Not enough "oomph" when recording guitar/bass

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Fiscus

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So I'm using a direct input (M-audio fast-track pro) and recording into FL Studio, using an amp modeler in the program. The tone itself is generally fine, but it doesn't seem like there's any power behind it. It's difficult to explain, but it sounds like the sound is just coming through, almost as if you're holding a microphone next to an amp or something like that. Thoughts? Solutions?
 
Turn it up? Different amp model? Compression? Turn the other tracks down? EQ?

Post a sample recording and you will get better feedback.

It's hard to say what would help without hearing what you are dealing with.
 
sounds like something you would take care of in the mix stage.good compression and eqing would more than likely solve that.
 
Fiscus said:
So I'm using a direct input (M-audio fast-track pro) and recording into FL Studio, using an amp modeler in the program. The tone itself is generally fine, but it doesn't seem like there's any power behind it. It's difficult to explain, but it sounds like the sound is just coming through, almost as if you're holding a microphone next to an amp or something like that. Thoughts? Solutions?
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record more than one track layer them pan them out and you can achieve the wall of guitars sound. adding at least one track will definitely bring it out a lot more. try to stay away from just copying and pasting the original. If possible record it doubled with the original gives it a much better end result.
 
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Fiscus said:
I'm...using an amp modeler...it sounds like...a microphone next to an amp
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:confused: I mean, not having used an amp modeler before, I'm guessing that is what they're supposed to do?

Havng a lack of "power" is kind of vague. If you could post samples of the sound you're getting, you would increase your odds of getting advice specific to whatever issue you're having...:)
 
Fiscus said:
So I'm using a direct input (M-audio fast-track pro) and recording into FL Studio, using an amp modeler in the program. The tone itself is generally fine, but it doesn't seem like there's any power behind it. It's difficult to explain, but it sounds like the sound is just coming through, almost as if you're holding a microphone next to an amp or something like that. Thoughts? Solutions?
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Assuming it has enough oomph to start with you are probably recording it too hot. Try tracking at about -18dbFS and then adding volume when you mix.
 
To me, the loss is probably in the loss of critical frequencies. The bass likes the 250hZ and guitars generally fall in the midranges, maybe 3-4K hZ.

I tend to boost those frequencies in the track and they do liven up.
Doubling the track & panning is definitely a good suggestion.

Compression is a funny thing. Over do it and its dead. Use sparingly.

Good luck.
 
matttheaxe said:
To me, the loss is probably in the loss of critical frequencies. The bass likes the 250hZ and guitars generally fall in the midranges, maybe 3-4K hZ.

I tend to boost those frequencies in the track and they do liven up.
Doubling the track & panning is definitely a good suggestion.

Compression is a funny thing. Over do it and its dead. Use sparingly.

Good luck.
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How can you suggest EQ without hearing what he has? Doubling the track adds nothing but volume to the mix. What you may want to do is track it twice and pan it.
 
Fiscus said:
it sounds like the sound is just coming through, almost as if you're holding a microphone next to an amp or something like that.
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Sorry, but I have to guffaw at this statement. What do you think electric guitar sounds are?

When I diagnose "oomph" deficits, the first thing I look to is the arrangement. Many times, it ain't the tracking so much as what is being tracked.
 
Fiscus said:
...using an amp modeler in the program...


...it doesn't seem like there's any power behind it...
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Lots of amp modelers deliver a sound without much power behind it. Your problem could be your source sounds.
 
TripleM said:
Lots of amp modelers deliver a sound without much power behind it. Your problem could be your source sounds.
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true dat...

when i use one of my outboard modellers i always like the sound im playing but it doesnt seem to translate when i record it...they always need a bit of work in the EQ department

thats why i normally stick to software so i can tweak away :o
 
Heres something to remember.

Its an audio signal.

How you capture what you hear and play it back representitively takes tweaking, trial and error and an understanding of what it is your trying to do.

An amp modeller is just that. A model.

it doesn't necessicairly mean its going to take the work out of it for you and make it perfect. You still have more leg work to do.

this problem could be anything from not knowing your software to shitty pick ups to dead strings....

Personally i'd start with ensuring you guitar is working how you want it. thats where the signal starts...

then work your way to your amp modeller.

In a perfect world with a good amp modeller and the ear for tweaking either via the modeller and eq'ing and knowing what sound you want you should be to get a decent sound sound with little effort.


Dumb question but have you added any bass tracks yet? Alot of time that 'oomph' you hear in guitars is the bass sitting just below the guits carrying them to that oomphy spot?
 
NYMorningstar said:
How can you suggest EQ without hearing what he has? Doubling the track adds nothing but volume to the mix. What you may want to do is track it twice and pan it.
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I did mean to re-record the track, not copy & paste it.
 
Fiscus said:
So I'm using a direct input (M-audio fast-track pro) and recording into FL Studio, using an amp modeler in the program. The tone itself is generally fine, but it doesn't seem like there's any power behind it. It's difficult to explain, but it sounds like the sound is just coming through, almost as if you're holding a microphone next to an amp or something like that. Thoughts? Solutions?
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You are missing the cabinet involvement associated with a real amplifier. There is no way to fake it going direct. I actually did 1 complete album going direct and it sounds really good. It was done with a foot pedel that is no longer made. I have yet to hear any other direct device that even comes close.
 
MCI2424 said:
You are missing the cabinet involvement associated with a real amplifier. There is no way to fake it going direct. I actually did 1 complete album going direct and it sounds really good. It was done with a foot pedel that is no longer made. I have yet to hear any other direct device that even comes close.
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or if you have a nice amp that you can go direct out and cut off the cabs speaker and go direct in to the modeler. Once in the modeler bypase the amplifier straight to the modelers cab. You'll get a nice Hybrid setup. I do this pretty often with my Mesa/Boogie DC-2.
 
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