guitar without gear (connected to pc)

[fading acorn]

hello i would like to ask if there is some guitar which is versatile and effects can be controlled through pc

i want to avoid having gear for multiple reasons but i want to keep possibilities as if i had 50 different pedals (or to my naive brain i would think that if its connected to pc i could create whatever effect i ever wanted)

i dont plan to play any specific genre all i can say now is melodic and experimentation (if it even matters at all)

ideally my budget is 500 but if the first possible product is at 2000 i still want to know about it for future

i also have few interfaces if that helps anything specifically
rme fireface ucx 2
behringer umc1820
mackie onyx artist 1.2

[viral grail]

You can plug in any guitar into an interface. You need some amp sim software too. I'd try out some trials first before buying. I liked Amplitube and GuitarRig but others also love the NeuralDSP software, so there are definitely some cool choices

[lyric totem]

You looking for something like this?
https://shop.warwick.de/de/instrumente/e-gitarren/mooer-guitars/gtrs-modern-800-intelligent-guitar-m800

[fading acorn]

im not really able to provide some specific details it will be my first guitar 🫠

[fading acorn]

so midi is not needed ? 🤔

[viral grail]

No, that's a different use case

[fading acorn]

interesting

[viral grail]

You just need something that puts an effect on the audio stream that's coming from the guitar

[lyric totem]

If it's your first guitar, then I'd suggest getting something around the 300-400 Euro (<--adjust to whatever currency you want)
range and getting either a MultiFX Unit - good beginner units can be had for around 160 Euro - or a headphone amp (100 Euro). That way you're set for practicing, playing, and recording.

[fading acorn]

so i could theoretically buy any guitar i want + amp and it should just work ?

[lyric totem]

Yes. Pretty much any MultiFX unit made in the last few years has built-in audio interface capability, so there are very, very few reasons for buying a dedicated interface unit these days. IMO.

With a MultiFX / Headphone Unit, you don't need an actual Amp. This has many benefits such as smaller size, more effects, more versatile, and you won't disturb those you live with/near.

[fading acorn]

i already got those interfaces for different reason so is that opening more possibilities ? especially that ucx 2

[viral grail]

You can buy a MultiFX later if you wish. For now you just need a guitar and a cable. You could download a free guitar software to start with.

[fading acorn]

can you send some example of multi fx ? 10 mins ago i didnt even know about it 🙃

[lyric totem]

https://youtu.be/V_QcoSqlWm0?si=hsi8-jWIqaoxWv8O

[viral grail]

Something like this as an affordable option: https://www.thomann.de/intl/harley_benton_dnafx_git.htm
But as you already have interfaces, you can just use one of those

[fading acorn]

i hope its not too stupid question but why multi fx if im connecting to pc ? cant pc do everything ? 🤔

[viral grail]

You can use a multi FX just like that without a PC too, in case you want to move around or travel somewhere

[lyric totem]

It's a perfectly fine question.
Basically, if you have an interface connecting to PC already, it's really up to you.
OTOH, Multi FX units are more versatile, given they have interface functionality built-in. Most have Tuners, Metronomes, Drum Machines, and Loopers built in. They also usually have a multitude of effects, of course.
Also, you can take your MultiFX units to band-practice and/or gigs with you easily and just connect to the house PA System or Mixerboard and thus always have YOUR sound with you easily.
You can't do that so easily with a dedicated interface.

[fading acorn]

alright then i think for starter i will go just with guitar

somewhere i read that price points and guitar itself doesnt matter that much for resulting sound but then also its somewhat obvious that based on genre players usually use different shape so is that just style choice or there are some actual differences ?

[viral grail]

It's mostly personal preference. The sound difference between guitars is in the pickups, but then again, most of the sound is shaped by the amplifier.

[lyric totem]

There are differences in playability in certain genres.
Yes, you can play smooth jazz on a "metal guitar", but it won't sound or feel quite the same, if that makes sense.
And vice versa.
So I'd strongly suggest list 5 of your favourite bands/guitarists (to yourself), and see what kinds of guitars they use, and choose one accordingly.

[fading acorn]

thats somewhat problematic i listen to many genres

[viral grail]

Same lol

[fading acorn]

and now certified stupid question is it possible to get electric to sound like acoustic with metal strings ?

[viral grail]

If you can, visit a shop and hold everything

Not really convincingly unfortunately

[lyric totem]

Yes.... many MultiFX units and modeling software provide acoustic simulations. It's not exactly the same, of course, but close enough for government work.

[fading acorn]

i will keep that in mind 👀

what about this one https://www.ibanez.com/na/products/detail/rg470dx_1p_04.html ?👀

[lyric totem]

Seems like a good guitar. Not a bad choice, I'd say.... 👍

this one is a bit more, but also an excellent choice for H-S-H guitars...
https://www.thomann.de/de/ibanez_rg470pb_reb.htm#bewertung

[tepid canyon]

For versatility, definitely a guitar with HSS pickup config, or even HSH like you're talking about with the RG variants.

But to answer your question:
-** The easiest solution is use your interface and plug in your guitar, then use an amp sim** like avroom mentioned (Neural DSP Archetypes have a free trial, Amplitube, Guitar Rig, Bias FX/Amp, these are all decent choices)

• Next best solution is multi-fx like people have mentioned. But seems like you just want a guitar for now. Ask if you have questions about multi-fx

If you're on a budget, you may consider lower priced versions. In the world of Ibanez... I recently tried AZ essentials to see if they're any good, and they're pretty damn good. Definitely look at those and try for yourself.

[fading acorn]

im not really money limited i just dont want to spend 2k on it

[tepid canyon]

Well that's good then, you'll probably like a more mid-range priced guitar then at around ~800 USD or so. They'll be decently built and you'll have good options. Can even upgrade them with new pickups + electronics down the road.

In my opinion...

Great HSS choices for that price range from: Ibanez, Yamaha (Pacifica line), Fender (Player series)

Great HH choices for that price range from: Schecter, Ibanez, Jackson

[fading acorn]

i pretty like that one i sent so i guess i will go with it

[viral grail]

Looks cool but it has a floyd rose system which may be more complicated to use

[lyric totem]

Floyd Rose aren't necessarily more complicated, just can be (not necessarily) more of a pain in the rear to set up and get into tune in the first place.

[plucky dock]

Is mackie onyx better than behringer umc1820 and m audio m duo?

[north spindle]

the 1820 is a BIG unit ... but really good for the price ... the onyx seems okay .. m audio I would stay away from

[near mantle]

maybe a rg550?

If you can afford an rg550 and update its pickups with dimarzios

i think is an elite guitar

[tepid canyon]

if it plays good and feels good, it's a winner, if you can make it sound better, double win

[plucky dock]

I got the mackie onyx producer

[north spindle]

nice ... get cracking on some riffs

[plucky dock]

I don't know how to use daw

I have reaper installed

How do i get an amp in this ?

[north spindle]

first : install some amp sim (Amplitube, Amplocker etc)

then add a channel using the + button ... click the FX button and select the ampsim

[north spindle]

try amplocker first ... no fuss and registration BS

[plucky dock]

Okay

It's asking me to buy

[north spindle]

https://audioassault.mx/getamplocker#Get_Amp_Locker

amplitube sucks anyway

[north spindle]

except you have to run it IN a daw

[plucky dock]

Which do i select

[north spindle]

search for lock

[plucky dock]

Nothing shows up

[north spindle]

but you have to restart reaper first for it to pick up

[plucky dock]

It works

[north spindle]

you might have to set the correct input .... and you have to arm the track for recording

the red round button

also ... open up your audio settings to make sure it uses your interface properly ... hit control + P and go to audio -> device

[plucky dock]

Yes both input and output are my audio interface

[north spindle]

should be set to ASIO though to minimize latency ... not Windows Audio

[north spindle]

for that you have to install the ASIO drivers from your interface

Audio System should be ASIO

[plucky dock]

Okay changed

[north spindle]

else you will have tons of latency

[plucky dock]

Mine has an asio

[north spindle]

good

did you already install the drivers ?

[plucky dock]

Yes

I have already installed audio interface drivers

[north spindle]

not ASIO4ALL right ?

[plucky dock]

I have it in my control panel too

[plucky dock]

No not that i will install that

[north spindle]

DONT

[plucky dock]

Oh okay

[north spindle]

just use the drivers that came with the interface

[north spindle]

8 for buffer size is crazy ... something like 128 is fine

[plucky dock]

Okay i have changed it now

Now am i all set? How do i know if the amp is working

[north spindle]

press the red bbutton on the track to arm the track ... then play

this button

it's called 'arming a track (for recording)'

[plucky dock]

Okay

Ittttttsss workinggg

Thanks youu so much sheep

[north spindle]

happy to help dude

another tip : go download the free steven slate drums ... you'll be making your hit song in notime

[plucky dock]

Also i get a buzzing sound when i increase the volume in the interface

Could it be because of the guitar cable or is it normal to hear a buzz sound in higher volume?

[north spindle]

to an extend it

is normal

depends on the guitar, cables, pickups

if you have singlecoils you will have some noise for sure

[plucky dock]

It's a hss

[north spindle]

ok ... you will have to calibrate your input of your interface to give you maximum signal vs noise

[north spindle]

you just chug as hard as you can on the low string while turning up the input of your interface... if you start clopping you turn it down to not clipping and then you're done ... don't ever touch it again 😉 \

the sig/OL light will probably turn red if you are clipping

[plucky dock]

What's clipping?

[north spindle]

basically overloading the input

[viral grail]

You might also need to push the "Hi Z" button

[north spindle]

probably best yes

[plucky dock]

Yes i switched it off to take a pic

[north spindle]

just switch it on

it's to give you instrument level input instead of line level

[viral grail]

And I think you can turn up the mix knob too because you'll hear everything through your DAW anyway

otherwise the raw guitar signal gets mixed into your headphones too

[plucky dock]

Oops i was wondering 😂😂

The sig/ol is not supposed to light ?

If it lights up i am clipping and that's not good right?

[north spindle]

i think it lights up green normally ... red when you clip

that's how it works in most cases

turn up your input gain fully and strum ... you'll probably see a red light

[plucky dock]

Yes it goes red

I hear a buzz sound when i increase my input gain or if i turn up my headphones volume

[viral grail]

Yeah electric guitars suck

[north spindle]

then strum as hard as you can and turn it down untill it turns great again ..then you're good

[plucky dock]

Noooo

[north spindle]

and yes you will have some noise / static in general ... but maximizing your signal / noise ratio will make it better for recording

[viral grail]

lol, I mean there's always some noise

[plucky dock]

No i mean i hear a buzz at even minimum gain input

[plucky dock]

Oh so it's normal

[north spindle]

buzz or noise ... two different things

[plucky dock]

A sound we get when the no signal thing

In a radio

That

[north spindle]

just follow to rule about setting input gain ... it will make your recordings better

[viral grail]

You have the 50 or 60Hz hum from the electrical wires, then interference from all the electromagnetic waves around

[north spindle]

that's just static noise

[plucky dock]

Okay

It's lovely

[north spindle]

you can minimize it by having no devices too close to your interface, better cables, shielding your guitar etc ... but it will never be gone

[plucky dock]

Oh i see

[north spindle]

also ... up the noisegate in the ampsim 😉

[plucky dock]

Thank you so much sheep and garf

[plucky dock]

Where is it?

[north spindle]

look closely 😉

it's only labeled with a really big text

that says : noiseGATE

[plucky dock]

This?

[north spindle]

the red means clipping ... so basically your output is too loud

for that track

[north spindle]

yes

[plucky dock]

This knob?

[north spindle]

no .. that is your interface

in your daw... your track outputs too loud

also quick reaper tip :

go to this menu

[plucky dock]

What should i fix

[north spindle]

you'll have this section ... disable all the 'hide' things ... this will give you more/better options

so it will give you panning in your trackheader etc

[plucky dock]

It's still in red

[north spindle]

use the fader on the track

also take a screenshot of something you recorded ... the waveforms

[plucky dock]

What's a fader

[viral grail]

Windows key + Shift + S, circle the area, ctrl+V right into discord

Quickest way to share pics

[plucky dock]

Okay

It's just i don't have discord install on my pc

[viral grail]

just sayin' 😄

[plucky dock]

Got it

Now how do i record

[viral grail]

A fader is this thing

[plucky dock]

Cuz it doens't record when i hit this

[plucky dock]

The up down slider ?

[viral grail]

yeah

[plucky dock]

Okay

[north spindle]

that is for ARMING the track for recording... all armed tracks get recorded when you press the record button in the bottom

@plucky dock so ? working ?

there's about a gazillion reaper videos on YT if you need help ... you just have to search

[plucky dock]

Yes it's working

[plucky dock]

Okay