How to set up for mic input?

[Lokine]

At the moment I don't have any way to connect my instruments to my computer, but I do have a mic. Is it possible to jam through simply having an amp hooked up near the computer and have the mic pick up the instrument sound? If so, how? And if not, can anyone recommend any good/cheap connections that don't require a new sound card (like USB or something easy)?

[Justin]

At the moment I don't have any way to connect my instruments to my computer, but I do have a mic. Is it possible to jam through simply having an amp hooked up near the computer and have the mic pick up the instrument sound? If so, how? And if not, can anyone recommend any good/cheap connections that don't require a new sound card (like USB or something easy)?

Yeah, you can do that.. depending on the mic it may sound like crap though. And be sure to wear headphones for the output!

-Justin

[plasticmetal]

yea, the mic would probably sound like poo, plus you'll have the feedback issue to always watch out for.

Does your amp have the equivlant of 'Line Out' or 'pre-out'? You could run that into your Line In on your CPU (most sound cards have these, it'll be next to the mic plug, the Green plug [i think]).

This will run you 'direct' and you'll hear yourself playing out of the same output as your listening to everyone else on.

[Justin]

yea, the mic would probably sound like poo, plus you'll have the feedback issue to always watch out for.

Does your amp have the equivlant of 'Line Out' or 'pre-out'? You could run that into your Line In on your CPU (most sound cards have these, it'll be next to the mic plug, the Green plug [i think]).

This will run you 'direct' and you'll hear yourself playing out of the same output as your listening to everyone else on.

A decent mic on an amp is actually a very good thing (think a stack + a SM57 or a nice condenser...)

-J

[Lokine]

Well, I figured it out, and so far I haven't gotten any complaints. I can hear myself just fine, too, on both my mandolin (acoustic) and guitar (amped.)

[plasticmetal]

Indeed, that's a great way to go!
A decent mic on an amp is actually a very good thing (think a stack + a SM57 or a nice condenser...)

[lightman]

amps add to the sound

[Mitch72]

mics are usually used to record guitar... the amp is alot better at making and amplifying sound from a guitar than a soundcard is...