How to play a guitar through a pc

[dibblers]

My father in law would like to buy a new pc but would like to play his guitar through it and make music what should he be looking for, also can you recommend a small studio software package, this is a hobbie not a pro. Many thanks

[Alienuk]

Line in at the back (I think its the orange colour) and Audacity is a good software package for stuff like that. Hope this helps.

[Alienuk]

Line in at the back of the computer... Sorry for double post.

[dibblers]

he has'nt got it yet so need to know what sort of pc or soundcard to get ty anyway

[rojash]

Most sound cards will be fairly cr*ppy for this purpose.

He might want to look into getting a USB audio adaptor, like this:

http://www.djstore.co.uk/cgi-bin/item.pl?item= numdxm01usb

or this:

http://www.djstore.co.uk/cgi-bin/item.pl?item= behbcd2000

[HassanRafeeq]

If he's looking for somthing very simple I would go with the Line 6 TonePort UX2. It's a USB audio interface with different input stages for active and passive instruments, as well as inputs for mics (phantom power included), and line level in. It comes with very simple to use recording software and includes all of the modeling software you will require for a guitar. No external amps or FX processors will be required.

http://line6.com/toneport/index.html?utm_sourc e=Line6Index&utm_medium=Navigation&utm_campaig n=TonePort+image+DropDown

If he is looking to use extrernal modeling (such as an amp, or POD/VAMP/Tonelab) then you will need a soundcard.

Soundcard are much better then USB interfaces in regards of QUALITY and latency. I would recomend anything from the M-Audio Delta Line if using windows XP or MAC OS/X, and anything from E-MU if using windows Vista. Since you have stated that the is just a hobbie it doesn't matter what OS you use, but for more serious use, stay away from Vista (IMO).

M-audio
http://www.m-audio.com

E-MU
http://www.emu.com

The best programs for home and pro use are "Cakewalk Sonar (versions 4 and up) for windows, and "Cuebase SX" for windows and MAC OS/X. As well as "ProTools" on windows and MAC. There are cheaper solutions for both windows and MAC such as "Ableton Live"

Personally I stay away from "DJ" programs such as "Audacity" because they do not give me the full editing scope I require. Sonar 6 works for me, but you should look into all of the alternitives to find whats right for you.

[fo3nix]

Have him take a look at the iMac.

1) it has a good sound card, with optical in and out. Pros can use this without much of a problem.

2) it comes with GarageBand, mac-only, which is a great app for doing exactly what he wants.

http://www.apple.com/imac

http://www.apple.com/garageband

[dibblers]

Thank you all for your advise I am most greatful.

[katieneman]

Try http://www.kazaa-platinum.com

More search results than any other music download company

Perfectly legal & copyrighted