Do I need a guitar preamp?

[rippeltippel]

Hi all,

I've just bought a Lexicon Alpha to record my acoustic Takamine, a cheap solution just to see how it goes.
When I plug my guitar, though, the signal level going into the PC is quite low, even with Alpha's I/O knobs at their max value.

My guitar's internal mic and equalization are powered by a 9V battery, so there should be some preamplification... I guess that it's not enough, can it be the problem?

In this case, shall I buy a preamp? I've read several good reviews of Behringer ADI21, could it be the right choice?

Thanks,
rippel

 

[Chibi Nappa]

In this case, shall I buy a preamp?

No. The Alpha has a preamp.

*Is the battery dying in your guitar?
*Are you plugged into the right input on the Alpha?

 

[rippeltippel]

Hi Chibi, the battery is brand new and I'm using the correct input... would a DI box solve my problem?

 

[moresound]

No, that wouldn't make a difference.
How about your recording software is everything set correctly?

 

[Newbie-Doo]

If you have a microphone, you should try using that before buying a DI or another preamp. Most guitars use Piezo undersaddle pickups which don't have a very convincing acoustic sound.

Try pointing the mic at the fretboard, placing it 3-4 inches away between the 12th fret and the soundhole. You'll be amazed at how moving the mic a little this way and a little that way will affect the EQ.

Small Diaphragm Condenser mics (SDC) are fantastic on acoustics and can be found relatively cheap ($40-$50).

Good luck,
D

 

[Bisson820]

i would use mic's to record an acoustic guitar or else the body of the guitar is rather useless in my opinion.

however if you must go line in... i'd suggest getting a DI BOX like this http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/product/Behringer-UltraG-GI100-DI?sku=150934

 

[Chibi Nappa]

Guys, the guitar has a mic and he already has both a means for preamping and DI.


*Is the volume knob on the guitar turned down low?
*Is there a pad button on the Alpha that is pushed in?
*Maybe your guitar needs phantom power (doubtful, but give it a look).

 

[rippeltippel]

Hi all, thank you for the advice!

At the moment my guitar's mic volume is at max, but I've got a small improvement by using JACK + Ardour, instead of the Cubase LE4 which came with the Alpha.

I'll try with a DI box anyway (Bisson820: thanks for the link) and see what happens.

 

[Chibi Nappa]

Just to be sure: What is "low"? Can you post a quick recording of your guitar so we can hear how low it is? Is the guitar clear yet quiet or is it drowning in noise? Is the sound full or thin? Could it be a bad cord? Could it be working properly but you're comparing it to commercial releases that have been mastered? Does it sound like it was picked up by a camcorder? Maybe you haven't configured your recorder to record off of the Alpha and it is using an internal computer mic instead.