I got a stupid question

[lakemonitor]

I'm currently not using a Pre-amp with my recording set-up. Recording with the mic straight into the soundcard turns out okay (not spectacular), and obviously I can't put a guitar straight in. I was wondering if someone could tell me if a pre-amp is totally necessary and if it allows you to record electric guitar to good effect? Does it make a hell of a difference? Also if someone could advise me on models to look out for. I've heard AudioBuddy is a good place to start (could be bunkum).

 

[scrubs]

I'm currently not using a Pre-amp with my recording set-up. Recording with the mic straight into the soundcard turns out okay (not spectacular), and obviously I can't put a guitar straight in. I was wondering if someone could tell me if a pre-amp is totally necessary and if it allows you to record electric guitar to good effect? Does it make a hell of a difference? Also if someone could advise me on models to look out for. I've heard AudioBuddy is a good place to start (could be bunkum).

A preamp will boost your signal to an acceptable level for recording. It won't, however, sound the same as a microphone on a real amplifier cabinet. A miked amp is what you hear on 99% of rock recordings because it sounds better than direct recording. If you feel the need to record direct, there are "amp modelers" that sort-of simulate the sound of an amp. The POD and V-amp are examples.

 

[lakemonitor]

Thanks scrubs. Just another thing. Would it make much difference to the sound of the mic coming into the soundcard? Is it effectively just boosting the signal? I know you can control the gain on most of them, but does it help in any other way. I could be barking up the wrong tree.

 

[scrubs]

Thanks scrubs. Just another thing. Would it make much difference to the sound of the mic coming into the soundcard? Is it effectively just boosting the signal? I know you can control the gain on most of them, but does it help in any other way. I could be barking up the wrong tree.

I am not quite sure what you are asking. If you are wondering about the function of a soundcard, it is very important. The soundcard contains Analog to Digital (A/D) converters which translate your microphone's sound into something your computer can understand (1s and 0s). Crummy converters will result in a crummy finished product. Good soundcards with good converters will translate your music much more effectively. It is a small piece of the puzzle, but an important one.

 

[lakemonitor]

The sound is pretty good when I record with the mic straight into the soundcard (no pre-amp), so i think my soundcard is fine. I know it sounds ridiculous, but would I benefit at all by buying a pre-amp? Why do people use them?

Thanks for your patience.

 

[Cloneboy Studio]

The sound is pretty good when I record with the mic straight into the soundcard (no pre-amp)

Does the soundcard have an XLR input or are you using some ridiculous mic with an unbalanced (1/4" TRS) connector?

In the grand scheme of audio I highly doubt it sounds "pretty good."

If you don't believe me, post some mp3's of audio examples of your recordings done without preamps and ask people's opinions around here. They'll let you know if it's no good.

I know it sounds ridiculous, but would I benefit at all by buying a pre-amp? Why do people use them?

Um... the question was just answered for you above--a preamp takes a low level signal, such as a mic creates, and amplifies it approximately 10,000 times louder so that it can be useful in recording. The BIGGEST change in gain occurs during the preamp and they are *critical* for having a decent sound. In fact, it's impossible to have a decent sound without them.

Not recording microphones with a preamp is the ultimate newbie thing to do and it guarantees some pretty wretched tones. Even a crappy preamp will sound amazing compared to not having one at all.

Do yourself a favor and look into a small inexpensive mixer at the very least.

 

[lakemonitor]

Sorry, comic book guy.

Indeed i am a newbie (coming from Tascam 4-track recording of demos background). My use is for recording decent home demo's. I'm using an (okay for me) mic, 2 balanced 1/4" inputs. I know it's hardly gonna give me great sound, but it's produced much better than my 4-track has. There's one of my mp3s I recorded for this college short film i'm making about bikes (not my choice of subject matter) hosted at:

You can all have a good laugh at "Newbie", at the very least.

Thanks for the mixer advice.

 

[battleminnow]

A small preamp/mixer/whatever will benefit you. It definitely will give you better gain control, but it will also (depending on which one you buy) give you phantom power to be able to use condensers in the future. All preamps have their "color," or their specific sound. The Audiobuddy from m-audio is a fairly transparent preamp that woul give you two channels of phantom power and xlr input for $50-$80 depending on the sale.

Comments on the mp3:

Were the bike sounds/percussive sounds samples or were they recorded?
The guitar sounded plastic to me. Amp micing probably would have "livened it up."

Pete

 

[lakemonitor]

Thanks Pete

Yeah, not happy with the guitar myself (logistics - only got a crap acoustic guitar (away from home and my favourite electric). Yeah all the bike noises were recorded too. I use Cool Edit, but i've yet to learn how to use much of the mastering tools as well, which might help. I think ye have me conviced!
Thanks again.

 

[Cloneboy Studio]

Yeah you need to get some type of preamplification in there...

A Mackie CR1604 mixer will only set you back 250 bucks. They are decent. I used one for years.

 

[Ferry123]

...and obviously I can't put a guitar straight in. I was wondering if someone could tell me if a pre-amp is totally necessary and if it allows you to record electric guitar to good effect?

A voice really needs to be pre-amplified, so you'd better buy a mixer or a mic pre-amp. When it's just about recording a guitar, your soundcard can be good enough (not the fabric one of course).

I have got a soundcard with xlr-outs. To be able to record my guitar (directly) I use a cable with a jack at one end, and XLR on the other end.

 

[battleminnow]

I have got a soundcard with xlr-outs

You mean XLR ins, that is, if you are recording through them.

Not trying to nitpick, just want to make sure there is consistence and clarity. When you are starting out, little things make a big difference.

Pete