using Peavey head to record?

[Foxdog175]

How can I use my Peavey 5150 II head to record through my Korg D32XD? When I use my Digitech processor (going straight from it to my recorder), the distortion sounds like crap (not very defining - hard to hear what's being played). Can I go through my 5150 II head and then into my recorder? When I try (I use the "out" input on the back), the volume is *very* low and when I try using the cabinet inputs, I get a fuzzy sound coming in too.

I'm sorry if this is confusing, but what I'm asking is if I can use my 5150 II head to record with to get a better sound, rather than using only my effects processor. And if I can, how?

Thanks in advance for any help!

 

[Adam P]

Since the 5150II is a tube amp, don't run it without a cabinet. Running tube heads without a speaker cab (or at least a dummy speaker load) is a great way to ruin them. From there you have the option of micing the cab (SM57 and e609 Silver are two popular choices under $100, but you'll need a preamp), or using the 5150's direct out (I believe its located right next to the effects loop) you can run directly into your recorder. However, even if you're using the direct out, you still want to use a cab. If its too loud put the cab in a closet or pile up lots of pillows, blankets, cushions, etc to muffle the sound. Another thing you could try is a DI box with a speaker simulator (like a Palmer, Hughes & Kettner Red Box, or Behringer G100). I've read that the Behringers are pretty capable units, and they only cost around $40. One more thing...no matter what option you choose, don't put the 5150 in a tight confined space (like a small closet, box, etc) where it runs the risk of not being able to be cooled properly and potentially overheating.

I just re-read your post and saw that you used the 5150's speaker outputs directly into your recorder? You might want to verify that you didn't fry one of the inputs before you go any further. Running a speaker output, especially a high output like the 5150 (120w) is a big no-no.

 

[IchabodVer7]

I agree with Adam P, you might want to check your imputs. Also he is dead on about using a 57 to mic the cabinet. I would imagine from what I have heard in the past, you get some pretty good tone without using an additional distortion pedal. I would mess with that tone for a while.

Also one thing I find people doing when they record distorted guitars is they record with way too much gain. Nothing will make your guitar tone go to crap more than that. When you think you have it tweaked where you like it, turn the gain down a bit, especially if you are layering guitars. Otherwise it will sound like mud.

 

[Foxdog175]

My inputs are fine and dandy. I did plug it through, but the second I heard that it wouldn't work (which was really seconds), I took them out (after going into Standby mode). On a scale of 1-99 gain, what would you consider a normal recording level? Somewhere around 65-70, perhaps?

 

[distortedrumble]

thats more like stage level.......recording should be backed off from that so i'm thinking somewhere between 30-50

 

[Foxdog175]

That's interesting. Why is it that I need to use 2 different settings with my processor when I switch from my Peavey to my recorder? Why is there such a big (noticable) difference in quality?

 

[Sonixx]

My inputs are fine and dandy. I did plug it through, but the second I heard that it wouldn't work (which was really seconds), I took them out (after going into Standby mode). On a scale of 1-99 gain, what would you consider a normal recording level? Somewhere around 65-70, perhaps?

Maybe I have misunderstood your question... but you can't look at the amps gain stages this way. 0 to 100% doesn't relate to resirable distortion quality.

Do you have a cabinet that will handle this head? If not, then you need to get one... or get a power soak... or don't use it.

 

[Foxdog175]

Indeedy; I do have a slant and straight cabinet that I use with it. That's not my prob. I'm having troubles finding a good setting to use with my processor and my recorder for good distortion output (through my monitors). It's crappy as-is.

 

[Sonixx]

Why aren't you just using the head for Distortion... both the Rhythm and Lead Channels can distort nicely... I will say that I have to crank my 5150-II to get there... driving a MESA Recto 2x12 cabinet loaded with Vintage 30's. I have a 4x12 but it's too blasted loud.

What commercial band has the distortion you're after?

If you like, I can post a clip of my amp and let me know if this is close to what you're after.

Don't forget... pickups matter...

 

[Foxdog175]

Ok. I appreciate all of the replies, but let me make this clear. I have to use two different settings on my processor (pedal) when I play. One setting (normal) that I use through my Head/Cabinets and the other setting (still trying to find something good) through my recorder/monitors. Since I can't use my head to record with, I'm forced with using only my processor which goes straight to the recorder. The normal setting sounds like crap. I did find a nice distortion setting on my old processor (when my newer one was getting a button repair), but that processor was reset (I lost the setting I liked). I'll try to post what that sounded like tomorrow. The processor I'm using right now is a Digitech GNX2. To get an idea of what I'm looking for, think Dream Theater or Metallica.

Edit: I recorded this with my old processor about 6 months ago. This is somewhat close to what I'm looking for:

http://homepage.mac.com/WebObjects/...tefn=RootSite.xml&aff=consumer&cty=US&lang=en