Aug 20, 2007 06:45 am This is the coolest software based amp simulator I have used other than Line 6's www.homerecordingconnecti...tory&id=488
Amp simulation
Posted on Aug 20, 2007 06:05 am
Vytas
Member Since: Aug 20, 2007
Hello. My question is about improving the sound of guitar tracks as much as possible, using only a digital distortion pedal and plug-ins. Sorry, my English is not perfect. I have Digitech Metal Master pedal with a built-in amp simulator. Zoom and Korg processors with the same function didn't sound good to me, I preferred to turn it off and experiment with the PC later. But now, when I compare tracks recorded from the special direct output of the pedal with those from the main output with virtual insert effects added, I cannot make the latter sound any better. The plug-ins I've tried are Izotope Trash, Guitar Rig and Amplitube. They allow to choose amps, microphones, angles, distance and many other options, but still I don't get the quality that could equal to this distortion box only. Maybe I need to find the right settings? Though I tried many combinations. So is it usual to consider the built-in effect superior?
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Aug 20, 2007 06:45 am This is the coolest software based amp simulator I have used other than Line 6's www.homerecordingconnecti...tory&id=488
Aug 20, 2007 10:45 am I've gotten quite good results with GuitarRig and Amplitube. I now use only my POD XT Live or mic up a real amp. I've found that almost ALL modellers require a fair bit of tweaking to get them to sound right. At least when using a plug-in you can mess around with a clean track until you are happy.
Aug 20, 2007 11:03 am I'm using my Digitech RP250 most of the time these days. I do like FreeAmp2.
Aug 21, 2007 03:58 am Thank you. Following your advices I tried GreenMachine And FreeAmp2. Still I must either be doing something wrong or just have different vision. Again I experimented with all possible combinations, and not randomly, but knowing what I was doing and why. From what I've tried I like Izotope Trash best, yet all plugins, though offering seemingly wide range of options, sound more or less similar, apparently due to the same principle of modelling technology. Despite all features they start sounding like one to me after a while. I don't know what the advantage of Digitech amp modelling is, but I still prefer the simulator of the abovementioned pedal I purchased recently. "When using a plug-in you can mess around with a clean track until you are happy"- this is exactly what I thought when I decided to choose plug-ins instead of recording with the effect, but if I don't get better results with plug-ins I'll perhaps change my mind. I even thought about mixing both methods. I know it's not logical, because in this case fake miking would be added twice, but as I'm after better sound I'll better trust my ears.
Aug 21, 2007 07:48 am I only use modeling as i don't have an amp.
It's all really a matter of taste though.
Some people wouldn't dream of using modeling while others prefer it.
I know Megadeth switched to Digital some years back and i can't tell the difference.
Maybe a combination of both might do the trick?
Aug 21, 2007 07:58 am If you have tried all those options and not found a decent tone, it immediately makes me curious if you are expecting your recording monitors to sound like a dual 4x12 full stack or something.
How are you monitoring, have you listened to your preferred tone recorded and through those monitors? It is different, not the tone necessary but the perceived volume and spacial-ness of it for sure.
Not sure if that made sense, but it did in my head.
Aug 21, 2007 09:44 am First of all, I don't have equipment I could proudly call "(home) studio" or "monitors". My recording process is not that serious. So I don't expect much, my aim is not "really good" sound, but the "best possible" under present conditions. It's not that I would tweak a plug-in inserted into a directly recorded track and wonder why I cannot get the sound of serious, well miked amplifier. Speaking about comparisons, I always try to compare all samples- my own and professional recordings- using the same speakers, phones, sometimes a keyboard amp, or the same playback devices, before making conclusions.
Aug 21, 2007 05:21 pm One thing not mentioned here, but often on other threads, is that high distortion sounds really cool in some situations, but is not necessarily good for recording.
Too much distortion rarely works in a recording situation. I'm really just speculating based on the pedal you have (I'm just assuming that your Metal Master pedal isn't making Dick Dale type twangs). If your recorded clean sound is not well recorded (level, tone etc.), adding a VST is not going to make it into a killer sound.
Have another go, but make sure you have the nicest possible clean tone going into your DAW, then add the VST. You'll be amazed at what they can do. Just don't overdo the distortion.
That said, my Digitech RP250 has some stunning sounds on it, and I've used them over VSTs every time.
Aug 22, 2007 09:12 am Did anyone mention layering? Maybe if you have two or three layers of the same guitar line each with only slight distortion, all together theyll sound much more distorted yet still clear and powerful.
You said something about being scared to mix the pedal and the line in, but that is possible if you play it twice and not just try to use the ampsim on the pedal recording. If you like your pedal, but its missing something, just try to add that underneath your pedal track, should be easier to get one part of a sound through an amp sim then to get everything you want from just one track.
Aug 22, 2007 11:10 am Good call Crux. I've had good success with that one. One clean, one dirty and mix the two. Definition, and bite.
Aug 22, 2007 11:14 am I must specify: speaking about VST ampsims, I meant only miking simulation, not all efects including drive, and my pedal doesn't have a distortion level knob, it's either on or off, I can make overdrive slight only turning down guitar volume. Anyway, I appreciate your help, thanks for the ideas!
Aug 22, 2007 11:26 am My Variax 700 and Toneport KB37, I can basically make my guitar sound like anything I want...now, if I can get some finger modelers I wouldn't even have to play the thing...
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