Recording my amp to computer.

I used the "Search" function but didn't see anything which matched or else couldn't decipher what the threads were about so I'll ask here. Boss or Zoom seem to get mentioned but I don't know enough about what to look for to figure out what I need. Basically I want to mic my amp and get it to my computer to muck around with it. A loop function and drum would be nice or even modeling which many seem to come with. Thanks.

Depends upon what computer you have and what software is on it. i.e. Mac has Garage Band installed and that allows a mic input thro' the computer's mic input socket. You can then play around with the sound to your heart's content. You also can input a guitar straight in or use some sort of Midi interface. There is also plenty of software out there for free or purchase which does similar or better things. If you've got a Mac look at the help menu on Garageband to get started. If you have a "lesser" type of computer you will have to search around for the software.

You'll need an interface like this (http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/FastTrackPro) to plug your mic into. It connects to your computer via USB.

Reaper is free software...if you have a Mac you already have GarageBand.

I would agree with Martin R. But depending on you budget I would go with a "recording Package" to start lot of bang for the buck and very expandable. Just make sure your computer can handle what you buy. Hears a some stuff to look at.http://www.guitarcenter.com/New-Gear.gc?internal=1&browser=&src=recording+packages

Check out the Line 6 UX1, it has inputs for guitar and for a mic. It provides a sound card for your computer, POD Farm 2 amp simulation software (if you want to go direct) and Ableton Lite recording software. Lot of bang for the buck and I've been using it for the past two years, very pleased with it.

If you just wanna "muck around" a bit, download a free program like Audacity and get an inline adapter to plug into your computer's mic input.

It won't sound as good as a digital interface, as mentioned, but will
get you in there for cheap. :wink:

edited to add - beatcraft by acoustica does the drum think okay (free trial).

Many thanks to all! I have a Mac and with the advice here I have a direction to go. This forum is like a Help Line for just about anything there is related to music. Thanks again!

With Garage band just plug the mic into the mic input socket on your computer and select Real Instrument on the software. You can also plug your guitar in direct but does not seem to be as good as you loose the amp settings and effects.I have used Audacity to record onto a Mac and just ran a line from a headphone socket on the amp or mixer to the mic in socket on the computer. Worked fine except that using the headphone socket meant I could not hear what I was playing. Had to put a monitor speaker into the set up.