Recording using a Spark 40 amp

Gear & Tools Talk 💻 Hardware, Software & Recording
1

I’ve read some of the other recording threads on here but I’m still a bit lost.

Basically I’m looking to record me playing guitar over a backing track using my Spark 40 amp. I can record my guitar by connecting the amp to my laptop but while it’s connected I can’t play (or record) a backing track through the amp.

Can someone explain in very simple terms how I would go about this?

Thanks

2

The easiest approach to recording via USB is to use a DAW like Reaper, Ardour, Garage band, etc.

With a DAW you can put the backing track in one track and play it back using the Spark as a USB output, whilst playing along and capturing on another track.

This is a common approach for all USB recording devices.

The down side is you need to use a DAW of some kind, and most of them (most of the decent ones) have a bit of a learning curve.

Other approaches, like just recording yourself with a smartphone, are far easier, but won’t be as good quality. It depends on what you are trying to achieve.

Cheers,

Keith

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3

I have Studio One 6 which I think came with the Spark (can’t think where else I would’ve got it from). So if I upload a backing track to it (somehow) I can play it through the amp, using the USB cable that is also used to record the guitar from the amp?

4

Yes. The USB cable should provide two-way audio between the Spark and the PC.

Cheers,

Keith

5

Okay, I’ll give that a go. Cheers

6

Okay, so after some random button pressing etc on the DAW and managing to somehow overcome the fact there was no volume playing through either my laptop or my amp I managed to get the backing track playing. Then after attempting the recording and seeing the guitar signal was incredibly low and I was unable to hear it when playing it back I had a couple of beers, which always helps, done some more button pressing and now somehow I’ve got it all working.

Cheers for the info.

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