In need of advice on a cheap laptop recording solution...

[Metaltastic]

Hey guys, I'm new to both the forum and the world of recording, though I've been getting a pretty decent basic crash course in CubaseSX2 from the other guitarist in my band, so I'm definately getting really into the recording thing.

Anyway, I do most of my cutting on my dad's computer, which has a zero latency sound card and lets me mic up my 5150 combo. However, he often needs it, so I'm left with only my older IBM thinkpad laptop to work with. In short, can any of you guys recommend the most economical and effective solution that would allow me to record to Cubase on the laptop without any micing? I'm thinking that an all in one USB thing (such as the Yamaha Magicstomp II or Line6 Guitar Port) is my best bet, but I also am open to a USB sound card/amp modeler combo (Anything from a Digitech Genesis to an ebay-ified POD). My price range is pretty much limited to $250 at the most.

Thanks a bunch!

 

[DracWell]

I'd probobly go with a PODxt then. It has usb connection and a soundcard in it. You just have to plug it into the usb port, install the drivers and then record.

 

[Metaltastic]

Wow, I definately didn't know the PODxt had USB capability. So all I'd have to do is plug it in, set the input source on cubase to the USB port (or whatever it'd be designated as), and that'd be it? Sweet deal, thanks a lot man!

 

[Exsanguis]

Yeah dude, the XT has USB, which would be pretty useful for your purposes. It has a reamp function that looks to be great, too. It can be found for around 250 on ebay(the regular, kidney version, not the rackmounted Pro).

 

[Nitronium Blood]

Wow, I definately didn't know the PODxt had USB capability. So all I'd have to do is plug it in, set the input source on cubase to the USB port (or whatever it'd be designated as), and that'd be it? Sweet deal, thanks a lot man!

I don't own a POD Xt yet, but from what I can gather from the Line 6 forums is that you will only be able to achieve 44/16 via USB.

 

[Razorjack]

I get 24bit-48kHz vis USB with my XTLive.

 

[Nitronium Blood]

I get 24bit-48kHz vis USB with my XTLive.

So is this an XT Live only feature then, or would you get 48/24 with the regular bean via USB as well?

 

[DracWell]

I think you can, but mono. At least on the Pro.... I think.
Don't you think? hm.

 

[Razorjack]

So is this an XT Live only feature then, or would you get 48/24 with the regular bean via USB as well?

If you have the latest firmware you should get it on all versions of the XT.

 

[Nitronium Blood]

If you have the latest firmware you should get it on all versions of the XT.

Well, I suppose the Pod Xt Pro can do 96/24 via USB. But my concern is not about the Pro.

I was asking for a comparison between the regular bean and the Live. So the 'all versions of the XT' serves no purpose because we all know that the Pod Xt Pro can do it best.

So if the 'regular' can do USB 48/24, then it is big wahoo!