Playing with Backtracks

[scgmhawk]

What do you guys hook your laptops/computers into to allow for enough volume to play along with backing tracks? I'm just curious if I should just get good speakers for my laptop or if there's other equipment I should invest in. I can't believe I have no idea what to do but anyway...thanks for your input. :beer:

 

[Spudman]

I use JBL 4208 monitors with a 100 watt power amp but a great set of headphones will do the trick like the Sony MDR 7506 (search 'headphones' on the forum).

It can be done with computer speakers even. You just aren't going to get much thud with them though. And as much as I like headphones I like playing at a moderate (loudish) volume through the monitors even better.

Really you are just after a good mix so however you achieve that is what matters most. Even the KRK and similar low dollar powered monitors will do a great job if you want to spend $300 or more. That makes $100 headphones seem very appealing. Still if you have some cash to drop on monitors you won't be sorry that you did if you do much recording.

 

[scgmhawk]

I don't think headphones are what I'm looking for. I'm really just looking for "speakers" so that I can get the backtracks on my laptop (or CDs) loud enough to jam with at home. But, I like to play pretty loud. Would something like this work http://http://www.music123.com/Behringer-TRUTH-B2030P-Passive-Monitor-Pair-600602-i1152844.Music123? or something like this http://http://www.music123.com/M-Audio-Studiophile-DX4-Powered-Monitors-Pair-603705-i1153195.Music123? I'd rather not spend $300 if I can avoid it. Thanks!

 

[Spudman]

Yes those would work great. Just make sure you get the active version. They have amps built in and they are heavy so they aren't that portable just so you know.

 

[Ch0jin]

Well I'm really happy with my setup which is ipod (for backing tracks) and guitar fed into pocket pod, then either Sennheiser HD201 headphones into the pod if i'm just jamming (it gets PLENTY loud) or i take the line out of the ipod into line in on my old laptop and headphones into the headphone socket on the laptop for recording.

 

[scgmhawk]

Sorry to beat a dead horse but here's what I'm thinking might work for now, but I want to confirm it before I start buying stuff! Since I have a V-Amp 2, I might as well use it. So, I plug guitar into V-Amp2. Plug headphones into V-Amp2. Plug V-Amp2 into Laptop (I would need to buy a USB Midi Interface cable). Is this right so far? Then, if I have a DVD (I bought some lesson DVDs)/CD or other bt on my computer, will I automatically be able to play along with it or will i need more software?

I'm just confused on this topic and really appreciate your input.

 

[Spudman]

There is NO USB with the VAmp 2.

What you need to do is this:
To Record

• Plug guitar into Vamp
• Plug headphones into VAmp
• Connect Vamp to computer by coming out of the Vamp Left or Right outputs and plugging into input on the computer sound card
• Activate recording program in computer
• Plug CD into Aux In on the Vamp (mini plug)

Or to play along with a DVD

• Connect Guitar to Vamp
• Connect headphones to Vamp
• Connect computer to Vamp Aux Input (mini plug) from computer headphone out jack
• Play DVD and adjust Vamp Aux In level

The midi/USB cable lets you use the editing software only. There is no audio transfer through this cable.

 

[scgmhawk]

Thanks alot, Spud!