Re: recording guitar - level problems

[Guy <sayhi2guy@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Ken Schutte wrote:

> Hi,
>
> I've setup a new FC4 system with alsa, jack, etc, and a SB Live card. 
> I'm trying to play some guitar thru the line in (eventually into 
> sooperlooper, maybe audor, etc).  No matter what I've tried, if I try 
> to get any significant volume, it's distorted terribly (not to mention 
> some terrible humming - something else I have to look into yet...)
>
> Are there any simple guidelines for getting a nice clean guitar sound? 
> Could any one point me in the right direction? or any good references 
> out there?
>
> There's seems to be a lot of places to set the levels: guitar, amp, 
> alsamixer (capture, line in), but I feel like I've tried it all.  I'd 
> like to go thru my amp first, which has a line out and headphone out. 
> I'm also willing to invest in some new hardware if that's what it takes.
>
> thanks.
Hi
I have been very happy with the results I have had using a soundblaster 
live card.  I go direct in to the breakout box at the front.  If in 
doubt for now use alsamixer, as sometimes other volume programs seem to 
work with various degrees of effectiveness.  Make sure you have selected 
the right recording input & raised the levels.  You can check your 
levels with the jack meterbridge.  My guitar hums if it is too near the 
monitor/PC so I have a good long lead & move away as far as I can. 

I am so pleased with LADPSPA effects that I do not use my FX box or 
crank up my Marshall.  You can use jack-rack as a virtual effects rack.  
If you check the LAU archive some of us were putting up our patches a 
few weeks ago.

The most essential effect is (as has been mentioned) speaker emulation 
found in the CAPS plug ins.  It is more important on distorted guitar to 
avoid the famous 'wasp in a jam jar' sound - normally a decent amps 
speaker 'shapes' the sound & avoids this, so if you go direct you have 
to do it digitally.

I have tried Tele, Les paul & Strat types of guitar & gotten a great 
sound with each using Soundblaster Linux & LADSPA.  If someone more able 
than I could devise a footswitch a PC ( or even a laptop) could make an 
awesome FX unit.

Regards
Guy