question about using preamps and recording...

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gene12586

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So, I have my heart set on a nice preamp, but the one I want, I only have enough money for the single i/o version of the preamp. For the most part, for now @ least, I'll be recording 1 instrument @ a time, so this won't be a problem. However, what about the following scenarios:

1. Recording acoustic guitars: I know that you're supposed to use two mics to record acoustic guitars. So one mic obviously goes into the preamp. My audio interface will be a MOTU 896MK3, which comes with quality preamps as well. Can I plug one mic through the preamp into the interface and so on and the other mic just into the interface, since it already has the preamps? Will this screw up my sound?
2. I'll most likely be recording my band in the near future.... Is it possible to record 2-4 people @ the same time (using a method like # 1---only having one instrument through the preamp and the rest through the interface)?...or will we have to stick to recording one instrument @ a time? If we can do multiple instruments @ a time, which should go into what?....I'm guessing, the vocal mic should go through the preamp right and the other instruments just through the interface?
 
gene12586 said:
So, I have my heart set on a nice preamp, but the one I want, I only have enough money for the single i/o version of the preamp. For the most part, for now @ least, I'll be recording 1 instrument @ a time, so this won't be a problem. However, what about the following scenarios:
Click to expand...

You may have your heart set on a the preamp, so I expect you will get it, but you don't really need it. You might think about holding back on the urge and saving the money for more critical elements of your recording path.

gene12586 said:
1. Recording acoustic guitars: I know that you're supposed to use two mics to record acoustic guitars. So one mic obviously goes into the preamp. My audio interface will be a MOTU 896MK3, which comes with quality preamps as well. Can I plug one mic through the preamp into the interface and so on and the other mic just into the interface, since it already has the preamps? Will this screw up my sound?
Click to expand...

Two points:

1 There's no requirement to use two mikes on a guitar. One will work fine.

2 However, if you really want to use two, your plan will work ok. Your sound won't get screwed up.

gene12586 said:
2. I'll most likely be recording my band in the near future.... Is it possible to record 2-4 people @ the same time (using a method like # 1---only having one instrument through the preamp and the rest through the interface)?...or will we have to stick to recording one instrument @ a time? If we can do multiple instruments @ a time, which should go into what?....I'm guessing, the vocal mic should go through the preamp right and the other instruments just through the interface?
Click to expand...

It really makes no difference what goes into where. They're both going through preamps. Only difference is that one is a separate unit.
 
great, thanks!...I've been getting mixed opinions on the preamp front...some say preamps are less important than other aspects of the recording chain...others say they are up there with interace, recorder, monitors, etc.
 
There is no doubt that a good pre-amp will make a difference. But for that difference to be realised, everything else needs to be good as well.

In my view, the critical elements are mikes and monitors, and working on these will result in a bigger improvement in quality than adding a preamp to the signal path.
 
I'll have great mics and am looking into the Adam A7X monitors, they look and sound sweet! My major problem is my room. It's about 12x6 and almost a rectangle, but has one rectangular nook barely fitting a twin sized bed....so making it more L-shaped. If I have all of the right equipment, but end up having no other place to record, will this severely limit my sound or is there a way to get around this with tons of bass traps, foam, etc....?
 
another potential recording spot is the basement living area next to my room...it's about 4 times as large and the size is good enough. However there are lots of little nooks and other such areas making it anything but a symetrical shape....also, there is a staircase leading up..somehow I would have to board up this huge hole while recording...

or I can use both rooms, make one a live room and the other tracking and mixing, etc.

what do you think?

I can upload pictures if you want.
 
large = good
lack of symetry = good
nooks and crannies = good

conversely
small = bad
symetry = bad
featureless flat surface = bad.

don't worry about boarding up the hole

just use the big room: track and mix in that

if you want confirmation, post pix in the Studio Building and Display forum. You'll get good advice there.
 
Ok cool, I figured symmetry would be good for recording. Why is it that flat surfaces and symmetry are bad for recording?
 
Flat surfaces reflect sound everywhere.
Symmetry reinforces nodes or standing waves.

Irregular surfaces reflect sound, but in a diffuse way.
Lack of symmetry helps reduce nodes.
 
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