question about recording with a laptop

[windsen]

hey everyone,

i tried searching for info on this but a lot of the old threads have been lost.

i play through a line6 hd147 and would like to be able to record riffs and pieces via the xlr direct outs on the amp. my question is what equipment would i need to record using my laptop, which has the standard microphone input. would it work to get an xlr to 1/4" and get an 1/8" adapter from radioshack to connect to my laptop? or do i need to go the preamp, etc... route?

also, i'm looking for programs that can allow me to easily add drums. i've thought about the line6 software but don't want to purchase a guitarport.
any help would be greatly appreciated. thanks.

-windsen

 

[wickedmartini]

Re: question about recording with a laptop

I just built a PC for home recording. As of right now I run my guitars through a POD into a 1/4" input on an Audigy soundcard. I have been recording with a software package called Ableton Live. A free demo is availble on their web site.

I hope that helps.

 

[APB_4]

Re: question about recording with a laptop

XLR to 1/4" to 1/8" is fine. I'd be very supprised if the sound quality is up to much but if all you want to do is record riffs so you don't forget them you should be fine. The Line 6 amps it enough anyway so there is no need for a preamp.

 

[windsen]

Re: question about recording with a laptop

hey everyone,
thanks for all the help. i ended up getting a dual xlr to 1/8'' chord and using cool edit pro for now. however, i've come across something really interesting. everything sounds great when i record, but only if my AC adapter is not plugged in. if it is, i get this buzzing sound that reminds me of the sound my speakers make if my guitar gets close to another electrical device. any idea of how to fix this problem? perhaps it's the cord i purchased? thanks.