not, look into some of the audio interfaces by Apogee. I have an Apogee Duet for home recording, and it has been worth every cent. They aren't cheap, but if you plan on doing this a lot, you will see the value, and the sound will be miles better than going straight into the Input.

That said, the 1/8" input should be very functional.

Harbec · #13 06-23-2010, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChronicPyromaniac

So I did a search but couldn't find exactly what I was looking for. I just bought a new Mac, and I was wondering if the best way to plug my Ampeg BA115 into it would be using the XLR line out into the mic input, or if I could use the headphone jack into the mic input. It's really just a matter of me getting the right cable to do it, but if I don't need to I'd rather not. The headphone jack also cuts off the speaker, which would allow me to record silently, but I'm worried about blowing the sound card. Any help would be awesome!

Hi, go buy a preamp at your local music store, about 100$-150$, there's a popular one without a compressor and without an EQ but it's better doing the preamp thing. And you already have an EQ and a Compressor on your ampeg so maybe you can use your amp with it.