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zslane · 03-19-2011, 08:26 PM

If you have a computer then you don't need much more to make simple recordings. A good audio interface is the most important component (I have an M-Audio FastTrack Ultra which is a terrific mid-range unit).

If you have a PC you can pick up Reaper for $40 and have a studio-grade DAW at your disposal. If you have a Mac you have GarageBand which is free. The trick is amplification. If you are using a physical amp, then you have to mic it, which is a bit of an art in itself. But even that's not too hard.

I prefer going the all virtual route. No physical amps for me anymore. I either use AmpliTube as a DAW plugin, or feed the output of my Axe-FX into the audio interface and let it do all the work. Either way I get perfect tone and I don't have to worry about crappy room acoustics, bad mic placement, volume compromises, etc.

Unfortunately, I have perfect gear, and now the weakest link is my playing ability. No more blaming the equipment and no more excuses...

03-19-2011, 08:26 PM	#33 (permalink)
zslane Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 2,762 Thanks: 5 Thanked 22 Times in 9 Posts	Re: Seriously people, is it that difficult?! If you have a computer then you don't need much more to make simple recordings. A good audio interface is the most important component (I have an M-Audio FastTrack Ultra which is a terrific mid-range unit). If you have a PC you can pick up Reaper for $40 and have a studio-grade DAW at your disposal. If you have a Mac you have GarageBand which is free. The trick is amplification. If you are using a physical amp, then you have to mic it, which is a bit of an art in itself. But even that's not too hard. I prefer going the all virtual route. No physical amps for me anymore. I either use AmpliTube as a DAW plugin, or feed the output of my Axe-FX into the audio interface and let it do all the work. Either way I get perfect tone and I don't have to worry about crappy room acoustics, bad mic placement, volume compromises, etc. Unfortunately, I have perfect gear, and now the weakest link is my playing ability. No more blaming the equipment and no more excuses... __________________ Les Paul Standards: 1999 Ebony, 2005 CR7 Goldtop, 2008 VOS R8 Tobacco Sunburst Les Paul Customs: 1993 Transparent Black (over flame maple top), 2004 Alpine White Other Gibsons: 2012 50th Anniversary "Standard 24" SG, 2005 SG '61 Re-issue, 2002 ES-333 Click here for the full-size group photo.