how to record properly?

[stolenlogic]

I want to record this electric guitar I have. But I want you to be able to hear a combination of what it sounds like not plugged in and plugged in. So to do this, i should just be able to record the same thing both ways, and just layer them?

[John_A]

I want to record this electric guitar I have. But I want you to be able to hear a combination of what it sounds like not plugged in and plugged in. So to do this, i should just be able to record the same thing both ways, and just layer them?

I won't ask 'why?'

Best way would be to use 2 mics, one on the guitar and one on the amp in another room where you cant hear it

[sambostar]

I know why! You want to do one of those really annoying amp demos on Youtube.

[bochetagrave]

I know why! You want to do one of those really annoying amp demos on Youtube.

[Basher]

I suppose it's easier with some kind of modeller or software (e.g. Guitar Rig) as you can record the guitar direct and apply an amp sim while using a traditional mic to pick up the acoustic sound (although the mic would have to be pretty close to the strings to get a workable signal).

Obviously, you'll need some kind of interface that can record from two inputs simultaneously. You could use a mixer but if you're only recording to a single input on your computer or recorder, you'll have to make your mind up on the relative levels of the two signals as you're recording.

I did read about XTC doing exactly this. Apparently it's an old studio trick to add a bit of a percussive edge and cut to a guitar track without having to increase levels or use fancy EQ.

[littlegreenman]

I did read about XTC doing exactly this. Apparently it's an old studio trick to add a bit of a percussive edge and cut to a guitar track without having to increase levels or use fancy EQ.

Johnny Marr was also a proponent of said recording technique IIRC.

[mattkeen]

What about using a splitter and recording a DI feed as well as a mic feed?
Would that be sufficient or does it HAVE to be the acoustic recorded sound of the guitar?

[digitalscream]

For what it's worth, I've found that using a single mic on a guitar amp sucks. We use 4 mics:

- AKG kick drum mic on-axis on the V-30 in my cab
- Sennheiser E906 off-axis on the G12T-75
- SM57 in the back of the open-backed cab (adds a lot of depth)
- Neumann room mic for a bit of liveliness

With this arrangement, we've managed to get the recorded guitars to sound exactly like they do live when dropped into the mix.

[thereformant]

For what it's worth, I've found that using a single mic on a guitar amp sucks. We use 4 mics:

- AKG kick drum mic on-axis on the V-30 in my cab
- Sennheiser E906 off-axis on the G12T-75
- SM57 in the back of the open-backed cab (adds a lot of depth)
- Neumann room mic for a bit of liveliness

With this arrangement, we've managed to get the recorded guitars to sound exactly like they do live when dropped into the mix.

That sounds really interesting, from what I recall you guys are pretty heavy aren't you? Don't suppose could ask you for a huge favour and get you to knock up short sound clip showing each mic in isolation and then blended? I'm definitely looking for ways to improve our recorded sound.

[digitalscream]

That sounds really interesting, from what I recall you guys are pretty heavy aren't you? Don't suppose could ask you for a huge favour and get you to knock up short sound clip showing each mic in isolation and then blended? I'm definitely looking for ways to improve our recorded sound.

We're pretty heavy, but I don't use a ton of gain on my rhythm sound because that takes a lot of the balls out of it. I'll see what I can rustle up from the recording sessions for you