LinuxMusicians

Since I do not have any other so-called audio interface my Me80 effects board serves as one. It could be that I swap it for software effects via a laptop instead so what else to use? I want the audio-interface to do no processing beyond input cleanup so I don't really need the expensive USB versions with, in addition, latency issues and unusable microcancer-leaning bundleware (had some bad experiences with one in another life). I'm just looking for some gizmo that will let me plug the guitar into the XONAR soundcard 1/4" jack without the result sounding like a trainwreck and then let whatever software take it from there.

You need to know the impedance and input level of that jack on your sound card. You probably need impedance matching and possibly pre amp if the input is for line level.

I use a Behringer USB interface. It has a switch on the 1/4" input to change it to high Z guitar input. I use Guitarix for amp sim and effects. Very good sound and latency is not an issue.

D-Tuned wrote: ↑Tue Apr 04, 2023 2:52 pm

Since I do not have any other so-called audio interface my Me80 effects board serves as one. It could be that I swap it for software effects via a laptop instead so what else to use? I want the audio-interface to do no processing beyond input cleanup so I don't really need the expensive USB versions with, in addition, latency issues and unusable microcancer-leaning bundleware (had some bad experiences with one in another life). I'm just looking for some gizmo that will let me plug the guitar into the XONAR soundcard 1/4" jack without the result sounding like a trainwreck and then let whatever software take it from there.

You need a preamp that brings your instrument level to line level.

Unfortunately I can't find one that's cheaper than a small USB-interface.

I ordered one of these, we'll se if it's any good, the only downer is the 1/8" plug insrtead of standard 1/4"

https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B0B4FS ... UTF8&psc=1

bluzee wrote: ↑Tue Apr 04, 2023 5:17 pm

You need to know the impedance and input level of that jack on your sound card. You probably need impedance matching and possibly pre amp if the input is for line level.

I use a Behringer USB interface. It has a switch on the 1/4" input to change it to high Z guitar input. I use Guitarix for amp sim and effects. Very good sound and latency is not an issue.

It has 1/4" ports plus an RCA input port that I have never used

# lspci
Multimedia audio controller: C-Media Electronics Inc CMI8788 [Oxygen HD Audio]

The guitar is Epiphone LP w. classic 57's and NO active pu's

What I'm plugging INTO the card now is the Rec-Out/Phones outport of a Boss-Me80, I think it's not amplified but don't really know much about audio electronics at all. I am determined to avoid USB though if I can.

I'm no gamer, the only reason I bought this card was that it had 1/4" ports (after I swore that I would never again use 1/8" ones or USB anything).

artix_linux_user wrote: ↑Tue Apr 04, 2023 8:13 pm

When you can see an instrument switch on the inputs of your audio card or pre amp, then you have allready a special guitar audio interface.
The built in preamps in the audio cards are most times bringing very good results because the gain stage is optimized.

You made me think a little with the above, one so I backtracked to find where I had gone wrong. My previous guitar was also an Epiphone LP but it was the one with 24 frets and active pu's. It was THAT guitar that made a racket when plugged directly into the mobo's 1/8" audio-in port. It was then that I decided to put an end to 1/8" jacks as well as direct plugin. Now I just tried my classic 57s LP directly into the Line-In port of the card and it sounds better than ever before. Thanks for the wake-up call. Now that I've ordered the other wonder I'll keep it, it must be good for some smartphone or tablet with no 1/4" jacks.

an Artix also user

artix_linux_user wrote: ↑Wed Apr 05, 2023 7:42 am

purrrfect!
Back then, we put the cable jack into our mouth before pluging in.
In dont know if this just brings good luck, or if cleaning the jack by putting it in the mouth really brings any audible advance.

I'd say that might depend on where the previous user had stuck it

But the reliable contact issue is really something that 1/8" design should deal with in the hopefully early, final and total RE-design.

And thanks again for the hint, my 57's now sound better than ever before with NO interface!