Setting Up Preamp for Laptop

FN28 · #1 07-06-2017, 01:15 AM

Hi!
I want to use preamp to record guitar sound on laptop.
I have a preamp and the converter jack.
When I plug it in, there's no sound detected on the laptop.

Maybe I'm doing it wrong?
How to set up a preamp on a laptop?

Tico · #2 07-06-2017, 01:18 AM

A preamp just amplifies the small audio signal from the mic.
Computers can't recognize audio signals, small or large.
They only recognize digital signals, (ones and zeros).

What you need is a piece of hardware called an interface.
It converts the analog audio to digital, then sends it to the computer via a USB (or other digital) cable.
Then on playback the interface converts the computer's digital signal back to audio for your speakers or headphones.

The interfaces I'm aware of have built-in mic preamps.

Then you need music recording software ... IOW a DAW, Digital Audio Workstation.
Apple computers come with an entry-level DAW built in called Garage Band.
There are some free DAWs you can Google up, or you can buy one of several available.
I use LogicPro.
If you're rolling dough you can get Pro Tools.

BTW, how are you getting sound out of your guitar? Microphone? Pick Up?

ManyMartinMan · #3 07-06-2017, 06:52 AM

Tico is correct and concise. My advice is to read the instructions. If it isn't considered or referred to as an interface, it isn't. You would then need to obtain one. There is no shortage of available interfaces. If you don't need a bunch of inputs, my favorite is the EIE Pro by Akai.

drive-south · #4 07-06-2017, 07:06 AM

For crude recordings you can plug into the computers sound card. There should be a mic input and headphone output. They both take 1/8" mini plugs.

That said an interface is the way to go. You can buy a simple interface from Tascam, Fostex, Alesis, etc for $100 (or less used). Some even come with Protools software.

Or if you have a Mac you should already have Garage Band.

fazool · #5 07-06-2017, 07:07 AM

I ran a technical software business and handled a lot of technical support calls, from very technical people.

It was a never-ending stream of frustration because people wouldn't give enough details to help them with their problem - getting the situation described was like pulling teeth.

*ring ring ring*

"hello, tech support, how can I help you?"

"I had a computer and was doing that thing with it yesterday and the whatchamacallit didn't do that thing and it isn't anymore so what should Ido and I'm really frustrated and can you hurry up and just tell me how to fix it?"

fazool · #6 07-06-2017, 07:09 AM

What suond are you trying to capture?

WHere exactly are you "pluggin it in?" Is it an audio input like a mic jack or a USB interface?

What do you mean "no sound is detected?" are you running software ?

and about a hundred other details....

FN28 · #7 07-06-2017, 08:30 AM

Thanks for all the feedbacks!
I'm sorry if my explanation is not really concise.

I've tried to plug the preamp both on the buit-in mic port and usb soundcard.
I run the sound recorder app on windows 7 while plugging the preamp and it can't record anything.
When I try to use a table mic and plug it on my laptop, I can record the guitar sound (although the sound is kinda too soft).
So I wonder why I can't do the same using the preamp?

Uke4Jerry · #8 07-06-2017, 09:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drive-south

For crude recordings you can plug into the computers sound card. There should be a mic input and headphone output. They both take 1/8" mini plugs.

That said an interface is the way to go. You can buy a simple interface from Tascam, Fostex, Alesis, etc for $100 (or less used). Some even come with Protools software.

Or if you have a Mac you should already have Garage Band.

Would something like an Apogee One help in the OP's circumstance? (Newbie to this as well)

Tico · #9 07-06-2017, 11:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fazool

I ran a technical software business and handled a lot of technical support calls, from very technical people.

It was a never-ending stream of frustration because people wouldn't give enough details to help them with their problem - getting the situation described was like pulling teeth.

*ring ring ring*

"hello, tech support, how can I help you?"

"I had a computer and was doing that thing with it yesterday and the whatchamacallit didn't do that thing and it isn't anymore so what should Ido and I'm really frustrated and can you hurry up and just tell me how to fix it?"

I hear ya!

IMO the problem is only partly the users refusing to do the work to learn. (Instant gratification much?)
A big part of the problem is the manufacturers.
They get away with convincing customers that doing X easy; then they can sell more stuff.

This has been as frustrating for customers as it has been for 'explainers' like you ... but this has been going on since the Brownie Camera was introduced in 1900.

I'm an amateur photographer.
Years ago a very wealthy friend (who knew nothing about photography) wanted to buy the 'best' camera.
After explaining it was too complicated (and a point and shoot camera would be the best fit for him) he insisted he simply must have a Hasseblad, a crazy-expensive top of the line pro camera made in Sweden.

When he opened the box he asked, "What button do I push?"
He literally didn't want to learn a thing.
We talked, lots.
I tried to teach him basics of photography.
He kept stopping me and repeating his question ... "Just tell me what button to push."
He became angry that, "They made it so complicated. If it's the best, it should be simple!

"

OP, sorry for the threadjack.
I'm afraid I can't help more since you have a PC and I'm a mac guy with no expertise with PCs.

KevWind · #10 07-06-2017, 02:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FN28

Hi!
I want to use preamp to record guitar sound on laptop.
I have a preamp and the converter jack.
When I plug it in, there's no sound detected on the laptop.

Maybe I'm doing it wrong?
How to set up a preamp on a laptop?

Start over and list your system make and model of each piece . And list the actual recording chain in order of signal flow
This will help get meaningful targeted answers

runamuck · #11 07-06-2017, 08:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FN28

Hi!
I want to use preamp to record guitar sound on laptop.
I have a preamp and the converter jack.
When I plug it in, there's no sound detected on the laptop.

Maybe I'm doing it wrong?
How to set up a preamp on a laptop?

Where is the manual for your preamp located?

jim1960 · #12 07-06-2017, 10:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by runamuck

Where is the manual for your preamp located?

The manual won't help if he doesn't have an interface.

runamuck · #13 07-07-2017, 07:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jim1960

The manual won't help if he doesn't have an interface.

I would think it would mention that he needs one.

jim1960 · #14 07-07-2017, 08:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by runamuck

I would think it would mention that he needs one.

Perhaps, but not likely. If he tells us the preamp, one of us will likely know just from experience if it's a preamp or an interface with a preamp.

runamuck · #15 07-07-2017, 06:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jim1960

Perhaps, but not likely. If he tells us the preamp, one of us will likely know just from experience if it's a preamp or an interface with a preamp.

You're certainly right about the low quality of many audio product manuals. But I'll bet a lot that our questioner here has not done any of the required homework to operate his equipment - whatever that might be.