• From: U.K.
  • Registered: 2007-11-30
  • Posts: 21

Topic: PC guitar software

Hi all im looking for some ideas on pc guitar software. basically i want to record chords then be able to play solo over them. we are not talking about 64 track home studio stuff here just basic set up.
the boss micro br was an option but as im at the pc most of the time anyway thought i'd  look for software instead.
any preferences that you lot use would be good...any free software available that you know of would be GREAT !
thanks
Le Zarb

  • Grey
  • Platinum
  • Offline
  • Registered: 2009-08-13
  • Posts: 193

Re: PC guitar software

Have a look at the Line 6 Pod stuff. Not free but I think some models are a reasonable price. You get an interface to plug your guitar into, but the software looks pretty good. You can have all sorts of different Amp setups and effects pedals, and you also get some recording software.

I know there are others that are similar. I haven't got one of these but I am looking at getting one later this year.

Let us know what you end up getting as I am interested to see what is available.

  • From: South England
  • Registered: 2009-04-23
  • Posts: 154

Re: PC guitar software

Easiest way to do it is to download a program called Audacity - its totally free.

Then get a half inch to quarter inch jack adaptor and plug your guitar straight into the 'Line In' on your pc.

You can go through your pedal board first to colour the sound. Thats the simplest way.

Grey is right however,

The Line 6 Pod stuff is fantastic, I use their basic model combined with Audacity and I've never looked back. All I need now is an electric drumkit and I'm laughing!

In total it cost me about £40 to set up.

  • From: North Carolina
  • Registered: 2008-10-26
  • Posts: 2,926

Re: PC guitar software

Here is a free software that lets you record anything as long as you have some type of interface with the guitar.  www.audacity.sourceforge.net  Then you could use a 1/4 jack with a USB on the otherside and use stomp boxes or something for distortion tones.

AD3THREE's Website

  • From: U.K.
  • Registered: 2007-11-30
  • Posts: 21

Re: PC guitar software

thanks guys for the heads up on the free software. looking on the website it says  the 1.2.6 version is a stable version and the 1.3.9 is a "work in  progress".
all i really want to use it for is to record a few chords then solo over the top. would the 1.2.6 version be ok for that? also is it fairlt easy to use...i've never recorded my playing before ( very average player) but have the urge to record  now more than ever. i guess listening to Joe will do that to you wink
any tips re:recording wouldbe really helpful..where to start,sites etc
thanks again
le zarb

  • From: North Carolina
  • Registered: 2008-10-26
  • Posts: 2,926

Re: PC guitar software

I've had great luck with it myself.  all you need is a way to record your sounds and this thing should be able to do way more then just a few chords and solo over.  add you a drum machine and some bass and you could make decent demos.  Its not the best but its certainly not the worst.  Then add up the cost and you've got yourself a winner.

AD3THREE's Website

  • From: Scotland
  • Registered: 2009-02-11
  • Posts: 453

Re: PC guitar software

I have been using reaper and a PODxt for some very basic recording. here is the link

http://www.cockos.com/reaper/

I have achieved some pretty good results with this setup. It also comes with a host of plug in effects.

I have also used audacity and that too is great program considering it is free. If you have a little money to spend it would be worth checking out the line 6 pod studio GX. This comes with line 6 pod farm and you get bass amps as well as guitar amps.

  • From: U.K.
  • Registered: 2007-11-30
  • Posts: 21

Re: PC guitar software

fuzzblues ive seen some of the line 6 products demo'd on line the backtrack looks pretty straight forward to use . dont know if you've any info on using it ?
anything i'll be recording will be strictly for me, don't plan on gigging ( besides the RAH is probably full for next year anyway wink)
to be honest my playing is in a bit of a rut and im hoping recording is going to give it a much need kick up the a**e.
not looking at something too complicated, dont need a 64 tracker !
any help/suggestions welcome
cheers

  • From: Scotland
  • Registered: 2009-02-11
  • Posts: 453

Re: PC guitar software

The back track looks pretty cool. A great tool for reamping and capturing ideas quickly. Due to the fact that there is no processing on board then you will still need something like a POD or in software format.

I checked out the back track videos and I must admit I really liked the reamping side of things especially during live playing. I must admit if it doubled as a stright forward audio interface then I would be checking them out myself for sure.

You really need to decide what it is you really want. If it's just a few chords then solo over I wouldn't get anything to fancy software wise. I would stick with audacity.

Something else to consider is will this be enough for you in a few years. I mentioned the POD studio GX in an earlier post but if you can I would stump the extra for the POD studio UX1. This gives you an XLR mic input as well as stereo inputs for recording stereo sources.