JayViddler Posted November 26, 2007 Share Posted November 26, 2007 Hey guy's I gotta a quick question. I wanted to do a little recording, I use GarageBand, and I want to make sure I don't blow up my computer. There are two ways I usually go about this. One, I go directly into my computer's mic port with a 1/4" to 1/8" converter or I will record from my amps using a USB mic, the Blue Snowball. My question is, if I plug my pedal chain into the computer will it blow? Most of my recordings are pretty simple so if I wanted to use my pedals I would just mic my amp but, i was wondering if I could run my pedals directly into my computer since the mic's level is usually pretty low. Any answers would be greatly appreciated. http://www.soundclick.com/bands/default.cfm?bandID=780010&content=music Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steevo Posted November 26, 2007 Share Posted November 26, 2007 You should be able to configure your 'mic' input as either mic level or line level. Make sure it is set to line level and your pedals should connect just fine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JayViddler Posted November 26, 2007 Author Share Posted November 26, 2007 Thanks a lot. I've never tried it before so I figured I should ask someone. Again thanx http://www.soundclick.com/bands/default.cfm?bandID=780010&content=music Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fumblyfingers Posted November 26, 2007 Share Posted November 26, 2007 Should be fine.Don't overdrive your speakers to death though....but you can tell if you are doing that yeah? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JayViddler Posted November 26, 2007 Author Share Posted November 26, 2007 Should be fine.Don't overdrive your speakers to death though....but you can tell if you are doing that yeah? Thanks a lot man. I've seen you've been doing a lot of home recording so I was hoping you'd give me some insight. http://www.soundclick.com/bands/default.cfm?bandID=780010&content=music Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zuben Posted November 27, 2007 Share Posted November 27, 2007 Do not plug your pedal directly into the computer. I will fry your sound board and posibly damage the rest of it. Peace http://www.spotcheckbilly.com http://www.littlefeat.net http://www.bonnieraitt.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
A String Posted November 27, 2007 Share Posted November 27, 2007 I hate to go against Zub here, but you should be fine as long as you are plugging in to the "line-in" and not the "mic". The mic input is powered and therefor isn't set up to handle the extra boost of a pedal. The line-in however should be fine. Just start out at a low volume and be sure it is not being overdriven. Stay below the red and the board should be just fine. Craig Stringnetwork on Facebook String Network Forum My Music Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JayViddler Posted November 27, 2007 Author Share Posted November 27, 2007 Does it matter if some of my pedals are plugged into an outlet. I use a few Electro Harmonix pedals and they all have weird voltages(I think its voltage, maybe impedance?). I held off last night to see what other people said. I'm just really worried, I can't afford to mess up my computer. http://www.soundclick.com/bands/default.cfm?bandID=780010&content=music Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trucks Posted November 27, 2007 Share Posted November 27, 2007 No it doesn't matter. You can plug in and play. Ideally, if you have a pedal which outputs a line level signal, put that at the end of the chain and plug that one into the computer.. That would your best chance at getting decent quality audio. Soundclick Myspace Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JayViddler Posted November 27, 2007 Author Share Posted November 27, 2007 I am kind of new to this, so sorry for my ignorance but, what do you mean by line level signal? http://www.soundclick.com/bands/default.cfm?bandID=780010&content=music Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trucks Posted November 27, 2007 Share Posted November 27, 2007 Very basically.... If you have a pedal with a "Line-Out" it sends out a signal which is specifically meant for a "Line-in" (i.e. the one on your sound card) so the impedence's etc will match and you will get the best possible recording quality you can get with the equipment used. A guitar signal is not "meant" to go straight into a line-in, although it works.. It is not the best solution. Soundclick Myspace Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scott Fraser Posted November 27, 2007 Share Posted November 27, 2007 Do not plug your pedal directly into the computer. I will fry your sound board and posibly damage the rest of it. Peace Any sound card which can be fried simply by overloading its input is one you'd be better off without. Obviously a truly high voltage going into a soundcard input, like 200 volts, would singe the card, but the output from even the hottest of pedals is going to be under a volt. This may drastically distort the analog input preceding the ADC, but that's all. Just pad down the signal to match the input level capability of the soundcard & you'll be fine. Scott Fraser Scott Fraser Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JayViddler Posted November 27, 2007 Author Share Posted November 27, 2007 Thanks for all the info guys. It is much appreciated http://www.soundclick.com/bands/default.cfm?bandID=780010&content=music Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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