What do I need?

[Zeppelanoid]

Hey geeks, I'm thinking of getting a laptop pretty soon. I was just wondering what I would need to get to get the whole guitar set-up going. I'm assuming I'll need some sort of USB interface (I've seen a cheap M audio one that looks alright). What else might I need?

Also, is there anything special I should be looking for in a laptop. I want to use this laptop also for school so it can't be huge, and the m audio thing has a soundcard, am I missing anything?

Thanks in advance.

[olddawg]

I would want a firewire interface. Not all laptops have them. You will be a lot less prone to latency issues than a straight USB. Check out the firewire interface box too.

[ghostly]

Originally Posted by olddawg

I would want a firewire interface. Not all laptops have them. You will be a lot less prone to latency issues than a straight USB. Check out the firewire interface box too.

I would say firewire is overkill if you are only going to be dealing with 1 or 2 tracks. I can't comment on m audio gear though, just check it has a guitar input. I have a Novation Nio, works like a dream. As for laptops, I would recommend going mac as it is much simpler to set-up for audio. Expensive mind you, but I got a G4 powerbook that still handles most current software very well.

[kentist]

i have an m-audio audiophile usb that i bought for that stuff yet i almost never use.

i'd definetly recommend FW over usb. although i heard hotplugging doesn't work for FW.
Also, formfactor is important... you want something really small and passively powered so you dont get too lazy (like me) about connections.

Guitar hi-Z input/preamp is nice too. or you can get a DI box. both not absolutely necessary though. (i run the guitar into the normal audiophile input right away. that might be the wrong way though)

if you wanna modify effects or loop/control while playing though, i recommend a foot controller. most of these are expensive though with the exception of the line6 fbv express. Or just get a normal controller (much cheaper and more versatile).. the Akai LPD8 is great.

[Hides-His-Eyes]

If you want to use firewire, get a laptop with a full phantom powering firewire port and not just a passive one. Not all passive ones are suitable for pro audio use and there's not really any way to say if one will or won't without hearing from somebody who's tried it.

[Zeppelanoid]

Thanks for the replys.

I was just discussing with my guitar teacher the options for software. Seing as I'm a student, I want this laptop to also serve the purpose of taking notes (I'll just need a basic word processor, powerpoint, excel, stuff like that) as well as having stuff like amplitube, pro tools and maybe some sort of drum program.

Should a laptop be able to handle this double duty? What type of laptop would be the best?

Also my guitar teacher would be able to set me up with programs, etc if it's a PC (he also does some computer work on the side), however he won't be able to help me if it's a Mac.

[tomorrowstops]

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