Dumb getting started question

[Nvr2old]

Sorry for putting this here, but the links in the FAQ lead to a generic "Oops you've somehow found the old website" error page.

I was invited by an out-of-state friend to lay down a bass track on one of his songs. Cool, but I've never done the laptop recording thing before. So a couple friends (out-of-state buddy included) recommended Audacity, which I plan to download today, and another friend is coming by tonight to help me understand it.

My really dumb question is, running a GB Shuttlemax, do I need a 1/8 to 1/16 to go from my GB's preamp out to the laptop mic in, or do I need an adapter from the normal speakon output to the laptop's 1/16 mic in, or am I going straight from my bass (active) to the laptop?

Dan

 

[DirkP]

My really dumb question is, running a GB Shuttlemax, do I need a 1/8 to 1/16 to go from my GB's preamp out to the laptop mic in
Dan

Yes

or do I need an adapter from the normal speakon output to the laptop's 1/16 mic in
Dan

No, don't do that.

or am I going straight from my bass (active) to the laptop?
Dan

That wouldn't work 'cause your bass doesn't deliver a line or microphone level signal.

I would strongly recommend to use an audiointerface for that purpose, even the cheapest ones are much better than the audio-ins on laptops. If you buy a simple one, maybe used, you should get one for a few bucks.
Nearly all audio-interfaces have an input for going direct (High-Z) or a line-in for the signal from the preamp of your amp.
Dirk