To much distortion

[Atipp]

I finally got a fair guitar sound recorded using my digitech rp-01 processor straight in to the mixer. I had to re-EQ (after recording the processors parametric EQ settings), and record that to two new tracks (big stereo sound). I opted for a more trebley sound in hopes that the bass guitar would fill the track in. What ended up happening is that the guitar sounds like a fully clipped high distorted mess of dog doo when I play it back on my home stereo. although Through the headphones out the 8-track and from my computer .wav file it sounds like it'll work. Is my guitar track trash? Can anyone tell me where to start to fix this mush, or at least avoid it in the future?

Thanks a million
Adam T.
adtsks@citlink.net

 

[PowerCouple]

Let's see...

First of all: LESS IS MORE!

If you record a ultrasuperdistorted tone it may sound not so powerful in the mix...try hitting the Gain knob a little lower to see what happens in the mix...

Don't cut every low frequency of your guitar sound, find a balance between guitar and bass cuts and boosts...

NEVER mix and edit a single track to perfection...after hours of hard work you'll find that it loses it solo majesty when placed into the mix, just tweak as necessary, make rough mixes, and hear IN THE MIX what your guitar track is lacking...

Is it Low end?
Is it brightness?
Is it POWER?

Don't use your headphones for mixing unless you have a pair of excellent flat-field headphones...

when possible, before burning a CD, hook up your personal stereo to your computer and hear how your mix sounds trough it...I found this VERY useful...sometimes, personal stereos boost or cut some freqs...

Peace...

PC

(please, post if U can a tiny sample so everyone can get a better idea of your problem, that will help us help you)

 

[jonobacon]

When I record distortion I knock the gain and bass down - they are not needed like they are needed when playing live.

Remember the sound that comes out of your speakers will sound different to when you get it through the desk with EQ added. Also add compression to get a nice fat tone. Finally, don't forget to double track.

Good luck!

 

[Atipp]

Well here is a few seconds of this guitar I'm talking about That's the best sound I can get out of it. The Mp3 is LQ for file size, but you can still hear all the trash. By the Way, What does double track mean? I use 2 channels for a stereo sound, and send from the original to an Outboard EQ (15 band/2/3 oct.)and then back to 2 different channels so I have (had) 4 channels. 2 sets of 2.
I think it's just way to much distortion, and I used a detune (1-2 cent) on the other channel.

Thanks again
Adam T.
adtsks@citlink.net

 

[Cyrokk]

Are you referring to the EQ inherent in the Digitech's preset, or are you using a stand-alone EQ?

The EQ in the digitech is used to maximize the character the preset is designed to sound like. It is also often used to normalize the tone of the guitar so that a louder and more effective distortion can be achieved..

Barring this, you really shouldn't apply any outboard EQ, or any processing equipment for that matter, to the guitar when doing initial tracking because you are introducing the noise and color of the processors. I definately would not use any compression, because compression is already inherent in the distortion..

The ideal, as mentioned above, is to record a sample of the guitar against bass and drum tracks and tweak from there.

Cy