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To connect an electric guitar to FL Studio, plug it into a suitable input on an audio interface, connect the interface to your computer, select its driver in FL Studio, and route that input to a Mixer track. Arm the track to record into the Playlist, or use Edison on the track. Image-Line requires Producer Edition or higher to record external audio.
What you need
- An electric guitar and a cable that fits both the guitar and the interface input.
- An audio interface with an input that accepts the guitar’s signal, plus a driver or audio-device support for your computer’s operating system.
- FL Studio Producer Edition or higher for external audio recording.
Image-Line advises people recording external instruments or vocals to consider a dedicated audio-production interface. A cable or passive adapter alone does not turn a guitar signal into computer audio. Interface inputs and features vary, so check the device specifications and manual before connecting. Image-Line’s audio-recording manual and Audio settings guide explain how FL Studio uses audio-device inputs and drivers.
Connect the guitar and set up FL Studio
- Connect the guitar to the interface. Plug the guitar into an input designed to accept its signal, using the cable and connector required by your particular guitar and interface. Connect the interface to the computer and follow its setup instructions.
- Select the interface in FL Studio. Open Options > Audio settings and choose the interface and its driver as the audio device. The selected device and driver determine which inputs and outputs FL Studio can use.
- Choose the driver for your operating system. On Windows, use the interface manufacturer’s native ASIO driver when available. Image-Line describes FL Studio ASIO as a compatibility option that can introduce latency. On macOS, select the appropriate Core Audio device; allow microphone access if macOS requests it.
- Route the guitar input to a Mixer track. Select an unused Mixer track, then use that track’s Input menu to choose the interface input where the guitar is connected. On Windows, external input options require an ASIO driver. Avoid recording onto the Master track: other audio routed through it may be captured along with the guitar.
- Check the input signal. Play the guitar and watch the selected Mixer track’s meter. If it does not respond, confirm the guitar is connected to the input you selected and that FL Studio is using the interface and its driver.
Record into the Playlist or Edison
Record an Audio Clip in the Playlist
- With the guitar routed to its Mixer track, use FL Studio’s recording workflow and choose audio recording to the Playlist.
- Arm the Mixer track for recording, start recording, and play the guitar. The take is recorded as an Audio Clip in the Playlist.
Record directly in Edison
- Add Edison to the Mixer track receiving the guitar input.
- Set Edison to record audio from that input, then start recording and play the guitar.
For either method, choose the recording pickup point intentionally. An external-input-only pickup captures the interface input without other signals routed through the track; other pickup choices include more of the Mixer signal chain. Image-Line’s recording instructions detail the Playlist and Edison workflows.
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Reduce monitoring delay
If your interface offers direct monitoring, it can send the guitar input to headphones or speakers without routing the monitoring signal through FL Studio. This avoids latency from that software monitoring path. Direct monitoring is hardware-dependent; consult the interface manual for its routing and controls.
#1 Best Overall
Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen USB-C Audio Interface
- Pro performance with great pre-amps - Achieve a brighter recording thanks to the high performing mic pre-amps of the Scarlett 3rd Gen. A switchable Air mode will add extra clarity to your acoustic instruments when recording with your Solo 3rd Gen
- Get the perfect guitar and vocal take with - With two high-headroom instrument inputs to plug in your guitar or bass so that they shine through. Capture your voice and instruments without any unwanted clipping or distortion thanks to our Gain Halos
- Studio quality recording for your music & podcasts - Achieve pro sounding recordings with Scarlett 3rd Gen’s high-performance converters enabling you to record and mix at up to 24-bit/192kHz. Your recordings will retain all of their sonic qualities
- Low-noise for crystal clear listening - 2 low-noise balanced outputs provide clean audio playback with 3rd Gen. Hear all the nuances of your tracks or music from Spotify, Apple & Amazon Music. Plug-in headphones for private listening in high-fidelity
- Everything in the box: Includes Pro Tools Intro+, Ableton Live Lite, Cubase LE, and Hitmaker Expansion: a suite of essential effects, powerful software instruments, and easy-to-use mastering tools
If you monitor through FL Studio instead, the driver and buffer settings affect how responsive the sound feels and how much CPU processing is required. A smaller buffer can improve responsiveness but may increase CPU load; adjust settings while listening for glitches or dropouts. The exact controls and results depend on your audio device and system.
Choose an interface that fits your setup
There is no single interface choice established for every guitar and computer. Compare the details that determine whether the signal path will work:
Rank #2
Focusrite Scarlett Solo 4th Gen USB-C Audio Interface
- The new generation of the songwriter's interface: Plug in your mic and guitar and let Scarlett Solo 4th Gen bring big studio sound to wherever you make music
- Studio-quality sound: With a huge 120dB dynamic range, the newest generation of Scarlett uses the same converters as Focusrite’s flagship interfaces, found in the world's biggest studios
- Find your signature sound: Scarlett 4th Gen's improved Air mode lifts vocals and guitars to the front of the mix, adding musical presence and rich harmonic drive to your recordings
- All you need to record, mix and master your music: Includes industry-leading recording software and a full collection of record-making plugins
- Everything in the box: Includes Pro Tools Intro+, Ableton Live Lite, Cubase LE, and Hitmaker Expansion: a suite of essential effects, powerful software instruments, and easy-to-use mastering tools
- Input type: Verify that an input accepts your guitar directly. Do not assume every interface input is suitable.
- Input count: Consider how many sources you need to record at the same time.
- Operating-system and driver support: Confirm compatibility with your computer and, on Windows, availability of the interface maker’s ASIO driver.
- Monitoring: Check whether direct monitoring is available if you want to hear the guitar without software-monitoring delay.
- Connectors and cable: Match the required cable to the guitar and interface. A 6.35 mm (1/4-inch) instrument cable may be appropriate for some setups, but not all.
Image-Line’s audio-recording manual, Audio settings guide, and audio-interface setup guide explain the software’s requirements and setup. Exact hardware needs depend on your operating system, guitar, existing equipment, and input needs.
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Quick Recap
Bestseller No. 1
Bestseller No. 2
Bestseller No. 5
Best Value
M-AUDIO M-Track Duo USB Audio Interface
- Podcast, Record, Live Stream, This Portable Audio Interface Covers it All - USB sound card for Mac or PC delivers 48kHz audio resolution for pristine recording every time
- Be ready for anything with this versatile M-AUDIO interface - Record guitar, vocals or line input signals with two combo XLR / Line / Instrument Inputs with phantom power
- Everything you Demand from an Audio Interface for Fuss-Free Monitoring - 1/4" headphone output and stereo 1/4" outputs for total monitoring flexibility; USB/Direct switch for zero latency monitoring
- Get the best out of your Microphones - M-Track Duo’s transparent Crystal Preamps guarantee optimal sound from all your microphones including condenser mics
- The MPC Production Experience - Includes MPC Beats Software complete with the essential production tools from Akai Professional
Rank #4
JOYO Guitar Audio Interface for Phone, Direct Monitoring with 6.35mm Input & 3.5mm Headphone Out, USB-C & Lightning Plug & Play, Portable Pocket Size (MOMIX CAB)
- DIRECT MONITORING AUDIO INTERFACE — LOW-LATENCY GUITAR RECORDING: The MOMIX CAB is a direct monitoring audio interface—your guitar's clean signal is passed straight to the headphone output with zero latency while simultaneously sending to phone for recording. This means you'll always hear your unprocessed guitar in the headphones alongside any app audio. It's ideal for recording dry guitar tracks, practicing with backing tracks, or live streaming your playing. Important: The dry signal cannot be muted—this interface is not designed for real-time software amp sims or effects processing.
- PLUG & PLAY — NO CHARGING, NO DRIVERS, NO SOFTWARE: Just connect the MOMIX CAB to your phone's USB-C or Lightning port, plug in your guitar (6.35mm jack) and headphones (3.5mm jack), and start recording. No batteries, no charging, no driver installations. The signal indicator light glows green for clean signal, and turns red if your input is too hot—turn down your guitar volume to avoid distortion.
- POCKET-SIZED PORTABILITY — BACK CLIP DESIGN: Smaller than a key, the MOMIX CAB clips securely to your pocket, belt, or guitar strap for truly mobile recording. Record song ideas at the rehearsal space, capture practice sessions on video, or go live on social media—anywhere inspiration strikes. The included USB-C cable and Lightning adapter ensure wide device compatibility right out of the box.
- IMPORTANT USAGE NOTES — PLEASE READ BEFORE BUYING: (1) Use only the included USB-C cable—third-party cables may not work. (2) On Android, enable OTG in your phone settings and use the built-in Recorder app or a compatible recording app. (3) The headphone output carries both your guitar's direct signal and phone audio—this is ideal for zero-latency monitoring during recording. (4) Device compatibility varies—tested with iPhone (iOS), Google Pixel, and Samsung. Not guaranteed with all Android models.
- JOYO QUALITY & AFTER-SALES CONFIDENCE: Backed by JOYO's decade-plus reputation for crafting budget-friendly gear. Each MOMIX CAB is tested before shipping. Should you encounter connection issues, first ensure you're using the original cable and OTG is enabled on Android. For persistent problems—such as buzzing, no signal, or intermittent connection—our support team is ready to assist through your Amazon order page.
Rank #3
PIYONE Audio Interface, 2X2 24-bit/192kHz Interface for High-Fidelity, Studio Quality PC/Mac/iOS Recording, XLR/TRS Combo Input, Monitor Mix/Loopback Function, One-Cable Setup(Alloy Red)
- PIYONE Plug-and-Play USB C Audio Interface. Experience seamless connectivity with this class-compliant audio interface for Mac and PC. The modern audio interface USB C port handles both high-speed data transfer and bus power, eliminating bulky external power supplies. No drivers are required—simply plug into your laptop and start creating with this portable xlr audio interface.
- Studio-Grade 24-bit/192kHz Fidelity. Capture every nuance with professional resolution and a wide dynamic range. This 2 channel audio interface features high-performance converters that ensure crystal-clear, low-noise recordings. Whether you need an audio interface for PC or mobile, the Q28 delivers the high-fidelity sound required for professional music production.
- Elegant Design with Illuminated Control. Enhance your interface for recording music with signature fixed LED light rings on each gain knob. This premium aesthetic ensures easy visibility in dimly lit studios while adding a modern, professional look to your setup. It’s the perfect blend of style and function for your home recording audio interface.
- Versatile 2 Channel XLR USB Interface. Connect any source with maximum flexibility via two combo jacks. This 2 input audio interface is perfect for recording vocals with a condenser mic or using the Hi-Z input as a guitar interface for PC. With integrated 48V phantom power supply audio interface capabilities, it provides clean, ample gain for even the most demanding microphones.
- Zero-Latency Monitoring & 3.5mm Connectivity. This home recording audio interface is built for performance. The Direct Monitor feature allows for silent, zero-latency tracking, while the built-in 3.5mm headphone jack ensures compatibility with standard headsets without needing adapters. Powerful, portable, and ready to perform, it’s the ultimate xlr interface for laptop users and mobile creators.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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