Dec 23, 2002 11:52 pm argh... my topic is slipping.... lol
Guitar Recording... argh...
Posted on Dec 23, 2002 06:25 pm
erebus
Member Since: Apr 23, 2002
Hey everyone!!
Ok, here's my main problem:
Guitar Recording..
I used to record direct... But then I went: "It sounds too dry... and flat.."
So, I decided to record by amp... The problem was HUGE buzzing from my amp... I thought it was problems with my amp or my input jack or something.
So after going back and forth to the music store, I realized the the problem was A) my pick-ups and B) the radiation from the computer and all the electronics in my basement...
Now... The guitar is ALRIGHT when I keep the tone knob down on my Ibanez Talman... Just some small buzz... But it still sounds dry... I like the tone WAY UP... That's when the problems occur... Buzzing... I try to record and hide the buzzing in my mix.. But when I want feedback.. Or my guitars creeping in.. The buzzing is annoying and can't be milked into the mix as well as I hoped.
What can I do? Any tips or suggestions?
I try to get as far away from my computer as I can, but the buzzing is still there.. I record in the basement... Even on ground level, it still buzzes... Only on the second floor, in my room... There is no buzzing... And in the music store...
Hopefully someone can help!!
Thanks in advance!!!
-erebus
P.S. I'm sorry if this question was asked before and you guys already had a big discussion on it.. If it exists, can someone post a link to the discussion? Thanks again!!
[ Back to Top ]
Dec 24, 2002 01:08 am What you can try to do is record direct and use the eq to add flavor to the track, also try recording the track over itself a few times, eqing differently each time. Add some reverb in, and if you have an Amp Sim effect you can try that. To cut down on the buzz make sure you are using shielded cables, turn off any gear you aren't going to need on at that moment, this includes computer monitors. Make sure that your cables aren't intertwining.
Dec 24, 2002 01:17 am It might be a grounding problem. I know where I am my amp buzzes in one outlet. It might be a problem with your guitar wiring as well. Switch pickups and see if it goes away. They might be grounded wrong which can be fixed easily if you know how to wire them. Try a different guitar if possible. If you still get the buzzing try to offset your mic. Sometimes a mic up too close will pick up these nasty sounds more. Also maybe try and cut some high end while recording and boost it back up when you mix.
Dec 24, 2002 01:52 am I had my pick-ups changed... it helped a lot more... but the buzzing is still there when i pick up the tone...
The buzzing is in any outlet I plug into in the basement, where I record, and even on the ground floor... The buzzing isn't there in my bedroom... Which pisses me off... I know I can get the sound, but something is making the sound buzz...
I'll keep trying some stuff... Thanks for your help!!
Dec 24, 2002 06:46 am my amp buzzes from the git go. It gets worse when i plug it in anywhere near my other recording gear and the computer. to lessen the effect ive got a powerstrip mounted in the back with a 25 ft power cord that i plug into a diffrent circuit. that seems to knock the buzz in half. (usally its better to have a full buzz- but in this case half is ok) then i eq the track and knock it down another half - it aint the right answer, but it fits with the general quality of my stuff.
Dec 24, 2002 07:07 am do you have a power conditioner (not just a power strip) on your gear, they can help a lot sometimes...it cleans you power to make it consistant and safer for your gear. And the cool ones give you littlelights that shine down the rest of your rack :-)
Dec 24, 2002 12:01 pm Hmmmm... I'll look into it... Thanks for all the good pointers and inputs!!! I think I just may buy a newer and better amp... Apparently, my amp has "a very thin wire"... And that's where my problem lies... *shrugs*
Dec 24, 2002 07:36 pm You might try getting one of those little (usually grey) ground lifts, and put it on your amp cord. You know the things that take a three-prong plug down to a two-prong? I know for a fact that those little things take all the hum out of our PA system. If that doesn't work, and you say you're getting it no matter where you plug in your amp, you might consider having an electrician determine if your house wiring is properly grounded. I work with low-voltage alarm systems for a living, mostly in new construction, and you'd be surprised at how many electricians don't even connect the ground wire. It's worth checking in to. Good luck, and Happy Holidays.
Ed
Dec 27, 2002 08:03 am erebus,
Is the control cavity in your guitar shielded? If not, it is a cheap and effective way to eliminate a lot of hum from the guitar's end of the chain. You can shield your cavity with heavy duty aluminum foil or buy a shielding kit from a place like Stewart-MacDonald (www.stew-mac.com). The most important part about these methods is grounding your guitar to the shield. There is also aluminum shielding paint that you can get from Stew-Mac as well that is a little more messy, but does a nice job. If you have fluorescent lighting in your basement, that can cause 60 cycle hum as well. Try turning the lights off if you haven't already. Good luck! Hope this helps!
|
Related Forum Topics: |
If you would like to participate in the forum discussions, feel free to register for your free membership.