User:Billw58/Connecting an Instrument
Connecting a keyboard or guitar to your computer
Keyboard
If the keyboard has RCA jacks on the back then the best way to connect it is with a cable with a dual RCA to stereo mini-plug cable as shown above, plugged from the RCA output jacks on the back of the keyboard to the line input port of the computer.
If the keyboard doesn't have RCA output jacks but does have a 1/8" stereo headphone jack, the easiest way to connect it is with a cable with a stereo mini-plug on each end, plugged from the headphone output of the keyboard to the line input port of the computer.
If the keyboard has 1/4" jacks on the back (usually provided to connect the keyboard to a guitar amplifier) you will need to create an adapter cable using a dual RCA to stereo mini-plug cable, and two RCA to 1/4" adapters.
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| An RCA to 1/4" adapter |
Plug the RCA plugs into the RCA jacks on the adapters - you now have a dual 1/4" to stereo mini-plug cable.
Guitar
Generally the output level from an electric guitar is sufficient to drive the line input port on a computer. You will need an adapter cable that goes from a 1/4" mono plug (to plug into the guitar) to a mono mini-plug (to plug into the computer line input port).
You probably have a guitar cable for plugging the guitar into an amp, and you may be tempted to buy a 1/4" to 1/8" adapter, plug one end of your guitar cable into the adapter and then plug the adapter into the line input port - don't do this! This creates a heavy, stiff cable hanging off the back of your computer - the slightest tug in the wrong direction could damage your sound card! A better solution is to find a 1/4" mono to 1/8" mono shielded cable that is light and flexible.
Next Step - test the input connection
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