johnnycr

I'm looking for a way to record guitar and vocals with the equipment that I already have, since I can't really afford to buy anything right now. If I did buy anything, I'd probably get a microphone or some cable.

Here's what I have:
1/4 inch to USB cable
Xonar DG sound card
Older Digitech multi-effects pedal
Line6 Spider III 75w amp

I was thinking that I could...
1) Connect the guitar straight to USB
2) Connect the guitar through the Digitech and into the sound card (via 1/4 inch to 3.5mm converter)
3) Connect the guitar through the Digitech and into USB
4) Connect the guitar directly to the sound card (via 1/4 inch to 3.5mm converter)
5) Connect the guitar through the Line6 amp and into the sound card (via 1/4 inch to 3.5mm converter)
6) Connect the guitar through the Line6 amp and into USB

My questions are:
1. Which of the above options is best?
2. How could I record with the guitar and a mic simultaneously?
3. Which software should I use (free or cheap)?
4. What's a decent cheap microphone I could get for recording on PC?

Thanks!

GaryBillington

Of those, option 3 would be the best. They're all extremely poor ideas though.

Don't worry about getting a microphone yet, save up and buy either a multitracker or an interface. Both are discussed in the interfaces sticky (which also explains that all your ideas are terrible), that thread also recommends the bestcheap software.

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johnnycr

Yea, I realize my ideas are terrible. But I have literally no money right now (unemployed, massive student loans, baby on the way, etc.) and can't afford much beyond what I have. I'm not recording anything to sell or even give to friends. I'm just looking for a way to listen to myself to find ways to improve.

I took a look at the sticky but I'll read it more in depth, thanks.

INSULIN

Use Free Audacity

INSULIN

Logitech Good Mics Usb

lockwolf

^And you're way wrong

If you've gotta buy anything, purchase a Blue Yeti or other USB mic. They're kinda meh but if you go used, it won't break your bank completely and you'll have a decent mic for vox.

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Derpy Derp Derp Herp Derp

PacificOcean

I used a blue snowflake usb mic to capture my Vox VT40+
Sounds meh to me but is way better than pluggin anything into your soundcard.

Guess it's ok for now, but you should start saving for a decent mic.

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johnnycr

Thanks for the suggestions everyone. I definitely am hoping to get some good recording equipment someday but I need to get a couple jobs, pay off some student loans, and provide for my family first. It might be a while before I can afford some good stuff.

johnnycr

So... the Digitech that I have is the RP 50. If I want to try recording with that would it be better to get a 1/4 inch to 1/8 inch cable and plug it into the sound card, or would it be better to connect the RP 50 to my computer via 1/4 inc to USB?

Edit: I did some research and it looks like the USB is going to be the way to go here.

GaryBillington

If you can use it via the USB, do that. (Some multi-fx USBs are only for patch updates).

Using the 1/4" jack to connect directly to your soundboard is the worst thing you could possibly do. There have been several threads round here that have mentioned stories of people damaging their soundcards trying it. Some people seem to manage it without causing damage, but it's always extremely poor quality.

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