Help getting the guitar sounding "right"

[Spitz]

I have a guitar, a computer with Acid Pro and Adobe Audition.

I also have a small, normal-sounding amplifier that can control the

guitar's "treble," "middle," and "bass" output sounds. It also has a knob that

says "presence," which kind of adds to the guitar's "trebly" sounds.

Recently, I've been fiddling around with both programs and have managed to

record some stuff. However, I'm lacking that "presence" in the guitar that lots

of bands have in their guitars.

I've recorded a little "demo," so to speak, of the kind of music I like to record.

The drum beat was sliced from a real drum beat and modified in Fruity Loops

to get the pattern I wanted.

I really appreciate any help you guys can provide me to make the guitar

sound more "pro."

Here it is:

 

[Spitz]

Please... You guys know so much, I don't think it would take long.

 

[apl]

How did you get the guitar sound into the computer? Did you use a mic or record direct? What kind of mic?

 

[Spitz]

First off, thanks for replying!

Secondly, I plugged the guitar to the pedal, and the pedal to my computer. I plugged it into the computer's "mic" slot, because if I plug it to the "line in," the sounds will only be heard on the left speaker. I've heard that using some sort of "Y" cable (which I think I have) will solve the problem. It did once, but I can't get the guitar to sound on both speakers via line in anymore.

Anyway, its guitar--pedal--computer. If i make the guitar sound like an acoustic guitar, it sounds very clear and nice. If I choose a distortion effect, though, it sounds terrible.

My friend connects his guitar directly onto the computer, but his sounds are way better.

Thanks for replying!

 

[Farview]

does your friend use the same pedal that you do? Maybe you should find out what he is using if it sounds good. What kind of pedal are you using?

The adaptor you need is a 1/4 mono to 1/8 stereo. That will solve the line in problem.

 

[Erik713]

If you have a good sound through your amplifier for live gigs and jamming, you could invest in a decent microphone. Plug the mic into your computer's mic slot, and mic the cabinet (if you want to know about mic technique, look at the zillions of posts on it in the Mics section of this forum). That might help you get the sound you're used to hearing.

 

[jonhall5446]

Using what you have now...

You will need to EQ the guitar after it has been recorded. Find a way to EQ and you'll be on the right track.

Now a little about quality...

Without a mic and a great sounding amp, you will not get the sounds you desire. Running a little amp with a pedal will not make a quality recording unless you have the equipment to mix it well. Running direct is ok but a mic will bring out the sound. Use that to get your ideas down, it doesn't have to sound great for that. If you are looking for a great recording then get ready to spend some money.

Hope this helps,

Good Luck!