Distorted Guitar Mixing

[Dogman]

I have noticed that that hi end sizzle and any harsh mids (1-2K) seem to be greatley reduced when single notes are played on a heavily distorted guitar. I have recorded a song where 1 guitar does rythym then goes into single notes using the same guitar sound and mixing plug-ins. The single notes sound fekin awsome whereas the rythym sounds more grainy and sizzly.

Not sure what the reason for this is.
If anyone knows then please explain.

Eck

I think the reason for the graininess, is a buildup of frequencies. Chords can span pretty big in the frequeny range. A really distorted guitar can have rumble way down low...say 100, and some ring way up hi...8-9k. I think it just buidls up, and can mask alot of other sounds.

 

[SouthSIDE Glen]

Is it better to turn the gain down and throw in a Tube Screamer or Overdrive then to turn the gain back up to pull out some Zakk Wylde Pinch Harmonics or good lead saturation?

I get the best sound by playing through twin triple stacks of Volkswagons with the gain on the doors wide open.



Sorry, that one has been impatient waiting to get used...

G.

 

[jonnyc]

Please, someone explain this? Please...

Simple, people use more distortion then is really needed and tend to record their guitars that way too. I'm not a guitar player so I can't tell you scientifically what's going on but turning down the gain was one of the first lessons I learned and has made recording distorted guitars much easier.

 

[K.P.]

Simple, people use more distortion then is really needed and tend to record their guitars that way too. I'm not a guitar player so I can't tell you scientifically what's going on but turning down the gain was one of the first lessons I learned and has made recording distorted guitars much easier.

sorry, not convinced... anyone else...

 

[TelePaul]

sorry, not convinced... anyone else...

Hmm not entirely sure, probably something to do with the fact that snare drum, vocals and acoustic/electric guitars occupy the same frequency range. In a mix, its harder to make things stand out...people tend to put their tone pot at 10 and gain at 10 and let rip. It's not the best way to do things IMO. Read Dogmans post, more distortion will build up the frequencies at 8/9 k. Hz.

 

[K.P.]

I have noticed that that hi end sizzle and any harsh mids (1-2K) seem to be greatley reduced when single notes are played on a heavily distorted guitar. I have recorded a song where 1 guitar does rythym then goes into single notes using the same guitar sound and mixing plug-ins. The single notes sound fekin awsome whereas the rythym sounds more grainy and sizzly.

Not sure what the reason for this is.
If anyone knows then please explain.

Eck

one reason single notes sounds beter than chords has to do with and amps generation of intermodulation distortion (IMD). IMD creates frequencies that are not harmonically related to the tonic. Single notes produce fewer IMD frequencies than do chords. some amps are much better than others.

I generally notch at 2.3kHz and again between 7-9kHz. I find this really this cleans up a lot... especially the 2.3khz. that area just hurts my ears.

my Cobra and Revolution amps are much cleaner than my 5150 wrt to IMD and thus chording is cleaner producing the individual notes in chords that are clearer and distinct... even at very hi gain settings.

 

[TelePaul]

one reason single notes sounds beter than chords has to do with and amps generation of intermodulation distortion (IMD). IMD creates frequencies that are not harmonically related to the tonic. Single notes produce fewer IMD frequencies than do chords. some amps are much better than others.

I generally notch at 2.3kHz and again between 7-9kHz. I find this really this cleans up a lot... especially the 2.3khz. that area just hurts my ears.

my Cobra and Revolution amps are much cleaner than my 5150 wrt to IMD and thus chording is cleaner producing the individual notes in chords that are clearer and distinct... even at very hi gain settings.

Its probably also due to the natural compression OD creates. But do you notch like this in a mix? Or when you're just jamming along?

 

[K.P.]

when mixing...

 

[TelePaul]

when mixing...

Well if it works for you it works for you, thats kinda the bottom line with music!

 

[jonnyc]

sorry, not convinced... anyone else...

Alright well keep recording with too much gain, whatever. It is kind of one of those few universal things though. So are you going to tell me you won't at least try to record with less gain to see how it compares?

 

[K.P.]

Alright well keep recording with too much gain, whatever. It is kind of one of those few universal things though. So are you going to tell me you won't at least try to record with less gain to see how it compares?

sounds like you're implying that I'm doing something wrong and just randomly dialing the gain knob... that's 180 out from what I said.

the turn the gain down comment, usually pops up as a fix for something. one never sees, turn the gain up which may be equally valid. of course gain matters. everything matters. PUP, amp, speaker, mic, preamp...

post some of your work... I'd like the hear it... check my sig for quite a few hi gain and mid gain clips. then let's debate some more...

 

[ecktronic]

I think the reason for the graininess, is a buildup of frequencies. Chords can span pretty big in the frequeny range. A really distorted guitar can have rumble way down low...say 100, and some ring way up hi...8-9k. I think it just buidls up, and can mask alot of other sounds.

Sounds good for me Dogman. THink you hit it on the head there.

Eck

 

[ecktronic]

check my sig for quite a few hi gain and mid gain clips. then let's debate some more...

Listened to the 1st one im sure.
Sounds cool. Love the sampled drums.
The guitars have a good distinct presence.

Eck

 

[K.P.]

Listened to the 1st one im sure.
Sounds cool. Love the sampled drums.
The guitars have a good distinct presence.

Eck

thanks but which clip... most are not samples, but are beta monkey loops or my kit.