Thoughts on this OSP guitar?
- Thread starter Brakk
- Start date
uke:
Radd
Self Portrait
Brakk,
I know you're a total newbie to recording and playing. You're very young and very broke. (If I'm wrong, I apologize)
I don't want to offend you but you need to be told that those clips sound very bad.
If you don't hear it yourself, you will someday and you need to start training your ears for better guitar tone and play ability.
(practice like there's no 2marrow)
People here can help you with the guitar tone but chances are you will need to buy more gear. Without halfway descent gear it's going to be a bit difficult but not impossible.
Tell us in detail what your setup for recording this is.
Is this recorded direct in to the stock soundcard in your computer? This would practically always be a big no no.
Or are you using a mic and if so what mic are you using and what amp are you using?
What soundcard/interface do you have?
Do you still plan on getting that pod 2.0 for guitar?
Edit: I'm guessing that your guitar isn't the bulk of the problem. You probably should change your bridge pickup at some point but the main problem is what comes after your guitar in the signal chain.
I know you're a total newbie to recording and playing. You're very young and very broke. (If I'm wrong, I apologize)
I don't want to offend you but you need to be told that those clips sound very bad.
If you don't hear it yourself, you will someday and you need to start training your ears for better guitar tone and play ability.
(practice like there's no 2marrow)
People here can help you with the guitar tone but chances are you will need to buy more gear. Without halfway descent gear it's going to be a bit difficult but not impossible.
Tell us in detail what your setup for recording this is.
Is this recorded direct in to the stock soundcard in your computer? This would practically always be a big no no.
Or are you using a mic and if so what mic are you using and what amp are you using?
What soundcard/interface do you have?
Do you still plan on getting that pod 2.0 for guitar?
Edit: I'm guessing that your guitar isn't the bulk of the problem. You probably should change your bridge pickup at some point but the main problem is what comes after your guitar in the signal chain.
Yeah, Im 14 and thanks for helping me out
I really have no experience in recording. I just put a PC mic in front of my amp when I play, and record/edit it with Audacity.
I'm definitely going to get more gear, the things I have now are just to practice with until I have experience to get expensive equipment.
Before I got this guitar I had never played one before, just bass but it took me about a day to adjust enough.
When I got my guitar I didn't even know if my "Peavy Max 158 bass" amp would work with it but it did (newbie experience) and I was planning on getting a better amp also.
Its a PCI interface, don't know what the soundcard is but the audio device is Realtek AC97 Audio
I went to my guitar center and they didn't have pods so I was planning on just getting a metal zone in the future (I just make due with this cheap 20$ FAB metal now)
The mic,
Just started this whole thing
I really have no experience in recording. I just put a PC mic in front of my amp when I play, and record/edit it with Audacity.
I'm definitely going to get more gear, the things I have now are just to practice with until I have experience to get expensive equipment.
Before I got this guitar I had never played one before, just bass but it took me about a day to adjust enough.
When I got my guitar I didn't even know if my "Peavy Max 158 bass" amp would work with it but it did (newbie experience) and I was planning on getting a better amp also.
Its a PCI interface, don't know what the soundcard is but the audio device is Realtek AC97 Audio
I went to my guitar center and they didn't have pods so I was planning on just getting a metal zone in the future (I just make due with this cheap 20$ FAB metal now)
The mic,
Just started this whole thing
The AC97 is a codec standard, used for run-of-the-mill generic onboard sound. Upgrading your interface is also going to be practically essential, as that thing will be full of problems - things like that are why people buy separate soundcards. First, it's ten years old; second, it wasn't designed with audio work in mind; third, it's ten fucking years old. Getting a handle on the basics is about all it's going to be good for - past that it's going to be a roadblock to actually learning how to pay attention to detail and learn how things work.
I'd start off with a Roland Cube 60 for a cheaper amp - good models, works well with distortion boxes, and sounds great on its own with an upgraded speaker. Unless, of course, you feel like saving a bit longer and grabbing a 5150. Don't get a bloody Metal Zone unless you want to spend a total of $200 to get a modded pedal from Keeley or Analog Man... there are better distortion boxes out there for the money (check out the Rocktron pedals, like the Metal Planet), and honestly that Fab Metal can do some pretty neat stuff on its own - you just need to learn how to use it. If you're not needing a live rig, get some modeling software, Boogex for impulses, a decent interface, download Reaper, and let your computer take care of amp duties.
Chances are, you're using about twice as much gain as you need to and you've scooped the mids way too much - the clip sounds like a very annoyed kazoo, so if that's in any way indicative of your sound then there's a bit of work to do. If you want to start cranking good stuff out quickly, you'll get more for your time and money out of a good simulator (Amplitube 2 is great, if you disable those bloody impulses) and a good interface so that you can just plug your guitar straight in and go from there. There are quite a few FAQs around here for that sort of thing.
Jeff
I'd start off with a Roland Cube 60 for a cheaper amp - good models, works well with distortion boxes, and sounds great on its own with an upgraded speaker. Unless, of course, you feel like saving a bit longer and grabbing a 5150. Don't get a bloody Metal Zone unless you want to spend a total of $200 to get a modded pedal from Keeley or Analog Man... there are better distortion boxes out there for the money (check out the Rocktron pedals, like the Metal Planet), and honestly that Fab Metal can do some pretty neat stuff on its own - you just need to learn how to use it. If you're not needing a live rig, get some modeling software, Boogex for impulses, a decent interface, download Reaper, and let your computer take care of amp duties.
Chances are, you're using about twice as much gain as you need to and you've scooped the mids way too much - the clip sounds like a very annoyed kazoo, so if that's in any way indicative of your sound then there's a bit of work to do. If you want to start cranking good stuff out quickly, you'll get more for your time and money out of a good simulator (Amplitube 2 is great, if you disable those bloody impulses) and a good interface so that you can just plug your guitar straight in and go from there. There are quite a few FAQs around here for that sort of thing.
Jeff
Nebulous
Daniel
First things first- when you record, tune between every take/ part haha.
It's ok man, we all started somewhere similar.
It's ok man, we all started somewhere similar.
STINNETT
Bad / Nationwide
I'm not trying to insult your abilities, we all start somewhere, I'm just criticizing your tactics.
I realize that you're a young one, so my advice is to practice some restraint. Take the time to learn your instrument, and to learn a little about gear and recording before you embark on such endeavors. Don't be in such a hurry to have a "band page" on Myspace.
I'm speaking from experience. Not too long after I started playing - I got a Tascam 4 track tape recorder. If any number of people had heard any of those tapes I made back then (with a distortion pedal DI'd in no less) I would be mortified. Only a few of my closest friends ever heard that garbage.
It was an important step of course, but it was done in private - and I'm thankful of that now.
Maybe nobody wants to learn quietly anymore? Hell, what do I know?
edit: My appologies for perhaps sounding a little condescending.
I realize that you're a young one, so my advice is to practice some restraint. Take the time to learn your instrument, and to learn a little about gear and recording before you embark on such endeavors. Don't be in such a hurry to have a "band page" on Myspace.
I'm speaking from experience. Not too long after I started playing - I got a Tascam 4 track tape recorder. If any number of people had heard any of those tapes I made back then (with a distortion pedal DI'd in no less) I would be mortified. Only a few of my closest friends ever heard that garbage.
It was an important step of course, but it was done in private - and I'm thankful of that now.
Maybe nobody wants to learn quietly anymore? Hell, what do I know?
edit: My appologies for perhaps sounding a little condescending.
Radd
Self Portrait
Yeah, Im 14 and thanks for helping me out
I really have no experience in recording. I just put a PC mic in front of my amp when I play, and record/edit it with Audacity.
I'm definitely going to get more gear, the things I have now are just to practice with until I have experience to get expensive equipment.
Before I got this guitar I had never played one before, just bass but it took me about a day to adjust enough.
When I got my guitar I didn't even know if my "Peavy Max 158 bass" amp would work with it but it did (newbie experience) and I was planning on getting a better amp also.
Its a PCI interface, don't know what the soundcard is but the audio device is Realtek AC97 Audio
I went to my guitar center and they didn't have pods so I was planning on just getting a metal zone in the future (I just make due with this cheap 20$ FAB metal now)
The mic,
Just started this whole thing
Ok, I'm going to assume that you need to spend the least amount of money as possible on gear that is still fairly decent and will improve your sound tremendously.
First off, that mic and that soundcard have to go. They are a large source of the problem.
I would recommend for a soundcard, the M-audio 2496 Audiophile card ($100.00). I've heard some great sounding metal and non metal songs with that card.
I would strongly suggest getting the Pod 2.0 (around $100.00 on ebay) I've heard some pretty good metal tones with this and you won't have to mess around with mic placement with your amp which is also critical to good tone.
If you really want to do the amp micing thing than the mic you need is a Sure sm57 ($100.00). Almost everyone here will tell you that. This is a mic that you should never find a reason to get rid of.
Even if you did mic your amp with the sm57 into the audiophile 2496, although it will sound much better, chances are it will still sound very bad because of the amp and you'll have to buy more pedals for it until you get something okay sounding or have to buy a better/way more expensive amp anyway. It is a bass amp after all (and judging from the price alone, not a very good one) it wasn't made for guitar and probably has a crap speaker. Also, I guess you would need a microphone preamp to go between the mic and 2496 to get a good quality sound. That's something else you would have to buy.
The pod 2.0 should save you more money, time and frustration in the long run. I think I would get that first and worry about amp micing later when I have more money. Then get the 2496. I think getting just those 2 things would be a great way to start down the road of good guitar tone. There are settings for metal on the net that you can refer to for use with the pod if you look. Someone here may even be able to help you with that.
I don't know if you know this (I know this stuff can be confusing) but you don't need a mic to use the pod. Just plug your guitar into the pod and the pod into your soundcard.
The 2496 is good but you'll need an external preamp. It's a great card by any stretch - I'm using one myself - but if you don't want to worry about picking a good preamp for a good price there's also the Delta 1010LT, which can be found for $150-200. The 1010LT uses the same chipset as the 2496 but has two internal preamps and more inputs, so that's worth looking into as well.
You will, of course, need a different amp if you want to try putting a mic on it, so either scrape together $350 for a Cube 60 or about twice to three times that much for a 5150 head and Avatar cabinet with V30s.
The Audix i5 is also a good mic for guitar cabs - and it's around the same price, so that would make a very good first or second mic.
Jeff
You will, of course, need a different amp if you want to try putting a mic on it, so either scrape together $350 for a Cube 60 or about twice to three times that much for a 5150 head and Avatar cabinet with V30s.
The Audix i5 is also a good mic for guitar cabs - and it's around the same price, so that would make a very good first or second mic.
Jeff
Radd
Self Portrait
I knew you were going to bring up the Audix i5 Jeff.
Yes, good mic, same price, but in his case for his first mic, the more popular all around/industry standard/Andy Sneap/Colin Richardson/James Murphy/favored by 99% of this forum and the metal producing community, , the 57 should most definitely be his first good, real mic. Therefore I didn't mention it. 
I was wondering how the Boss HM-2 pedal would sound through his amp but I figured it would still be bad.
Yes, good mic, same price, but in his case for his first mic, the more popular all around/industry standard/Andy Sneap/Colin Richardson/James Murphy/favored by 99% of this forum and the metal producing community, , the 57 should most definitely be his first good, real mic. Therefore I didn't mention it. I was wondering how the Boss HM-2 pedal would sound through his amp but I figured it would still be bad.
Just because all of the *experienced* guys you mentioned above use it doesn't mean it's a good choice for beginners. Blowing on it the wrong way changes the sound completely. Its frequency response is a bitch and three quarters to get used to. Trying to figure out how the proximity effect works with the fucker is like learning plastic surgery with a chainsaw. The 57 can be incredibly powerful, but I wouldn't put one in a starter's hands any more than I'd teach a kid to drive by registering him for the races at Le Mans.
Through a bass amp... few things will get a sound worth micing.
Jeff
Through a bass amp... few things will get a sound worth micing.
Jeff
doc_backmask
Member
Another option to consider is the Line 6 guitar port. It will work as decent way to get your sound into your computer and it is extremely portable. It is also made by Line 6 so it has some very good tones out of the box, not the best, but a good friend has it and he is getting useable results.
Also be sure to download Reaper. It is free and is a very intuitive DAW (digital audio workstation) for recording and mixing. Plus, there are several guys here using it on a daily basis.
You've already made your first step in the right direction by finding this place and all the helpful people here.
Good luck,
Richard
Also be sure to download Reaper. It is free and is a very intuitive DAW (digital audio workstation) for recording and mixing. Plus, there are several guys here using it on a daily basis.
You've already made your first step in the right direction by finding this place and all the helpful people here.
Good luck,
Richard
Radd
Self Portrait
Thanks for the program, I'll start getting used to it
And I am taking note of all of your posts, I will update this when I get a Sure sm57 (Ill keep my eye out for it)
I am also trying to find a decent amp, Ill get a Roland Cube 60 if I ever see one, but my closest guitar center didn't even have pods so I wouldn't get my hopes up. Can anyone recommend some good amps that are pretty common?
And I got a Smash box as a gift over the weekend (wasn't saving for it)
Are these good?
Though there are two guitar centers in my state I haven't been to yet, I will get to them as soon as I can
I love mine. I modded mine to hell and back but it's pretty good stock, too.
'Good' and 'Common' aren't going to happen if your GC can't stock PODs. Have them special-order one for you, or something like that - eBay might also be good.
Jeff
'Good' and 'Common' aren't going to happen if your GC can't stock PODs. Have them special-order one for you, or something like that - eBay might also be good.
Jeff
Do I need to modify this wishlist?
Sure sm57 mic for first, Audix i5 for second (if ever in the future)
Boss HM-2 pedal
Roland Cube 60 amp
Sure sm57 mic for first, Audix i5 for second (if ever in the future)
Boss HM-2 pedal
Roland Cube 60 amp
Scratch the HM-2 until you know you won't get what you want out of anything else. You need a guitar amp, no two ways about it, but wait until you've tried the Cube's distortion and the two pedals you already have before planning on getting something else - you won't give any of them a fair chance.
I'd also put the i5 ahead of the 57, but that one is your call. Andy put some samples up of the two mics on several different speakers, check them out - look in the links sticky.
Jeff
I'd also put the i5 ahead of the 57, but that one is your call. Andy put some samples up of the two mics on several different speakers, check them out - look in the links sticky.
Jeff
Radd
Self Portrait
Jarkko Mattheiszen
The FU guy.
I'd recommend a VST plugin pack called SimulAnalog GuitarSuite. It's free, and though it's by no means great or very versatile, it'll get you a nice enough metal tone to practise with. Download it (http://www.simulanalog.org/guitarsuite.htm), put the .dll files into your VST plugins folder, open up Reaper, load the Simulanalog SD-1 or Tubescreamer plugin and after that load the JCM900 plugin into the same track. Then tweak it to hell and back, you'll find a nice tone in no time.
BTW, if latency is an issue (the emulated guitar tone comes out of the speakers with a delay), you can try using the Asio4All driver with your integrated audio chip. I used it with an AC97 chip and got an acceptable latency with it.
Good luck, and happy tweaking!
EDIT:
Uh oh, didn't read the whole thread, so maybe I should clarify a bit. Guitar amplifier emulation software (GuitarSuite, Amplitube etc.) takes the direct signal from your guitar, and preferably you'd need a DI box to connect your axe to the sound card, even though it's possible to just connect one end of the instrument cable to the guitar and the other (with a proper adapter) to the line in of your soundcard. Then again, now that I see your situation, I completely agree with Radd and doc, POD or Toneport would be your safest bet. They're easy to use and very versatile, and lots of people here use them. Sorry if I confused you with all the Guitarsuite mumbling, should've read the whole thread before posting
BTW, if latency is an issue (the emulated guitar tone comes out of the speakers with a delay), you can try using the Asio4All driver with your integrated audio chip. I used it with an AC97 chip and got an acceptable latency with it.
Good luck, and happy tweaking!
EDIT:
Uh oh, didn't read the whole thread, so maybe I should clarify a bit. Guitar amplifier emulation software (GuitarSuite, Amplitube etc.) takes the direct signal from your guitar, and preferably you'd need a DI box to connect your axe to the sound card, even though it's possible to just connect one end of the instrument cable to the guitar and the other (with a proper adapter) to the line in of your soundcard. Then again, now that I see your situation, I completely agree with Radd and doc, POD or Toneport would be your safest bet. They're easy to use and very versatile, and lots of people here use them. Sorry if I confused you with all the Guitarsuite mumbling, should've read the whole thread before posting
reminds me of my early projects. record every chance you get man.
