is it possible to plug a standard elec guitar into the audio in ( using a kack adapter of course) on a creative xf-i soundcard. without obviously causing damage and just using the pc 5.1 speakers? and poss recording etc?
Yes, my brother did that, but he has the frontal panel, where there an additional amp on the unit. The sound sucked compared to a real guitar amplifier. The sound output is similar to the el-chepo amp that you get in combo with these 50$ guitars.. ok not that bad, I was kidding, but not as great as a real amp that is for sure. If you record, you MUST set the sound card to Audio Creation mode, else there will be a delay (lag?).
Yes it's possible as i recorded a bass guitar directly through my old Audigy. As Goodbytes mentioned, it can sound a bit shitty and i'd recommend running the sound through some effects to give it a bit more life if you're recording.
I've successfully recorded acoustic guitar through my X-Fi Titanium pro. Used Image-Line's FL Studio to edit\give effects. There are many different apps which can do that. And Audio Creation mode is if you want to use ASIO for virtually delay-free recording (I managed 1ms, which apparently is the minimum.) And there is no risk of damage to the sound card, as long as the input isn't amplified. Never tried it with an amplifier connected and I don't want to try it because of the risk involved (By amplified I mean as in volume/sound pressure, not by altered sound). I'm not sure about the input tolerances when it comes to recording, but you could contact Creative about that.
You'll have better results if use an interface device, such as the Guitar Pods made by Line 6. I've been using them for years to play guitar through my PC and they work a treat. The Guitar Pod plugs directly into your sound card (where your speakers would normally be connected) and then you re-connect your speakers to the Pod. Your guitar plugs into the Pod via a standard jack plug. Line 6 do all sorts of recording software too. A basic Guitar Pod costs around £70. You get a CD with the Pod that installs a software interface that is very cool indeed. You can connect to an online database and download tonnes of presets that can make you sound like any guitarist you can think of, plus there is even a digital guitar tuner!
I used to use my old audigy to do this, but the results you get from using the record out/microphone out on an amp or pre-amp will give you much much better results! The sound card just doesn't have the inbuilt tech, or power to make it sound good! It is fine for your speakers though, won't cause them any damage! (or shouldn't do anyway)
See if you can pick up a Line 6 Guitarport from your local Cash Generator/Cash COnverters, etc. I got one for £50, it's USB interface, and it comes with a ton of Line 6's modelling software too.
For best results you need a microphone pointed at your amp. If you get a standard 3.5mm jack just plug into your sound card, but if you want to do some serious recording you will need to buy a proper mic (Shure SM57 is v good for guitar recording), plug it into a preamp and then the preamp into your sound card (you will probably need a new sound card with the correct connectors).
