Need advice: How to record a basic track on a PC?

[tremoloman***]

Hello everyone!

I want to participate in adding a solo to some killer tracks I downloaded here, but I don't have a clue how or what is needed to do so. Would anyone mind explaining how one can do this? I'm sure if we had a basic FAQ, many others here would give it a go.

I don't think we need a step-by-step, but maybe just a basic idea of how to get started. If it helps, I do have the full version of Sound Forge 8.0.

-Tremoloman

P.S. I'd use this to also add audio samples to my guitar reviews past and present if I can get this thing going!

[stingx]

This is a good starting point:

The Musicians Guide to Home Recording

Also, two of my favorite home recording forums:

Tweakheadz.com


Homerecording.com

[kerc]

Tremoloman, go here and get Audacity. It's a FREE multitrack sound recording program with nice features.

http://audacity.sourceforge.net/

You would also need some sort of pre-amp to play the guitar connected to the PC, unless you're recording with a miked amp...What's your status on this?

[Justaguyin_nc]

Basic way to record a Guitar into computer:

1> Get Guitar hooked to computer. Windows based computers usually have a LINE IN on their sound cards next to the MIC IN line. It's a 1/8 female just like that on mini headphones etc... Take the line out of your AMP which is usually 1/4 and use an adaptor to 1/8 to connect it to LINE IN. If no Amp Line out try the Headphone out on the amp. If you are going to Mic your amp.. well, you can use your computer microphone but it will not sound very good. You will need to get a Preamp for a better quality mic and once again connect the preamp to LINE IN. Also, about any Digital MFX box can be connected to LINE IN (Pod, V-Amp2 etc etc) Your biggest problem is getting a 1/8 male and 1/4 male to connect to LINE IN. (Think Radio Shack)

2> Run a Recording program. The one used alot and FREE is Audacity. http://audacity.sourceforge.net/about/ Download it, Install it, Run it. There will be a pull down to set it to LINE IN and thats all there is to setup. Press record and start playing. You can also add LAME ENCODER http://lame.sourceforge.net/index.php to it so you can Export as MP3.. it is also another FREE encoder and can be found online also.

3> Jam along with MP3's.. Simple.. Download the file.. load/open it in Audacity. Press Record and another Empty track will open for you and the MP3 Loaded will start playing. When you want to join in just go for it and start playing. You now have 2 tracks.. original and your added guitar. Just press FILE on the tool bar (Upper left side)then choose Export as MP3 and the two files will become one mp3 file.

thats about it... other than learn the other features.. but basicly..thats all there is to it.
You may need to adjust the line level comming in.. this is no more than sliding the VOLUME tab on
the LINE IN .

Other software will work basicly the same way.. its all pretty basic once you do it 1-20 times.

Hope this helps.

[tremoloman***]

Talk about fast replies!

I know I sound like a skipping record (or CDs to those of you too young to ever see a piece of vinyl let alone listen to one), but thanks for the detailed instructions! I'm as excited as a kid on Christmas morning knowing it's not that hard to record directly to the PC.

I'd prefer to go line in rather than mic my amp... too much work. I'll go to Radio Shack today and get a converter so I can plug my guitar directly into the sound card.

As for Audacity, I'm very familiar with it... awesome program! I use that to slow down tracks when teaching myself complicated parts to songs or solos. I believe Sound Forge is basically a fancier version of Audacity.

[marnold***]

Trem, it sounds like you have the same plans that I do. I've got Audacity installed. I plan on making a run to Radio Shack today. I also downloaded and installed Hydrogen, which is a pretty cool drum machine.

[stingx]

Although I have many thousands invested in my PC recording solution...Cubase/tons of xpensive plugins/3rd party stuff/firewire/etc, I still like using my portable 8-track most of the time for simplicity and convenience.

[marnold***]

FWIW, I just managed to do a basic recording of myself. I was attempting "Walk, Don't Run" by the Ventures. Obviously I still have to learn some things about recording. It would also help if I didn't screw up a million times. The fact remains, though, that it worked. I went Squier '51->AD30VT (Boutique CL preset)->Creative Audigy Line-In->Audacity. I used a backing track that I downloaded from somewhere. I also used Audacity to alter the pitch of the backing track to Eb, in keeping with my guitar. Once I get a relatively non-crappy version done, I'll post it.

[Hogfullofblues]

All this recording is just to cool. Lots of good links in this thread, and more posted elsewhere in the forum. For us newbies, I thought I would add those I found here and beyond just to have them all in one spot. I haven't tried all these or even understand all the possibilities, but hope to eventually and maybe this help others. And they're free!

Another recording program from Chris I think. For some reason Audacity pops and clicks on my laptop while trying to record, but this one doesn't.

http://www.kreatives.org/kristal/

Plug Ins galore:

http://www.bojo-software.com/?Softwa...FX_plugin_pack

http://www.audiomastermind.com/brows...5886988-1.html

http://www.kjaerhusaudio.com/classic-series.php

http://www.voxengo.com/group/freevst/

http://mda-vst.com/

I was gonna try this one due to latency issues before I got the POD.

http://www.asio4all.com/

Plus more (search away)

http://www.hitsquad.com/smm/

http://www.kvraudio.com/get.php?mode=results&st=q&s=26

More How To info:

http://www.homerecordingconnection.com/

Some free no copyright/royalty free drum/other loops and samples:

http://www.beatmode.com/free-loops-studio-drums/

http://www.sampletracks.com/index2.php

Keep 'em coming!
Hog

[Justaguyin_nc]

Plug Ins galore:

http://www.bojo-software.com/?Softwa...FX_plugin_pack

http://www.audiomastermind.com/brows...5886988-1.html

http://www.kjaerhusaudio.com/classic-series.php

http://www.voxengo.com/group/freevst/

http://mda-vst.com/

Hog

Krystal is another good one for sure..and priced right..

Just wanted to point out... VST Plugins will also work with Audacity...

[tot_Ou_tard]

Although I have many thousands invested in my PC recording solution...Cubase/tons of xpensive plugins/3rd party stuff/firewire/etc, I still like using my portable 8-track most of the time for simplicity and convenience.

Which portable 8-track is that? What do you recommend?

[pressthe6]

Great stuff guys. I just stumbled upon the website last night and have since been to GuitarBT and Audacity, etc. Talk about all sorts of fun stuff to play around with.

I've only been playing around in the forums for one day, but it sure seems like a friendly little community! Thanks!

[duhvoodooman***]

I've only been playing around in the forums for one day, but it sure seems like a friendly little community! Thanks!

It is, indeed. Be sure to stop by The Fret Players forum and introduce yourself. Warren will tell you that you'll like it here, and he's right!

[Katastrophe]

Okay, I've downloaded Audacity, have the RP80 hooked up to the computer through the microphone input on the back of the 'puter, and everything looks good.

Anybody know why I can't hear anything? Am I doing something wrong?

[t_ross33]

Kat, open your windows "sounds and audio devices" control panel, click "advanced" and make sure your mic or line-in inputs are cranked up or that "mute" is not checked.

If you don't see a "mic" volume slider, click options and check the appropriate box to see it on the control panel. Personally, I'd run it to your "line-in" input if you have one. Are you running from the headphone/line-out jack (1/8") on the RP-80? That's the one to use.

If that doesn't work, there might be something in Audacity to try, but I haven't played with it that much. Worked fine for me right out of the gate though. Oh, enable Cabinet Modelling on your RP-80 for recording too.

Good luck! Can't wait to hear a clip or two.

Trev

[Katastrophe]

Thanks for the tips! I've got to get another adapter so I can go from the headphone out on the RP80. My 'puter doesn't have a "LINE IN" jack, only the microphone and 2 speaker outs.

I've got a lot of tweaking to do on my RP to make the tones come out right. I also think the "Talent Boost" function is broken.

Fiddling around with Audacity yesterday, I found it to be fairly easy to use, especially for free.

[Justaguyin_nc]

I also think the "Talent Boost" function is broken.

I spent some money on computer hardware and software... none of which had the talent boost perfected... I am sure in the future though someone will create the Guitar Talent boost.. they already have the Vocal boost perfected, seen it in another thread here...

[t_ross33]

I think I need a different pedal/interface. It sucks the talent right out Maybe I need new cables. Or a maple fretboard - I hear they are good for boosting talent.

[stingx]

Which portable 8-track is that? What do you recommend?

I love my little Zoom MRS-8. I get professional sounding results from it and I don't feel tied to the PC.

I leave it right in the guitar room and run my mic to it or use the recording out on my little microcube. Does everything I need for now.