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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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I want to record myself soloing over a BiaB backing, but I only have a mic. input (no line in). Any suggestions as to the best way to connect the guitar to the mic. input? I could use the line out from my amp or the output from my Zoom multi-effect, or a Presonus valve preamp, so I'm a bit spoilt for choice!

Also, should I use Realband or can I do it just as well in BiaB?


Keith Freeman
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Hello Keith,

Are you sure there is only a mic input? Is it a laptop? I might suggest some kind of USB device in that case, others may have specific suggestions.

RealBand is more suited for recording audio - much easier to manipulate the recorded track - plus you can record multiple tracks.


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Hi Keith,

I agree with Andrew, my first advice is to try some USB device with guitar/instrument input provided, and don't use the MIC input. Guitar multieffects, preamps, mixers and any device with LINE OUT, deliver a pre-amplified hot signal compared to the millivolts range coming from a microphone, which may overload the high sensitivity microphone input, may even exist a damage risk to PC audio circuit. Also, if you connect your guitar straight to the mic input, the impedance differences between both type of circuits will produce a dark and weak guitar tone plus floor noise.


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Quote:

Are you sure there is only a mic input? Is it a laptop?




Yes, only mic in and headphone out, it's a netbook.


Keith Freeman
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Here is a tutorial on recording live with your guitar in BIAB.

BIAB .... Realtime/Live Guitar Through External Mic Jack

This is what I use all the time with no problems. Of course the guitar will not be in Stereo.
But the rest of the song is.


Recording Guitar through MIC IN with BIAB


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That's a great job on the video by the way. I think it should go to the FAQ's.

On the other subject, because I want to know, um...guitar in stereo? Or do you just pan a mono signal both ways? Or one way?


John Conley
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I just mentioned that in passing. I have used a lexicon stereo reverb before. Guitar into Lexicon> Lexicon out L/R back into a single jack that then goes into the PC with the stereo reverb effect.
Worked pretty good. I used that effect when I'm playing the spanish guitar stuff. With the Jazz stuff I use
a clean signal


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Cool. Look forward to more videos. You do great work.

It would be good if you hang around. You've gone a long way for 60 posts.

With your voice I'm looking forward to some blues. Seems like a match.


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I have a Behringer mixer beside me so I can try and hear the TV thru headphones.

But the new ones have USB. Bi-directional.

Here's one plug in your guitar, plug in your mic, record back to the computer, use phones, out to an amp..

http://www.google.com/products/catalog?c...ed=0CBoQ8gIwAA#


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Thanks for the tutorial.

So just to be entirely clear, you plugged the guitar directly into the mic input with nothing in between? Was it a nylon-strung guitar with piezo p/up? Have you got good results with a magnetic p/up (humbucker or single coil)?


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Quote:

Thanks for the tutorial.

So just to be entirely clear, you plugged the guitar directly into the mic input with nothing in between? Was it a nylon-strung guitar with piezo p/up? Have you got good results with a magnetic p/up (humbucker or single coil)?




Yes the Nylon String guitar with common under the bar piezo is what I plug straight from the guitar to the P.C. mic input. Of course you will need to have a reducer plug on the P.C. side of the equation to fit into the mic jack on the P.C. I've nevrt run into any problems.

Check-Out Video Below:

Guitar Plugged Directly Into P.C. Mic Jack


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