Really basic gain question

[PostGrungeJunky]

Hey ppl!

I just got my E-MU 1820m setup up and running and I have a really stupid question. How do I set the various levels and gains, all the way from my guitar and to the mic pre trim to the digital mixer in my comp so it's the hottest without clipping anywhere in the signal chain in order to get a desriable sound? I guess, in other words, how much gain from my guitar amp can my studio projects B1 handle, and in turn, thru all the other gains and virtual faders, etc? My mic doesn't have a pad, nor does the breakout box for my soundcard. So as long as the actual mic pre isnt clipping, it's all good? Is there a technique to settings levels and gains for miking a guitar amp?

Thanks!

[Blue Bear Sound]

Gain Structure Article --> Meters, Signal Level, and Headroom

[PostGrungeJunky]

I guess also, a question might be, is the initial recording of a guitar suppose to sound weak and cruddy? Exactly how much processing (compressors, normalizing, eq. etc) does an avg guitar track go thru to sound kinda like the real thing?

Oh and thanks Blue Bear! That was real fast!

Is there a similar guitar amp gain/recording equipment gain/microphone level tutorial thingy you or anyone else mught refer me to? I know how to place the mic, I just dunno how to set levels on amp/recording equipment. For example, when I record my voice thru the B1, it sounds exactly how I imagined it would sound. But my guitar amp sounds nothing like how it sounds to my ears when monitoring.

[mshilarious]

Originally Posted by PostGrungeJunky

I know how to place the mic . . . But my guitar amp sounds nothing like how it sounds to my ears when monitoring.

These two statements conflict. Are you listening through the headphones, or direct to your amp, or a combination (intentional or unintentional) of both? Put your ear where the mic is (turn the amp down a bit first), and listen to the sound, then move your head until you hear what you want. That's where the mic goes, at least as a starting point.

[PostGrungeJunky]

i just meant that i read up on the fundamentals, u know the various miking positions, close miking, accent, cone, behind the cab, etc

[Ronan]

Originally Posted by PostGrungeJunky

I , when I record my voice thru the B1, it sounds exactly how I imagined it would sound. But my guitar amp sounds nothing like how it sounds to my ears when monitoring.

Guitars can be a little tricky to record. Try using a Shure SM57. People have mixed views on these for elec gtr but they are still the most common elec gtr mic and pretty cheap. Guitar amps almost never sound like they do in the room because you do not get the rush of the high volume etc but they can still sound great and big. Try putting the mic just a few inches from the speaker and move it around. Towards the edge of the cone for a smoother sound, center of the cone for a edgier sound. Set the mic pre so you are getting a good robust signal to what ever you are recording to and you are basically done.

If it is a distorted guitar, try backing off on the gain just a little. A little less gain usually works well in a recording.

[Blue Bear Sound]

Also - get that guitar amp up OFF the floor........ put it on a stool. Direct reflections from the floor can mess up sound even when close-mic'd.

[konvict]

Originally Posted by PostGrungeJunky

Oh and thanks Blue Bear! That was real fast!

its amazing what only having Slik Toxik b-sides to remix does for your spare time

[Blue Bear Sound]

Originally Posted by konvict

...nonsense crap snipped...

Is there a reason you're trolling around making bullshit comments, asswipe? Take your shit and get the fuck outta here..........