Audio interface or amp for beginner

kdawg

Hi there, I just started learning how to play the electric guitar and I just joint this forum too!

I'm at the point where I need more sound to practice some techniques like hammer on and palm muting but I'm unsure on what to get. I am on a budget too, I've been thinking of getting an audio interface like a Behringer UMC202HD or focusrite solo - the low end devices. The reason I'm thinking audio interface is because I will have the ability to record what I've learnt, apply effects for free and play with headphones. But I'm not sure if that's the right direction for a total noobie. Does anyone have an suggestions or recommendations for me? Thank you!

V8

Welcome!

The easy answer...get a amp.

The tricky part is explaining. Essentailly, the easier it is to get sound out of your setup the more likely you are to play. So flicking the 'on' switch on a amp is far easier than getting a audio interface based rig ready to rock.

I've tried to get a reliable PC based setup working - The temptation of free effects, amp sims, loopers, etc...got me hooked completely. Alas, it's finnicky and to get it reliable, it will actually cost $$$. And there's a fairly steep learning curve to getting it all to work... you'll need to go through a lot of home studio info to get familiar with the tools and techniques you'll need to get it working as a amp replacement. An exception to this *might* be an iPad + iRig + Amplitube - that was fairly straightforward to use

I do think a audio interface is a great tool and I'd get one - but for everyday ease of use while learning, a amp wins everytime.

Now....which amp? :roflmao:

Depends on what kinda music you be looking at making. If you have no preference, I just saw a Roland Cube 15 going for R500...no brainer at that price!

Here's a interesting thread to get you started : http://www.guitarforum.co.za/guitar-gear/buying-your-first-gear-the-smart-way-the-singemonkey-approach/

kdawg

Meron Rigas wrote: Welcome!

The easy answer...get a amp.

The tricky part is explaining. Essentailly, the easier it is to get sound out of your setup the more likely you are to play. So flicking the 'on' switch on a amp is far easier than getting a audio interface based rig ready to rock.

I've tried to get a reliable PC based setup working - The temptation of free effects, amp sims, loopers, etc...got me hooked completely. Alas, it's finnicky and to get it reliable, it will actually cost $$$. And there's a fairly steep learning curve to getting it all to work... you'll need to go through a lot of home studio info to get familiar with the tools and techniques you'll need to get it working as a amp replacement. An exception to this *might* be an iPad + iRig + Amplitube - that was fairly straightforward to use

I do think a audio interface is a great tool and I'd get one - but for everyday ease of use while learning, a amp wins everytime.

Now....which amp? :roflmao:

Depends on what kinda music you be looking at making. If you have no preference, I just saw a Roland Cube 15 going for R500...no brainer at that price!

Here's a interesting thread to get you started : http://www.guitarforum.co.za/guitar-gear/buying-your-first-gear-the-smart-way-the-singemonkey-approach/

Thanks for the advice man, where did you see that Roland Cube for sale? Thats a crazy good price

V8

kdawg wrote: Thanks for the advice man, where did you see that Roland Cube for sale? Thats a crazy good price

Yeah, crazy cheap - were it in Cpt, I'd be all over it, alas it's in jhb - looks in pretty good cond as well.

Facebook group "Guitar Parts & Effects South Africa" (https://www.facebook.com/groups/1718777341689467/) - just search for "various" in there and the ad will pop up, saw it this morning.

One other alternative would be a multifx that could record USB out to a PC too. Something ala Zoom G2.1u. You could use it with headphones or line it out to hifi/surround sound & when budget allows, get a full range PA speaker.

Jazzman105

Hi kdawg! +1 on Meron's advice. If you have to ask the questions you are asking, there can only be one answer. A Roland Cube. If in some post-apocalyptic world, I can only own one piece of gear in addition to a primary guitar, I'd choose the cube every time. ?

Even when you've moved on to more fancy gear, incl Focusrite and all sorts of PC/Mac-based paraphernalia, the Cube will remain relevant in many applications.

RobbieZ

I would also suggest you get yourself a amp. If you have a look at takealot.com, they have excellent deals.

V8

Jazzman105 wrote: A Roland Cube. If in some post-apocalyptic world, I can only own one piece of gear in addition to a primary guitar, I'd choose the cube every time. ?

Roland cube...the cockroach of musical gear. :roflmao: :roflmao: :roflmao:

Jazzman105

Meron Rigas wrote:
Jazzman105 wrote: A Roland Cube. If in some post-apocalyptic world, I can only own one piece of gear in addition to a primary guitar, I'd choose the cube every time. ?
Roland cube...the cockroach of musical gear. :roflmao: :roflmao: :roflmao:

Virtually indestructible! ? I don't think there's an amp in the world that can rival the cube for that cockroach title.

V8

Jazzman105 wrote: Virtually indestructible! ? I don't think there's an amp in the world that can rival the cube for that cockroach title.

...I've done my damndest to kill my R250 2ndhand IBZ10A (10w acoustic), and it's just takes the lickings and keep on tickings.

Not great for straight in guitar tones (Cube is way better)...but basses sound great straight in and anything through a multifx/modelling pedal (guitar or bass) sounds good too. Oh, and it's a passable acoustic amp too. ?

It's my main practice amp & goto for testing a challenge mix - works well as a lofi mono monitor. I reckon it's the full range speaker that just works for the silly things I get up to.

StephenG

if you dont need the "loud" sound of an amp, then get yourself a guitar multi effects pedal that has a headphones-out port on it.

its lighter to carry around,
can use it laying in bed with the headphones on,
will work fine as an interface with your computer via the headphones-out / mic in on the computer
you will have a cool effects unit you can still use when you finally do get an amp when ready to run up the volume.

if you do go the amp route, get one whose volume knob goes to 13, they way cooler.