In keeping with this week’s theme of music / audio related reviews, I wanted to tell you about a nifty product for geeky musicians. It’s SoundTech’s LightSnake. At first glance you might dismiss this $40 10ft long cable as a regular old 1/4 inch phono style guitar amplifier cord. Look a little closer and you notice that one end has a USB connector and the other end is split to allow for a 2nd 1/4 inch connection.
The LightSnake is an easy way to plug your instrument into a PC or Mac so that you can record your masterpieces using compatible software packages such as Garage Band, Sound Forge, and others. No longer do you need a sound card for input as this cable will let you record digital quality sound at 16 bit 48/44.1kHz.
Here you see the split 1/4 inch connector. This allows you to plug your instrument into an amp so that you can use it as a monitor while you record music through your computer. Also included with the cable is a 1/4 to 1/8″ adapter.
When you plug the cable into a USB port, it glows Green to let you know you’re all set to record. The light blinks as data is transferred through the cable. I used this cable with my Mac, Garage Band and a guitar and was impressed with the results.
I actually have 2 of these cables. One I bought myself, and one that SoundTech sent to me. Reply to this post with some info about your inner musical geek and I’ll choose one of you to receive a brand new unopened LightSnake. I’ll pick a random winner sometime on 4/15.
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{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
i’ve been into digital music ever since i got my hands on an awe64 – i’ve used the free MIDI composer software that’s bundled to punch in all sorts of music, from self-created nonsense to digitized version of choral pieces to aid learning. i’ve got an sblive now and a prodikeys keyboard which has been helpful with music creation – though i wish i had more time to do that these days!
I have just started to learn how to play guitar. My wife plays 12 string (among other instruments) and I would love to be able to play along on occasion.
Currently I just use a 1/4 to 1/8 inch adapter cable run into one of the inputs on my sound card, but this does have certain drawbacks….
Since I primarily practice right in front of the computer (found some decent online tutorials on how to play) this cable would be an ideal addition to my current setup.
Plus, I am a gadget hound and having one of these would allow me to count the guitar as a gadget. Plugging it in via an audio cable is one thing – turning it into a USB device is something entirely different!
oh did i say that i also looove playing the guitar?
A dear friend of mine does these great Beetles-esque duets with his 8-year-old daughter using Garage Band. (He’s McCartney and she’s Lennon–perfect since she’s such a wonderfully wise, old soul for a third-grader.)
He’s struggled to get the guitar right through his amp and a less-than-perfect soundcard setup. This cable would be a perfect gift!
Wow. Awesomeness! Now I will be able to record my guitar playing straight to my laptop! ^_^
Problem is, now I’ll have to persuade my boss to let me touch one of his 12 guitars, since I only have an acoustic. Eh. .__.
Cheers for the heads-up, Julie! D’you know if SoundTech exports this outside the US?
Jules
Hi Julie,
Thanks for reviewing another excellent product. I do not play the guitar but my girlfriend does and the Snake would be a wonderful addition to her music/Mac setup.
Keep up the awesome reviews!
Adrienne
Jules:
I would think you could find the LightSnake through various retailers. I know Amazon sells it for one…
Thanks for the info, Julie!
Rick from SoundTech here.
Please e-mail me if you are looking to find the LightSnake internationally. rjulien@usmusiccorp.com We have many distributors set up or in the process of being set up.