Direct vs. micing a guitar amp

[brendandwyer]

^^^ Great clips! Those guitars sound pretty real to me.



Have you used a Podxt? If not, then you shouldn't comment in this thread. If you have, then I'll just say it's just a matter of preference and cash.

liking the sound of a device is subjective. Everyone hears differently and likes different things.

However, a digital emulation of a AC30 sounds nothing like an AC30.

If you like the digital emulation, then that's what you like. But to say that it is "better" than an actual AC30 is pretty ridiculous.

They are two completely different things. The modeler companies approximate the sound of an AC30 so that they can sell boxes to people that want that sound. What you buy is not what you're paying for. Spend the $1500 on the real amp, or accept that you're using a marginal emulation of it.

But don't try to convince yourself that it sounds as good or better.

 

[jonnyc]

^^^ Great clips! Those guitars sound pretty real to me.



Have you used a Podxt? If not, then you shouldn't comment in this thread. If you have, then I'll just say it's just a matter of preference and cash.

I've used or owned just about anything you can come up with hardware and software wise. Trust me, in the begining I tried to make direct the way to go but it just didn't cut it, especially after I started mic'ing up tube amps. The only major direct piece of gear I haven't tried is the gt8, but I had tons of experience with a gt6. Direct can sound fine, but not as good as the real thing.

 

[darkecho]

In theory however, you cannot argue that an Amp modeler should be the way to go...

the half an instrument thing is pretty dead on i think, but think about it, your guitar signal goes into whatever amp, it goes through a variety of circuitry and then it gets blasted out via a diaphragm in the cabinet... then it is up to where you are standing in the room, and the room itself to produce the final sound-product that you hear.

everything in that step is calculable with mathematics, meaning it can be recreated because you can very easily emulate the circuitry of an amplifying, perhaps calculating the way it sounds coming out of the given speaker's diaphragm is difficult, but time will solve that..

Take the following diagram:

Riff x -> Guitar x -> (Amp x) -> Speaker x -> eardrum
Riff x -> Guitar x -> (Modeler imitating Amp x) - > Speaker x -> eardrum

If you did that, I am positive it would sound the same. Because we are only dealing with a signal electrical signal, given the proper schematics of the amplifier, there should be nothing holding back mathematical calculations from perfectly recreating that amplifiers coloration of the sound.

the problem is emulating the speaker and its interaction with the room and the mic, those things will be more difficult to emulate, but I think current modelers do a good job..


this whole thing is way to subjective though, personally, what i consider to be a "good" tone is one that acheive its purpose. I think a big part of the problem is that everyone is attached to these analog sounds that they get from certain combinations of antiquated equiptment.. its like a sentimental thing...

I personally find the advantages of digital guitar recording to be FAAAAR superior to the apparent tonal advantages of micing speakers...

basically, listen for something that sounds good, and DONT compare it to other guitar sounds... just listen to it for what it is and see if it sounds good.

if my guitar tone doesnt sound like any guitar on the planet, who gives a shit?? as long as it sounds GOOD as a sound, not an instrument!

 

[superspit]

Take the following diagram:

Riff x -> Guitar x -> (Amp x) -> Speaker x -> eardrum
Riff x -> Guitar x -> (Modeler imitating Amp x) - > Speaker x -> eardrum

Hi Dark Echo,
I tend not to use the speaker in the 2nd example.

Mine is.....
Git>Modeler>Desk(computer/monitor branch off this)>eardrum.
Then again, I use modelers for studio use only.
Just chukin' my 2 credits in.

 

[Greg_L]

Hi Jonnyc,
yes......this was a little experimental, silly thing I put together, just for fun!
Everything was put thru my x-vamp or my V-amp Pro, even my bass.
Charisma and Naked City were probably my favorites out of the 8 or 9 songs I recorded....but hey, it was all just fun with some like minded (sick) friends.
Be warned, the tunes will not be liked by all!! (and that's fine!!)
But it will give you an 'angle' of the styles that could be used with DI.
Regards,
Superspit.

http://www.myspace.com/obzcure

I personally don't give a shit between modellers or micing. Whatever works. Its all good to me. If it sounds good, it sounds good. I don't see anything wrong with using both.

I just want to comment on superspits tunes. In one word - awesome! I love KISS! Great job on 'C'mon And Love Me' and 'Charisma'. 'Naked City' is good, but I never cared much for that song. Anyway, keep up the good work, and if I can make a request, do 'Torpedo Girl'.

P.S. - I'm working on 'Rip It Out' right now myself.

 

[superspit]

I personally don't give a shit between modellers or micing. Whatever works. Its all good to me. If it sounds good, it sounds good. I don't see anything wrong with using both.

I just want to comment on superspits tunes. In one word - awesome! I love KISS! Great job on 'C'mon And Love Me' and 'Charisma'. 'Naked City' is good, but I never cared much for that song. Anyway, keep up the good work, and if I can make a request, do 'Torpedo Girl'.

P.S. - I'm working on 'Rip It Out' right now myself.

awsome dude....and thanx!
I'll give you the track list of what we've covered so far, if u like?
PM me and I'll see how you're going too!! (just so we don't clutter too much with our shit here)......
Thanx again, really appreciated your comments!!
Kindest Regards,
Superspit.

PS...Is that you singing....man...now that's a good rock voice!! Fuck yeah!!