Guitar just sounds...thin

  • Thread starter Thread starter djaweeeezy
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djaweeeezy

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Hey everyone. I've tried to learn as much as possible about recording through the internet, as i don't know anyone who also records (doesn't help that im only exposed to high schoolers). One hurtle i just can't seem to conquer is adding power to my recorded electric guitar.

here's my set-up:

Dinky DKMG with EMG active pickups (fresh battery didn't make a difference)...Firepod audio interface...connected to my macbook running Logic Pro 8...then the signal is routed into Amplitube 2...back through the firepod and out to my speakers.

at first i thought, maybe this is the best i can get with direct input, but that can't be right because i've heard DI recordings that sound perfect.

i've tried double tracking, using different amp models, compression, and panning techniques, but i just can't seem to get the sound to be...it's kinda hard to put into words...present, thick, loud, pro sounding?

im not sure if its just an equipment limitation, or DAW inexperience with recording guitar.
 
You have a pretty good idea of what you want to hear (recorded) and that's a good start. First, how does the guitar sound when you just play it? No amp, just guitar. If it's thin or tinny you may be stuck with that sound. If it sounds OK then try it through an amp and listen to the difference. Continue through with this process of checking each step in the chain (from guitar all the way to recorded tracks) to find where you are not getting the sound you want. If you aren't getting the sound you want before the recorder, you aren't likely to get it after. While vsts and plug ins can help (to a degree) you have to have a good source sound to start with.
 
You must post a sample so we can analyze what's going on on your rig.

Well, in case of your guitar, I must tell you that EMG pickups deliver too much high frequencies. The sound might please you coming from an speaker but when recording you must be careful with those things. My advice will be to play with your tone BEFORE start the recording process. Then, as Dani Pace wrote, you should check every stage of the process to discover where the problem is.

There's another solution for your issue: Record clean. Yeah, use a DI box and record as usual without any distortion. You can route an output to a distorted amp in case you feel disoriented. When all it's tracked you have two options: Reamp that clean signal using a real amplifier or apply a VST plugin to get that sound. By the way, I don't fin Amplitube to have a nice rounded distorted tone. It's more harsh. Just my opinion.

Once again, post samples.
 
i'll make a couple recordings today. i'll record it unplugged with a mic, clean into logic and then after double tracking and all that stuff...i'll post them a little later
 
what are you after with the Haas Effect? I don't find it adds positively.
 
im trying to get a thicker tone, and these are the things i've tried...im looking for someone to tell my what im doing wrong...i'm thinking i might just not be able to get a nice tone if im using EMG 85's cause they're just not gonna put out unless it's high gain
 
it's difficult for me to determine what you're after from your clips, but here's an amp reamp. since I'm not sure what you're after the first half is lightly distorted and then it fades to a heavier tone. there's a gazillion and one tones, so I just did a quick dial.

Reamp

my input is for you to spend time doing nothing but dialing your Amp (simulator)... i.e. practice getting a tone.
 
Shell out and get a POD. You won't regret it.

Another alternative is Behringer X-V-Amp. Cheapest amp modelling you can get but it will beat what you've got at the moment.
 
double tracking = pwr.

if you're gonna track some guitars, make sure to track them multiple times. no matter what your recording situation, amp setup whatever, it's always a sound (pun intended) idea. and track loud. at least with tube amps.
If you're seriously just a beginner, take heed cause this is exactly what I do myself: *note this is for a metal project, your needs and mileage may vary.

-slam your sm57 (or whatever mic you may be using) up against that speaker grille where the dust cap meets the woofer. 90 degrees, straight on till mornin'.

-use one setting, perhaps a darker, murkier, tone complete with dialed-down gain setting

-use another setting, perhaps a searing, in your face type of face-melting distortion for another track.

then simply double EACH of these, pan one of each left and right. you should end up with TONE1LEFT, TONE1RIGHT, TONE2LEFT, TONE2RIGHT. there you go! mix them to taste. always works for me, gives a very focused sound that cuts a mix in half and watches it bleed. add more layers when you feel confident/song needs it.
 
Hey there,
I'm a bit new here, and I'm sure I don't know nearly as much as everyone else, but I can still give my 2 cents :)

Anyways - I used to record my guitar stuff with direct line in, and the first thing I noticed was that the tone was quite different than when close micing my amps. I have since switched techniques, and I suggest you do too, but that wasn't your question.

If you're not getting a thick tone and you're using EMG 85's (active pickups with an internal pre-amp), then there could be a problem with your audio in. The first thing I'd suggest doing is checking your audio input sound settings. You're using mac, which I'm not familiar with but make sure your input volumes are between 50% and 80%. If your audio input settings are good, and recording other instruments, vocals, or line in sounds good, try multi tracking your guitar using different tone, volume, and pickup selection settings.

For example, if I'm doing a thick guitar part without bass backing, I'll record one track with the mids and highs with the lows cranked down, and then another with the lows / mids, and no highs, and then a final track with lows and highs with low mids, and then I blend until I have a nice thick sounding mix.

Avoid reverb as much as possible if you're multi tracking or it'll sound like a mess, and then apply FX on the final product.

I hope this helped, but if not - try close micing... it's the best imo!
-
Adam
 
djaweeeezy said:
Hey everyone. I've tried to learn as much as possible about recording through the internet, as i don't know anyone who also records (doesn't help that im only exposed to high schoolers). One hurtle i just can't seem to conquer is adding power to my recorded electric guitar.

here's my set-up:

Dinky DKMG with EMG active pickups (fresh battery didn't make a difference)...Firepod audio interface...connected to my macbook running Logic Pro 8...then the signal is routed into Amplitube 2...back through the firepod and out to my speakers.

at first i thought, maybe this is the best i can get with direct input, but that can't be right because i've heard DI recordings that sound perfect.

i've tried double tracking, using different amp models, compression, and panning techniques, but i just can't seem to get the sound to be...it's kinda hard to put into words...present, thick, loud, pro sounding?

im not sure if its just an equipment limitation, or DAW inexperience with recording guitar.
Click to expand...

it's kinda hard to put into words...present, thick, loud, pro sounding?
Present = decent room
Thick = good sounding amp, good sounding guitar
Loud = good sounding amp cranked
Pro Sounding = recorded by a pro.

Now to your problem. The sound you are after is derived by recording a good sounding amp in a good sounding room with a good sounding guitar. The sound must be what you are after before placing a good sounding mic in front og the amp. Once the mic is placed in the best sounding area of the speaker, thick guitars are usually doubled or more. Amplitude will not get what you want.
 
I record all my rhythm guitar with active EMGs and they are awesome.
They have a very controllable sound.

If your after thick sound then layer your track perhaps 3 or even 4 times

check the rhythm out on our tracks
www.myspace.com/elementsound
 
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