High Tech Cable
A couple days ago I saw a picture of the Lightsnake, which at first glance looks like a normal 1/4" cable but actually has a USB port on the other end. The whole sound card is built right into the cable so that you can plug your guitar or keyboard or whatever straight in to the computer for recording. I know purists will scoff, but I think the idea is outstanding--how incredibly convenient! And it's perfect for folks who want to record themselves but aren't ready to start getting into more complicated setups. Has anyone tried one of these? Do they work and sound alright?
[via Engadget]
EDIT: I got a note that said that it is limited to a 48k sampling rate which would be disappointing if true.
Comments
Jon,
That's true, if it were limited to 48k that would be no problem, and I was totally unclear. What I read indicated that it ONLY recorded at 48k which would prevent recording at 44.1 which would be the disappointment. I believe a lot of folks would want 44.1 since CD is the most likely destination for their recording.
Posted by: Hart Shafer | May 16, 2006 10:59 PM
It's not disappointing that it peaks at 48k if the following is considered: "And it's perfect for folks who want to record themselves but aren't ready to start getting into more complicated setups."
Anyway, a guitar isn't going to benefit that much from anything above 48k, and the only time you would really (seriously) want to plug it straight in would be when processing it through a modular soft-synth such as Max or Audiomulch, so 48k is fine. Maybe a different story for keys, but... if you're buying a Lightsnake with only a 1/4 inch jack at the end, you aren't really searching for for versatility, let's face it!
Posted by: jon | May 16, 2006 9:15 PM
Reminds me of the Samson USB condenser mic (now followed by the BLUE snowball usb condenser mic)
brilliant idea.
Posted by: Jamie Wearing | May 15, 2006 9:16 AM