Pre-amp and other questions

  • Thread starter Thread starter dainbramage
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dainbramage

dainbramage

Well-known member
So hi, I'm new here, been loving this forum for quite some time.

I have some questions about recording, monitoring as well as pedal orders.

What I have for now is:

Guitar: Gibson Les Paul Studio '96
Effects: Boss DS-2, Boss DD-3, Boss RV-5, Boss RC-30 Loop Station
Recording: Zoom H4n recorder, sE2200a condenser microphone.

Order: Guitar Jack -> DS-2 -> DD-3 -> RV-5 -> RC-30 -> H4n -> Headphones

I'm using the H4n as a recorder but also for monitoring sound through my headphones as I have no amp available (I left it like 8 hours drive from here, don't ask why) and well, it sounds like crap. In particular the distortion sounds VERY cheap and crispy. I would like a sound more like shoegaze and less like grunge/early punk.

So my questions are:

1. Do I need some sort of a pre-amp or is the DS-2 actually a horrible effect box? If pre-amp, what kind would you recommend?

2. What order should the pedals be arranged in?

3. What else do I need?
 
alrighty, you got the right idea, but you are a little off.
firstly, there isnt anything wrong with your pedals, but as to how you arrange them, thats entirely up to you. each combination can yield a different sound. i cant tell you what sound you are after, you have to find it yourself :)

second off, you are going to need a proper recording interface. isnt that thing for recording live shows? you'll need a proper interface and a DAW on your computer.

for the interface (depending on your budget) i can HIGHLY recommend Focusrite products.
Audio Interface, Mic Preamplifier, Small-format Consoles, Channel Strips, EQ & Compressor from Focusrite
look through their audio interfaces. they range from 150$ all the way to 1100$

as for a DAW, get Reaper. its for free, and you can buy the 40$ version if you like that.
 
Thank you for your kind reply.

The H4n is for recording live shows but can also be used as an audio interface. I suppose a real Focusrite interface would make the sound much better, but for now I have installed Reaper and have many more options. I still can't make the distortion sound good though. Being new to this, I am pretty overwhelmed by all the effects included in Reaper. Which ones should I apply to make the distorted guitar sound less crispy?

I am very satisfied with the H4n for recording acoustic guitar and voice through the sE2200a condenser but as for a plugged in guitar (even an acoustic) it sounds very stale.
 
So after my next paycheck I will probably pick up the Focusrite Saffire Pro 24 DSP (what is DSP?) but it seems to only have mic plugins and not regular jacks for guitars?

Another question: If I use this interface with the H4n, would the H4n "steal" audio quality making the output worse? I'm curious because of possible live/jam recordings in basements with no computers.
 
I guess the first thing I want is the guitar to sound good distorted while playing with headphones.
 
Yet another question:

Seeing theres tons of effects in Reaper, does this mean buying the pedals mentioned in my first post was a waste of money? Are there substantial differences between DAW-effects and effect pedals?

(My questions probably seem stupid to you guys, but I have to start somewhere..)
 
The inputs on the Saffire pro are the combo type that are both XLR and 1/4". DSP is built in effects that can be used for monitoring while you record. Typically you want to add effects in your DAW after tracking, otherwise you are stuck with what you have recorded. You can use effects in your DAW for monitoring while recording, but this adds to the latency of your monitoring. That is typically the reason for DSP in an interface (low latency monitoring with effects), while recording the non effected signal.

There are definitely huge differences between pedal effects and the DAW ones. Each have their own qualities. Again, if you use effects with your signal while tracking, you cannot change or remove them later.

Btw, nothing here sounds stupid. :D

Jimmy
 
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