TUTORIAL: Cheap way to record guitar onto your computer w/ combo amp

[patrickrennemomusic]

But when you have recorded the sound file, do you put it onto the video (and not use the sound from the camera) ?

[epicbikerguy]

Did you record this with an old tennis shoe?

[antonio3324]

Couldn't hear your guitar bro.

[TheZombieRitual]

@antonio3324 Can't read your comment... bro.

[P4nzerk93]

My production sounds really good! I mean the sound guality hehee ; D If you have problems with noise try to change your sound. I lovered my gain from my amp and used audacity to boost it again.

[Gizmotrold]

is this recorded with a borito ?

[JakeBeoulve]

With Audacity, just plug a rock band (or any usb) microphone directly into your PC and hit record, no installation. It's a Mic-to-speaker style though, but it works for me.

[TheLolzin12]

did you record with a fork?

[TheZombieRitual]

@TheLolzin12 No, actually. Believe it or not, this was recorded with a chair.

[hjalmarBuoi]

did you record with a shoe

[TheZombieRitual]

@hjalmarBuoi What are you talking about?

[hjalmarBuoi]

@TheZombieRitual the quality...

[TheZombieRitual]

@hjalmarBuoi I see now. Yeah I used a cheap webcam, but it's all I had.

[hjalmarBuoi]

@TheZombieRitual you probably notice the other coments about forks and potatoes :D

[xxSGMattxx]

Are you recording with a potato?

[TheZombieRitual]

@xxSGMattxx What?

[rrgert4]

why does the recorded audio come out only in left speaker :(

[maganashi]

@rrgert4 Pan the audio channel in audacity. If that's not the problem (which it probably isn't), I'd say it's down to using a 3.5mm jack.

[rrgert4]

@maganashi lol

[alabodomy]

wont the amp being plugged into the pc/laptop blow the speaker???

[ELMERALLICA1996]

hey what r thesettings that u have on your amp, they sond koo

[TheZombieRitual]

@ELMERALLICA1996 Pretty much gain all the way up.

[ELMERALLICA1996]

@TheZombieRitual no i ment like the midd, high, low,

[TheZombieRitual]

@ELMERALLICA1996 Oh, this amp doesn't have the High, Mid, Low EQ on it. It does have a 'contour' knob, that if you turn it up it scoops, or turns down you Mids. I personally think scooping mids sounds horrible, so I have that knob in the middle. On a normal amp I always have my mids at 10.

[race1717]

I think it's best to use a preamp so you can hear while you record.

[iSometimesWriteMusic]

Guys guys guys... you who read this and want to start recording guitar... being on "a budget" like this, i.e. absolutely free, simply won't cut it. It's not gonna sound pleasant enough for anybody to truly enjoy. I was on a budget when I wanted to start recording, but I BOUGHT an audio interface for 100 €, and that is what you need to get started, there is no way around that. There is great free amp simulation out there. Also: audacity ain't gonna cut it.

[virginmobility]

Metallica ftw

[Harris2160]

Nice video but i have a problem. Whenever i record i makes the guitar sound alienish and strange. Is that a common problem or is it just my stuff

[BTL400]

@Harris2160 , i had the same problem, but searching out, i found that the answer is:

"you just need a stereo cable (2 rings on each end) and a standard 1/4" stereo to 1/8" stereo adapter"

first, plug the standard 1/4" stereo to 1/8" stereo adapter, then plug the stereo cable into the adapter and finally into the pc "line in" port (for best quality) or "microphone port". if you have a mono adapter will sound too low and only the left speaker.

[BTL400]

@BTL400 or maybe a mono cable xD, sorry my bad english

[hatecrewsix2]

tutorial fail!!!



[Toadoe7]

The out input? XD

[TheZombieRitual]

@Toadoe7 Yes, not the in output.

[whatthebollocks]

thank you soooooooo much dude. i dodn't want to have tp gob uy a wicked expensive mic and this is much better thanks :D :D :D

[superjokerrr]

nice tutorial, how did you record at the same time the video and the sound of the guitar? what camera you used?

[TheZombieRitual]

@superjokerrr I used a cheap Logitech webcam. What I did was I went into Windows Movie Maker and went to 'capture video from device' and chose 'Line In' as my audio input source, while the amp is plugged in. This will allow you to do so.

[superjokerrr]

@TheZombieRitual thanks mate!

[CheekyMaintenanceMan]

Yeh, download Audacity, it's a Trojan...!!!

[TheQuwquw]

was that Cartman on your guitar? 1:51 ^^

[TheZombieRitual]

@TheQuwquw Why yes it is :)

[Corpsegrinder54]

oooops my bad !!!!! thx dude

[Corpsegrinder54]

OK here is a noob question ???

when u record do you hear what your playing through the amp

or the computer ??? or no sound at all u got 2 playback what u recorded 2 hear it....

[TheZombieRitual]

@Corpsegrinder54 Just answered that question. See my reply to falcoperegrunus82's comment.

[falcoperegrinus82]

Can you hear yourself in real time? On my amp, when you have something plugged into the output jack, the amp's speaker is bypassed, and as far as I know in audacity you can only hear what you just played after you hit playback, but not while it's recording.

[TheZombieRitual]

@falcoperegrinus82 One solution to your problem I can think of is to get a Y cable. Which you'll plug into your output, then you'll have two inputs now. Run a cable into one of these inputs to your computer and the other input for headphones or speakers.

[ryno9534]

When I do this I get A LOT of feedback?  help plz?!

[Mysticmorris]

read the title of the tutorial for crying out loud. I spent alot on an Maudio thing and never really used it as i couldnt get rid of the latency. Perhaps some just want a cheap and easy way to record and mess around for.... for practice maybe :p

[RS358]

Do you know why, when I do this it sounds so bad?

[yuvalrplaysguitar]

@RS358 the speaker of the amp heavily characterizes and changes the sound, and when i tried this everything sounded compressed and cheap...

[Realrpg]

Hey man when i do this i get heavy feedback thats just louder then the guitar, any suggestions??

[alaincitoow]

i get LOT of background noise :S plz help !

[AllAroundAngel]

Yo man I have a question I can record it but! I can't hear my self while playing it!

[Angryification]

@AllAroundAngel Turn the vol. way up? It worked for me. Maybe you didn't plug it in the right jack of your sound card. You want the blue one

[SonsOfHateSphere]

I did somehow the same, but you can barely hear the guitar, and if you turn the volume up, it all sounds scratchy. Any tip? (I have a Roland X30 amplifier)

[sizrtomislav]

Simple but efficient! Great job man and thanks for the video..

[gwugluud]

1:53 April Fools !! This WAS meant to be a joke, right?

[TheZombieRitual]

@gwugluud ????????

[SHAWNGALEADROCK]

@gwugluud the sound is not loud enough so you taught it was a joke dude but it isin't turn up your voule or use a pair of headphones

[Sweeper5]

While this method will work, it's not really the proper way. What you need is an audio interface. (M-Audio fast track, or Edirol FA-66, something like that). This will allow you to plug in your guitar, amp out, POD, bass guitar, or XLR microphone, and will go into a USB on your computer. It's convenient and easy. No learning curve and not expensive. The M-Audio is only like 113 bucks.

[TheZombieRitual]

@Sweeper5 Well this video is titled "CHEAP way to record guitar onto your computer". $113 might not be cheap to some people.

[Sweeper5]

@TheZombieRitual I know, I just thought I'd throw that in. I would think that if you have an electric guitar, an amp, and a DAW, another hundred bucks isn't that much. Also, you can find these items even cheaper if you shop on ebay. What you've described is "a way" to get something recorded; but it's really not a very good way and the audio results probably won't be too good. That's all I'm saying.

[theCrpldOrphnPrjct]

@TheZombieRitual lol @ the poor kid. why not just buy one using your foodstamps?

[SHAWNGALEADROCK]

@TheZombieRitual yes i agree with you this the chepest method i use too for my recording but i sugget you to don't use it on the mich port instead use the line-in! or you have a big chance to screw the mich port i'm being serious i know this because it hapened to me in the past an recently to my friend the line ine was made for guitars, samplers and turntable vinyl recording if you can't afford the usb interface today turntables come with usb output too the should include it with amplifiers!

[BurialWarlock]

@TheZombieRitual Where did you get $113 from? You can get one of those little jacks for about $5 and an Auxillary cable for about $2.

[TheZombieRitual]

@BurialWarlock It was a reply to someone else's comment. They were talking about a way to record using equipment that cost around $113.

[tjohnson20xx]

@TheZombieRitual

all u need is a 1/4" to mic input adapter. u can plug your guitar into the adapter (which gives it a mic jack) and then plug that into your computer. there's no amp involved and the adapter is like 5 bucks.

u could prolly use this same set up after running through a switchboard if u want effects like distortion etc, but haven't tried that yet. (:

[xLightningShotx]

@TheZombieRitual 110 dollars??? how did you manage to spend that much doing this?

[TheZombieRitual]

@xLightningShotx It was a reply to another persons comment. They saidof another way to record, but it ran for around $110. This method does not cost $110.

[xLightningShotx]

@TheZombieRitual o ok! That makes more sence

[SHAWNGALEADROCK]

@Sweeper5 in that case there is cheaper is called Alesis GUITARLINK dose same thing like in this vid instead in the usb port!

[borednessislife]

soooo the adapter is just the thing on the end of a guitar cable? i just screw it off and use it? sorry, i'm new to this stuff.

[TheZombieRitual]

@borednessislife No it changes the smaller headphone sized cable to the bigger instrument cable size, or vice versa. You just plug your cable into the adapter, DO NOT unscrew your instrument cable because if anything like solder comes loose on the inside, you'll have to either fix it or buy a new one.

[borednessislife]

@TheZombieRitual ooh yeah, i figured it out now. i'll just have to pick one up for a few bucks at radioshack, haha. thanks man.

[mickr08]

I downloaded audacity 1.2.6 and i'm not able to change my thing to rear mic or something there not there plz help

[guitarplayer10120]

I get a lot of lag when recording is there anyway to fix that ?

[xAcidPrisimx]

I have a Marshall Have Stack 100 Watt head... If i do this... Will anything be in risk? Cuz I dont wanna fuckl up my computer.

[TheZombieRitual]

@xAcidPrisimx I'm sure it will wirk fine if you use the out jack or headphone jack. I'm not to sure if the speaker jack would work, so don't use that. I don't think it will mess up your computer.

[xAcidPrisimx]

@TheZombieRitual Hey... I Have all the stuff plugged in.... But when i try to record i get no signal... And i cant find the rear mic option...

[travis5352]

@xAcidPrisimx actually i tryed this on my friends !!!!!!!!!!!MAC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! with a 50watt amp, and it shorted out the cpu line in input and headphone input. i dont know if mac is just terrible OR it happens on every cpu. think about it b4 doing it !

[dylanmcc123]

Well I thought it was helpful, but it's not working for me.

[dylanmcc123]

Very helpful. Exact amp as mine.

[KennethSk84Life]

Does Anyone Knows Whats The Cable Real Full Name So I Can Search And Buy It Online The Cable In 0:26 ... I Cant Hear If He Says The Name My Speakers Dont Works Anymore...

[TheZombieRitual]

@KennethSk84Life

It's an auxiliary cord.

[KennethSk84Life]

@TheZombieRitual Thanks!!! Oh An Another Question Sorry To Ask Again The Other Thing at 0:38 How Is Called?

[yngwiestrat2012]

@KennethSk84Life yeah give the brand "belkin" a shot i have had my cord for about a year and havent had any problems

[XRGDARKN3SS]

My amp has just a footpedal switch which it takes a cat5 or Ethernet cable and a headphones do you think it would work in the headphone Jack please help

[TheZombieRitual]

@XRGDARKN3SS The headphone jack should work since it's sending your signal out to a pair of headphones, or in the case your computer's microphone jack.

[Skwis666]

i have audacity 1.3.12 and that input box you show at 0:43 isnt there. where can i find it now?

[TheZombieRitual]

@Skwis666 I too have 1.3.12 and it's there for me. When I start it up mine says 'microphone'. Are you sure it's not there?

[NBGCUSTOMS]

this person's voice is like melted chocolate! thumbs up!!!

[mpalin11]

Reaper >> Audacity

both are free. Try Reaper.

[TheZombieRitual]

@mpalin11 Reaper is only a free trial. A full license is $225.

[AJokeWithoutLaughter]

where can i get a cable like the one you plug into your computer

[TheZombieRitual]

@AJokeWithoutLaughter I got one at a store called Five Below for $5. But you can find them at Wal-Mart.

[KmS69GlItChErS]

This bullshit doesnt work, it always comes out clean, Where the fuck is my distortion?

[produccionesmiranejo]

@KmS69GlItChErS

try using an interface is way better\

[KmS69GlItChErS]

@produccionesmiranejo and also way more expensive xD

[St3v3n947]

how did you record it with the video at the same time pls answer!

[TheZombieRitual]

@St3v3n947

I have a Logitech webcam. I Have that plugged in I click on "capture from video device" and since my web cam doesn't have built in mic I need to plug one in so instead of plugging in a mic i just plug in my amp to my mic input and that's how I did it.

[St3v3n947]

i have a logitech webcam too and i plug in my amp to my mic imput to but i cant find capture from video device...

[TheZombieRitual]

@St3v3n947 File>Capture Video or Ctrl+R

[DaWn0FTheDead]

wait what program should i download??

[TheZombieRitual]

@DaWn0FTheDead

Audacity. I have a link in the description.

[SoadAddict91]

I have all the proper cables and everything connected properly but when i record with audacity and playback, the sound is all distorted and it fades in and out and has a very strange sound to it, like its not clear at all and i have no clue whats wrong. I tried using the default windows recording but i have the same problem. I need help for my noobish ways bad!!! Plzzz

[XxdartvaderxX]

@SoadAddict91 try the reaper program :P its better to me

[nomenanook]

nice!

[me412fan]

what should i do if my amp only has and input jack

[TheZombieRitual]

@me412fan

The only other option would be a headphones jack. If you don't have one of those, this cannot be done with just an input.

[nomenanook]

aww you have a little cute baby marshall :P jk thanks for the vid

[TheZombieRitual]

@nomenanook

Yeah it's pretty cute! But it's a monster! I was surprised when I first plugged it in! This summer It's getting a big brother. I'm planning to get MA100H head with a 1960A cab.

[shoriffic]

gonna need a noise gate too

[021Guitarmaster]

y doesnt mine record distortion

[TheZombieRitual]

Yours doesnt have distortion because you will need a distortion or overdrive pedal. I have overdrive in this video because my amp is a two channel amp. The first is clean and the other is an overdrive channel. I used the amps built in overdrive. If your amp has a gain control, turn it up. If not you will need an overdrive or distortion pedal.

[dapik5]

Hey is your account name a reference to the death song?

[TheZombieRitual]

@dapik5

Yes, Death is my all time favorite band.

[dapik5]

@TheZombieRitual sick man i love em too. if only i could've seen them live :(

[TheZombieRitual]

@dapik5

Yeah I know what you mean man. It sucks that Chuck died when I was in 2nd grade.

[dapik5]

@TheZombieRitual hmm i woulda been in grade 3, but i had no fucking clue who he was back then lol

[666tisme]

hey man, i have everything plugged in, but the "rear mic imput" thing doesn't show, blehhh i've tried everything.

any ideas??

[TotaLyn00b]

no cus your a fagget :D

[Axel15810]

Can you record through a mic in if your computer doesn't have a line in? Also, what adapter and chords are you using? What would you recommend I buy to get started recording on my laptop? I have a guitar, amp, and laptop. Thanks man.

[TheZombieRitual]

@garnanza

yeah i beleive there is a volume control for the recorded track. If not you could probably import it to itunes if you have it then adjust the volume on itunes.

[ItsShredTime]

I used to do this, but I definitely wouldn't recommend it. It's horrid quality if you just record into your sound card. Unless your sound card has an XLR input.. But USB is always the best way to go if you're on a budget

[TheZombieRitual]

@ItsShredTime I wouldn't say it's "horrid" quality. I mean it's not professional studio quality you'd hear on an album. But I'd say its cheaper than USB which the cheapest is $25 and you could get all the cords and adapters for the video's method for $8.

[ItsShredTime]

Yes, but when you do it this way, there is always buzzing in the back and your guitar never sounds the way it does normally coming out of the amp. It turns into a muddy mess.. The best way is just to get a decent microphone and a usb interface.. Record the amp with the mic running into the interface. You'll have no buzzing as long as you have a halfway decent mic. And it will be much better sound quality.

[TheZombieRitual]

@ItsShredTime Yeah I totally 100% agree with you, but this is how I do it until I can get some cash for better equipment. I'm actually planning on getting a mic once I get a better amp.

[ItsShredTime]

Well, I'd recommend you look into what I just got. It's the Tascam US-122L USB 2.0 Audio/MIDI Interface. $129 and it comes with Cubase LE4. I've also got the CAD touring 7 piece drum mic kit. I use the condensers out of that for instrument recording.. if you check out my newest video, it's a song I just recorded with it.

[RetroReactiveZ]

help !!!

how did you get the video aswell

[TheZombieRitual]

which part of the video?

[RetroReactiveZ]

like can you film and record using the same method and how

[TheZombieRitual]

Oh I use a logitech webcam which has no built in microphone. Windows movie maker alows you to do it when you use the capture from video device option. So when you record it the video Using that option you need a video signal and an audio signal from the mic input on the computer. So when I'm talking I using the crappy mic that came with the webcam and when I'm playing while filming I just switch the mic with the amp using the same recording method that I show in the above video.

[SwampAshHSS]

dude, nice video.

you should do an instructional video on camera work also...

[nube2]

I have a Dual rectifier and it doesnt have an output or headphone jack, except the one that feeds its power to the cab, how does that work for me?

[SwampAshHSS]

@nube2

STOP AND LISTEN.

you have a TUBE AMP (dual recto).

always make sure your speaker is plugged in, or your amp has a speaker load, or else you amp might blow up. ok, now that being said.

you can record it two ways, loudly:

1. microphone to cabinet, or ambient mike (Tascam DR-1, all in one type deal)

2. speaker emulator DI box between your speaker and your amp.

Silent recording:

you need a speaker emulator and load box combo. Palmer PDI-03 for example. read up on it

[phollas00]

mine is all muffled and bassey

[Edu2503]

You don't need Audacity if you have a amplified mic input in your motherboard. If your amp has a phones output and you have a 6.3mm to 3.5mm plug adaptor you can plug it in the mic input of your computer and you can record it with linux, that's the way i record my solos.

[jpjdo1212]

how do you do it if your amp doesnt have an output jack

[TheZombieRitual]

I believe you can use the headphone jack too. So try that, most amps have one.

[jpjdo1212]

Thx ill give it a shot

[Parasite617]

hey did the headphone jack way work for you?

[jpjdo1212]

yea but i ran it throught my fx processor then to the amp and out the headphone jack and into my computer. but the thing is to hear wat your playing you have to connect headphones to the comp. so you can hear

[Parasite617]

ok. thanks

[PSPx5000]

dude when i go on audacity the the little drop down list is faded out and i can click on it

also when i import a song, the effects and most other features are faded out so i cant click on them either.. is there a way to fix this problem?

i downloaded it from the link in the description btw

[jessiecheah]

5. Using Audacity software (free software), import recording and the song, both in Wave formats. Adjust the overlap using the Time Shift Tool. Save as Mp3.

6. Using Windows Movie Maker, a video can be made by importing the video and audio and saving the final file as WMV file.

Sounds like an awful lot of work but at least it is free.

[jessiecheah]

1. Hook up guitar to amp as per normal;

2. Headphones out to Line In on Soundblaster Live soundcard;

3. Record guitar on PC using Creative Recorder (saved as Wave file), while playing the music through Windows Media Player;

4. Convert original music to Wave file using Creative Converter. (Meanwhile still trying to figure out how to convert a backing track on Youtube to wave file)

[pivotofpower]

i was just wondering what the specific name for the adapters are, ive been looking for them and i dont know what to look, for, so, if u could please tell me, that would, help, thanks

[TheZombieRitual]

They are headphone adapters, I got mine from a set of headphones. I will message you a link i found for just the adapter.

[waaasssuuuupp]

go to ur local guitar center, and look in the pro audio section, then ask which one you need for guitar.....

[12yrsoldguitarist]

hey when i did all the things...no sound came out..and i cant find the rear mic thing in audacity...i downloaded the one in the link..

[TheZombieRitual]

It should be in the scroll down bar, if you look at 1:43 its there in the red circle. And if its not there try the other inputs in audacity it may be under a different name. And also make sure you plugged the amp into the red input in the back, not the blue or green. Also your computer may have a mic input in the front, so if it does try that with all the audacity input options.

[xaviermoyssen]

hey dude i do have the amp but im doing my shit on my laptop, i connected my amp to my guitar etc.... all the process is done as instructed but i plug it in into the laptop (yes it does work correctly) my guitar barely sounded and when i try to put in the rear mic surprise! the scroll bar thing is blocked i cannot click it i need help dude PLEASE! my band need to turn in a demo recorded in audacity and this is NOT WORKING!! HELP!!

[12yrsoldguitarist]

thanks...it worked but when i wanted to save it..it said that it can only be saved as a '.aud ' file...

[TheZombieRitual]

okay aud is is and audacity file thats only for audacity. to save your music as an audio file goto FILE, Export as WAV file.

[12yrsoldguitarist]

cool...thanks..you've been a really big help..

[8554721]

why i can't record my distorted guitar? i'm doping for reply.. thnx

[TheZombieRitual]

The only thing I can think of is if you have a 2 channel amp with two volumes, your distortion channel's volume may be down. Are you using your amp's built-in distortion(if you have it) or a distortion pedal?

[BlackMetalOV666]

hm i think whats is maybe my problem ... i tried if can be problem in amp but i tried a bass amp and it was the same. so i decide that problem is 1)audacity or 2)audio card in computer. but anyway thx ill keep trying

[Whisp201]

thnx!

[TheZombieRitual]

your welcome

[BlackMetalOV666]

Hi how is possible that my quality is so shity?:) I dont know if im doing it right and btw i cant even change in audacity the input. Pls give me advice. Im looking on this video all day.

[TheZombieRitual]

well how shitty is your quality? cause this method doesn't make CD quality recordings. it should sound almost exactly like on the video. and it should let change the input, (which is at the top right of audacity) which should be in rear mic if you plugged it into you rear mic input on your computer.

hope this helped, if it didnt give me some more details on your dilemma.