[TenThumbs]

Here is a question for all you tech-heads.

I need to play along with a guitar learning software package I'm using at the moment - e-media Intermediate Guitar. So I need to be able to play through my computer and its speakers. I've plugged into the "line in" on the sound card, jacked up the sound card vol controls but it just isn't anywhere near loud enough. Plus, to take some of the flatness out of the sound I need some basic effects - reverb at least.

So to boost the sound I guess I need some form of pre-amp, whether that be a piece of hardware or downloadable software.

I know there is hardware available like the V-amp and I assume that something like this will work for me.

Can anyone advise me of a good route to go? Let's try to keep the cost down around the $100 mark.

[allthumbs]

You missed a pre amp special at M.F. You can always buy a Bad Monkey pedal for around 40 bucks. maybe less on Ebay. It is a tube overdrive with an extra out for a direct line in to your sound card. No verb though. Also look for pre amps, there maybe so cheapies out there. I just looked on Musicians Friend. There are pre amps in all price ranges there.

[cshude]

Or, if you have ASIO drivers with your soundcard, you may be able to use your software recording package. If it supports VST plugins, you can download FreeAmp2 and you should be able to monitor it "live".