Just need some serious help

[heinzlet]

Hey guys, I really don't know where to start, here goes nothing I guess. So I want to be able to record my amp from my computer, it's a Laney LA65D, I use a SM57 to capture my voice and classical guitars, and sometimes my violin. Sometimes I even connect my keyboard and it all works great live but I really want to be able to start recording some tracks. I've been told to use the DI output or even the headphones' one, but I really don't know anything. Could someone guide me in choosing the best method to start recording some tunes through my amp? And does the headphones' thing really work? Because it looks so cheap to just do that, just wondering.

Thanks

BTW: Here's the amp manual Laney LA65D Operating Instructions Manual (Page 10 of 20)

 

[ashcat_lt]

Put the 57 in front of the speaker and hit record. If it doesn't sound quite right move the mic a little bit and try again.

 

[ecc83]

Don't know about "serious" Heinz! All pretty fun guys here!

Anyhoos, you have not mention an Audio Interface? (tho' I don't know how else you are getting a 57 into PC? ) As Ashcat said, mic in front of amp. It is generally thought to be THE best way to do it, superior to DI and line outs from amps but then such methods do have their uses, quiet, even "silent" recording in some cases. No reason why you cannot put mic on one track and DI etc on another and mix and match. All AI are two channel at least.

For perhaps THE best dissertation on recording electric guitar Google "Sound on Sound August 2007."

Good AIs at or under £100...Steinberg UR22, Alesis i02 and the Behringers are said to be limited but not bad sound quality.

Meant to say, monitor the mic/amp setup with headphones from the AI. This gives you a direct idea of what the mic is picking up. The room sound will be different.

Dave.

 

[ecc83]

Eeek! Just found out that amp is for ACOUSTIC guitar! (did not use the link. I do not need a .pdf creator and it is bound to give me some ***t I can well do without|)

All bets are off. You still need an AI (tho' maybe only the UR22 as it has the best pr amps) but you are now more into recording the amplifier as an instrument and, I would argue, need different mics from SM57s (also really need two) Small Diaphragm Capacitor (aka condenser) mics can be had for well under £100 these days and will give the range and "sparkle" the guitar produces.
In fact it might be better to record the guitar acoustically, sans amp?

This is probably an even more difficult task to get just right than an electric plank!

Dave.

 

[heinzlet]

Thanks everyone for their kind replies. I don't have an audio interface or anything like that, all I've got and all I do is perform live, 57 goes into the amp, not my PC. It works great live, capturing my voice and classical instruments such as my violin when needed.

Good Sir Ecc83, you're spot on, what I need is to record the amplifier as an instrument. So I guess I should get the UR22? Do you have any preferable mic of choice?

Thanks again,
Heinz

 

[ecc83]

Thanks everyone for their kind replies. I don't have an audio interface or anything like that, all I've got and all I do is perform live, 57 goes into the amp, not my PC. It works great live, capturing my voice and classical instruments such as my violin when needed.

Good Sir Ecc83, you're spot on, what I need is to record the amplifier as an instrument. So I guess I should get the UR22? Do you have any preferable mic of choice?

Thanks again,
Heinz

Mics? I would not presume. Many top people here with vast experience who will help. Personally I would start with a stereo pair of Small Diaphragm Capacitors but only because I happen to have a pair of AKG P150s!

Dave.