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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 110
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Mornin Gang:
I need some help. Trying to get input/advice here regarding some good ways to connect my guitar to my PC so I can start using Amplitube.
I wan't sure if an interface was absolutely necessary...or not.
In brief, I picked up cheap ol' version of Cakewalk's Music Creator 5 LE (waste of money)---but, it came with a guitar cable that was 1/4 to USB...so I thought, hmmm...ok, I'll try it...no box? Ok...try it...duh.
No werky-werky (as far as I can tell that is)...maybe the marketing team assumed that even the most rock headed of guitar players would realize they need an interface...I digress.
My computer recognizes "the device" and the drivers are good, BUT, when I open my DAW, it sees no related input (I checked audio and midi tabs---nada).
Now...I understand that the guitar signal is analog, and VERY weak; thus going direct to the PC's audio Line In jack would be futile...so...I'm sure I need an audio to usb box of sorts.
Thanks for any recommendations in advance!
JOHN 10:10
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2003
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To be at all useful a device needs to have asio drivers. So did you change your app to use asio? It'll show there.I use the IKM Stealth Plug and it's incredible. Never a hiccup.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 110
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Posts: 110 |
Hi John-
If you mean my DAW, yes, it is using ASIO---though by you mentioning it, I did not think to check the ASIO control panel. That may give me a clue..maybe?
If you didn't mean that...then you'll need to be more clear.
I did some light checking at Musician's Friend and found similar products are sold like Alesis GuitarLink. It does not appear to come with any additional software as it states: "Compatible with most Mac and Windows class-compliant drivers and software
"
So...I "assume" the PC should do what mine did (I have Vista)...recognize it and done.
Anyway...I'll check the ASIO panel tonight.
Though...I AM dreaming of a dedicated 2 or 4 channel interface...my stock sound card is JUNK...I grow tired of it. PreSonus and Tascam are looking pretty good.
I read a few reviews from folks that say the StealthPlug can be noisy...sourced by Windows users though...I might want a little more utility than just a simple guitar interface. An option for a Mic and stereo in would be a plus.
Yada, yada $$$
Thanks!
JOHN 10:10
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2000
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Any USB audio device, including that guitar device, *MUST BE CONNECTED AND RECOGNIZED BY THE OS **BEFORE** STARTING BAND IN A BOX.
When Band in a Box is started up, the program looks for any connected and working sound devices, each time.
If you already have Band in a Box open and running and then attempt to connect a USB sound device, Band in a Box cannot "see" the device.
--Mac
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2003
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Quote:
Any USB audio device, including that guitar device, *MUST BE CONNECTED AND RECOGNIZED BY THE OS **BEFORE** STARTING BAND IN A BOX.
When Band in a Box is started up, the program looks for any connected and working sound devices, each time.
If you already have Band in a Box open and running and then attempt to connect a USB sound device, Band in a Box cannot "see" the device.
--Mac
Right you are. Sometimes I take the very basic things for granted and forget to mention them.Sounds like this could be the issue.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 110
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OP
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Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 110 |
Thanks Mac for your input:
For clarity---BIAB is not being utilized in THIS instance; I am using a DAW from Mackie.
However, that behaves the same way when recognizing anything plugged into the USB port.
If my Motif (keyboard synth) is not powered up...then nope---DAW doesn't see it (BIAB is the same). I am aware of this to be sure.
I remember closing the DAW, replugging the guitar-link cable and re-launching the DAW to check any status change in my midi/audio in/out tabs...nope...nothing unique or different was there to indicate another source...that is what's confounding.
I'll slug away at it.
Thanks again!
JOHN 10:10
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
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Quote:
...I remember closing the DAW, replugging the guitar-link cable and re-launching the DAW to check any status change in my midi/audio in/out tabs...nope...nothing unique or different was there to indicate another source...that is what's confounding.
I'll slug away at it.
Thanks again!
Well, if it is a cable for a standard meagnetic pickup guitar, look only under the AUDIO devices, not MIDI.
And if not indicated, be aware that the device might not be functioning as designed. Maybe.
Is this device supposed to be Class Compliant plug 'n play, or perhaps it may need to have its own Drivers installed?
Does it work with the software with which it came bundled?
--Mac
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 110
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OP
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Mac,
I have not tried it with the bundle (which is Cakewalk's Music Creator 5 LE)---bought it for the cable mostly and loops and plug-in extras---which, come to find out NO loops were included---RIP OFF...anyway...
You could be on to something...? I'd rather not use MC5-LE...but if it works there, then I'll know it's restricted...which would stink.
JOHN 10:10
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2000
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If it works there, it may not necessarily mean it is intentionally restricted at this stage of the game.
But finding out if it works there is good data to have, it would eliminate the unknown of whether or not the device is defective or not.
--Mac
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 110
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OP
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Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 110 |
All is good (presumably) folks!
Just rack it up to middle age I guess.
Windows "recording devices" showed the guitarlink thing as a mic input.
I think before...I may have done something...weird...deselected it or whatever (it was late)...
I'm stupid.
It works now...I can see the levels deflect when I touch the end of the 1/4 plug...so I'm confident when I fire this up (at some point before I DIE) it will work.
Sorry for the rant...we're good.
Knucklehead.
JOHN 10:10
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