pre-amps?

[fourbanger_82]

ok so im trying to record some tracks on my computer, but im micing the amp with a computer mic, and the quality is so crappy and so compressed. So recomend me a good, cheap pre-amp. BTW im using WaveLab.

[tone4days]

Re: pre-amps?

define cheap ...

for less than $125 you can get a yamaha magic stomp that is otherwordly in terms of quality and features when it comes to recording

good luck
t4d

[fourbanger_82]

Re: pre-amps?

under $200 maybe..i have no expirence with pre-amps, i want one that is "cheap" but isnt worthless..i think ya know what im tying to say

[aleclee]

Re: pre-amps?

I don't think it's a preamp issue so much as a cheapo soundcard. Even if you get a preamp, you'll probably be dealing with wicked latency issues if you try to do any multitracking.

Why not just get a guitarport?

[lastwinj]

Re: pre-amps?

ok so im trying to record some tracks on my computer, but im micing the amp with a computer mic, and the quality is so crappy and so compressed. So recomend me a good, cheap pre-amp. BTW im using WaveLab.

for budget conscious, if you have a discrete recording tape deck, that has mic in, you can use this as a preamp into the puter. what i have been doin for years now.

germ

[tone4days]

Re: pre-amps?

if you already have a good mic, you can get good recording results with pretty low latency using an M-Audio mobile pre ... it connects to the computer via USB .. it is a mic preamp, as opposed to the magicstomp that is a guitar preamp .. the mobile pre takes the place of the soundcard ... i am not sure if the yamaha lets you send audio out the USB .. it DOES allow you to do patch editing via USB which ROCKS .. with a magicstomp AND a mobile pre - you'd be totally set

[ArtieToo]

Re: pre-amps?

I hate to sound like a broken record, but what you're missing is a "mixer", not a preamp. (The mixer will have a preamp built in.) When doing computer recording, the computer is acting as a digital tape recorder. The sound card simply gives you the analog-to-digital interface.

The mixer is the device that interfaces real world devices; mics, guitars, keyboards, into your computer-cum-recorder. Not to mention, it gives you much greater versatility in level matching and connectivity.

A cheap $49 Behringer will make a world of improvement.

I use a fairly nice Tascam Model 3, (can be found on eBay for $200 - $800), with a $8 sound card, and get killer results.

[tone4days]

Re: pre-amps?

i see your point artie ... but isnt a mixer really only useful if you want to 'mix' more than one thing at a time? ... if he only wants to record 1 guitar signal at a time(whether from a mic's amp or a direct line input from a preamp), i am not sure that he needs all the extra functions of a mixer (although, i agree they'd expand his possibilities / flexibilities)

[ArtieToo]

Re: pre-amps?

i see your point artie ... but isnt a mixer really only useful if you want to 'mix' more than one thing at a time? ... if he only wants to record 1 guitar signal at a time(whether from a mic's amp or a direct line input from a preamp), i am not sure that he needs all the extra functions of a mixer (although, i agree they'd expand his possibilities / flexibilities)

Thats a good point also, but a "cheap" mixer won't have many "extra functions".

The thing is, a mixer gives you, not only simple connectivity, (not fiddling around behind the computer), but also level-matching chores. And, its hard to imagine anyone making music, who won't eventually want to play along with another sound source: CD, record, tape, etc. Thats where a mixer shines.

And, you'll be hard pressed to find a preamp for less than the cheap-ish Behringers. BTW - for the record, I use Behringers as an example because they're inexpensive, brand new. I'd highly recommend moving a bit upscale to even a used Teac/Tascam, or Mackie, or anything better.

Artie

[tone4days]

Re: pre-amps?

Thats a good point also, but a "cheap" mixer won't have many "extra functions".

The thing is, a mixer gives you, not only simple connectivity, (not fiddling around behind the computer), but also level-matching chores. And, its hard to imagine anyone making music, who won't eventually want to play along with another sound source: CD, record, tape, etc. Thats where a mixer shines.

And, you'll be hard pressed to find a preamp for less than the cheap-ish Behringers. BTW - for the record, I use Behringers as an example because they're inexpensive, brand new. I'd highly recommend moving a bit upscale to even a used Teac/Tascam, or Mackie, or anything better.

Artie

yeah, that's a good point .. functions for now, and headroom for later ... good approach!

[fourbanger_82]

Re: pre-amps?

ok check this out..tell me if this will solve my problem

Amp ->Shure SM57 -> Behringer Mixer -> Computer -> Cakewalk

still confused..so i need a digital or analog mixer?
BTW, im recording 1 guitar at a time, mixing it with cakewalk

[tone4days]

Re: pre-amps?

get a simple analog mixer ... then cakewalk will serve for any digital 'mixing' you need

good luck and let us hear the clips!!

cheers,
t4d

[fourbanger_82]

Re: pre-amps?

k...im checking out this Behringer Eurotrack http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/...se_pid/631238/ right around my price range, anyone have any expirence with this product or one similar?