Chunky Guitar?

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fluffy13

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Hey guys,
Ive been DIY recording for a long time and I've managed to get some sounds I've been pretty happy with so far. Though I feel I've hit a wall. I use Reaper and have an upgraded Sound Card in my computer. So, the main issue I have is I record alot of Metal. But I've noticed the guitar sound is somewhat lacking. I'm happy with the tone but I usually just run the guitars and bass from the amps to a PA head then into my computer. I've noticed they lack alot of "Ooomph" and have been told this is essentially down to not micing up the cabs and catching the thundering resonance of the speakers. So, my question is, is there away to emulate this resonance, to achieve a chunkier guitar sound? (I've attempted EQing but that just messed with the tone). Thanks in advance for the help guys. :D
 
Have you tried double tracking and even triple tracking the guitars? Tis can give you a much bigger sound
 
Try skipping the PA thing and micing your guitar and bass cabs.
Or you can try reamping your tracks.






:cool:
 
fluffy13 said:
I usually just run the guitars and bass from the amps to a PA head then into my computer. I've noticed they lack alot of "Ooomph" and have been told this is essentially down to not micing up the cabs and catching the thundering resonance of the speakers.
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The information you have been told is correct.
So, my question is, is there away to emulate this resonance, to achieve a chunkier guitar sound? (I've attempted EQing but that just messed with the tone). Thanks in advance for the help guys. :D
Click to expand...
Yes. Use a cabinet sim. Either Google it to find software/plugins, or buy something like a Line 6 POD.

However, your results will be best if you forget all that and simply stick a mic in front of your amp.
 
If you're willing to take the time to experiment and really dial in a sound, cabinet/amp simulators can be the way to go. I like them because of how easy it is to just experiment with slightly different tones using one good guitar take.

But you're asking how to emulate the "oomph" achieved by mic'ing a guitar amp...isn't the answer obvious? :)
 
"oomph" might be the new replacement word for "warm" to describe what a good tube amp give you tone wise.
It is difficult to explain, but those tubes do add a certain something to the general sound of a guitar. I can get a solid state to sound pretty good alone, but once it enters the mix, the majic is gone.

Amp sims claim to simulate a good tube amp, but the trained ear will defy that.

You can spend a lot of time tweakin' and buying plug-ins, but heat up a good amp & stick a mic in front of it and you'll probably find what you are after.

Good luck.
 
I have tried quad tracking etc, and it helped somewhat.
And again, its not the tubes which are bothering me, it's the power behind it, not volume, just power, tonally I'm happy, I just want some more boom.
I did end up download a bunch of cab simulators and I'm looking into some mics
 
Double tracking should definately help. Sometimes, even hard panning each track and then offsetting one a few samples can give you a really huge sound.
 
fluffy13 said:
its not the tubes which are bothering me, it's the power behind it, not volume, just power, tonally I'm happy, I just want some more boom.
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Turn the bass up on a couple of your double tracked guitars when you're recording them. Then have them relatively low lying in the mix.
 
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