Uhoh im not gonna blow my screen up right?!?! :S

[mysunshine]

I was just gonna do some real basic recording, just to lay down my guitar track so i can work on a drum/bass line while its playing, so I plugged my little 15W electric guitar amp into the line input in my computer and opened up my recording program.
The volume was too low on the guitar so I turned it up the amp and
wavy lines appeared all over my computer moniter every time I strummed a chord...???

What on earth?? Im not damaging my moniter am I? Is this a power draw thing (both plugs are into the same wall outlet thingy) or is it something to do with interferance??

Im really worried here guys, what am I doing wrong?

[Electriclight]

Stop Immediately!

The output of any amplifier does not belong inside any computer. That's why we have INTERFACES, whcih uh, interface between instrument and circuit boards.

Your guitar signal is too low for direct inputtin gto your soundcard. You need someting that produces a "line Level" signal.. something like a POD, a Direct Box, a real deal interface.

If you are even a little serious about recording, invest in a real audio interface..they start at $100. Use the soundcard wizard on this site to help you pick one.

[mysunshine]

oooh ok, wont do that again! :S
thanks for explaining though...
iv got an m-audio dmp3 vocal preamp ordered, which apparently u can plug guitars/keyboards etc into... will this do as an interface?

[fortyseven]

As far as I can tell the m=audio preamp is just that - a preamp. While its fine fot hooking up your mics or guitars, plugging it directly into your computer would have the same result as you are now getting. You are still plugging an amp directly into your computer!
What you need is an audio interface which is kinda like a sound card except its slightly more. As its name implies, its an interface between your instruments and pc.
Scroll down to the bottom of this screen and click on 'Audio Interface'. Run the wizard to help you choose an interface that'll work for your needs.

[P.P.T.]

Does you amp have a line out or were you using the speaker output to plug into the computer?

Going from a speaker output into the audio card is no good.

If the amp has a line output that should be OK.

How were the meters in your recording software. Were they horribly overloaded?

[Electriclight]

Originally Posted by mysunshine

iv got an m-audio dmp3 vocal preamp ordered, which apparently u can plug guitars/keyboards etc into... will this do as an interface?

Yes, this device can serve as a drict box for your guitar, and the output should be safe to send to your existing soundcard.

No, this device is not an audio interface. You will always be severely limited by using your computer soundcard. Spend $100 and get something decent..Use the Soundcard Wizard to help your selection.

[mysunshine]

from what i can see the soundcard iv got atm is decent enough, and theres no way im gonna be able to afford to upgrade that for at least 6 months... im gonna take ur advice and go through the wizard though, maybe i can find out what i need so at least i have a goal for one day lol...
and the metres were still underloaded when i was getting the waves on the screen...

[brandondrury]

The output of any amplifier does not belong inside any computer.

Wow!!!! I'm glad I'm laughing about this. Someone could have been killed!

Damn!!!

Brandon