Connecting guitars to PC - experiences?
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Forum Name: Tech Talk
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Topic: Connecting guitars to PC - experiences?
Posted By: Angelo
Subject: Connecting guitars to PC - experiences?
Date Posted: March 25 2007 at 06:36
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Currently looking at buying either the Alesis IO 2 (comes with Cubase LE), or the M-Audio Fast Track USB (Comes with GT Player Express SW). I''d be interested to read experiences with either of those devices and software apps here. Goal is to use the device for training (matching my timing as a bass player against a drum track), and some recording work together with fellow players. I'd be interested in experiences with these or other similar devices. EDIT: changed topic title to attract more input  ------------- http://www.iskcrocks.com" rel="nofollow - ISKC Rock Radio I stopped blogging and reviewing - so won't be handling requests. Promo's for ariplay can be sent to [email protected] |
Replies:
Posted By: Flyingsod
Date Posted: March 29 2007 at 22:46
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I have one by a company called playpro. The title is interactive guitar. Didnt need a device, Just a soundcard. The software works just as described. It gives me an assesment of skill for timing and accuracy. It also teaches theory and technique if needed. One cool thing about it is the '50 famous feels' cd which contains audio tracks in differing genres of music from metal to country all sans guitar. it came with a mixer and effects rack so you can record yourself onto the existing tracks and play engineer with em. I am pretty sure they make one for Bass and Keyboards. I got it quite awhile ago though and it may not be available. Thought you might like to know about it though since it was Older technology and still was able to do what you want (as far as training). I love being able to see exactly how my timing is and seeing mistakes that I didnt actually know I made concerning accuracy. Will you be using the device you buy for semi-pro recording, like for a demo or something? ------------- This space intentionally left blank |
Posted By: Philéas
Date Posted: March 30 2007 at 13:11
| I have a simple audio editing program that I use for recording stuff. I conect my bass and guitar to the computer by drawing a cable from a speaker output jack (headphone jack works aswell) on my amp to the computer's line-in jack. Works just fine. |
Posted By: Angelo
Date Posted: March 30 2007 at 15:52
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Thanks to you both. The reason I am looking at these devices is that my notebook's sound card doesn't have pre-amp function, and with my amp connect I hear more noise than actual sound. Also, I want to mix in the guitar and vocals when playing together with others. Recording is mainly for training and some 'home recording'. Demo's is something for later. ------------- http://www.iskcrocks.com" rel="nofollow - ISKC Rock Radio I stopped blogging and reviewing - so won't be handling requests. Promo's for ariplay can be sent to [email protected] |
Posted By: mystic fred
Date Posted: March 31 2007 at 09:52
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having used a huge 4 track tape recorder in the past and ending up with all the tape on the floor on one occasion i'm now experimenting with tascam/beringer digital units at the moment - when i get time i'll try it. a tascam cassette deck i tried worked ok but the sound quality was awful.
.the biggest problem with guitar software is latency - having been plagued with it on some programs i'll see if i can get anywhere with this one, though a notebook has limited memory for editing.
 -------------  Prog Archives Tour Van 
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Posted By: Angelo
Date Posted: March 31 2007 at 10:12
Notebooks are just portable PCs. Mine is limited in that the sound card is crappy, but I've got 1 GB of memory. Anyway, what units are you trying at the moment? ------------- http://www.iskcrocks.com" rel="nofollow - ISKC Rock Radio I stopped blogging and reviewing - so won't be handling requests. Promo's for ariplay can be sent to [email protected] |
mystic fred wrote:Posted By: Flyingsod
Date Posted: April 03 2007 at 20:31
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I don't understand the latency issues. I mean if you can get a digital multi effect on your rack with no latency issues you's think a modern pc could crunch numbers fast enough to throw at least a few effects on the signal without adding 10ms of delay. It's silly.
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Posted By: Angelo
Date Posted: April 04 2007 at 13:49
Yeah, the PC can crunch the numbers - but it's dependend on the developers of the operating system, the drivers and the applications you use which numbers they have to crunch. You'd be surprised as to how much the processor in your PC is used to do useless things, or things not related directly to what you want it to do. If only my customers allowed it, I could show you some software engineering nightmares in this area. ------------- http://www.iskcrocks.com" rel="nofollow - ISKC Rock Radio I stopped blogging and reviewing - so won't be handling requests. Promo's for ariplay can be sent to [email protected] |
Posted By: CalamityDaemon
Date Posted: April 07 2007 at 01:03
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I have a Digitech GNX2 which I am able to connect either via USB or through memory stick. I also found that I can actually connect a guitar cable straight into the input in the sound card with a simple stereo adapter bought from Radioshack for about $3. I use a freeware program called Audacity to record some basic tracks and then I use my Cakewalk guitar tracks to lay down the lines and drum beats. It works well for my purposes because I can share the music with the band a lot easier. It's no ProTools though.
------------- I wake to Sleep and I take my Waking slow, I feel my fate in what I cannot fear, I learn by going where I have to go. |
Posted By: rileydog22
Date Posted: April 07 2007 at 01:44
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Audacity is the poor man's protools. Quite useful, though.
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Posted By: Certif1ed
Date Posted: April 07 2007 at 05:29
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Try the Line6 guitarport - I think it's dedicated to doing what you're trying to achieve.
I use the Toneport UX2, and latency is a non-issue, if you monitor through the device.
And it sounds fantastic! ------------- The important thing is not to stop questioning. |
Posted By: Angelo
Date Posted: April 07 2007 at 08:31
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Looking into more options now - thanks so far. Any more input is welcome!
------------- http://www.iskcrocks.com" rel="nofollow - ISKC Rock Radio I stopped blogging and reviewing - so won't be handling requests. Promo's for ariplay can be sent to [email protected] |
Posted By: MikeEnRegalia
Date Posted: April 07 2007 at 08:34
Agreed ... the GuitarPort is a really cool device, absolutely professional hardware, and the website is really cool too - something I always wanted when I was learning to play about 15 years ago. ------------- https://awesomeprog.com/users/Mike" rel="nofollow">Recently listened to: 
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Posted By: Angelo
Date Posted: April 07 2007 at 08:36
UX2 is the successor of this one? http://www.feedback.nl/?id=55&b=TPUX1 - http://www.feedback.nl/?id=55&b=TPUX1 ------------- http://www.iskcrocks.com" rel="nofollow - ISKC Rock Radio I stopped blogging and reviewing - so won't be handling requests. Promo's for ariplay can be sent to [email protected] |
Posted By: MikeEnRegalia
Date Posted: April 07 2007 at 08:42
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Yes, in a way. The UX2 is a bit different, but essentially both allow access to GuitarPort online and let you connect your guitar to the PC, AFAIK.
------------- https://awesomeprog.com/users/Mike" rel="nofollow">Recently listened to:
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Posted By: Angelo
Date Posted: April 07 2007 at 09:05
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Just found out that UX1 is more or less a single instrument version, and UX2 is two instrument. Is it compatible with Cubase and the likes, or are you stuck with the included software when you use it?
------------- http://www.iskcrocks.com" rel="nofollow - ISKC Rock Radio I stopped blogging and reviewing - so won't be handling requests. Promo's for ariplay can be sent to [email protected] |
Posted By: MikeEnRegalia
Date Posted: April 07 2007 at 09:09
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The devices are essentially soundcards ... you can use them with any recording software. I used to record with GuitarPort + Cubase SX, for example.
------------- https://awesomeprog.com/users/Mike" rel="nofollow">Recently listened to:
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Posted By: Angelo
Date Posted: April 07 2007 at 09:43
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That's good news. I also found the M-Audio Jam-Master, which is a lot cheaper, but depends also fully on the software for volume and tone control. Think I'll keep my hands off of that one.
------------- http://www.iskcrocks.com" rel="nofollow - ISKC Rock Radio I stopped blogging and reviewing - so won't be handling requests. Promo's for ariplay can be sent to [email protected] |
Posted By: Flyingsod
Date Posted: April 07 2007 at 12:25
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Heres some on sale at musicians friend if you havent seen their new april clearence section yet. http://www.musiciansfriend.com/clearance/navigation/computer-hardware-recording-cards-audio-interfaces?N=100001+304891+500111 - http://www.musiciansfriend.com/clearance/navigation/computer-hardware-recording-cards-audio-interfaces?N=100001+304891+500111 ------------- This space intentionally left blank |
Posted By: Angelo
Date Posted: April 07 2007 at 12:41
Nice site, been there before, but they don't ship outside the US. Thanks anyway ------------- http://www.iskcrocks.com" rel="nofollow - ISKC Rock Radio I stopped blogging and reviewing - so won't be handling requests. Promo's for ariplay can be sent to [email protected] |
Posted By: MikeEnRegalia
Date Posted: April 07 2007 at 12:55
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Have a look here: http://search.ebay.nl/search/search.dll?from=R40&satitle=guitarport - http://search.ebay.nl/search/search.dll?from=R40&satitle=guitarport ------------- https://awesomeprog.com/users/Mike" rel="nofollow">Recently listened to:
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Posted By: Angelo
Date Posted: April 07 2007 at 14:07
That's a bit better, but $30 shipping cost doesn't really help. I found an online store in the UK that's more decently priced for this type of stuff: http://www.musiconmypc.co.uk - http://www.musiconmypc.co.uk They have an interesting all-in-one device called M-Audio Black Box that is about 30% cheaper than at my local store, and that includes shipping.... ------------- http://www.iskcrocks.com" rel="nofollow - ISKC Rock Radio I stopped blogging and reviewing - so won't be handling requests. Promo's for ariplay can be sent to [email protected] |
Posted By: MikeEnRegalia
Date Posted: April 07 2007 at 14:29
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^ are you playing bass or guitar?
------------- https://awesomeprog.com/users/Mike" rel="nofollow">Recently listened to:
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Posted By: Angelo
Date Posted: April 07 2007 at 15:11
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Bass is main at the moment, but I might consider plugging in my acoustic guitar at times.
------------- http://www.iskcrocks.com" rel="nofollow - ISKC Rock Radio I stopped blogging and reviewing - so won't be handling requests. Promo's for ariplay can be sent to [email protected] |
Posted By: MikeEnRegalia
Date Posted: April 08 2007 at 03:43
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In that case steer clear of the GuitarPort - it has special benefits for guitarists (electric guitar) which you couldn't use as a bassist.
------------- https://awesomeprog.com/users/Mike" rel="nofollow">Recently listened to:
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Posted By: Angelo
Date Posted: April 08 2007 at 05:11
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That's why my #1 is still the Alesio, which comes with just Cubase. Gonna try it at the store one of these days.
------------- http://www.iskcrocks.com" rel="nofollow - ISKC Rock Radio I stopped blogging and reviewing - so won't be handling requests. Promo's for ariplay can be sent to [email protected] |
Posted By: Certif1ed
Date Posted: April 08 2007 at 05:33
???????
 The Line 6 bass kit is pretty good - and the UX2 not only hass dedicated bass gear, but keyboard and vocal stuff too - I think it's fantastic. ------------- The important thing is not to stop questioning. |
Posted By: MikeEnRegalia
Date Posted: April 08 2007 at 05:50
^ sorry, you're right ... I was thinking about the GuitarPort website.
------------- https://awesomeprog.com/users/Mike" rel="nofollow">Recently listened to:
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Posted By: Angelo
Date Posted: April 08 2007 at 07:54
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It's a fair point, the GuitarPort and the TonePort are not the same. I think I'm going to compare the Alesio and the UX1. They're in the same price range, but the Alesio comes with 2 inputs and Cubase, while the UX1 has one input and a lot of bass specific software.
------------- http://www.iskcrocks.com" rel="nofollow - ISKC Rock Radio I stopped blogging and reviewing - so won't be handling requests. Promo's for ariplay can be sent to [email protected] |
Posted By: Certif1ed
Date Posted: April 08 2007 at 15:18
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Sorry to keep plugging it, but the UX2 has 2 inputs that can be used for 2 guitars (simultaneously), 1 guitar + 1 bass, 1 guitar + 1 mic or mono keyboard, or stereo keyboard, in variances - the extra £30 is worth it. The software that comes with the Toneport is Ableton's Live, which is an OK DAW - but not as good as ACID - and it's not bass-specific, it's just an Audio Recording environment.
The only bass-specific thing about the UX1 is the software that models bass amps.
Since the modelling is done in software on the PC, the machine needs plenty of grunt - I'm running an AM2 with 2GB RAM and a pair of 250Gb SATA II Hard drives, which I'm about to RAID up, as I'm adding another 500Gb drive to cope with the size of my ACID projects (almost 500Mb each!).
I'll stop being such a fanboy now - it's only because I cut my amp modelling teeth on the XT Pro gear
 I don't know the Alesio, or how it works (I'll read up on it), but Cubase is a pain in the posterior, IME.
ACID rules (get a free copy from Sony's website and try it!).
http://www.sonycreativesoftware.com/download/step2.asp?DID=551 - http://www.sonycreativesoftware.com/download/step2.asp?DID=551 ------------- The important thing is not to stop questioning. |
Posted By: MikeEnRegalia
Date Posted: April 08 2007 at 15:34
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^ if you want a really fast hard disk you should consider getting expensive ones with 4ms access time instead of the usual 8ms ... it's better than setting up a RAID 0 array.
------------- https://awesomeprog.com/users/Mike" rel="nofollow">Recently listened to:
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Posted By: Certif1ed
Date Posted: April 10 2007 at 02:55
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^That would be good for the operating system and programs - but not so good (yet) for data storage,
The WD Raptors (which are the only drives I know of with 4ms access time) "only" allow for 150Gb storage tops; A 150Gb Raptor is around £150 - and you can currently get a 750Gb Seagate Barracuda for the same money.
I don't want a RAID 0 array - that's pointless, as far as I can see: I've created a RAID 1, so my operating system and software are protected. Using a pair of 250Gb drives still works out cheaper than a single Raptor - and performance is improved on my AM2 based system, since RAID 1 works well with SMP.
Ideally, I'd like to get another pair of 500Gb drives and RAID 5 them to protect my data.
Size IS important, but you DO need protection...
------------- The important thing is not to stop questioning. |
Posted By: MikeEnRegalia
Date Posted: April 10 2007 at 03:02
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For me the best solution would be one really fast 80GB drive for OS and software and a RAID 1 array (2x500GB) for the data. Then I would use a partition backup/clone tool and mirror the start partition to the RAID array, so in case the single fast drive breaks I can get a replacement and simply restore the partition.
------------- https://awesomeprog.com/users/Mike" rel="nofollow">Recently listened to:
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Posted By: asimplemistake
Date Posted: April 13 2007 at 00:22
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Hey, well I kind of missed all of the conversation here, but I use a M-Audio Fastrack Pro and I really like it. I've had it for about a year now, and over time I've gotten much better and making recordings with it. It doesn't necessarily make perfect recordings (by perfect I mean professional sounding), but I have found ways with Ableton (the stuff that comes free with it) to make good recordings. If you would like to hear some stuff that I made with just it, go here: http://myspace.com/dancaputo - http://myspace.com/dancaputo I also use another M-Audio product called the Axiom 25, which is just a small MIDI keyboard that I got for fun. In those recordings, any of the keyboard sounds were all MIDI samples that came with the Ableton which is the program that comes with the Fasttrack Pro. The Fastrack Pro (and the other M-Audio midi keyboard) are working out great for me, but I don't know too much about what other people think. |
Posted By: Angelo
Date Posted: April 19 2007 at 17:41
 ------------- http://www.iskcrocks.com" rel="nofollow - ISKC Rock Radio I stopped blogging and reviewing - so won't be handling requests. Promo's for ariplay can be sent to [email protected] |
Posted By: mystic fred
Date Posted: May 05 2007 at 06:04
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well i didn't get very far with the digital 8 track portastudio, too fiddly and i could hardly see a screen the size of a postage stamp - decided to go back to 4-channel reel to reel with a small mixing desk, just switch on the amp, plug in the mikes for guitar and vocals, a line from pc for prepared drums and bass lines and / or keyboard mellotrons - GO! then
finished "song" can be fed back into the pc to burn onto cd.
i like to watch the reels go round ..
  ..one day i may even get round to recording a whole song!
 ------------- Prog Archives Tour Van
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Posted By: Angelo
Date Posted: May 05 2007 at 06:53
Send me a copy when you do. Nice set up ------------- http://www.iskcrocks.com" rel="nofollow - ISKC Rock Radio I stopped blogging and reviewing - so won't be handling requests. Promo's for ariplay can be sent to [email protected] |
Posted By: Angelo
Date Posted: May 26 2007 at 12:14
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I got the Alesis IO2 in the end. It's working out of the box, and it comes with Cubase LE. This months Sound & Recording (German Magazine) contained a drum computer plug-in for that, so I'm all set for the rhythm section. Thanks for all your inputs!! ------------- http://www.iskcrocks.com" rel="nofollow - ISKC Rock Radio I stopped blogging and reviewing - so won't be handling requests. Promo's for ariplay can be sent to [email protected] |
Posted By: Marcos
Date Posted: May 26 2007 at 18:12
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I have a Line 6 Pod 2.3. I connected it directly to PC, and the result was amazing. I was really glad!
------------- www.postmortemweb.com.ar |