Direct In Recording

[Taiyed]

Hi,

I'm somewhat of a Pro Tools Newb. I have mobx 2 and pro tools LE. Anyways, I'm trying to a get a solid, direct-in, metal distortion sound (I can't mic my amp at my new apartment because of noise issues).

Here are my issues:
- The free amplitube plugin they gave me sounds like garbarge
- I found a great tone using Revalver, but it's a .vst plugin and doesn't seem to work in Pro Tools (is there anyway I could record my parts into Reason and then move them to Pro Tools??? Does that make any sense??)
- I have some good distortion stomp boxes and some good impulse files, but I can't find a free convolution reverb plugin for Pro Tools LE

Does anyone have any suggestions other than going and buying a POD (preferably free ware).

Thanks a lot

[bfoundation81]

There is a thing from fxpansion called vst to rtas wrapper. GET IT!!!!!

With this program you can run vst pluggins on protools which is freaking sweet. I have revalver mkII and its hands down the best plugin for metal guitar and probably all guitar styles but i play metal. Let me know if you get revalver mkII or already have and i can send you some sweet impulse files of a mesa 4x12 when you get the vst to rtas wrapper......

[charger]

With quite a bit of experience in this area I can offer what insight I have...

First, Revalver I have heard nothing but good things about. Get the VST-to-RTAS adapter as mentioned in the previous post... that's the best way you can spend $100 on your PT system.

Second, the main problem I've found in "direct" plugins is the cabinet and mic emulation. Usually the preamp and tone stack sounds great, but the cabinets and mics make everything sound cloudy or edgy or harsh. Some friends and I have been experimenting with the Line6 amp models, running through convolution plugins for the cabinet and mic sound. You can get the Line6 amp models either by using a Pod XT or Toneport or something similar, or by using the Line6 Gearbox plugin (conveniently available in RTAS/VST/etc.). The way we approach this is to run the Line6 models without the cabinets, mics, or room emulation... basically a seriously "direct" sound... then run a convolution plugin behind that, loaded up with the emulation of a miced guitar cab. For live recording, the free VST plugin keFIR is specifically designed to have very low latency when doing convolution, especially when using very short convolution files, such as those made through a guitar cabinet and mic.

There is a lot available on the web, and a lot to this process... it's not hard to do, but requires a bit of upfront learning. If you're interested, PM me, I will send you the URL to another forum where a friend of mine has outlined all the steps with tutorials and download links.

[daren_woodall]

Originally Posted by Taiyed

... I'm trying to a get a solid, direct-in, metal ... The free amplitube plugin they gave me sounds like garbarge...

This is probably not the answer you are looking for, but...

I too was disappointed in the bundled Amplitube. After reading numerous reviews, I learned that Amplitube 2 is dramatically improved. I bought Amplitube 2 and I think it's great. It has all I would hope for.

You qualify for the upgrade pricing of Amplitube 2 so you should consider it. I don't regret it.

Daren

[killthepixelnow]

If you're concerned for the noise... try a direct box with amp simulator connected to your stomp box distortion and then to the insert in the Mbox.

Guitar > Distortion > Direct Box (with amp simulator) > Mbox2

Use headphones to monitor your tracking. In that way you won't bother anyone and you'll get a sweeter sound than with the preset plugins... wich I think they sound like shit.

[xfinsterx]

Amplitube 2 is excellent.
As is the Chrome Tone from Mcdsp.

The one i use the most is called Amp Farm, but i dont believe that it's available in a Pro tools LE format. Too bad too because it really is the best one out there. YMMV