What do I need to run a signal from guitar into a Windows PC Line In

[zobsky]

I'd like to play with software effect modeling.

As such, do I need to boost the signal from the guitar pickup before it hits the line-in of my soundblaster audigy 2 sound card? If so, can someone suggest a circuit that does what I ned and nothing more / less. Or even a cheap/readily available device. ... Or can I plug it in via a 1/4" to 1/8" adapter.

I'm probably more proficient at building tube circuits , though SS is okay too.

Thanks.

[sivan_and]

need to find out the signal level of guitars...if the signal level is high u need to use only a couple of resistors + a capacitor..if its low u may play with the software level controls

[zobsky]

Originally posted by sivan_and
need to find out the signal level of guitars...if the signal level is high u need to use only a couple of resistors + a capacitor..if its low u may play with the software level controls

Impedance matching is also part of the puzzle.

In short, will a simple preamp stage + low impedance buffer be called for or can I simplify further

Thanks

[mjf]

hello.
e-guitars usually need a high input impedance,e.g. 1megohm.
a small preamp with a fet can do that...........
Common Source FET buffer
greetings...............

[Markus2006]

In case you haven't noticed, just the previous topic: FET based Acoustic preamp help describes such a preamp. It is designed from an acoustic guitar and a piezo transducer, but it will work correctly with electric guitar.

Mark

[zobsky]

thanks all

[KP11520]

Hi,

Rather than build something that will match impedance and add gain, look at a USB or Firewire "Audio Interface".

This is the best way to bring in audio files into software recording and effects packages! They have input(s) for instruments and mics and usually have preamps to add gain and they take care of the impedance problems. They start at $50 USD up to the sky depending on how many channels you want to record on simultaneously and the quality of the ADC and Preamp(s). When you mic an amplifier with an electric guitar, you also get the room ambiance and it sounds more real, so try that with a good mic too.

You will get significantly better results this way, rather than through your soundcard.

Also look at the Line 6 Pods for the Interface. They also have tons of software for modeling.

Good luck!

Regards///Keith

[HK26147]

I'm with Keith; In that for not much money, you can get it done, vs fabricating something.
Including:
A D/I box and a mini mixer into the PC soundcard line level input.
Some side benefits: You can mix in other things and do some board EQ etc.
A Behringer X V-AMP Guitar Effects Processor would also do it fairly cheaply, with some added features.
( Used sound equipment is very cheap right now )

[cbdb]

Agree with the last 2 posts. Buy a usb audio I/O . There fairly cheap and alot of them include recording software.

[cbdb]

Just make sure it has an instrument input.