Hi all. Attempting to set my son up with Reaper as a gift and i'm way out of my depth. Done the trial download and messed about a bit - I'm sure he'll know what to do! What i need to know is what is the piece of hardware called that he plugs his guitar into then plugs into the laptop? (AD/DA)?? Any recommends for budget equipment. Also need to know how that device plugs into the laptop. Hope someone can help, thanks. Sean.

The equipment you are referring to is called an interface. These come in many different flavors. They connect to your computer using either USB or Firewire. Which of these does your computer have? The other important question to ask is what does your son plan on recording? Using mics requires XLR connections, plugging guitars in directly requires 1/4" line in connections. How many tracks do you think he would want to record at one time? Answer some of these questions and we can get you pointed in the right direction.

are some USB interfaces. They come in many variations with varying numbers of guitar/mic/line inputs. Some have inputs that can be switched for various sources. If he will also be recording vocals, I'd suggest an interface with one guitar/instrument input and one or two microphone inputs. FYI - The microphone input on a laptop (consumer soundcard) is the wrong interface for a good studio/stage microphone, which is low-impedance balanced with an XLR connector. makes several interfaces specificaly for guitar. The (less than $50 USD) is probably the lowest-cost guitar interface. The guitar amplifier/cabinet are part of the proper "guitar sound", so you generally need a software amp-simulator plug-in (or two). Often, the guitar interface will come with simulator plug-ins. FYI - A lot of Pro electric guitar recording is done with a microphone in front of the guitar amp (typically a Shure SM57 mic). But, you still need an interface. And of course, you need a good guitar amp/cabinet... And, it helps if you have a soundproof studio. ;)

Daveyajd and DVDdoug, thanks for great answers, I almost feel like I know what I'm talking about. Havent bought the laptop yet but thought a netbook Windows 7 with USB. He'll want a mic and want to use his guitar but probs only 1 track at a time. Although he'll be using his bedroom to record the mic option sounds best. I was offered (from Maplins) a cable - 1/4" one end USB the other which seemed too simple so I turned it down. Would it be possible to use this and a USB mic?? My son is only young and its all about creation and not so much quality at the moment.

I agree with Hopi. Spend just a little more and get something that will last. Even as cheap as $120 You get the features you want. Not the best choice imo, I don't really recommend that one it is USB 1.1. The Maudio may be fine that Hopi suggested, I just have no experience with that model, and little with Maudio in general. I'd get, if I wanted really cheap but featured, $150 Those funny looking plugs on the front are dual guitar cable OR XLR plugs. Has phantom power for the condenser mics. Has Midi, has phone jacks. I haven't used this one but it has 65 reviews there and I have a fair number of Presonus stuff, all solid, no compliants, if not my top picks for super pristine noise floor for ex. Only two tracks, but he could grow into that, recording guitar with two mics, recording guitar and vocals at the same time for example. I've never seen a USB mic I liked. I wont say quality ones don't exist, I have had no need to research it, but I have found problems with any of the ones other people I know have acquired (unacceptable noise, pops, clicks). I'd stick to dynamics and condensers (i.e. ones with XLR connections).

I use one of these but mine is firewire. Works for me. With USB 2.0 he can record more than 2 tracks at once. This model records up to 8. Also, I would suggest reading up on G.A.S :D cliff