Recording electric guitar into reason

I do a lot of hobbyist home recording and i want to be sure im getting the best possible signals. I've got a standard issue electric fender stratocaster being played into a Presonus Firebox, thats interfacing with logic. is this the best way to take your electric guitar signal into logic? does anyone recommend putting anything between the guitar and the firewire interface? maybe to give the signal a little more drive or warmth or anything to really get the best possible signal?
thanks for the help!
chris

http://www.apple.com/pro/techniques/connectingguitar/

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Is there some sort of adapter that i can use to plug my electric guitar into, so that i can record music into garage band?

Is there some sort of adapter that i can use to plug my electric guitar into, so that i can record music into garage band?

Probably but for that kind of expertise I would ask the experts in the GarageBand forum.

Turn an electric guitar into a bass guitar with garage band?

I'm a teenage DAW (is that the right term? A non-commercial person who uses software instead of hardware to record and mix?) and I am currently in the process of making my own cover for a song and writing my own songs. My questions are about an electric guitar (Ibanez Artcore AF75TDG) and amp (Roland Cube 30x). I am using a 17 inch MacBook pro. I also am using a USB M-audio MobilePre audio interface for my recording. I plug my acoustic guitar directly into the audio interface (I'm a bad boy... I need a DI box) and I have an OK mic for the amp I'm using (I would use one of the really BOSS condenser mics my dad bought, but I dont have mic cables in the house). I also have an M-audio "Key Studio" MIDI controller at my disposal. My questions are about the use of GarageBand:
1) How (hypothetically) do I plug my electric guitar into my MacBook Pro to take advantage of all the built-in amps in the software? Do I just create the track as an "Electric Guitar" track and plug into the audio interface normally?
2) I can do a bass line with my MIDI controller, but I want to try making my electric guitar sound like a bass guitar. Is there some way to do that? Like run the guitar through a software bass amp in GarageBand?
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Most online reviews give just about any apogee product a good name. Especially the jam and duet lines. Before you buy product make sure you evaluate exactly what you will need out of it. Will you always be recording just guitar tracks, or eventually want to record more than 2 tracks simultaneously? If you stick to purely 2-track most people say apogee sound is one of the best.
I personally own a different interface (FTU by Maudio) but mostly because I wanted up to 4 tracks at same time for live and studio recordings. It's an ok product but probably falls short of the apogee quality. Think about exactly what you want from your setup and price range. It's all a delicate balance of compromise from there...

How do I plug an electric guitar into my imace to use garage band

I'm a beginner. What do I need to buy and or download to plug my electric guitar into the imac?

Most online reviews give just about any apogee product a good name. Especially the jam and duet lines. Before you buy product make sure you evaluate exactly what you will need out of it. Will you always be recording just guitar tracks, or eventually want to record more than 2 tracks simultaneously? If you stick to purely 2-track most people say apogee sound is one of the best.
I personally own a different interface (FTU by Maudio) but mostly because I wanted up to 4 tracks at same time for live and studio recordings. It's an ok product but probably falls short of the apogee quality. Think about exactly what you want from your setup and price range. It's all a delicate balance of compromise from there...

I'm new using Logic, i've been using garageband for quite awhile now though but my question is just basic. When i want to record electric guitar while clicking the software option it brings me to alot of guitar sounds that i want to chose. I chose the twa

I'm new using Logic, i've been using garageband for quite awhile now though but my question is just basic. When i want to record electric guitar while clicking the software option it brings me to alot of guitar sounds that i want to chose. I chose the twangy electric or the distorted strat but i only hear clean sounds. No matter what kind of guitar sound i chose in the library it only produces clean guitar. How can i make it sound like it supposed to? Did i miss something i should do?

This definitely has me stumped as I'm unsure as to why your guitar can be heard, but with none of the channel strips plugins applied to the sound.
On the record enabled channel strip that contains your guitar input, is the "I" button located near the "R" active? Also, if you record your guitar, can you hear the FX applied to it when you play back the recorded track?

Severe static when trying to record electric guitar

I've been trying to record a clean electric guitar and every recording is just covered in heavy hissing static sound. This didn't happen when I recorded an acoustic guitar through a microphone. I have an electric guitar going into a small amp, with the amp level set on the clean channel at a very low setting, then the headphone/output is running directly into my M-Audio FastTrack USB interface, which is connected to the computer. I have adjusted the "recording level" in garage band so that the signal never gets close to the red in the individual instrument track. The "output" knob on the FastTrack is set relatively low also, about "4" out of 10. When I play back the recorded track, the master level meter never goes into the red either. Yet no matter what volume I record at I'm getting this strong crackling/hissing as if it was extremely overdriven.
Related question: When I play on the electric guitar, is it supposed to show an indication in the LCD box, as it does when I'm playing on my midi controller? It doesn't have the little indicator light showing signal, nor does the master level indicator, when I'm recording. Only the individual track level indicator shows the signal coming in. Maybe this is normal...
Any help is greatly appreciated.

OK, well I solved my own problem through trial and error. Rant: I switched to GB from ProTools on the theory that GB was supposed to "just work" and I want to be a musician, not an audio engineer. Here is how I fixed the static: one of my garage band books told me I could set the Garage Band audio preferences to "System" default, and then set my computer's audio preferences to my audio interface for the ins and outs, because I wanted to play all of computer's audio, whether in garageband or not, through my reference studio monitors. Well doing it this way results in massive static when recording a real instrument, for no apparent reason. So to fix this, you have to set Garageband's own audio in/out settings to your audio interface, NOT to the system settings. This caused the static in my recordings to completely disappear. Go figure.

Recording electric guitar

Hi,
I'm trying to record off my guitar via a Griffin cable, but don't know how to go about it- the program doesn't seem to recognise that any external instrument is plugged. How do I go about this? Thanks, Al

Hello there!
Forgive me but what is Griffin Cable? How are you interfacing with your computer, are you plugging right into the computer through the audio line in or are you using an external audio interface that uses firewire or USB? If you are using the internal audio line in you have to make sure Logic is set up to see that, or vice versa if you are using an external unit. Also make sure any MAC drivers for your audio interface are installed but COREAUDIO will see most of those with out drivers. Also make sure in LOGIC that the channel or "Track" your wanting to record the guitar on is 1.) Record enabled and 2.) That the input is assigned correctly.

Best way to record electric guitar

Hi all,
after months of playing with GarageBand, a fantastic tool, I decided to try to record something with my electric guitar, just to see if I could be able to compose a song
Well, I recently got a Dual G5 PowerMac, I saw it has a line in and a digital audio connector. I even got an iMic, a leftover from the "old" Dual G4 I had.
So far, which is the best way to record my electric guitar? I already have the 1/4" -> 1/8" adaptor, should I just plug it in the iMic or the line in port on the rear of the Mac?
Or , should I use a pre-processor before sending the signal to the Mac (I have an effect simulator from yamaha)?
And, in case neither of the 2 scenarios are really worth it, what do you suggest?
I already tried using the search feature, but I really couldn't find 1 clear topic that summed up my questions... sorry 'bout that.
Thanks in advance,
Regards

You can certainly try the Line-In, you won't hurt anything. Most people find that it doesn't work very well because guitar is not "Line-Level".
Others question the quality of the A/D converts built in to the Mac. Personally, I doubt the iMic's are any better, but the level problem usually forces one away from the direct Line In without some form of pre-amp.
I've used the iMic (though with a mixing console) and found it acceptable. A higher quality interface (read much more money) yields much better results ... it's always a trade off.

Problems recording electric guitar in Garageband

I'm fairly new to using Garageband. I have Garageband 09 on my Macbook Pro. I'm playing a Fender Telecaster and a Stratocaster and am going through an Edirol (USB) interface and using Guitar Rig 4 plugins for amp modeling.
I'm running into a few problems that I don't understand how to solve and am hoping someone can offer some help or advice.
First, when going through the Edirol, I notice that the Recording Level setting on the Track Info pane on the far right of the screen is not active. I'm assuming the Edirol interface is over-riding this. Is that normal when using an interface?
I use the input level knob on the Edirol to control the volume when I record (because the Recording Level is not active) and I keep it fairly low (about level 3). When I record the track using a clean guitar sound I watch the meter on the track pane on the left side of the arrange window. I adjust the settings so it never goes into red, and I watch to make sure it doesn't.
Then when I play back what I've recorded, it jumps into the red in a few spots.
I'm baffled by that. Is there any explanation and fix for this?
Also, the recording of the song (with drum loops and vocals on it) has some clicks or sounds like a scratchy phonograph needle. I thought it might be the sound breaking up from distortion, but they don't always correspond to when the meters hit the red zone.
What are these sounds, why are they appearing and how can I avoid/get rid of them?
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I've tried using the noise gate to get rid of it, but, while it silences the hiss and noise when you're not actually playing anything, the hiss is still very present when you are.
Also, if the noise gate is set too high, it kills any sustain. And the hiss is still there anyway when playing, although it's a bit less.
Is there some explanation for this, and any solutions? How can I get rid of this noise/hiss and still have a great sounding lead with sustain?
Thanks in advance to anyone who can offer any help.

First, when going through the Edirol, I notice that the Recording Level setting on the Track Info pane on the far right of the screen is not active. I'm assuming the Edirol interface is over-riding this. Is that normal when using an interface?
Yes, that's how it works!
When I record the track using a clean guitar sound I watch the meter on the track pane on the left side of the arrange window. I adjust the settings so it never goes into red, and I watch to make sure it doesn't.
It's perfectly fine for the recording level to go into the read, actually that's what you want. Just make sure it never clips (the two little dots at the end of the meter scale lighting up).
Then when I play back what I've recorded, it jumps into the red in a few spots.
I'm baffled by that. Is there any explanation and fix for this?
Recording level and playback level are two different things. The latter depends on how you set your track's volume. Turn it down if it clips (again, red is fine.)
Maybe other people can comment on your distortion problems!

Question about interface for recording electric guitar and vocals

Ok, I've been messing around with Garageband all day, totally stoked and I'm ready to get into it. Right now I'm using a First Act quarter inch plug to USB cord to hook up my guitar and start recording and after some messing around I got it to work.
Here's my question... to really make quality recordings, what's the best way to hook up the guitar? Is the way I'm doing it now fine with the USB cord or is some sort of interface better? Can someone recommend one that's on the cheap side? Also, I haven't tried yet, but what's the best way to record vocals? Should I invest in a USB mic? Can anyone recommend one? I have a Shure SM58 already, what's the best way to hook that up?
Really excited about this, can't wait to start cranking out some songs!
PS: When I use the USB cord, I don't see any way to control the recording level, and sometimes I get a Feedback control warning. How can I lower the level so I don't get that? Thanks!
Message was edited by: xSlamx

I have a total now of 4 interfaces - I recently purchased a FOCUSRITE SAPPHIRE 6 USB - it's amazing quality and I only paid $149 for it at my local Guitar Center. I use it with my Guitar and everything sounds fantastic - they say the preamps are really high-quality for Mics too... I recommend it. I have a firewire interface too but the Sapphire is my man baby now - don't let the USB 1.1 fool you - it works flawlessly with my Mac and my Windows 7 machine too. It also comes with a selection of software including Ableton Live Lite and 4 really nice Focusrite plug-ins too.

Don't know how to Record Electric guitar?

Ummmm, so in a few words....
what is the best way to record Just an Electic guitar over a beat I made? I
have a PreSonus Audio box, and a Condenser mic, too.... don't know if that
helps or I can do it with those. (USB btw:)
Thanks!
-Brandon

The most common method in rock n' roll is a Shure SM57 (cheap dynamic) an inch or so away from an amp grille, and let'er rip.
Or go direct into your interface "Hi-Z" input, and use amp simulation plugins for that "simulated amp" sound!
If you use a condenser on your amp, give it a foot or two of room from the amp to eliminate the harsh upper mids. Common placement in the '60's (Beatles, Pink Floyd etc).
If using a dynamic (Shure '57, etc), mess around with pointing it at the center of the amp speaker, or away from it, etc. Even Logic's Guitar amp plugin simulates the behavior with a choice of dynamic/condenser and center cone/side cone. Play with that and hear the difference...

What do I need to plug an electric guitar into my iMac?

I understand basically that there may be some 1/4" to mini cable, or that there are USB or Firewire devices?

1/8" stereo jack to 1/4" stereo
optimum is 1/4" mono as i posted above, but that should work
Or would there be an advantage to something like a Monster iStudioLink cable?
it's nothing but an expensive adapter
I'm not looking to do anything professionally and was hoping for something under (even well under) $100.
for the few dollars, it's worth a try, if the adapter doesn't work, then look at an interface.

What is required to plug my electric guitar into my MacBook Pro?

Can anybody shade some light on my question?

This is EXACTLY what you want
http://us.focusrite.com/usb-audio-interfaces/scarlett-2i2/key-features
$150, Ive got one and love it, I use mine also for connecting high priced mics to my Macbook.

Recording My Electric Guitar - Sorry New

Greetings.
I'm sorry for the very easy question. But I was wondering how I go about plugging my electric guitar into my computer/ Remote 25SL Compact Keyboard Controller. Any answers will be greatly appreciated.

Brandon - I go DIRECT - no interface - on an Imac this works fine - on a Macbook I'm not sure as a lot of MB owners claim their levels are way too low - mine sounds awesome. I had an M-Audio Audio Buddy and also a Fasttrack USB thing too but wound up sellin' em (actually traded the Fasttrack to another guitar player for a Pedal I wanted). You can also use any Multi-Effects Pedal as an Interface and a lot of regular single pedals too - Just a cable from your guitar to the pedal and out of that into your Mac using a small 1/4" -> 1/8" adaptor (Radio Shack - $4.00). I've used a Zoom G2 into my Mac, a Digitech Pedal and now am using a Korg AX5G Multi-Effects Pedal (sometimes). I also use Amplitube 2 and Guitar Rig 3 software so I set everything clean as it can get and let the software do the work of adding effects, distortion, etc. Even Guitar Amp Pro which omes with Logic is great. People swear I have a full stack hiding behind my computer desk somewhere... I also picked up 2 used Fender Frontman 15R's to use as computer speakers - they sound wicked! Once you get up and running - start learning about IMPULSE RESPONSES - they are AMAZING for computer guitar-playing... a good place to start learning is:
http://www.guitarampmodeling.com/index.php
Space Designer can load impulses or you can use a free plug-in called LA Convolver. Basically you have to turn off the CABS (speakers) in any Amp Sim (GR 3, AT 2, etc.) and load the impulses of REAL CABS - there are literally hundreds of great ones on that site to download and a great section for learning about IMPULSES too. If you need to - email me [email protected] - I'm in JAX so we're close !

Electric Guitar Feedback

Ok... i dont know what is going on...
I have a Stratocaster Standard going into an Apogee Duet...
I normally try to keep the input levels mid level with an acoustic but for some reason when I try to record an electric guitar into Logic's Guitar Simulation Plug-Ins I get feedback on high distortion settings... How the heck am I getting computer simulated feedback with no real amp to point my guitar at?
I've done a little tweaking to some of the high distortion tone settings and whenever I lower the amps master volume feedback goes away or if i lower the microphone simulation on the amp the feedback goes away. But since these are logic's presets... aren't they pre-made settings to use with an electric guitar?? Yet I'm getting horrible feedback with these "presets"
Any ideas?

hey.
im using the exact same setup as you also but running the output to a fender blues deluxe 410.
i have the same issues when using the higher gain amps. i think the thing is that feedback may be unavoidable, but i am going to look into it a bit more.
also, eventhough we are using a virtual amp, if the output is to a speaker with high power, the emf from the speaker will find its way back into your pickups so it is really the same as a real guitar setup.

Recording electric guitar into reason

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