Computer recording setup – advice needed

[Ben C]

Hi everyone,

I’m setting up a dedicated computer recording desk and would love some advice.

I currently play through a MacBook and use GarageBand (which I will probably continue to do) but I want a simple, hassle-free workstation where I can plug directly in and record without moving amps or messing with cables and plugs etc

I know I need an audio interface, but what else should I consider for getting good simulated amp tones? Any software or gear recommendations would be great. I’d rather ask here than trust sponsored YouTube reviews etc.

Thanks in advance!

[sunjamr]

The most widely used audio interface in the world seems to be the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2. Plug it into your MacBook and GarageBand will recognize it. Plug your guitar into the Scarlett and you can just record directly into your MacBook. But how can you hear it? Your MacBook speakers will sound tinny and not loud enough. So, you need to buy a couple of studio monitors and plug them into the back of your Scarlett. 6” KRK Rokit studio monitors are the most popular studio monitors for home or small recording studios. They sound so good that I hardly ever even use my amps anymore. BTW, I have the same setup as you, except that I upgraded to Logic Pro after seeing that Brian loves using it. To me, Logic Pro is actually easier to use than GarageBand and comes bundled with lots of bells and whistles (literally).

Sunjamr Steve

[Ben C]

Thanks so much, this is really helpful. I’ve just ordered the Focusrite scarlet, and I’m now trying to find used monitors. Appreciate your help 🙂

[Alan L]

I’ve been plenty happy with the build in GarageBand amp sims. But if you’re looking for something more, Kemper seems very popular and I know Brian has mentioned using that for recording some of the lessons.

[Ben C]

Oh I had no idea you could use the amp sims directly. I’ve just been applying them once I have recorded using my amp. I think I’ll have a bit more of a play with GarageBand I think!

[Alan L]

Oh yeah- guitar -> interface -> GarageBand. So simple!

[John H]

Hey Ben,
I agree with Steve and your choice. Long time user of the MacBook, Focusrite 2i2 Solo and use Yama HS3 studio monitors. I think the most popular powered studio monitors on the market are KRK. Before you invest in simulated amp tones fully check with what GarageBand has to offer. I am forever surprised at how much GarageBand provides mimicking Marshall, Fender, the Brown Sound, Orange, Vox and a wide variety of stomp pedals. The learning curve is short and GB can be a very powerful DAWS. If you choose to branch out and use other plugins and digital amp models, Amplitube comes highly recommended and integrates with GB.

Here is a link to their site: https://www.ikmultimedia.com/products/amplitube5cs/

Good luck! John

• This reply was modified 1 day, 12 hours ago by John H.

[Ben C]

Thanks for this John. Im definitely going to be using GarageBand for a while longer to see what else I can get from it. Its so easy to use that I don’t see much point changing (for now anyway).

I’m going to research the speakers you have too. I need something that also works well for bass guitar

[Dieter]

Hi Ben,

I record on my PC and use the following equipment, which I’ve tailored to my needs and personal workflow:

Blackstar Polar 2 audio interface, 2 Yamaha HS7 powered monitors, amp simulators like the Strymon Iridium pedal (Fender, Vox, Marshall only) or the UA Dream pedal (Fender Reverb from the 1960s only), Mixcraft 10 Pro Studio DAW (easy to use, without too many features).

I get along well with this setup, but you can’t generalize—everyone has different preferences, etc.

However, you’ll probably need cables to some extent no matter what setup you use.

Dieter

• This reply was modified 1 day, 6 hours ago by Dieter.

[Ben C]

Thanks very much for this. I’m hoping I can find a setup and make it mine in the same way you have.

And yeah Im prepared for yet more cables but I’m hoping it’s better than my current setup. I have an amp on one side of the room, with an extension cable if I need it closer to where I am sat. My laptop is usually on my sofa. I film with my phone on my tripod, and have to use several different adapters to get my amp set up to my Mac. Then I have the issue of my amp having volume difficulties.

Usually by the time I have set it up, my motivation has gone

[Michael Krailo]

Usually by the time I have set it up, my motivation has gone

That is a real problem. Very easy to get sucked up in the whole production of it all. Once you get it figured out and have a good work flow, you will just be able to hook up and start recording stuff. I usually start off by recording audio only into the DAW. Then I listen back and and attempt to correct the mistakes I made while improvising. Then I try it again, but now I will start using the video recordings as well so that I capture some the good stuff. I already told you about getting a cheap Bluetooth remote shutter for your phone. That makes it real easy to turn the camera on and off.

So a good audio card is a must.
A good graphics card if you want to do video editing.
And as you already discovered, some decent monitor speakers and cables. I think the one’s I have are very basic cheap Presonus monitors. They were not very expensive, so I may upgrade those in the future. But they get the job done.

All my software is Windows based so I cannot help you there if your using Mac.

Root note patterns >>> CAGED shapes >>> TRIAD'S. Just put in the work and watch your guitar skills soar.

[Ben C]

Oh man, how did I forget about the Bluetooth remote shutter. I’ve just ordered one! Thanks for the reminder

[Michael Krailo]

Ben C wrote:

Oh man, how did I forget about the Bluetooth remote shutter. I’ve just ordered one! Thanks for the reminder

I have a mirror behind my phone, so I can visually see the recording status right in the mirror. That little trick works really good.

Root note patterns >>> CAGED shapes >>> TRIAD'S. Just put in the work and watch your guitar skills soar.

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