Demo Recording via PC

MGSman123

This seemed like the right place, so sorry if it isn't.
I just wanted to ask what the best route for recording guitar-only demos through a laptop (it's a Sony Vaio VGN-FW455J in case it matters) that has a headphone/SPDIF and microphone jack. I'm not sure if the microphone jack doubles as a line in. But basically, I want my songwriter to be able to record any riffs, etc that he comes up with onto a laptop so that we can sort and such. I wanna do it with everything I already have (I've spent too much money on failed home-studio attempts). I have plenty of 3.5mm cables along with plenty of 3.5mm to 1/4in jack adapters, my software, amps, etc. The only thing I need is a plan of action.

Any help?

Neurojazz

The Microphone socket can indeed be set to line level within the standard volume settings section in windows...

You have 3 other options also:-

1. Get a USB audio interface (cheapest)
2. PCMCIA Express card (higher quality - lots of cash - 300+)
3. Firewire Audio interface (better for larger projects, more money - 120+)

Hope that helps... just ask again if you need help!

raindog.promo

I use a USB audio interface. It's called UGM-96 and I got it on Musicstore website for around €100. Comes with software and does the job grand for recording demos.

Mataguri

On a budget you cant beat one of the Line 6 Toneports or Guitar Rig Mobile.

MGSman123

Neurojazz wrote: »

The Microphone socket can indeed be set to line level within the standard volume settings section in windows...

You have 3 other options also:-

1. Get a USB audio interface (cheapest)
2. PCMCIA Express card (higher quality - lots of cash - 300+)
3. Firewire Audio interface (better for larger projects, more money - 120+)

Hope that helps... just ask again if you need help!

Thanks for that. I'm going to take a look at all 3 options, but I'm not too pushed on spending any more money, though.

raindog.promo wrote: »

I use a USB audio interface. It's called UGM-96 and I got it on Musicstore website for around €100. Comes with software and does the job grand for recording demos.

Again, 100 quid is a bit steep for my budget. The demos are just so the records can be made of any riffs that he comes up with.

Mataguri wrote: »

On a budget you cant beat one of the Line 6 Toneports or Guitar Rig Mobile.

Thanks again, but... not too happy spending more cash!

I'd just like to ask if I were to run the guitar through the amp and out through the headphone jack and into the PCs microphone jack, will I be able to record a decent demo of the riff/song?

Thanks again to everyone for their input!

iamhunted

as long as the volume from the amp is set pretty low. There may be a chance of damaging your sound card though.

If i want to quickly just record ideas I usually use the laptops built in mic and play either an accoustic at it or an amped guitar