recording to comp.

[MCBTunes]

Are their any adaptors that will connect a mic directly to a computer USB 2.0 maybe, for singing into and/or putting in front of my amp? It's ok if it sounds a little bad I just think it would be a good practice tool and maybe send a few demo's to some friends.

What kind of equiptment/software would I need or is it even doable?

[DaftCat]

You wouldn't go through USB.
You should be able to go through the audio card(Line in or Microphone).

Then you get into XLR > 1/8" connection issues.

If you have a mixing board it'd make it alot easier.

[DubDubs]

There should be a mic input on your soundcard. If not, buy a new soundcard.

[chardin]

Don't use the microphone input on your computer sound card. The pre-amp is noisy and you won't be happy with the results.

You would be better off using the mic input on almost any mixer and then feeding the line out from the mixer to the line in on your computer.

[MCBTunes]

Where would I find a cheaper mixer, and how much will that set me back?

[chardin]

I incorrectly assumed you would have a mixer. Can you borrow one? If not the tiny Behringer UB502 will set you back US$35.

[fretlessrock]

One cheap way to go is with a Griffin iMic adapter which gives you line/mic input and a headphone/line out on a USB port for about $35. Check to ensure compatability with your particular system.

Then get an inexpensive stereo mic for computer or portable recording. There are a lot of these out there, and deals can be had on the Sony stero mics. Also Radio Shack has some inexpensive mics. You can be set up for under $100.

Pete

[BoognishMang]

i do what Chardin suggest. GC had them for 29.99 not too long ago.

[rygelxvi]

get an Maudio fasttrack or if you have the money the Emu 1820.

[spidersbass]

is it safe to run the line out from the back of my bass head to the line in on the computer? i just dont' want to blow anything you know, thats why i ask first.

i don't have any soundcards other than the one thats in the computer i guess, its a new computer and i know next to nothing about them (this is my first and only computer).

[chardin]

Yes, line out from your amp to your computer line in is fine.

[DirtDog]

After doing some moderately in-depth research on subject and after playing for a couple of years into my soundblaster, here's what I've come up with:

Pricepoints:

Low-end: the typical instrument direct into the SB card - poor signal/noise ration since you are attempting to put an instrument level signal into a device that is expecting a line level signal; cheapest option. All you need is a 1/4" to 1/8" adapter - plug yourself into the card's LINE input. You'll need free or cheap recording software - n-track, ProTools LE, Tracktion, etc.

Mid-level ($100-500) - typically a dedicated outboard or onboard soundcard (PCI, USB) with limited inputs and connectivity. (ie. Tascam US-122, M-Audio MobilePre). You can get by with free or cheap multitrack software, or you can use the stuff that gets packaged with the hardware. Otherwise, you can choose any mid-level recording software (i.e Cakewalk GuitarTracks Pro v.3 is great if you don't need MIDI support). Supports multiple connectivity: 1/4", XLR, etc. Low latency (software) and no latency (hardware) monitoring. Pro features, but limited capacity (tracks, inputs, busses, etc)

Upper-Level ($1000+) - now you're getting into the realm of multi-thousand dollar setups - outboard mixer, firewire connectivity, multiple channels in and out, high end software (ProTools). No latency software/hardware monitoring. Excellent quality, pro features.

I just recently went from the SB card setup with n-track and am now using M-Audio MobilePre (USB) with Cakewalk GuitarTracks Pro. 2 channels in, low latency (software) no latency (hardware), 1/4" and XLR connectivity, onboard preamps, headphone out, very quiet. Paid under $400 CDN total - not including a up-to-date laptop (P4 1.2Ghz, 40Gb, 512Mb ram). This setup gives you much better quality than cassette based 4-tracks, with VST plug-in support, 32 "real" tracks, full featured mixing board with busses, etc.

I'm getting pretty good results.

A good resource for more info is HomeRecording.com

DD

[DirtDog]

Originally Posted by DirtDog

After doing some moderately in-depth research on subject and after playing for a couple of years into my soundblaster, here's what I've come up with:

I should add that when you move up through the pricepoints, you'll also get better sonic/digital resolution.

For example, the M-Audio MobilePre can do 48KHz @ 16bit resolution (16/48). A higher end unit would be able to do 96KHz @ 24 bits (24/96) bit resolution and up to 192KHz @ 24 bits.

DD