Recording...

[cmfireman]

So I've been playing around in a band here lately, and we're trying to get some tracks down for a demo CD.

We have the following setup:

Samson 8-channel pre-amp mixerPeavy PA systemHP desktop with a factory soundcard running Audacity recording softwareOne condenser micOne dynamic mic

After much trial and error, we have got a good acoustic/clean, bass, and drum sound by miking the bass amp/half stack/drum kit with the condenser mic in the middle of the room.

We record the music all at one time (bass/guitar/drums), and then have the vocals layered on top of the music using the dynamic mic so we can adjust the volume properly.

Everything sounds pretty dang good for a broke garage band up until this point.

The problem is getting a good distorted guitar. We have a crate half-stack, going into a generic multi-effects pedal that sounds just fine live, but when we record with distortion, the guitar just sounds very weak and airy. It has no punch.

My idea is to separately mic the cabinet with the dynamic mic, while the condenser mic is picking up the drums and bass in the middle of the room, but I think if I do this I still won't get the needed thickness because the condenser mic is much more sensitive than the dynamic, causing it to pick up the same noise that I'm hearing on the playback.

Another option I have considered is running the amplifiers line-in directly into the mixer to receive the signal, but while we're playing the guitarist and other musicians need to hear the guitar track, so this leaves me wondering if the signal-in would cover up what the mic is picking up, or if you would hear both signals while listening to the track. I also need a way to record the signal using the line-input and hear the sound through the cabinet simultaneously.

The main objective is to have the band play all instruments together, and get the highest recording quality possible.

Does anyone that has some recording experience want to lend a helpful hand/ear? I'll try and get some samples up tomorrow.

I'm banging my head against the wall trying to get the desired sound.


Modified by cmfireman at 12:10 AM 1/16/2008

[Papi Chulo]

Getting a quality live recording sound with only 2 mics would be a beyoch.

I've never used audacity, but I assume you can't multitrack?? If you can then It would be much easier to record guitar, voice etc etc as individual tracks. *but you knew that*

Give me links or specs to your specific PA/ mixer and I might be able to help you... what kind of speakers are you using with the PA? Line ins outs etc

You could try bass + vocals/mic> mixer > PA and play with the levels but I don't know what kind of gear you have

[iwantans13]

Mic placement is important. Dont place it right in front of the amp. Just off to the side. That will help with clarity. Also, its not ideal to record with such a large amp(or a crate at all....) as the amp at recording volumes tends to sound weak and lacks finesse. Try to see if you can find a good tube combo amp to rent or borrow in the neighborhood of 30 watts. It allows for so much more tweaking and tonal versatility.

[cmfireman]

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll have to get back to you on specs Papi Chulo, all the equipment is at a friends place. Audacity does have the ability to multi-track, but we want to play the whole song together.

I have a Roland Cube 60 I think I will take over and see what happens when we mic. it.

[cmfireman]

Bleh, forget all this. Were getting better sound with a little more trial and error, and a few more mics.


Modified by cmfireman at 3:41 PM 1/25/2008