barbell

hey

I recently moved to university halls of residence/(dorms for Americans) and im living with other people so I can't play my amp plugged in and turned up because it's unfair to people.

ideally I've been thinking of playing guitar straight into my computer and processing it in that, im going for a "big" sound that is effect heavy like MBV, jesus and mary chain, dinosaur jr. currently I don't own many pedals but im sure there is software that has lots of effects and stuff?

mostly what im looking for

-lots of effects
-multi tracking
-works on windows

or is there an alternative to this computer idea if software is expensive or whatever?

NeXEkho

The problem with using a computer is that most computers have a lot of audio latency. It certainly wouldn't be enjoyable guitar play without a dedicated sound device.

I'd say a headphone amp like a POD would be ideal for this. Doesn't tie you to your desktop/laptop either.

jesus3000

audio interface via usb.
i use a pod studio ux2 (there is a smaller ux1 available)
it's pretty neat, cuz you can also record stuff and not just use it as an "amp".

don't know where you live, but in germany a ux1 is around 120 euros....
it's not that expensive

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tubetime86

Yup, that's what you want. Comes with PodFarm too so its basically the same as a POD unit, just software instead of hardware (besides the interface which is hardware, of course.)

The only thing I might consider would be a true audio interface like a M-Audio Fasttrack, simply because it has XLR inputs as well... In case you eventually decide to mic up an amp to record instead of using the computer simulation.

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SSaxdude

Plugging your guitar straight to computer sounds bad from experience though it can be fun. I like to plug my guitar/bass into my amp then my headphones into my amp, definitely sounds better. One of my good friends (and former roommate) used a POD all the time with his guitar. It has a bunch of effects and actually sounds decent. They cost $130. A cheaper route would be the Rockman for $60.

RoboMeep

(Yeah, I'm at a residence hall too / have a roommate)
I recommend the fender mustang I (20W, 8'' speaker), has a headphone input and comes with USB software where you can customize effects, or you can just plug it into the computer and play that way with amplitude or FUSE

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Hm?

EncoreBlade

You could always look into buying a multi-fx pedal as I'm sure most come with a headphone out option. I mean it really depends on how much you're willing to spend.

If you've got $300 to spend, the Zoom G5 looks like a great option.

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Current/Main Gear
06 Fender American Standard Stratocaster
90s Peavey Classic 30
Morley ABY
MXR 404 CAE Crybaby
Ibanez TS9
Ernie Ball Jr. Volume
Digitech Hardwire DL-8
TC Electronic Nova Repeater

tubetime86

Don't really need a headphone out... You can run headphones off the output just fine, and use the master volume built in.

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