Can you sing through a guitar amp?

Question

Hi, I want to play my electric guitar and sing at the same time, The only problem is that PA Systems are too much money and too big. I only play at home, and want to sing and play at the same time.

Also I have a recording studio Zoom HD8 and want to add vocals to my music, so would an ordinary fender 38 watt guitar amp do the job for me? (Note I will be playing through the same amp) If not, can you recommend or give me a link to one that will for a low price?

CHEERS,

Harry (from the U.K.)

Answer 1

Two different needs here.

1. You want to sing and play guitar at the same time and have both amplified.

Some combo amps have an input for a CD player, so you can play along to your faves.  If so, you could connect your mic to that.  BUT, you will at least need a small mixer with a microphone input. Mic to mixer, mixer line-out goes to CD input of combo.  If not, you should get another amp for your vocal amplification, which is what you should do anyway to perform in clubs, maybe a Karaoke machine would be enough.  There may be combos out there with secondary 1/4"/XLR inputs.

2.  You want to multi-track record.

This is easier, considering you already have the Zoom. You don't need a vocal amp at all, unless you want it for special effects.  Just record directly into the Zoom, using those XLR mic inputs while monitoring your previously recorded guitar track with headphones.