Play with PC

[Brass Nut]

I've heard about playing your guitar thu the computer, but know nothing about it.
A site explaining, or some simple how-to's are needed.
I'm no computer geek so keep it simple?
How to plug in?
Any special programs req'd?

(Moderators, I've no clue where to ask this, so I figured I'd start here. Feel free to move it to the correct spot as I'm sure you will )

[these_go211]

if you do a search about this very topic on this website you'll get lots of info. lots! this is a common question. also, check the "recording gear and equpment" forum. in a nutshell, you'll need some kind of interface to plug your instrument into that connects to the computer and converts your signal from analog to digital. then you'll need some kind of software program to record into. that's it at it's most basic. you can spend $50 on an interface, or you could spend $2000. as far as recording programs go if you have a mac you should already have garageband installed. this will work fine. but since you said "PC," a PC is probably what you have. you can probably find free programs or you could spend hundreds. what's your budget and what do you want to do?

do a search and make some time to look thru LOTS of info. have fun!

[lemur821]

Be forewarned that nothing is going to make you sound like you would sound when run through an amp except doing that. Computer speakers aren't made to pump out the sound that an amp can. If you run your computer to an amplifier rather than the usual speakers you will be able to get good sound.

It sounds like you're looking more to use the computer for effects than to record with it. I use a program called Jack Rack under Linux, which serves as a host for standard Linux effects (LADSPA). I'm not so familiar with the Windows options. You'll either want a program that provides its own low latency method of accessing the sound card, or you'll want to use Asio4All. Otherwise there will be a big delay between your playing and the sound. A modern computer should be able to manage 2-5 ms without much trouble, which is fine.

[Brass Nut]

Okay, for example I found this;

"Bass->optional effects->converter (1/4 to 1/8)->sound card
plug into line in or mic in (whichever one is enabled, explained in a minute)
open start->programs->accessories->entertainment->sound recorder
select file->properties->convert now->,,,,,,, etc."

So If I simply go to Radio shack and get the 1/4 to 1/8 adapter plug and plug it in, I should have my bass coming though the speakers [u]without[u] destroying any part of my computer?

Computer is about 2 yrs. old, Dell, w/ windows XP and who knows what for a sound card. the speakers are new, Logitech 80 watters (or something like that) with the woofer. The Bass is passive.

Excuse me for being stupid at this, but the "search" became more and more confusing the more I got into it. Later I'll be wanting to record, have effects, and all the fancy stuff, but for now I just want to see what I can do for a mini amp of sorts. A simple in and out with some vague degree of tone is all I'm asking for right now.
Playing thru the PC without draggin the amp in here while investigating Tabs would be a very nice beginning.

So If I'm not imposing too much, could you mind simply saying if the above method safe to do?

I really hate being ignorant,,, but I was born that way. Sorry.

[lemur821]

Originally Posted by Brass Nut

Okay, for example I found this;

"Bass->optional effects->converter (1/4 to 1/8)->sound card
plug into line in or mic in (whichever one is enabled, explained in a minute)
open start->programs->accessories->entertainment->sound recorder
select file->properties->convert now->,,,,,,, etc."

So If I simply go to Radio shack and get the 1/4 to 1/8 adapter plug and plug it in, I should have my bass coming though the speakers [u]without[u] destroying any part of my computer?

More or less. You may need to open "Volume Control" and unmute/raise the volume on the microphone channel. This will be for playback only. If you need to adjust the recording volume you'll need to switch volume control over to adjusting recording volume (File->Properties).

Stay away from that useless little sound recorder. Give Audacity a shot instead; it's much nicer.

I find that I get the best results when I turn off the +20 dB microphone boost and bring the microphone volume down to its lowest audible setting. This works out great for recording, but I don't get much live volume. It's probably about the same volume as my bass itself, which is at least double the original volume, but not quite what I'm looking for. A preamp of some kind will work wonders.

[MeYHymN]

Goto RadioShack (you've got questions, we've got that stupid look on our face) and get a 1/4" female mono to 1/8" female stereo plug. Then get a 1/8" male to male stereo cable and run that to your input. I used (let me stress that USED) this with my active basses (not sure if passive will work) for some very simplistic recording. It didn't sound well, and there are latency issues when using simplistic sound recording software (ie. Windows Sound Recorder). It'll cost you all of $6 for this setup, but it'll sound like crap and be difficult to work with. Chunk down the $50-$150 for a decent USB recording interface that includes a copy of CuBase or other competent recording software. Might want to think about getting one w/ a mic input as well.
Just some food for thought.

[Brass Nut]

Thank you.