A few (I'm sure simple) assorted recording questions

  • Thread starter Thread starter kidkage
  • Start date Start date
kidkage

kidkage

Bored of Canada
1. When recording is it true that you want your input levels as high as possible without clipping?

2. I want to try out different guitar recording techniques to see how they are instead of double tracking such as splitting the same signal into a few tracks (I assume that would make the tones stereo?).

I've got a Zoom g9.2tt that has L and R outputs. Right now I'm running mono (L) into my randall head into my cab. I want to put two mics on that cab and also run a line from the R output into a little crappy 10 watt SX combo (just for different tone you know? :p) and mic that with a Studio Projects B1.

I'd also like to put that combo into my tiny (3X4, or 4X5, or something really tiny like that) closet that is full of heavy sweaters from the 90s and other clothing articles and mic it in there for volume bleed out lessening purposes (not that ill have it cranked it'll be very low between 2-5). Is that bad? I know the whole closet vocal booth problem.

3. Should I run everything through a preamp? even guitar/ bass iso cabs and DI lines through preamps, since technically there mic'd? or just vox and drums?
 
1. No. Only for analog recording. Digital should be as low as -20

2. Never as good as double tracking. Though it can be done by slight pitch shifting or delay also. Small rooms can sound really bad but less so when close micing. A big room will always sound better than a closet.

3. A mic must have a preamp of some sort always. Adding a good preamp to the chain will almost almost be of advantage. Not as much if the pre is no better than the preamp on your interface ($200 cheapie)
 
jimmys69 said:
1. No. Only for analog recording. Digital should be as low as -20

2. Never as good as double tracking. Though it can be done by slight pitch shifting or delay also. Small rooms can sound really bad but less so when close micing. A big room will always sound better than a closet.

3. A mic must have a preamp of some sort always. Adding a good preamp to the chain will almost almost be of advantage. Not as much if the pre is no better than the preamp on your interface ($200 cheapie)
Click to expand...

1. So by using this picture since this is the unit I have what would you say the level should look like http://www.americanmusical.com/ProductImages/Large/74668.jpg ?
2. I'm thinking of double micing one take and then single micing a double track as well. I'm just going to try experimenting.
3. M-Audio DMP3? it's all I've got... well I have an Art Tube MP :laughings:
 
From what I can see in the picture, channel 4 has already clipped so you are way too hot. Pic is not clear enough to get detail of what type of meter it uses. You never want to be anywhere near clipping. Someone who uses this recorder will have better info.

Experimenting with different recording techniques is the absolute best thing for learning what works for 'you'. Nobody can tell you what is the right way. You decide.

I use an ART Dual MP to preamp my line inputs on my interface. I don't normally use them to enhance input. Just to amplify cleanly. Not familiar with the DMP3.
 
jimmys69 said:
From what I can see in the picture, channel 4 has already clipped so you are way too hot. Pic is not clear enough to get detail of what type of meter it uses. You never want to be anywhere near clipping. Someone who uses this recorder will have better info.

Experimenting with different recording techniques is the absolute best thing for learning what works for 'you'. Nobody can tell you what is the right way. You decide.

I use an ART Dual MP to preamp my line inputs on my interface. I don't normally use them to enhance input. Just to amplify cleanly. Not familiar with the DMP3.
Click to expand...

Yeah, that's just a stock image. Number 4 is what I dont look like. Numbers 1 and 8 are what I normally look like. I assume 3 and 5 is what i should look like. I think the reason I track so low is because I monitor with the track level master level cranked through cranked headphones. I now understand that is bad.

Is there anything wrong with using multiple preamps for different drum mics and stuff. Ive already got the single channel ART, the 2 channel DMP3, and I'm looking at buying another preamp. probably a single channel. just not sure what I should get
 
Low input level better than high recording digitally. After much research, I'm gonna get either an NSA one or a GAP 73 for my next pre.
 
jimmys69 said:
Low input level better than high recording digitally. After much research, I'm gonna get either an NSA one or a GAP 73 for my next pre.
Click to expand...

The red one? $300? I'm looking at that too
 
Yup. Heard that the GAP sounds better but opinions are personal taste. Waiting for that sweet CL of Ebait deal to show up.
 
jimmys69 said:
Yup. Heard that the GAP sounds better but opinions are personal taste. Waiting for that sweet CL of Ebait deal to show up.
Click to expand...

It's about time I treated my vocals with the same passion I treat guitars and drums, so I figure I need a proper preamp
 
Just got a RODE NT1A and it is working very well on vocal tracks as well as bass and drum room micing. I'm sure a decent pre will help a great deal.
 
jimmys69 said:
bad link........
Click to expand...

Poop! ~ go to Zenpro audio and check out the shoot out between the GAP73, Chameleon Lab and 100% original Neve 1073.

Don't even worry about the mod on the new stuff they sound great just as they are!
 
kidkage said:
I just checked out the zenpro audio stuff. Im enjoying the GAP73
Click to expand...

And don't get hung up on the modifications that can be done to it.
Heck I've called and talked to the owner on several occasions and that was one of the topics we discussed and he said it is a little bit better but stock is very good to start.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top