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Interface for PC?
Hi.. I am playing acoustic guitar. Mostly classical and a flamenco guitar with double Fishman pick up/ microphone.
What should I buy to start recording and playing around on my laptop (Windows)?? Focusrite or Line 6 stuff or something else?? Preferably something that includes possibility of "profiling" or altering the guitar sound.. I have a Yamaha Stagepass 4i system if that could influence in some way.. Last edited by Uffe Steenberg; 02-04-2018 at 01:20 PM. |
#2
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Computer digital (DAW) recording 101
To record digitally you need ( besides the front end equipment like pic up and or mic/s and preamps) #1Computer - #2 DAW software- #3 Some kind of Analog to Digital conversion and Digital to Analog conversion. (often just called D/A _A/D converters ) So starting with #3 Now days most consumer digital interfaces have drivers for both the Windows and Mac, OS platforms . And most interfaces include the converters and mic pre/s and DI for pic ups..... So the biggest determining factors for what interface to get, are how many simultaneous recording channels you want/need and how much is your budget range. Second modeling or altering the guitar sound is related either to software or an additional hardware unit, not the interface Third there is really no reason to bring the Yamaha PA system into the equation if it does not have digital outputs to feed the computer and DAW .
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Enjoy the Journey.... Kev... KevWind at Soundcloud KevWind at YouYube https://www.youtube.com/playlist?lis...EZxkPKyieOTgRD System : Studio system Avid Carbon interface , PT Ultimate 2023.12 -Mid 2020 iMac 27" 3.8GHz 8-core i7 10th Gen ,, Ventura 13.2.1 Mobile MBP M1 Pro , PT Ultimate 2023.12 Ventura 12.2.1 Last edited by KevWind; 02-04-2018 at 01:44 PM. |
#3
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My opinion, YMMV.
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Jim 2023 Iris ND-200 maple/adi 2017 Circle Strings 00 bastogne walnut/sinker redwood 2015 Circle Strings Parlor shedua/western red cedar 2009 Bamburg JSB Signature Baritone macassar ebony/carpathian spruce 2004 Taylor XXX-RS indian rosewood/sitka spruce 1988 Martin D-16 mahogany/sitka spruce along with some electrics, zouks, dulcimers, and banjos. YouTube |
#4
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Maybe something like this..
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/USBDualPrePS |
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Fazool "The wand chooses the wizard, Mr. Potter" 000-15 / GC7 / GA3-12 / SB2-C / SB2-Cp / AVC-11MHx / AC-240 |
#6
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Quote:
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#7
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When looking at the interface (and I definitely recommend a proper interface, no USB mics or soundcards, etc.) I would say having minimum 2 channels is a must. That said, most interfaces are at least 2 so that is an easy requirement to hit. If it is just you recording, you really don't need more than 2, and that helps keep the price lower.
Next, ensure each channel has a decent (or better) mic pre-amp that supplies proper +48V phantom power. You want to be able to use any mic with your system. Having a direct instrument in is convenient, but there are plenty of external DI options if necessary. Most proper interfaces also have headphone monitor built in (in addition to a L-R stereo monitor out on the back). Interfacing to computer, any USB 2 or 3 is more than enough bandwidth for 2 channels. I generally recommend the Focusrite Scarlett series boxes. They come in different sizes/features, I would look at the 2i2 for what you describe. I use an 18i8 myself. The mic pre's sound very good and it is a well built interface. That said, there are other options too. Later Rob |
#8
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Intefaces
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Some get really positive results recording through their smarphones picking up the sound off a good P.A. many a great demo has been done this way . Experiment with your Stagepass 4i . I'm attempting to do something like that with a Samson LDC 48 VDC phantom powered mic into a smartphone recording the sound off my FreePlay Mackie . I have two good interfaces one is the Irig Pro and the other a Focusrite Scarlett 6i6 to use as the interface to the IPhone 5s/IPad , the goal is live streaming video and recording into my Windows 10 64 bit computer . The interface also serves as a way into my computer and the DAW I use . Pictured in the video is the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 they are quite inexpensive at around $100.00 to $150.00 . My Scarlett 6i6 I was lucking to get for $200.00 they are now $249.00 If you decide on a Scarlett series make sure it is a [ SECOND GENERATION ] they deal with latency better . EZ : HR
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I suggest at least a 4 channel audio interface:
- 2 channels for microphones to get a nice stereo image - 1 channel for the pickup that leaves one spare, which can be handy. Also I don't remember ever seeing an audio interface with only three inputs. The reason for including the pickup is that it gives you the option to blend a little of the pickup with the microphones, which can add some body to the mix. Basically it's better to have the pickup available to the mix and not use it than to wish you had it but don't. The Scarlett 6i6 would do the job here, as will the Presonus Studio 6|8 or the Behringer UMC404HD or the M-Audio M-Track quad. No doubt there are others. I use a M-Audio Fasttrack Ultra 8R, which is no longer available, and my standard setup is a pair of condensers for a stereo image, a single condenser (closer in) for the main guitar sound, a vocal mic for singing and I have the option to plug in the guitar's pickup. So that's five channels gone very quickly, but it means I can blend the various signals to get something I like. |
#10
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Poster plays nylon classic guitar, so no pickup.
Why not a simple USB mic and like Garage Band or whatever..?? |
#11
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OP says he has a Fishman pickup/internal mic in his guitar.
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#12
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My bad and it said that right after, just assumed it was a classic set up.
But still pickup is kinda silly to record on a acoustic. That Irig setup looks good, still no mic. They also make a midi keyboard one could use a pc interface (has xlr inputs). |