direct recording

  • Thread starter Thread starter seanr
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seanr

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I'm just trying to record my guitar. I take the signal from the direct out on the back of my amp into the line input on my soundcard. There's some sound coming through, but it's really low, too low to record. any ideas as to what I'm doing wrong?
 
Do you know what the output is on the direct our of the guitar amp? I'm guessing not +6dB, unless your soundcard is chopping it down. It may need some gain. Is there a reason for direct recording instead of a mic?
 
If I had a mike I would go that way too. Dave
 
I'm not trying to get a professional sounding product, just recording for fun. I assumed direct recording would be less of a hassle and certainly less expensive. If the output on my amp is too low, what can I do to boost the signal? My amp also has an effects loop, would it work any better to take the signal from the effects send? probably not.
 
I agree, probably not. Can you tell me what kind of amp it is, what you are connecting it to your sound card with (1/4 inch from amp to ?). Do you have any other equipment around? What kind of sound card? Are you running into the mic line in on your computer? Sorry for all the questions, just want to try and give you an answer that will work.
 
marshall valvestate 8240. it's not fancy, but it gets the job done. I just have a 1/4" to mini adaptor that I'm using to plug it into the computer. The cord is fairly long (20 ft) but it doesn't seem like that should have too much effect on the volume. I don't know what my sound card it, I believe it's just the one that came with the computer... No, I'm not running into the mic input, but the soundcard seems to have three seperate line inputs. They're labeled -1, -2, and -3. I'm plugged into the -2 on because the -3 is inaccessible and the -1 doesn't give me any signal at all. I have an effects pedal around that I could use to just boost the volume, but I don't know what level it's output is at either. Thanks for your help.
 
Dig up a Behringer V-amp. They go cheap, like <$100, and will record a brazillion times better than some line-out from your amp, and much easier and cheaper than doing it the "right" way.
 
That's not a bad idea. Do you know if it's possible to record with any multi-effects pedal? Obviously I'd want to get something specifically designed for it eventually (pod, v-amp, etc...) but could I just use what I have for the moment to get my ideas down?
 
you could use a multi effects pedal.. like my guitarist did.. with his Korg AX100

he just used the pre amp modelers.. and it sounds fantastic IMO :D

the output of the effects, i connected it to the MIC IN of my soundcard :)
 
Just a quick question about the mini-plug adapter: Is it from a pair of headphones? If you are trying to feed a mono signal from the direct out of the amp to a stereo headphone adapter that may account for your problem.
 
nah, it's a mono adaptor. why the mic input? does that take a lower signal than the line in or what?
 
The mic input has a preamp so will boost the signal. The quality wont be great though
 
So the mic input was pretty useless but the line input works alright. Unfortunately, the sound is still kind of muffled and undefined. I'm not sure how much of this just comes from recording directly and how much comes from my shitty effects pedal (zoom gfx-1, low end). It's not totally unlistenable, but I'd prefer if it was a bit clearer. I'm wondering whether I should get a guitar processor intended for recording (ie. v-amp or pod) or actually get a microphone and mixer. Keep in mind I have limited recording experience so the results I'd get from a mic would be less than ideal. I'm not looking for studio quality stuff here, just something to record myself while my band's on hiatus. Right now I'm leaning towards the v-amp. Thanks for your input, everyone.
 
Unless the pedal has some sort of cabinet simulator, it will be unlistenable.
 
hm, I believe it does actually. I just never used it because it wasn't helpful when I was playing through a real amp. It's probably pretty shitty though. I'll give it a shot.
 
That 20ft unbalanced cable could be affecting your high end. Try a cable less then 10ft.
 
seanr said:
I'm just trying to record my guitar. I take the signal from the direct out on the back of my amp into the line input on my soundcard. There's some sound coming through, but it's really low, too low to record. any ideas as to what I'm doing wrong?
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Your sound card should have adjustable settings for all your in/out signal. Try going into your computers control panel and click on the sounds/audio devices icon, and make sure you have the source signal turned up. :) Sounds like you already got a signal, just not a strong one (obviously) could be that you just need to turn it up (in your sound card))
 
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It's working much better now, thanks guys. While we're at it, what does balanced/unbalanced mean? Also, is there a way to control the volume of palm muted parts so they don't go through the roof all the time? It's not causing me big problems, but it's a bit annoying.
 
seanr said:
It's working much better now, thanks guys. While we're at it, what does balanced/unbalanced mean?
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A balanced cable such as an XLR(mic) or TRS(tip Ring Sleeve) are three conductor. Typically you can run longer cables with less hum.

An un-balanced cable is two conductor (tip-sleeve) this is your typical 1/4" phone connector for like a guitar/bass. ;)
 
flamin-gitaur said:
A balanced cable such as an XLR(mic) or TRS(tip Ring Sleeve) are three conductor. Typically you can run longer cables with less hum.
Click to expand...
Only if the hardware at both ends is balanced. The cable doesn't do anything on it's own.
 
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