Connecting Electric Guitar to computer

I am trying to connect an electric guitar to a MacBook. Do I connect the amp to the computer using the headphone out jack on the amp or connect the guitar directly to the computer? I have seen various posts where users are connecting both methods.

A better way is to use an audio interface.
better signal, more inputs...
more info here:
http://www.guitarhelper.net/audio_Interfaces.html
http://www.guitarhelper.net/UsbAudioInterfaces.html
http://www.guitarhelper.net/Firewire_Interfaces.html
Recording guitar article:
http://www.guitarhelper.net/Recording_Guitar.html
Brian
www.guitarhelper.net

Similar Messages

How to change audio port output to input port on mac os x 10.9.2 to connect electric guitar on macbook pro for garageband

How to change audio port from output to input port so that i can connect my electric guitar to play along with garageband. I couldn't the option to change it in my system preferences of sound as my mac os x is 10.9.2. So please help me!!!!!!!!!!!! I want to play electric guitar with my garageband so badly!!! :O
Mac os x 10.9.2. ; Garageband 10.0.2

There is no audio line input on your Mac, get a USB interface, get one that is specified for guitars.

Connecting Electric Guitar to Garageband on G5 iMac

I've seen other discussions about this, but cannot figure out this seemingly simple process.
-I connected the guitar via 1/4 to 1/8 cables into the "line in" port on the back of the iMac.
-I chose "real instrument" when adding a new track in garageband
-I made sure that the sound input preferences under system preferences correctly states "line in" (and not internal audio/speakers).
-I have the drop down menu set to "Monitor On" and the Sound menu to "Stereo"
(even when I mess with these settings nothing gets recorded).
When I hit record nothing comes through the computer - nothing gets recorded.
Do I need the Griffin iMac or similar device?
Any suggestions?

it depends which iMac you're using:
http://www.bulletsandbones.com/GB/GBFAQ.html#recordlinein
(Let the page FULLY load. The link to your answer is at the top of your screen)
also, if it's a guitar you're using, note:
http://www.bulletsandbones.com/GB/GBFAQ.html#pluginguitar
(Let the page FULLY load. The link to your answer is at the top of your screen)

Connect electric guitar to emac

Is ti possible to connect my electric guitar to my emac trought my amplifier? I´ve connected guitar-amplifier-built in line in and tried to record it at Macromedia Sound Studio but it doesn´t recieve signal Ialso checked preferences to activate input sound trought line in.

what you would need to do what you want to do is an instrument which is designed to work with a digital interface. these are usually called "Midi" instruments, which stands for musical instrument digital interface. you can't use non-midi instruments with garageband or other music software because the software can only "hear" music which is able to be converted into a digital stream.

Connecting electric guitar(no preamp) to Imac for garage band, w/out interf

Hey now, I was wondering if I can plug my Fender Strat (no pre amp) directly into my
Imac W/garage band 08, without an audio interface. I have a 1/4" to 1/8" adaptor, but not getting anything. Is there a preamp built into the imac? HELLPPP!!

braincellkig wrote:
I can plug my Fender Strat (no pre amp) directly into my Imac
http://www.bulletsandbones.com/GB/GBFAQ.html#pluginguitar
(Let the page FULLY load. The link to your answer is at the top of your screen)
I have a 1/4" to 1/8" adaptor, but not getting anything.
http://www.bulletsandbones.com/GB/GBFAQ.html#recordlinein
(Let the page FULLY load. The link to your answer is at the top of your screen)
Is there a preamp built into the imac?
at least some iMacs do.

Recording from guitar to computer

i'm new to logic, i just wanted to know what is the best way to connect your guitar to computer. What USB or any other device could you use to record with good quality. thanks.

You should look for a decent audio interface (firewire or usb). There are several brands available. Depends on your budget of course. I've got the Presonus Firepod and used it daily. It features clean preamps and is good value for money.

Best Way to Connect my REAL electric guitar to my computer? Please Help

Anyone know how to Connect my REAL electric guitar to my computer? Please Help, thanks!

HippeeBoy wrote:
Anyone know how to Connect my REAL electric guitar to my computer? Please Help, thanks!
http://www.ikmultimedia.com/stealthpedal/features/
I'd previously purchased the Stealthplug by IK and really liked it. I wanted a wah/volume and got the Stealth Pedal. The current promo going through the end of December is a 4 for 1 special. If you by a qualifying product from IK, you will receive free downloads of IK Software. The free downloads are not partial or limited version of IK stuff but +full versions+.
http://www.ikmultimedia.com/NewsDisplay.php?Id=2373
For instance, I bought the Stealth Pedal packaged with AmpliTube Metal for $199. Once I registered the software and pedal, the registered user area you now have access to as a registered IK customer makes available the full software version of other IK stuff. For me, I downloaded AmpliTube Jimi Hendrix, Ampeg SVX and AmpliTube 2. Each full version is worth about $200 ( http://www.sweetwater.com/c707--IKMultimedia--Virtual_Instruments_Guitar_andBass ).
So, anyway, a good deal for lots and lots of amps and an interface. I've had the Stealthplug since March and just got the pedal last week so I'm still breaking that in. However, very sturdy feeling and worked very well.
Sure, it's $200 but you get tons of amps and I have to say (so far), they sound pretty good too. I haven't been through all of them much less even started on the Ampeg Bass stuff but I'd still be comodrtable considering myself an IK fanboy.....

What do I need to connect my electric guitar to my iMac?

I've searched and searched, and I can't find a 'clear cut' answer.
I have a new 3.2Ghz iMac and use Garageband 08 and plan on purchasing iLife 09.
I just bought a beginner electric guitar and amp (the amp only has line in and headphone jack).
How do I connect my guitar to the iMac? I have heard that using the mini plug into the 'line in' on the back of the iMac isn't ideal. So what do I need to get? My local Sam Ash musicstore doesn't have helpful people, so I need you all to tell me what to buy?
Oh yeah.. I don't have much money, so I just need to be able to play my guitar using Garageband and all its effects.
Thanks!

I read that it does not boost the sound properly.
The job of that line-in port is not to boost the level, but to convert an analog signal to a digital one, and it does that in a decent manner.
And I've also read that the audio-in on the iMac can cause delays in the sound you hear, along with other strange behavior.
GB always has problems with latency (that's the term for it), and that might indeed be worse when you use the line-in since the computer has to do the conversion and run GB. But the bulk of the CPU load is in GB, especially when you put a lot of effects on the guitar, so don't hope for too much difference when you use an expensive interface.
I can try the headphone out to the audio-in on the back of the iMac, but I guess I'm worried, as I have also read (on here), that you could blow your port if you aren't careful.
You can blow your computer if you use a speaker out, headphones should be fine. Crank them up slowly and watch the signal.

How do I connect an Electric guitar to a Mac by Firewire?

Please forgive my lack of technical knowledge, I don't play guitar so the terminology is way beyond me. I am trying to find the best (and economical as in value for money) way to connect a guitar to an Intel Mac mini via Firewire port.
My daughter is getting an electric guitar for Christmas (Cort MGM-1) and a Roland Cube amp. She's been playing acoustic for five years already and is very good on guitar (now studying Grade 4). She will most likely want to record her guitar playing into software on the Mac, and I wondered what the experts here would recommend as being worth looking at.
Apple has a few pages given over to this here
http://www.apple.com/pro/techniques/connectingguitar/
which mentions using analogue via the mic input, or digital using an "interface" but the problem I find is they only recommend USB connections, and these are pretty expensive anyway. Still, if that's the price, so be it. I would prefer to use Firewire over USB every time, if possible.
The Roland website says you can connect the guitar directly to the Mac with a cable from the amp, but threads I have read and help I have so far received on a Mac magazine forum indicate the need for a separate "audio interface" and others talk of needing a pre-amp. I am getting confused! Is the Roland amp not also a pre-amp.interface itself?
My budget is pretty low now too (actually it's been exceeded, but I'm aware of the "Buy cheap, buy twice" argument and want to think ahead. Her sister plays Flute and Clarinet and they both sing, if that is any help.
I know there are some really professional and top grade experts on this forum, and I would welcome your suggestions, recommendations and opinions. Please help me work out what to do!
TIA

Thanks a lot to everyone for such a wide range of ideas. I've spent most of the day researchng them, and it is confusing. Now we have a number of options that also include software, eg ProTools or Cubase LE 4 or Ableton or some other program. That means even more research! And won't that double up what we are already doing with Garage Band or Logic? SOrry, I'm just a poor Sax player used to playing the dots, unamplified!
One big reason to go with Firewire (apart from its just better anyway) is the USB ports are pretty full on the Mac IIRC but the Firewire is totally unused.
As for plugging the cable straight in the back of the Mac into the Analog In port, that would only allow a single stereo input or two mono ones, and that could be limiting. I agree though that it would allow for something to be done pretty immediately.
I liked the Shure mic recommendation, I hadn't thought of that but it was extremely useful information which was great for you to add in. Very wise advice. Not sure if its a condensor mic or not, and not really sure why a condensor mic is supposed to be better. They are more expensive though but nothing in this world should be acquired because of price alone IMO; sometimes the minimum cost of something really useful is higher than just the minimum cost of purchase.
When I get one of these interfaces, where in the daisy chain should it be placed?
Guitar - Amp - Interface - Mac
OR
Guitar - Interface - Mac
OR
Guitar - Interface - Amp - Mac
or doesn't it matter?
If it is placed in the chain, should the amp effects be restricted to "Clean" leaving the interface or the software to do the effects, or can you change settings in as many places as wanted? I am guessing this is only a question when connecting to the Mac?
Sorry to ask so many questions, as you can see, I am getting hold of bits of ideas here and there, but there are still big gaps in my understanding. You've all brought me forwards a lot since this morning, I owe you all a great big thank you!
To sum up (please correct me where I am wrong or incomplete) what I am looking for then is an Analog to Digital converter with a Firewire (or USB perhaps) connection to the computer. These come in different flavours, often with "free" software, and can add effects in the computer just like some amps can. They all cost something like £100 to £200 upwards (same price as the amp really) and are in effect "amps for the computer" - or is that totally wrong?
As I said, I value your input and corrections.
TIA

Connecting guitar to computer

I'm just starting w garageband. I have a Mac Powerbook G4, a fender electric guitar and a fender cybertwin amp. The amp has various jacks: midi in, midi out, midi thru, xlr r & l lines out, spdif output for connection to digital equipment such as a digital recorder. Can I connect my guitar to my Mac through this amp to record guitar tracks. If so which amp jack to which port on the computer?
Powerbook G4 Mac OS X (10.4.7)
Powerbook G4 Mac OS X (10.4.7)

I have several pedals that I had prior to purchase of my Mac Pro. The only thing I wonder now is how they will work going into Garage Band with all my pedals including a Route 66 Compression/Overdrive (my favorite) or DOD Supra Distortion which are both hot pedals. I also have a Boss Digital Delay which is another stereo pedal. As long as I turn these pedals way down and turn them up slowly there should not be a problem right? The Mac apparently has some pretty hot settings since they hum like a pedal turned up. I also want to know if plugging the jack in while everything is on will be a problem. When some of the pedals are powered up they automatically come on. Or is it simply okay to make sure they are turned down before powering up the pedals since the Cool Cat, Supra Distortion and Digital Distortion all come on at the same time when they get power. (Tubes don't mind this feature.) I wish Garage Band had more "tube like" sound profiles. Tubes have such a warm rich sound.
For the cable connection, I will try the mono to stereo to see how it works. But I do like the stereo effect however. I appreciate your input.

How to connect an acoustic electric guitar to macbook pro

whats to best way to use an acoustic electric guitar with garage band without a buying additional gear, macbook pro. thanks

"whats to best way to use an acoustic electric guitar with garage band without a buying additional gear"
I record acoustic/electric guitars & vocals to my MacBook Pro (Logic Pro 9) with exteremly good results........ BUT my advice would be, don't spoil a good job for a little expense!
I use a USB audio interface (see link below) that provides facilities for connecting any sort of audio signal and monitor facilities for overdubbing multitracks etc.
There are many such units available, but I would thoroughly recommend the one below.
Good luck...........happy recording!!
http://www.rolandus.com/products/productdetails.php?ProductId=970

HT201263 my iphone 4 after i downloaded the new update stopped working, now it doenst even start, its just dead black screen, i tried to connect it to the computer but the computer doesnt recognize it, i tried to conect it to the electric power and doenst

hi there, i am very upset since my iphone 4 stopped working, last night i connected it to my macbook pro and showed me that a new update was ready for4 my phone, i click on it and it started showing that it was downloading, afterwards when it was downloaded i continued to update the phone, just before the blue bar was showing that was almost ready something happened and showed me on the screen errror 6 (what is error 6?) after that it showed me on nthe screen that i needed to restore my phone in order to keep going, at this point it was showing on the screen the symbol of itunes and the little usb cord, after that it got stock and then it went black and never turned on again, my phone is dead, it doesnt work at all not connecting it to the computer nor the electricity, i dont know my IMEI number or serial number cuz i cant even turn it on, i dont have the box where it came either, what do i do? i need my phone to work asap. can u help me giving me a call with some instructions? right now i am in Mexico and i will be here for a while so i definitely need my phone working. can u call me please to a local numer. the number is 00529981091605, you can call me anytime, this is urgent.
MARIO JAIME.

Hold down the Home and Power button for 20 seconds. And try to update again.
Also read and follow this:
http://www.apple.com/support/iphone/assistant/restore/

How Do I connect my iAxe electric guitar?

Just got iLife '09 and a brand new iAxe 393 electric guitar for my son. To follow the lessons in GB '09 (he, and I, have never played at all) what do I need to do to connect the guitar to the iMac? Do I just need to plug in the USB cable, or does there need to be some intermediary (like an amp)?

As i recall it is mac compatible, just plug it in

I would like to connect the electric violin to ipad4 as electric Guitar.

I would like to connect the electric violin to ipad4 as electric guitar. What should I do? I have Flanger FC-20, it's doesn't work.

Some external devices can be connected via Apple's camera connection kit.
Secrets of the iPad Camera Connection Kit
http://howto.cnet.com/8301-11310_39-57401068-285/secrets-of-the-ipad-camera-conn ection-kit/
 Cheers, Tom

What products are available to connect a electric guitar to a IPAD 4 for use with garage band???

what products are availabe to connect an ipad 4 with electric guitar for use with garage band???

I know this will sound a bit snarky but the best source for information is an Internet search. Typing in "connect guitar to iPad" produced pages of products. This one looked interesting to me...
http://www.apogeedigital.com/products/jam.php?gclid=CPSpza6q2bQCFU6mPAodpmcAqg
I don't recall if the iPad 4 has the new lightning connector or not. If it does you'll probably need a 30pin-to-lightening adapter.

Connecting Electric Guitar to computer

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