methodology

[audioforgery]

I've been playing guitar for a quarter century and gigged around some, but very new to recording. Just really hate playing to tracks while wearing head phones, but unsure about running directly into mixer. As is I've miced the amp with a Shure 57, which runs into a Tascam 424mkII. The sound is good, but I'd really like to reverse the process and invest in a powered monitor system, line in to the 4track straight out of a Zoom GFX707 and play open-air. What arrangement will get me the best results? (and hopefully lose the headphones) Also, please recommend monitors that will perform well in a *small* home studio, without breaking the bank.

[Dom Franco]

You could do this with any stereo amp and speakers. Even a boom box that has a CD/Aux input would work as a power amp and monitor speakers. I have some powered speakers that I got from Radio Shack that sound pretty good! under $100
for the pair.

Dom Franco

[drstawl]

I record in a small room as well; how do you propose to isolate the new tracks you're laying down without using headphones anyway?
I hate the headphone set-up as well, but I can't think of any way to record my acoustic guitar all by itself while monitoring the rest of the recording open-air.

[S8-N]

O.K.
place your amp in a room far away from your recording console with a long mic cable to the mixer. use a long instrument cable or a wireless(which is what I use... adds a nice bit of compression...)
Monitor the playback through your monitors in the controll room while you are hearing the original signal from a few rooms away... This won't work with acoustic guitar unless you are using pick-ups and an amp... And I don't know why you would... You'll have to move your chair around to get a good mix... I still prefer this to wearing headphones.

[audioforgery]

Thanks for all the help - Lemme see, I got some powered speakers from Radio Shock, and they sound great! I was truly, well, shocked Then, instead of blowing all my cash trying to go line-in to the recorder, I put the amp in a closet down the hall (per S8-N)great tip, by the way. What comes out of the monitors is very true to what comes off the tape - I'm pleased. I also discovered something purely by accident: if you put the mic on the floor in a little four inch stand, and then hang the amp facing straight down, the surrounding carpeting soaks of the rest of the sound and there's no bounce. It sounds markedly better. Thanks again!