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What do I need to connect my electric guitar to my lap top & which software is good for home recording etc
It's a number of years since I had a home studio, but something like this seems to be what you'd need:
Basically you need an interface, and a piece of software. Cubase is pretty easy to learn. You can download virtual instruments for free too (VSTs)
I used to use Cubase with another piece of software called Reason to programme backing tracks etc
You need an audio interface a digital audio workstation (DAW) and maybe an amp sim if the DAW doesn't have any plugin amp sims you like
I use Focusrite Scarlet 2i2 as my interface, Reaper as my DAW and Bias FX for amp sims and FX. The Scarlet 2i2 comes with Abelton Live DAW in the package so that should get you up and running.
Simply, a loop pedal with a memory like a Boss RC3. You can send the recorded loops to your laptop via a usb cable, storing as wav files. Download Garage band if you’ve a MAC or Audacity if you have Windows and play with layers, overdubs etc. You can even record completely clean and add effects.
I have an elderly Digitech modelling board, but the pro tracks plus software it originally came with doesn’t play nicely with windows 10 and am looking forward to trying it via audacity over the next few weeks.
Audacity is free and works fine. If you have an amp you like you might find using a Zoom recorder in front of the speaker gets better results.
You can use Reaper free for two months then if you like it its $60. Its got way more functionality than Audacity with lots of plugin effects included like compressor, EQ and reverb which are very useful for recording guitar.
I use a Zoom H4n placed in the desk in front of me pointed at the 12th fret for recording acoustic. Does an excellent job so like Edukator says it might be good for recording front of your amp speaker.
Aye
You need an interface (to get the signal from guitar/mic/amp into the computer). £50 will get something alright.
You need software (called a DAW). I like Reaper, it's good and you get a long trial before paying a small sum for it.
You can add things to it - VST downloads of effects and things.
I like some software called EZDrummer for building drum tracks to play along to. Or you can download general backing tracks off the net.
You also need to listen back to what you're doing. You can use monitor speakers or headphones. Prices vary a lot! Some good quality hifi speakers will work to start with, but down the line you'll want flat response monitors (hifi speakers all have a certain tone that will affect your mixes). But that's to consider later.
This was all done with a Zoom and audacity. These days junior uses Ableton live but it's a bit expensive for amateur use.
Edit: that doesn't seem to work unless you click view on Youtube.
You can buy a Behringer UM2 usb audio interface for around £30. Not the most feature rich interface, but for £30 the preamps are actually pretty decent.
Or spend a bit more and look for interfaces that bundle a (usually a cut down basic version) DAW licence in the box.
Think it depends how 'authentic' you want the guitar to sound and how attached to the sound of a guitar plugged into an amp you are. If you like the sound of an electric guitar plugged into an amp. You can record the amp with a mic plugged into an interface. Then mess with the recording in the DAW. Or plug the guitar straight into the usb interface (look for models with Hi-Z inputs for guitars) and use virtual amps and FX in the computer.
Digital modelling has definitely improved dramatically in recent times, but even the best DAW FX and amp modelling plugins still tend to sound a little clinical and obviously digital to some people. Like the difference between a piece of vinyl playing on a turntable compared to an MP3. Obviously, the better the interface and plugins, the better they tend to sound. But there's also some really good freeware (or limited cut down versions of the bigger well known premium guitar software suites) plugins as well, you don't have to spend a fortune on software for it to sound passable.
I'd also make sure the computer that you're planning on using has a fairly powerful CPU and has a fair amount of RAM installed. There's nothing more frustrating than trying to do this sort of thing on an underpowered computer.
(Been messing around with this sort of stuff since the 80's. Professionally for about 10 years in the 90's.)
Most of the usb interfaces you buy come with a free stripped down version of one of the big DAWs eg. Cubase or Ableton. The stripped down versions are usually more than good enough for a few tracks at the same time. Audacity is great for recording but I've found cubase/Ableton better if you want to lay down a few tracks to build something up or loop round and do multiple 'takes' until you get something you like. I seem to remember that Cubase is a bit letter for multiple takes
Neither are starightforward to use well but the tutorials are good and there are more online