Another Pre-Amp Problem?

[Robertt8]

Please excuse me for greenness, but I hope I'm not asking the same thing as everyone else here (but I guess you'll be the ones to tell me...)

Here's the scenario:

I'm just trying to record an acoustic guitar here, so this is what I'm doing...I'm mic'ing an acoustic guitar with 2 mics, then plugging the mics into an amp so I can get enough volume to run it through a compressor, then run the compressor to the recorder. (does this sound okay so far?)

Here's the problem:

My freakin' amp is so damn buzzy that I can't really pull this off without a nasty buzz in the background.

Should I be using a something else instead of the amp? Is this where I should be using a pre-amp? I just don't know. Please help!!! Thanks for any help!

robert@birdsallinteractive.com

 

[Gidge]

Yep you need a preamp...preamp into compressor into soundcard.....

Midiman Audio Buddy ($79) is a quite decent 2 channel preamp.....

 

[Robertt8]

a pre amp huh? well, since I posted this in (sort of) the wrong section, I do have some recording software. I've got protools, but have no idea how to use it. I am on a mac.

How does the Midiman Audio Buddy work?

If I were to get that I'd go...Guitar to mics to preamp (Midiman Audio Buddy) to condessor to recorder?

Thanks again!

 

[Garak]

Which soundcard are you using?

Is it a standard multimedia one(1/8" inputs)?

Or a pro one (1/4 or xlr inputs)?

 

[Robertt8]

I've got those pathetic 1/8th inch plugs, so I guess it's the standard one. Does that make that much difference? Can I even get the others on my mac laptop? I've got an adapter for 1/4 (just a little plug). Any suggestions?

 

[Garak]

The adapter has to be stereo.

Your signel chain should go like this:
Mics - audio buddy - compressor - computer

Gtr amps are designed for gtr pickups and not mics.

The audio buddy has both hi and low Z inputs. The low Z inputs are ballanced and are for mics and uses an XLR connector. The hi Z inputs are for stuff like gtr's and bass and uses a 1/4" input.

 

[Robertt8]

okay...I just ordered the audio buddy thingy. So I should be in businss?

Thanks!