Direct or Mic'd for Guitars & Bass?
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Posted on Jul 05, 2006 05:54 pm
CptTripps
Czar of Turd Polish
Member Since: Jun 20, 2006
Ok, so I have the Line 6 HD147 head which has stereo XLR outs. I get pretty good results using them, but in yall's opinion, am I missing out on some of the sounds I should be capturing? I also record bass using a Fender Bassman 250 and it's direct out. Should I only be using these for live situations? All opinions welcome.
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Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Jul 05, 2006 08:55 pm As long as the XLR outs on the HD147 send the modeled signal then all is good. I have not personally used a full guitar rig in over 5 years now, maybe more.
For bass, I as well as many others normally go direct into the board. You can use a DI or go through a pre if you wish. But I personally like the direct signal, then it can be tweaked once recorded if it needs it.
But honestly the way you are doing it now is fine as well. You might try it other ways to wee what it will sound like.
WaltChief Cook and Bottle WasherMember
Since: May 10, 2002
Jul 05, 2006 10:08 pm Ok, Great question. As with many great questions, there is no simple answer; MHO. Point one: Noise is a fabulous 'tweaker'. I have heard many of his recordings. I am not. So I have a tendency to grab a "dry" signal from a DI off the pre-amp section of the amp and mic the amp as well if I like what the amp and room acoustics add to the sound. I will then blend the sounds in the mix. Especialy bass. Keep in mind I play the thing, so I am sure I am hyper-critical. I like using a fishman DI for a crisp attack, decay, etc. and then mic my swr for the amp/speaker/room effects. The last few songs I did, I started micing the guitar amp back and front as well as DI from the pre-amp section. I wish I could remember the model of the amp, but I get a real full, realistic, blended sound if I do that. It also allows me to 'play' the panning a little to give the guitar a fuller presence in the stereo mix. I am very carefull to keep the volume of the amps down. Loud enough to get above the ambiant amp noise, and to get the speakers moving freely, but not loud enough to saturate the room with resonant frequencies.
The way I look at it is to try as many different ways that make sense as I can. That way I have experience and options. For isntance, if the song cries for a bass that just cuts through, I would probably DI only first shot. If the song needs a full big bass background, then mic and DI fits the bill, etc.
Add the fact that I am just learning and you got what you asked for.....all opinions welcome!
