See more details about connecting your guitar to your computer as well as how you can use your computer as an amp in this full guide: guitargearfinder.com/guides/how-to-connect-guitar-to-pc/
never in my life did I think I'd live to see the say when someone makes a joke about Matt Bellamy in a comment section. Especially under a video like this XD
I want to echo some of the comments here. This video was perfect. Comprehensive and straight to the point. I really appreciate not having to wade through nonsense to get to the answer to the question I asked by searching for video. Thanks!
@@quandariousgooch2163 some amp sims include pedals while others only give you amps. The most popular ones like AmpliTube 5 and BIAS FX 2 include amp and pedal models. Check out this guide on plugins to learn more: guitargearfinder.com/guides/best-guitar-plugins/
I love this video. I've been playing guitar for just over 2 years now, and music recording is something that I always wanted to do but was nervous to start. This video helps a lot, so thank you greatly for this
Glad you found it useful. Recording can be a lot of fun, so check out the tutorials and guides on my website if you want to learn more about plugins, DAWs, and more. Enjoy!
@@AaronMatthies Are there any significant lags due to the audio interface that might hinder guitar practice? I am mostly interested in practicing guitar using an amp sim and just want to know if this is good for someone just getting started with guitars.
You will get lag or latency And it makes it very hard to practice like you mentioned note (some audio interface have direct monitoring where you only heart the dry guitar signal it does not travel to pc / mac before going to headphones / monitors) @@ankitbytes
Thanks for the simple, quick and to the point instruction. I've been looking into getting set up to record at home and there's too much info on it. This really helped. Heading to your other videos now
Man, I tell you what, this video is great. I've been playing for over 25 years. Love metal, but for some reason I feel old because I own and play through a Marshall 🤣 playing through a computer always seemed a bit wimpy to me, but I've been seeing guys getting some serious tones this way. I've wanted to try it but had ZERO idea how to go about it. Thanks for the info👍
Excellent video bro, thank you very much. I have been planning to go back with the guitar and this was extremely helpful, thank you so much. We really need more people like you doing videos, for real !
@@AaronMatthies yo i have a question, sort of a newbie here, if i get the audio interface right and connect my guitar and use the Bias FX stuff and yadeee yadee that would mean the sound would change depending on what pedals i have on bias FX correct? meaning i wouldn't really need to buy analog pedals? like digital distortion will sound like that? through my amp? (forgetting the sound differences ofc)
@WeenerDawg That's right - you would be able to add any effects in BIAS FX and it would change your guitar tone. Some guitarists do use BIAS FX as an alternative to using actual pedals. It all depends on how you want to play guitar. Some people like to plug their guitar into pedals and an amp, others are happy to plug into a computer to access all the effects and tones from a plugin. It is possible to have a set up that sends the signal from BIAS FX to your guitar amp. You just have to play around with the settings to get it to sound right.
@@AaronMatthies thank you!!!! that is so useful because as a begginer guitarist i was worried about getting the tones and sounds i wnated from the songs i was playing this is great!!!!! i can get pretty much the software for free what time saving and money c: ty!
I have a Yamaha AG06, which is a USB-powered mixer / audio interface. It has a "loopback" facility, which allows me to play a backing track from a computer program to the mixer, add vocal / guitar parts, and send the mix back to the same computer for recording on another program. I love it. It's inexpensive, too. I also have a USB DAC to connect my computer (a Mac Mini) to my hi-fi.
I already knew how I wanted to connect to my computer but you cleared up some questions I still had. Early on I was going to go with the focus rite but I found one that comes with a DAW, a keyboard, interface and monitors. It fits in my savings budget or my payment plan allowance amount that I give myself. Keep making the videos they help more than you know. 🤘🏻🎸👍🏻😎
Wow, simple, to the point and easy to understand. I just bought a Sterling H224 and this is the first video I found that is right on target. Thanks a bunch mate!
Great guide! I actually use the BOSS amp shown but I connect it to my Komplete Audio 6 interfact with a guitar cable. That way, I get the great amp sound in the DAW that I can use as a building block for deeper tones. I found that plugging the guitar directly into the interface gives a very weak base sound.
You can also buy a mixer with USB, so you can use it on a gig also. Mixers are very versatile. I use mixer also for rehearsal. I practise new songs with it. Another option could be Yamaha THR30 which can be used as a practise amp also and it’s wireless. You can connect your phone via bluetooth. Its multipurpose
This is a wonderful video. I had a lot of basic questions as a beginner, went through dozens and dozens of videos over several weeks, but it's this video that answered everything for me. Thank you so much!! Liked and subbed. God bless!!
If Carlsberg did Guitar to Computer videos this would be it. Everything I needed to know expolained in full and completely idiot proof. Brilliant video man.
Thanks for this, all the information in the video is hard to find and spread out everywhere over the web. thanks for sharing 4 great methods quicky and in depth
Hello Aaron. I'm glad I've found your channel and this video in particular. I'm a guitarist with decades of playing as an amateur, but embarrassingly I've been mostly bereft of any understanding of how best to record my playing. I'm off to get myself an audio interface! Thank you.
Man, You are Amazing!! I"ve watched many videos yet still never was able to figure it out. You're vidoes showed me exactly what to do , how to do it, what not to do, and most importantly get it to work!! I'm still working out the kinks , still needs work but I wouldn't have gotten this far without your help!! So Thank You Aaron.....I wish you had a line to call or something to that affect that you could walk through it in real time. Thank you pal Hope you have a Great Day!!!!
Thanks for the quick, concise video. Pretty well figured out everything i wanted to know. And you’ve got other vids to answer my other questions. Thanks again!
I am having difficult time to know what is the best way for me to record my guitar sound with what i have in hand. Your video realy helped me out.. Thanks
Just got it working, so besides getting a DAW (or a guitar amp sim) you'll need a specific driver called asio4all and you'll still need to fiddle with it, but it'll work just fine
Some people have issues with windows recognizing the real tone cable. You would be better off getting a audio interface. It’s designed for this purpose where the rocksmith real tone cable is designed by game developers and it doesn’t even work very well for its intended purpose of playing rocksmith because the lag issue of ad/da conversion. Get the audio interface and you can achieve far better results, even in rocksmith.
Very Excellent and concise video covering the subject. Absolutely perfect as a "Getting started" video for someone who isn't quite sure like I was. Thanks very much and keep up the good work. I will be back
Hi Aaron, Can you make a tutorial on how to record guitar with REAPER? and also tutorial to use Amplitubw \ Guitar Rig plugins from the basics? Thanks for the content!!
Thanks for the suggestions. I'm working on tutorials for Guitar Rig 6 and AmpliTube 5 (when it releases). In the meantime, here's my step-by-step guide to recording guitar in Reaper: guitargearfinder.com/guides/record-guitar-in-reaper/
I play an acoustic/electric. Bought a Katana 50 and a mini for quiet practice & was thinking about an buying an interface. Duh! Your video wised me up to the USB out on the back of the 50. Cha Ching! Just made my amp much more useful. When all else fails . . . read the directions. Lots of other good info too. Thanks! Rumored that the mini's headphone jack is good enough to use the same way? IDK.
It's very handy to be able to use your amp as an interface. Pluggin the mini's headphone output to your computer's line in jack may also be useful - it just depends on how the amp processes the output. Sometimes the headphones output changes the bass level to make the tone sound better on headphones, but it may not sound as good on regular speakers. Play around with it and see what works for you.
Consider this: I have a MIDI guitar. The MIDI component goes into the computer through USB, the Guitar amp is plugged into the computer through a USB interface. They both have latency. So you can't record in time with the song. There is no knob that makes them in sync, there is no buffer setting which makes this better; it's just out of time with the song. There is no cure for it. Recording live instruments on the computer doesn't work, because we don't have the technology yet.
What program do you use bro some have buffering settings but the older versions dont might be able to help as I am having the same issue mine is midi only aswell
used xtreme music fatality back then, i recall i can play without (and with, for unknown reason) latency, was a long time ago though dont remember clearly
If you have a good tube amp (it does not need to be big), you should just record your amp with (pre-amplified) shure sm57 microphone connected to your audio interface. That is the best method if you want to have warm and rich sound. I was a bit suprised this wasn't mentioned.
This video was for methods that give people a way to connect their guitar directly to a computer so they can use plugins. Recording an amp with a microphone is definitely a great way to record guitar, but it's not the point of this video.
I have been using a multi-effects pedal for years and I plug the line out to my computers line in and it works fine. You don't need to spend a bunch of extra money on more gear.
I'd recommend using either the iRig HD 2 or HD X by IK Multimedia or the RIFF by Positive Grid because they're designed to work well with iOS. They also work on PC/Mac, so it's a handy way to record on pretty much anything.
great video, thanks for the info. My H&K Amp has midi in & out on the back of it. How would i go about hooking it up to my computer? just run a midi out to USB in the computer?
Line in can work if you have an amp with a headphone jack. Just use an aux cable. Gotta lower the volume on the amp a bit to not overpower the line in. My PC has over volt protected jacks, so this is easy for me as it reacts in real time. And leaving it at the highest volume that doesn't crap out is no good, chords are muddy AF. Gotta lower it some more. On my amp it is between 3 and 4 on the volume knob. If you don't have protection, you likely will damage the port trying to find the right level. I also have a Real Tone cable from RS2014. It sounds a little crappy compared to my amp+line in though. But that thing is cheap so its to be expected.
Hi, thank for the vid. It’s really helpful. But many people say we need a DI Box to record guitar before connect to audio interface, is it true that DI box is necessary?
The method you don't recommend is great if you're just learning to play the guitar, jack to line in is just fine. You won't get great sound granted but it's a simple way & cheap way to learn with your headphones on if you don't want to annoy the family or your neighbours.
Can you make a video like this for connecting a guitar to iPhone? I refuse to believe iRig is the only possibility. I’d love to know what else is out there. I’d love an option that allows for recording as well as for use with guitar apps with effects, and apps like Yousician, Gibson, ToneBridge, etc. Thanks!
The way most people do it is record the audio and video separately, then join them together in a video editing program. This guide might help: guitargearfinder.com/guides/recording-guitar-youtube/
Great video thanks for this, I have windows 11 desktop would you still recommend the iRig HD 2? Because I've read some reviews that it's not good for Windows. Thanks
I've only used it a couple of times on Win11 and it worked fine. If you do try it, make sure you download the iRig ASIO drivers from the IK Multimedia website. From what I remember, when the iRig HD 2 first released, there weren't official drivers for Windows, so maybe that's why some reviewers had issues. While I now use their AXE I/O interfaces, I think the HD 2 is still a good device if you only want to record electric guitar. But as I mention in my article on Audio Interfaces, it's a good idea to think about what you might want to record in the future and buy something that you won't soon outgrow.
The iRig HD X would probably be a better option than the HD 2 as the HD 2 is quite old at this point. Otherwise, you might consider the AXE I/O One. It's the same price as the HD X yet has a lot more features - similar to the Focusrite Scarlett. Whatever option you get should be perfectly fine for producing high quality recordings of your electric guitar.
Aaron, nice video - thank you. Can you please consider explaining the SETTINGS on your computer and software? I like many other see these videos as helpful, but I still get confused on the sound settings of the computer, guitar software, and recording software especially as it relates to recording and hearing sound the sound once you have all the connections correct as this video illustrates.
If you check out the guide on my website (link in description), I have step-by-step tutorials for most common DAWs that go into a lot of detail on audio settings. These videos are basic overviews and the guides on the website go into detail on every option. Hope that helps.
Hey great video! I have used method 1 and now i am wondering, if it is possible to connect a bluetooth speaker with aux into the audiointerface and use it for the output instead of headphones?
Yes, if you're connecting the Bluetooth speaker using a aux cable it will work fine. If you want to use a Bluetooth adapter to connect wirelessly, the latency will be a problem.
Plugging my electric bass in the mic port basically gives me a makeshift distortion effect and it's actually very usefull since I play mostly muse and simmilar stuff.
Thanks for this amazing video Can I ask a question? I just bought a Digital multi effects guitar pedal. You talk about it going straight into the computer. Then would I have to go into the “preferences” of Garageband to recognize it (it currently recognizes the audio interface)? Or would I just go guitar > digital pedal > audio interface > Garageband? The owners manual for the pedal shows 2 XLR outputs into the Audio interface (????) This is all new to me so any help is always appreciated. Thanks a lot.
Because the pedal supports USB recording, you don't need to use another audio interface. Just select "GA2000 Audio" in Garageband. As the manual says, make sure you go to SYSTEM > USB AUDIO to choose whether you want to record the dry signal or with effects.
Good question. I don't know anything about electric violins, but I would imagine that an electric violin plugged into some pedals would have a similar output level as a guitar plugged into pedals. So I would imagine you would treat it the same. Just a guess though.
@@AaronMatthies Thank you. I guess we have to use the line mode instead of inst mode since there is a bridge that connects the instrument to focusrite which is the guitar pedal effects.
What about synching up cameras/tablets video to the sound recorded by the interface?Can you plug the camera into the computor and just run them simultaneously and they will show up and be recorded at the same time?
Most people who shoot video will sync them together later on in a video editing program. Just clap your hands or hit the strings at the very start of a take to get a loud audio spike, then you can use that to sync the video to the audio.
Excellent explanation. Thank you very much! I forgot to check my amp for the usb out, was thinking I needed to spend at least $100 on something but you enlightened me.
One thing not mentioned here is how to monitor the sound. A lot of computers will have lag between your playing and the output of the sound. If this is the case then plug your headphones or speakers into the audio interface, not the computer.
I own a Fender Mustang Micro, which is technically a headphone amp, it has USB on it which is used to charge it, but if you turn on the Mustang Micro and plug it into your guitar, you can record using the Mustang Micro, and it seems to work fine for me... Though to be fair, I have only did it two or three times, and I don't exactly have the best software for it probably lol.
Bass is my native instrument. Midi is new to me and I want to take advantage of midi vst or stand alone apps to expand LIVE performance sounds. So I need to connect so that I can connect via 1/4" jack to my amp and xlr to front of house. Can you provide the steps and recommendations like you did here? Tks.
The main thing you'll need is an audio interface that offers both 1/4" outputs as well as XLR outputs. That way you can split the signal in your DAW or the app you use to send different signals to different outputs. I suggest checking out my videos on recording guitar in different DAWs to get a rough idea of setting it up. A good starting point may be to use Ableton Live as it's a great system for live performance. You can set up your MIDI instruments as well as any plugins and send the signals to different outputs on your interface.
@@AaronMatthies thank you. I get confused when it comes to the use of a DAW. I dont plan to record, single instrument input and I am only playing a bass or guitar. I need to study up on the use of a DAW. Can a DAW be used to create a song set list with presets controlled from a foot pedal? I have a lot to learn. I shared your page with two of my buddies...we are older with a steep learning curve. Thanks. :-)
You can definitely do that with a standalone app such as AmpliTube 5 or BIAS FX if you want a simpler setup without using a DAW. They all allow you to save presets that you can control with foot controllers. So you could create a setlist of presets and use a MIDI foot controller to go through them or turn effects on/off. There's a guide on my website on MIDI foot controllers you might want to check out.
If using a Focusrite 2i2, you may need a DI box to attenuate the signal coming from an electric guitar or you may find yourself "red lining". Higher models of Focusrite interfaces have solved this problem. I'm using a 3rd Gen 2i2 and am dealing with that problem now.
This is great! Could you create a video showing how to mix the audio you record through the interface with the video? I know you can do it with iMovies, but I don´t know how it is done with a Windows device. Thanks!
How to mix the audio with a video depends on what program you're using. I'd suggest recording the guitar in a DAW (see my other videos), then export the audio file to import into your video editing program.
@@AaronMatthies awesome. I already order a focusrite to work on that. Do you have any videos demoing these steps? Or could you create one if it isn't too much ask? Thanks!
I suggest watching my other videos on recording guitar in different DAWs so you can decide which one suits you. Then once you have your recording, exporting the file is as easy as File > Export (depends on the DAW).
Fantastic video! Very concise and helpful. I would add that straight plugging in your guitar to an audio jack is not only the worst quality ever, but other sources have said that you could also damage your guitar or your computer in trying it
When I first joined my band, I started sending tracks for demos by recording my guitar through a Rocksmith cord straight into my laptop. Dont recommend for final tracks but if you REAAALLY need to get something down and thats all you got then work with it.
I ve connected my vox tonelab st with my computer but i want to use it with Guitar Rig but both the sounds of Guitar rig and effects pedals are mixing up 🙏🙏🙏
See more details about connecting your guitar to your computer as well as how you can use your computer as an amp in this full guide: guitargearfinder.com/guides/how-to-connect-guitar-to-pc/
Yep, u should make more videos like these.. cheers 🖖❣🍻
Hiya Aaron. Can I use my I pad pro instead of a laptop ?
if the M does not include usb port, can i use the M 3.5mm out to pc blue 3.5mm input?
Matt Bellamy be like "what if I take the computer and put it IN the guitar?!?!"
never in my life did I think I'd live to see the say when someone makes a joke about Matt Bellamy in a comment section. Especially under a video like this XD
Chris also has this awesome bass with a touch pad, he used it in Madness :)
Lol
That will be cool pc that looks like a guitar
Who is Matt Bellamy?
I want to echo some of the comments here. This video was perfect. Comprehensive and straight to the point. I really appreciate not having to wade through nonsense to get to the answer to the question I asked by searching for video. Thanks!
Thank you very much for the kind words. It's hard to balance being thorough and making the video too long so I'm glad you found it useful.
@@AaronMatthies hey quick question if I use an amp sim will I need to get pedals or do they have like built in pedals and tones?
@@quandariousgooch2163 some amp sims include pedals while others only give you amps. The most popular ones like AmpliTube 5 and BIAS FX 2 include amp and pedal models. Check out this guide on plugins to learn more: guitargearfinder.com/guides/best-guitar-plugins/
I love this video. I've been playing guitar for just over 2 years now, and music recording is something that I always wanted to do but was nervous to start. This video helps a lot, so thank you greatly for this
Glad you found it useful. Recording can be a lot of fun, so check out the tutorials and guides on my website if you want to learn more about plugins, DAWs, and more. Enjoy!
@@AaronMatthies Are there any significant lags due to the audio interface that might hinder guitar practice? I am mostly interested in practicing guitar using an amp sim and just want to know if this is good for someone just getting started with guitars.
You will get lag or latency And it makes it very hard to practice like you mentioned note (some audio interface have direct monitoring where you only heart the dry guitar signal it does not travel to pc / mac before going to headphones / monitors) @@ankitbytes
Thanks for the simple, quick and to the point instruction. I've been looking into getting set up to record at home and there's too much info on it. This really helped. Heading to your other videos now
At last!
A really helpful tuturial not just trying to sell us stuff
Thanks Aaron
Finally someone who explained it in a simple easy to understand manner.
Thank you
Man, I tell you what, this video is great. I've been playing for over 25 years. Love metal, but for some reason I feel old because I own and play through a Marshall 🤣 playing through a computer always seemed a bit wimpy to me, but I've been seeing guys getting some serious tones this way. I've wanted to try it but had ZERO idea how to go about it. Thanks for the info👍
Everyone in my area uses Helixes, Kempers etc. I prefer to use my 120w tube beast, Peavey XXX. I feel old as well because of that. I'm 24.
I saved up to get an engl and it’s still brutal af, but for recording and messing around yeah this is the way
I’m 16 and don’t understand computers so I just use a regular 100 watt peavey tube amp, my mom fuckin hates it lol
yeah, I'm glad that it's not another stupid meme video
Lol exactly...me too 😅😅😅
Excellent video bro, thank you very much. I have been planning to go back with the guitar and this was extremely helpful, thank you so much. We really need more people like you doing videos, for real !
Thanks. I hadn't tried connecting my guitar to my computer - I just started wondering how a few day ago^
There's a lot you can do when you start playing around with modeling apps and DAWs, so have fun!
@@AaronMatthies yo i have a question, sort of a newbie here, if i get the audio interface right and connect my guitar and use the Bias FX stuff and yadeee yadee that would mean the sound would change depending on what pedals i have on bias FX correct? meaning i wouldn't really need to buy analog pedals? like digital distortion will sound like that? through my amp? (forgetting the sound differences ofc)
@WeenerDawg That's right - you would be able to add any effects in BIAS FX and it would change your guitar tone. Some guitarists do use BIAS FX as an alternative to using actual pedals. It all depends on how you want to play guitar. Some people like to plug their guitar into pedals and an amp, others are happy to plug into a computer to access all the effects and tones from a plugin.
It is possible to have a set up that sends the signal from BIAS FX to your guitar amp. You just have to play around with the settings to get it to sound right.
@@AaronMatthies thank you!!!! that is so useful because as a begginer guitarist i was worried about getting the tones and sounds i wnated from the songs i was playing this is great!!!!! i can get pretty much the software for free what time saving and money c: ty!
@@AaronMatthies hey! In the method number 1 how will I get the sound output?. A newbie here😁
No bullshitting, Straight to the point, Subscribed!
I have a Yamaha AG06, which is a USB-powered mixer / audio interface. It has a "loopback" facility, which allows me to play a backing track from a computer program to the mixer, add vocal / guitar parts, and send the mix back to the same computer for recording on another program. I love it. It's inexpensive, too.
I also have a USB DAC to connect my computer (a Mac Mini) to my hi-fi.
I already knew how I wanted to connect to my computer but you cleared up some questions I still had. Early on I was going to go with the focus rite but I found one that comes with a DAW, a keyboard, interface and monitors. It fits in my savings budget or my payment plan allowance amount that I give myself. Keep making the videos they help more than you know. 🤘🏻🎸👍🏻😎
Wow, simple, to the point and easy to understand. I just bought a Sterling H224 and this is the first video I found that is right on target. Thanks a bunch mate!
Thank you so much!
I got the Scarlett... Tought it didnt work.. but you showed me it!
Great guide! I actually use the BOSS amp shown but I connect it to my Komplete Audio 6 interfact with a guitar cable. That way, I get the great amp sound in the DAW that I can use as a building block for deeper tones. I found that plugging the guitar directly into the interface gives a very weak base sound.
You can also buy a mixer with USB, so you can use it on a gig also. Mixers are very versatile. I use mixer also for rehearsal. I practise new songs with it.
Another option could be Yamaha THR30 which can be used as a practise amp also and it’s wireless. You can connect your phone via bluetooth. Its multipurpose
This is a wonderful video. I had a lot of basic questions as a beginner, went through dozens and dozens of videos over several weeks, but it's this video that answered everything for me.
Thank you so much!! Liked and subbed. God bless!!
Directly to the point and Very good presentation makes it easy to follow.
If Carlsberg did Guitar to Computer videos this would be it. Everything I needed to know expolained in full and completely idiot proof. Brilliant video man.
Thanks for this, all the information in the video is hard to find and spread out everywhere over the web. thanks for sharing 4 great methods quicky and in depth
Glad to hear it. If you need more details, the guide I link to in the description covers everything from the video.
Hello Aaron. I'm glad I've found your channel and this video in particular. I'm a guitarist with decades of playing as an amateur, but embarrassingly I've been mostly bereft of any understanding of how best to record my playing. I'm off to get myself an audio interface! Thank you.
Once you learn the basics of recording and how to use a DAW (check out my other videos and guides on the website), I'm sure you'll enjoy it. Have fun!
Man, You are Amazing!! I"ve watched many videos yet still never was able to figure it out. You're vidoes showed me exactly what to do , how to do it, what not to do, and most importantly get it to work!! I'm still working out the kinks , still needs work but I wouldn't have gotten this far without your help!! So Thank You Aaron.....I wish you had a line to call or something to that affect that you could walk through it in real time. Thank you pal Hope you have a Great Day!!!!
This was an excellent video for a noob like me! Clear instructions that don't assume I know anything.
great clear video without all the usual nonsense. Thank you for this!
Thanks for the quick, concise video. Pretty well figured out everything i wanted to know. And you’ve got other vids to answer my other questions. Thanks again!
I spent hella long trying to find a simple answer to a simple question and I found it! Thank you!
Very helpful explanation of choices in non technical terms, thanks
So clear and informative. Just what I needed. Many thanks!
I am having difficult time to know what is the best way for me to record my guitar sound with what i have in hand. Your video realy helped me out.. Thanks
This is great; I don't have space to store a big ass amp.
Any advice on a guitar Jack to USB A? I got one with rock smith and it’s taken me this long to check if it’ll plug into my PC lol
I did that a few years ago. The input lag was difficult to overcome. I never really got rid of it, just minimized it.
Just got it working, so besides getting a DAW (or a guitar amp sim) you'll need a specific driver called asio4all and you'll still need to fiddle with it, but it'll work just fine
@@JomaneFiat technically yes, on a Microsoft pc, if you use mac the drivers are pre installed
Some people have issues with windows recognizing the real tone cable. You would be better off getting a audio interface. It’s designed for this purpose where the rocksmith real tone cable is designed by game developers and it doesn’t even work very well for its intended purpose of playing rocksmith because the lag issue of ad/da conversion. Get the audio interface and you can achieve far better results, even in rocksmith.
Very Excellent and concise video covering the subject. Absolutely perfect as a "Getting started" video for someone who isn't quite sure like I was. Thanks very much and keep up the good work. I will be back
I'm new to this but found it very interesting. I will buy a interface and give it a go. Many thanks.
Thanks Aaron. This was quite helpful and straight to the point. Gonna recommend you to a few friends as well.
Hi Aaron,
Can you make a tutorial on how to record guitar with REAPER? and also tutorial to use Amplitubw \ Guitar Rig plugins from the basics?
Thanks for the content!!
Thanks for the suggestions. I'm working on tutorials for Guitar Rig 6 and AmpliTube 5 (when it releases). In the meantime, here's my step-by-step guide to recording guitar in Reaper: guitargearfinder.com/guides/record-guitar-in-reaper/
Excellent, that was super helpful and comprehensive, really appreciated.
I play an acoustic/electric. Bought a Katana 50 and a mini for quiet practice & was thinking about an buying an interface. Duh! Your video wised me up to the USB out on the back of the 50. Cha Ching! Just made my amp much more useful. When all else fails . . . read the directions. Lots of other good info too. Thanks! Rumored that the mini's headphone jack is good enough to use the same way? IDK.
It's very handy to be able to use your amp as an interface. Pluggin the mini's headphone output to your computer's line in jack may also be useful - it just depends on how the amp processes the output. Sometimes the headphones output changes the bass level to make the tone sound better on headphones, but it may not sound as good on regular speakers. Play around with it and see what works for you.
love the way you explain it , greetings from Egypt
Consider this: I have a MIDI guitar. The MIDI component goes into the computer through USB, the Guitar amp is plugged into the computer through a USB interface. They both have latency.
So you can't record in time with the song. There is no knob that makes them in sync, there is no buffer setting which makes this better; it's just out of time with the song. There is no cure for it.
Recording live instruments on the computer doesn't work, because we don't have the technology yet.
What program do you use bro some have buffering settings but the older versions dont might be able to help as I am having the same issue mine is midi only aswell
Try out fl studio bro has latency settings buffering and alot of sound templates drums etc also is midi compatible
used xtreme music fatality back then, i recall i can play without (and with, for unknown reason) latency, was a long time ago though dont remember clearly
Man, I wish I had this video when I was a teenager. I was plugging in my bass via the line-via which fed into Audacity!
exactly what I was looking for, thanks!!
I enjoyed this straight to the point video.
Been waiting for this. Thank you so much
If you have a good tube amp (it does not need to be big), you should just record your amp with (pre-amplified) shure sm57 microphone connected to your audio interface. That is the best method if you want to have warm and rich sound. I was a bit suprised this wasn't mentioned.
This video was for methods that give people a way to connect their guitar directly to a computer so they can use plugins. Recording an amp with a microphone is definitely a great way to record guitar, but it's not the point of this video.
Ive been using my old rocksmith adapter, the latency is a bit weird but it does work
very good explanations. thank you very much.
Thanks Aaron, the best explanation I have found so far. Really helpful.
I have been using a multi-effects pedal for years and I plug the line out to my computers line in and it works fine. You don't need to spend a bunch of extra money on more gear.
This was perfect thank you!
Suuuper helpful all in one video, blew my brains out. Sub and like for this!
Very informative. Thank you, sir.
recently had the slg200n and I had no idea how to record so this helps a lot
Very helpful. Do you also have recommendations for connecting to an iPad? Is it pretty much the same?
I'd recommend using either the iRig HD 2 or HD X by IK Multimedia or the RIFF by Positive Grid because they're designed to work well with iOS. They also work on PC/Mac, so it's a handy way to record on pretty much anything.
great video, thanks for the info.
My H&K Amp has midi in & out on the back of it. How would i go about hooking it up to my computer? just run a midi out to USB in the computer?
A MIDI to USB adapter should work fine.
Line in can work if you have an amp with a headphone jack. Just use an aux cable.
Gotta lower the volume on the amp a bit to not overpower the line in. My PC has over volt protected jacks, so this is easy for me as it reacts in real time. And leaving it at the highest volume that doesn't crap out is no good, chords are muddy AF. Gotta lower it some more. On my amp it is between 3 and 4 on the volume knob. If you don't have protection, you likely will damage the port trying to find the right level.
I also have a Real Tone cable from RS2014. It sounds a little crappy compared to my amp+line in though. But that thing is cheap so its to be expected.
Thank you. Very helpful. Good job
Maan this video helped me so much so detailed stuff . Really helpful
Hi, thank for the vid. It’s really helpful. But many people say we need a DI Box to record guitar before connect to audio interface, is it true that DI box is necessary?
If the audio interface is designed to accept instrument inputs, a DI box isn't necessary. Some people use them anyway, but you don't need to.
The method you don't recommend is great if you're just learning to play the guitar, jack to line in is just fine. You won't get great sound granted but it's a simple way & cheap way to learn with your headphones on if you don't want to annoy the family or your neighbours.
Thank you so much! Your videos are very helpful!
Yes Please, Very clear and easy to understand, Big thanks 😁
Thanks for the info. Appreciate it very much
Thanks for your good video and I fount an adapter (SAT UB-1) that can connect headphones by connecting to the amplifier speaker terminal on etsy.
Very helpful video! Thanks man
thanks for uploading this video. its really helpful. could you please suggest which software we can use for capturing and editing sound?
Check out my other videos and guides on the website as it covers all of the options in detail.
Super helpful for the newbie like myself
Brilliant video, thanks. More like this please 🙏 I haven't got a clue about computers
Can you make a video like this for connecting a guitar to iPhone? I refuse to believe iRig is the only possibility. I’d love to know what else is out there. I’d love an option that allows for recording as well as for use with guitar apps with effects, and apps like Yousician, Gibson, ToneBridge, etc.
Thanks!
Very gooddddddddddddddddddd....Million thanks, this is what I've been looking for for a long time.
Great video, but how do I use a phone(iPhone) for video and a multi effects unit for audio? Sorry to ask I’m new to this
The way most people do it is record the audio and video separately, then join them together in a video editing program. This guide might help: guitargearfinder.com/guides/recording-guitar-youtube/
brilliant video. clear instruction.
Great video thanks for this, I have windows 11 desktop would you still recommend the iRig HD 2? Because I've read some reviews that it's not good for Windows. Thanks
I've only used it a couple of times on Win11 and it worked fine. If you do try it, make sure you download the iRig ASIO drivers from the IK Multimedia website. From what I remember, when the iRig HD 2 first released, there weren't official drivers for Windows, so maybe that's why some reviewers had issues. While I now use their AXE I/O interfaces, I think the HD 2 is still a good device if you only want to record electric guitar. But as I mention in my article on Audio Interfaces, it's a good idea to think about what you might want to record in the future and buy something that you won't soon outgrow.
@@AaronMatthies OK if I do get it I'll download the drivers, But you think the Focusrite Scarlett is a better option? I only play guitar. Thanks.
@@AaronMatthies I think I'll just get iRig they also have a new one called iRig HD X.
The iRig HD X would probably be a better option than the HD 2 as the HD 2 is quite old at this point. Otherwise, you might consider the AXE I/O One. It's the same price as the HD X yet has a lot more features - similar to the Focusrite Scarlett. Whatever option you get should be perfectly fine for producing high quality recordings of your electric guitar.
@@AaronMatthies Great thanks
Hello! Help me please!
I have Engl Ironball SE (like Revv G20). How can I connect my guitar to a computer without using microphone?
Your videos are so helpful thanks man
Thank you. Very simple straightforward directions as well as understandable and concise explanations make this all so much easier to understand.
this is very helpful tips. thnx bro.
Aaron, nice video - thank you. Can you please consider explaining the SETTINGS on your computer and software? I like many other see these videos as helpful, but I still get confused on the sound settings of the computer, guitar software, and recording software especially as it relates to recording and hearing sound the sound once you have all the connections correct as this video illustrates.
If you check out the guide on my website (link in description), I have step-by-step tutorials for most common DAWs that go into a lot of detail on audio settings. These videos are basic overviews and the guides on the website go into detail on every option. Hope that helps.
@@AaronMatthies thanks for responding -- thumbs up will check that out!
Hey great video!
I have used method 1 and now i am wondering, if it is possible to connect a bluetooth speaker with aux into the audiointerface and use it for the output instead of headphones?
Yes, if you're connecting the Bluetooth speaker using a aux cable it will work fine. If you want to use a Bluetooth adapter to connect wirelessly, the latency will be a problem.
Plugging my electric bass in the mic port basically gives me a makeshift distortion effect and it's actually very usefull since I play mostly muse and simmilar stuff.
Thanks for this amazing video Can I ask a question? I just bought a Digital multi effects guitar pedal. You talk about it going straight into the computer. Then would I have to go into the “preferences” of Garageband to recognize it (it currently recognizes the audio interface)? Or would I just go guitar > digital pedal > audio interface > Garageband?
The owners manual for the pedal shows 2 XLR outputs into the Audio interface (????)
This is all new to me so any help is always appreciated. Thanks a lot.
What's the model of your multi-effects pedal? Let me know and I'll help point you in the right direction.
@@AaronMatthies Oh thank you so much. It is the Donner Arena 2000.
Because the pedal supports USB recording, you don't need to use another audio interface. Just select "GA2000 Audio" in Garageband. As the manual says, make sure you go to SYSTEM > USB AUDIO to choose whether you want to record the dry signal or with effects.
@@AaronMatthies Hey Aaron, many many thanks my friend. Your help is so much appreciated. Cheers from Quebec Canada.
Great video. Question, when you connect your electric violin to pedal effects to focusrite, do you still need to put INST mode ON?
Good question. I don't know anything about electric violins, but I would imagine that an electric violin plugged into some pedals would have a similar output level as a guitar plugged into pedals. So I would imagine you would treat it the same. Just a guess though.
@@AaronMatthies Thank you. I guess we have to use the line mode instead of inst mode since there is a bridge that connects the instrument to focusrite which is the guitar pedal effects.
What about synching up cameras/tablets video to the sound recorded by the interface?Can you plug the camera into the computor and just run them simultaneously and they will show up and be recorded at the same time?
Most people who shoot video will sync them together later on in a video editing program. Just clap your hands or hit the strings at the very start of a take to get a loud audio spike, then you can use that to sync the video to the audio.
Excellent explanation. Thank you very much! I forgot to check my amp for the usb out, was thinking I needed to spend at least $100 on something but you enlightened me.
One thing not mentioned here is how to monitor the sound. A lot of computers will have lag between your playing and the output of the sound. If this is the case then plug your headphones or speakers into the audio interface, not the computer.
Thank you. Very helpful
I appreciate you use my exact amp for method 3, now I dont have to look :)
I own a Fender Mustang Micro, which is technically a headphone amp, it has USB on it which is used to charge it, but if you turn on the Mustang Micro and plug it into your guitar, you can record using the Mustang Micro, and it seems to work fine for me... Though to be fair, I have only did it two or three times, and I don't exactly have the best software for it probably lol.
man, this is everything i neeed thamks
Bass is my native instrument. Midi is new to me and I want to take advantage of midi vst or stand alone apps to expand LIVE performance sounds. So I need to connect so that I can connect via 1/4" jack to my amp and xlr to front of house.
Can you provide the steps and recommendations like you did here? Tks.
The main thing you'll need is an audio interface that offers both 1/4" outputs as well as XLR outputs. That way you can split the signal in your DAW or the app you use to send different signals to different outputs. I suggest checking out my videos on recording guitar in different DAWs to get a rough idea of setting it up.
A good starting point may be to use Ableton Live as it's a great system for live performance. You can set up your MIDI instruments as well as any plugins and send the signals to different outputs on your interface.
@@AaronMatthies thank you.
I get confused when it comes to the use of a DAW. I dont plan to record, single instrument input and I am only playing a bass or guitar. I need to study up on the use of a DAW.
Can a DAW be used to create a song set list with presets controlled from a foot pedal?
I have a lot to learn. I shared your page with two of my buddies...we are older with a steep learning curve. Thanks. :-)
You can definitely do that with a standalone app such as AmpliTube 5 or BIAS FX if you want a simpler setup without using a DAW. They all allow you to save presets that you can control with foot controllers. So you could create a setlist of presets and use a MIDI foot controller to go through them or turn effects on/off. There's a guide on my website on MIDI foot controllers you might want to check out.
I use a jack to usb cable, a rocksmith type cable does the job very well and doesn't sound bad
If using a Focusrite 2i2, you may need a DI box to attenuate the signal coming from an electric guitar or you may find yourself "red lining". Higher models of Focusrite interfaces have solved this problem. I'm using a 3rd Gen 2i2 and am dealing with that problem now.
This is great! Could you create a video showing how to mix the audio you record through the interface with the video? I know you can do it with iMovies, but I don´t know how it is done with a Windows device.
Thanks!
How to mix the audio with a video depends on what program you're using. I'd suggest recording the guitar in a DAW (see my other videos), then export the audio file to import into your video editing program.
@@AaronMatthies awesome. I already order a focusrite to work on that. Do you have any videos demoing these steps? Or could you create one if it isn't too much ask? Thanks!
I suggest watching my other videos on recording guitar in different DAWs so you can decide which one suits you. Then once you have your recording, exporting the file is as easy as File > Export (depends on the DAW).
Thanks for the info.
Great video - thank you
Awesome video!!
Fantastic video! Very concise and helpful. I would add that straight plugging in your guitar to an audio jack is not only the worst quality ever, but other sources have said that you could also damage your guitar or your computer in trying it
When I first joined my band, I started sending tracks for demos by recording my guitar through a Rocksmith cord straight into my laptop. Dont recommend for final tracks but if you REAAALLY need to get something down and thats all you got then work with it.
I liked it, thanks for your help!
I ve connected my vox tonelab st with my computer but i want to use it with Guitar Rig but both the sounds of Guitar rig and effects pedals are mixing up 🙏🙏🙏