Recording HEEEEEEELP!

[RickM]

Well, my recording goodies came in. Couldn’t get anything to work on my main computer, so I went over to #2 (better sound card) and I’m getting somewhere.

Basic problem is, in order to record anything at all, I’ve got to set the gain way up on the mic preamp (55db, max is 60), but the preamp barely registers on the VU meter. Then all the bass strings boom and the lightly plucked strings are barely audible.

I actually think I’m getting some really nice tone outa my little Ovation Classic. As for the guitar playing; WE KNOW THAT SUX!

Here’s my test recording (caution, foul language);

Tasting..tasting..tasting... (http://members.cox.net/99svtcobra/test.mp3)


http://members.cox.net/guitarstuff/acoustic%20setup.jpg

[gtrhrcane]

Hey, first off.... you're in windows right? If so, double click on your little speaker icon in your system tray( bottom right) Click on options, then properties... adjust volume for recording. Now, the only thing I'm unsure about is if you would run to the line in, or the mic input. Being that you're running out of a preamp, you'd run to the line in. At any rate, you would select the appropriate in source. mic/line in.

Two questions, does it clip while you're playing and do you monitor the mix from the PC while you're recording?

[gtrhrcane]

BTW your playing sounded good, just get the mix going and you're onyour way. :)

[Slipstream]

First off, I gotta say that pre-amp is way cool. I wish I had four of 'em.

Your voice comes over real well, but there's definately clipping on the guitar. When you go to adjust the volume control like gtrhcane said, make sure you adjust the "Recording" levels and not just the "Playback" levels. When the volume control opens it goes to the Playback section by default. You have to go to the Options menu and go to Properties. There you will see a check box for "Recording". Check it and click "OK". You can do this while Audacity is running and you can see the effects of your input levels "on the fly".



Edit: Mic placement will have an effect on the bass/treble balance. If the bass is boomy try moving the mic away from the guitar a bit. I would guess a good distance would be about 24", but you can experiment and see what works best.

btw, nice diagram too. Nice and clear how you have it set up.

[RickM]

gtrhrcane

>Hey, first off.... you're in windows right?

Right, running XP Pro.

>…..Click on options, then properties... adjust volume for recording.

Ah ha, I didn’t know about this, had it on “Playback”…..will correct that.

>…unsure about is if you would run to the line in, or the mic input.

Running the preamp into “Line In”.

>…..does it clip while you're playing and do you monitor the mix from the PC while you're recording?

Not monitoring. I don’t have a headset. The clipping shows up on the Audacity graphic and of course the over boost shows up in the audio playback. Need to get headset.

OS, I just checked the soundcard and I’ve got my speakers plugged into “Line Out”. Opps!

Slip

>First off, I gotta say that pre-amp is way cool. I wish I had four of 'em.

Yeah. All my research on recording discussed a lot more complex and sophicated recording setups. But, for me, all I really want to do is record my guitar playing and all I need is a simple setup.

I did try to get info off the net/recording forums and there’s just not much on such a basic setup

>When you go to adjust the volume control like gtrhcane said, make sure you adjust the "Recording" …..

Yep, that’s got to have been one of my problems along with have the speakers plugged into line-out.


>Edit: Mic placement will have an effect…

Right. I had the mic about 6” from the guitar because I was getting absolutely no VU or recording. Will move it back and play with it. From all your posts, I’m aware of the importance of mic placement. Also, once I get going I’d like to try your X-Y suggestion. Need to find some clamps to attach another mic the to mic boom.

>btw, nice diagram too. Nice and clear how you have it set up.

I had started putting together a setup diagram a few weeks ago to document what I wanted to do. So, I just stripped off boxes from that and added the preamp pic.

To Do

Make the fixes you guys pointed out.

May get a headset. Will see what they have a Radio Shack tho I doubt they have something specifically for monitoring recording (got some notes somewhere on headphones).

Thinking of getting an M-Audio Audiophile 2496 or 196 soundcard.

Do some tests with the Taylor 510LTD and see what that sounds like.

Thanks guys for the help, really appreciate it. I’ll do the fixes, try again and report back.

[Slipstream]

I've never used an M-Audio sound card, so can't offer any opinions there, but good luck with your next recording. We'll be watchin' and a waitin'.

Getting brackets to hold mics in the xy config ain't easy. I ended up just makin' one.

[RickM]

Okay, guys. Thanks to your help, I'm recording!

No clipping except on very loud over-vigorous strumming. Modestly vigorous strumming does not clip or over boost. I can pretty much hear all the strings.

Mic is set about 1 1/2 feet from the guitar, perpendicular to the plane of the guitar top (or nearly so) and pointing at about fret 10.

The preamp gain is set at max (60dB) although the knob will actually continue up about an additional 5dB. Settings are extremely sensitive.

The VU meter barely responds, but I’m sure there’s no problem with the preamp. I think an upgraded sound card will handle the preamp better and improve the recording flexibility.

Recording sure shows up my mistakes. With these old carpel tunnel'd hands it takes a good 30-45 minutes of warm up to get flexibility and control and I haven't actually tried any playing after proper warm up. My playing is a lot more accurate after warm up (fewer brain farts).

I’m practicing a song to record for the forum and once I get a couple of problem parts down, I’ll do that. I’ve also found I can “cheat” by playing with Audacity (I guess that’s called “mixing”), LOL.

Once I get that recording done, it’s ON TO LESSON #2!

Again, thanks for all the help.

[gtrhrcane]

Good deal Rick, glad you got it going. Recording is an art form in itself, I'm just getting some stuff figured out and have a few new tunes to post up. It's fun taking it from start to finish.

[Slipstream]

Glad to hear it Rick. Keep on truckin'.

[guitaraholic680]

Cool man. I like your playing.

[RickM]

.....Recording is an art form in itself...

Roger that! Fun tho, learning to cheat (mix). LOL

[RickM]

Cool man. I like your playing.

Thanks, G, but I got a long way to go.

[RickM]

Glad to hear it Rick. Keep on truckin'.


Will do. Tried the Taylor. Comes thru clear and strong but had to push the mic back an additional 1 1/2'.

[Katau]

The only problem I see in your chain is the mic. Don't use a dynamic mic for accoustics or you will be dissapointed.

Mic placement is also extremely crucial. There are some other threads about this.

Your Bluetube preamp (which is a good preamp btw), supports phantom power. Get yourself some condenser mics and a whole new world will open up.