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Posted by: Berglmir Dec 31 2008, 09:20 PM

Hi Guitar Heroes all!

I joined the site yesterday (although I was a regular guest on GMC since 6 months or so - just brilliant lessons!) and I have a couple of questions for you where I´d appreciate any input.

Here we go:
1) Got myself a Focusrite Saffire LE Audio interface - I did some research and most of the reviews were quite good. Any of you out there got the same AI? Experience? Tipps?

2) I "use" Ableton Live 7.0.3 which is overwhelming for me - too many options too less unsefull output (just a big electronic toy atm ). I noticed that most of you do not use this programm but use Pro Tools / Cubase - so mny question is this: Is Ableton Live any good? (Bear in mind I just want to monitor my progress at playing guitar - nothing fancy!)

3) I also use Guitar Rig 3 (as a plugin for Ableton Live) - I really love this software ´cause it seems very versatile.
My questiuon is this: If I don´t play in a band or on stage - do I need an amp?!

4) Gibson DarkFire - Just a marketing gag or "Guitarus Maximus"?! Your opinion?

Really looking forward to your input guys/girls!

Until then => HAPPY NEW YEAR <=

PS. Arghh - I can´t edit the Headline. SHAME!! (on me!)

Posted by: jer Dec 31 2008, 09:32 PM

4) you gotta have 2 things to buy that guitar. (IMHO)

1. A lot of disposeable income.

2. A real love of the Gibson name.

There are innumerable musicians tearing it up on great quality instruments for literally thousands less than that thing.

I'm not saying it aint nice... Not at all. Porsche Carrera GTs are nice too. But so is the Porsche Cayman at $190,000 less.

Posted by: Velvet Roger Jan 1 2009, 10:02 AM

First of all welcome

Re 1: Don't have it, so can't comment anything useful really.

Re 2: I can see perfectly that you are quite overwhelmed by it's possibilities. As a matter of fact you will probably feel the same when you would try out Cubase or ProTools. Basically there are several DAWs on the market who all do their job quite well. You just have to take some time to actually getting to know the basics of them and then you can easily use them to monitor your progress over time. I started with Cubase (read the whole manual almost and then I tried Sonar Cakewalk, which I prefer myself. Never had to read the whole manual for Cakewalk as the basis is similar to Cubase (so you can easily find your way around).


Re 3: In theory you don't need an amp if you are using your PC/Guitar Rig 3 to play, however my personal opinion is that it is certainly useful to get used to playing through amps as well (and you never know when you need to perform for someone a bit later down the line ).

Re 4: Would be awesome to try it out

Posted by: VinceG Jan 1 2009, 11:38 AM

QUOTE (jer @ Jan 1 2009, 01:32 AM)

Posted by: Muris Varajic Jan 1 2009, 12:53 PM

I use Ableton as well but only for drum loops and such,
not sure if it works great as a main platform for recording.
Guitar Rig is fine piece of software indeed
but am is amp,nothing can replace that warm and "real" sound.
I have few friends who have that Focusrite preamp
and they are pretty satisfied with it as far as I know.

Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Jan 1 2009, 02:15 PM

I would recommend switching to easier software like Reaper for recording if you find Ableton Live too complicated..I haven't used it much but I heard its not the perfect platform for recording , rather for samples etc like Muris mentioned.Guitar Rig 3 is a very good software, probably the best right now when it comes to software simulations of amps/cabs.If you are strictly playing home , no you don't need an amp at all..Also buying small amp would not do you any good for gigs, so if you want to buy amp you need to buy a bigger one 50w+ ....My recommendation would be to stick to Guitar Rig 3 or some multiprocessor unit until you have the need to play shows and then buy a big amp..

Posted by: Smells Jan 1 2009, 02:30 PM

I have the Focusrite Saffire which is pretty much the same as the LE version, its a great audio interface, no grumbles with it here, no tips n tricks to share, its pretty much a plug in and away you go kind of thing, Ive just found the results from it are far superior to plugging straight into my onboard PC soundcard

I use it with Reaper, Reaper is a very easy program for recording and gives first class results! plus there is some tutorials on how to use Reaper http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showforum=74

If your not out gigging or playing in a band then an amp is really a matter of preference, you have everything that you need already to record good guitar tones and to play at home, and guitar rig 3 is an awesome piece of software.

I play in a band and have an amp & cab, but I never use them at home, I have everything I need with POdXT reaper, computer, headphones and desk speakers

Posted by: Berglmir Jan 1 2009, 07:37 PM

Great feedback!
Thanks a lot - I think I´ll take a closer look at the Reaper demo (as it also seems to support VST/VSTi plugins).

The Focusrite audio interface works very smooth so I´m happy with it.

Regarding the Darkfire - I think I will "handle" it when my musicstore gets one. I primarily like the design I have to confess - I´m not so sure about the "electronic" stuff. Call me old-fashioned but I actually LIKE to tune my guitar myself.
And the LED-Knob is rather embarrassing, don´t you think? And most of all - I still have NO idea what this guitar SOUND like?!

THX also on the amp vs. software feedback - will stick with your advice and buy a really nice/big one WHEN/IF I´m better and "performing" - I´ll let you know!

Posted by: ijustdontgiveaf Jan 5 2009, 08:23 PM

Hi,

When it comes to the recording software, just go with whatever you feel comfortable with.

I myself have found logic pro (ok, i do record a lot of output gear) best for me, simply because i know my way around it quickly. The important thing is that the sequencer/recording program should not limit your workflow and creativity when you're a recording artist next to being the recording engineer.
I have a couple of friends that use Ableton and they're happy with it because they know how to use it properly.

Regarding the Dark Fire: check at Klangfarbe if they have one to test, but due to the general delay in shipping (until end of dec) they might not have one yet.

Greetings from another Viennese (but now living just outside of Amsterdam)

Posted by: Berglmir Jan 5 2009, 09:35 PM

QUOTE (ijustdontgiveaf @ Jan 5 2009, 08:23 PM)

Hi,

When it comes to the recording software, just go with whatever you feel comfortable with.

I myself have found logic pro (ok, i do record a lot of output gear) best for me, simply because i know my way around it quickly. The important thing is that the sequencer/recording program should not limit your workflow and creativity when you're a recording artist next to being the recording engineer.
I have a couple of friends that use Ableton and they're happy with it because they know how to use it properly.

Regarding the Dark Fire: check at Klangfarbe if they have one to test, but due to the general delay in shipping (until end of dec) they might not have one yet.

Greetings from another Viennese (but now living just outside of Amsterdam)