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As previously stated, this method basically involves plugging into some sort of interface or desktop unit that gets your guitar into the computer using a USB By plugging straight into an interface, you are removing the need to use an amplifier, and are therefore recording the guitar clean. Recording the guitar 
You may have seen guides explaining how you can plug your guitar directly into your standard soundcard using a jack plug and connector. Whilst this will enable you to hear your guitar through your speakers, the sound is very quiet, and is completely unsuitable for any kind of recording. By using an interface or desktop unit such as the M-Audio FireWire Solo for instance, you will be eliminating the need to use your standard sound card. Using an interface unit couldn’t be more simple; it’s really is a case of just plugging in your guitar. The recording interface unit will then send the sound to your computer via a USB or FireWire cable, depending on which type of port/connector you have. There are a wide variety of interfaces available, ranging in both price and quality. With a little reading you should find a product that suits your needs and budget in no time. As always, make sure you shop around to find the best deal. Many websites now allow users to add their own reviews after they’ve purchased a product, always pay attention as those customers have first hand experience. With that said, I’ve listed a range of products I’d recommend, with a brief summary of each. |
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A great entry-level unit is the JamLab
interface from M-Audio. JamLab turns
your PC or Mac into a personal guitar
system without the need for any other
hardware other than your guitar. The
compact JamLab interface connects
easily to your computer via a simple
USB connection, and features a 1/4”
input for your guitar and 1/8” headphone/line output. 
Connect the Fast Track USB to the USB port on your computer and you’re ready to go. Fast Track USB has an input for instruments like guitar, bass and keyboards, plus a microphone input for recording vocals or other acoustic sounds. The included GT Player Express software gives you killer effects and virtual stomp boxes so you don’t need any other gear to sound great. |
The Black Box is the first tool for guitarists that combine amp modelling, powerful beat-synced effects and a drum machine with a Pro Tools M-Powered compatible audio interface for computer-based recording. One simple USB connection sends the output directly to your favourite computer recording software and syncs drums and effects to your tracks. The Black Box gives you killer tone, groundbreaking effects, and huge beats. Read more... |
Line6 Tone Port UX2
The Tone Port interface features the pro amp, cabinet and effects models from the PODxt and Bass PODxt units so you know that’ll you’ll never be lost for sounds. The included Gear Box software provides an easy to navigate interface for dialling in the perfect tone, and offers 18 models of guitar amps, 24 speaker cab models, and 30 stomp box and studio effects. Read more... |
The M-Audio Black Box is an absolutely fantastic, award-winning unit, perfect for recording at home.
The Line6 Tone Port unit is like having a rack of premium tube recording equipment, and a perfectly engineered recording room for guitar and bass thanks to their cab modelling.| All the above products are quick, easy, and affordable ways to get your guitar sound on to your computer. Once the sound is on your computer the next stage is to use sequencing software to arrange the piece and add any effects, distortion, eq’s etc. The ins and outs of sequencing software packages are covered later. But for now, let’s take a look at recording for people using a Firewire Cable. |
What is FireWire? FireWire is a type of cabling technology for transferring data to and from digital devices at high speed. FireWire card readers are typically faster than those that connect via USB. Also known as IEEE 1394, FireWire was invented by Apple Computer but is now commonly used with Windows-based PCs as well. This option is very similar to USB in that it’s as simple and plugging in a playing - if you want the benefits using a unit compatible with a FireWire cable then a great starting point is the M-Audio Fire Solo - let’s take a look at that now |
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The M-Audio Firewire Solo is a fantastic starting point for songwriters on a limited budget to enter the realm of recording. It's compatible with most popular music software and is small enough to take anywhere your music needs to go. The Firewire Solo has a 1/4" input for electric instruments, as well as an XLR input for recording vocals or acoustic instruments. Dual line inputs are ideal for effects, drum machines, or other outboard gear.
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