Using virtual amps for electric guitar
 

Greetings everyone,
I am fairly new to the community, so I'm sorry if I am already asking a well known question, but I don't know where to ask other than here. Up until now I was using a small practice amp (Fender 10G) and I've been playing for nearly 9 years now only on that amp (I am on a pretty tight budget). I'm now looking for a way to use virtual amps. I bought an adapter (for a guitar cable to 3.5mm jack) and simply plugged it in my PC as a microphone, I know this is a very bad idea, because the latency is unplayable. I really need some sort of a interface with nearly no latency, but I am on a budget of about 125$, maybe 150$. Where I live, a Focusrite Scarlet is out of my budget, what I found acceptable is the Behringer UMC22 U-Phoria, Zoom U-24, or Power Dynamics PDM-D301. What other equipment do I need in order to use the interface. Any recommendations would be very appreciated, as I have no one to talk to.
Thank you to the community in advance!

Hi and welcome :wavey:

I'm using the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 together with ampLion Free.
If you can get the smallest Scarlett second-hand on Ebay, it should be within your budget.
The combination works fine for me, unfortunately I cannot say anything about the other audio interfaces.

Hello and welcome to the community! It's great that you're exploring new ways to enhance your guitar playing experience. Let me help you with your questions.

For using virtual amps and reducing latency, getting a dedicated audio interface is a good step. Among the options you mentioned, the Behringer UMC22 U-Phoria is a popular entry-level choice, and it should serve your needs well.

Here are some additional recommendations and information to help you set up your guitar with a virtual amp:

Audio Interface: You've mentioned some budget-friendly options, and the Behringer UMC22 is a solid choice. It will allow you to connect your guitar to your computer with minimal latency.

Software: You'll need a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) to run virtual amps and effects. There are several free and paid options available. Some popular ones include GarageBand (for Mac), Audacity (free, cross-platform), and Reaper (affordable license).

Virtual Amps and Effects: There are many virtual amp and effect plugins available. Some popular ones include Amplitube, Guitar Rig, and Bias FX. Some of them offer free versions with limited features, so you can start experimenting without spending extra money.

Headphones or Studio Monitors: To hear the virtual amp simulations, you'll need good headphones or studio monitors. This is especially important if you want to avoid the latency associated with monitoring through your computer speakers.

Guitar Cables: Make sure you have a good-quality guitar cable to connect your guitar to the audio interface.

As for the options you mentioned, the Behringer UMC22 should work well for your needs. Ensure that it's compatible with your operating system (Windows or Mac) and that the DAW you choose supports it.

Remember that the key to a good setup is experimentation. Try different virtual amps, effects, and settings to find the sound that you like. It might take some time to get used to the virtual environment, but it can offer a wide range of possibilities for your playing.

If you have any specific questions about setting up your gear or using virtual amps, feel free to ask!
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