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do anyone uses any kind of processing to get a more stable and less buzz rattle and crack sounds recording hi gain guitars? or do you simply use Micing and eq?

Comments

Kapt.Krunch Sun, 07/01/2007 - 06:02

You could run it through something like a HUSH or other noise-reduction unit, but those will mess with attack, decay and tone...especially if used improperly. And the noise will still be there IN the guitar signal, though theoretically masked by the louder noise of the guitar.

You could record it into the DAW, and use a noise reduction program. Basically, you'd take a sample of the noise from where there is no guitar signal...only the amp hiss, etc., and then instruct the program to remove that noise from the entire track. You'd have to actually WANT that noise recorded, at least as much as you need to sample. Theoretically, it should only remove that noise, but it can also create havoc, if used too strongly or otherwise improperly. Some programs will do a hiss removal, then a crackle and pop removal...whatever. But, it may still change things for the worse.

If it's not REAL objectionable within the signal, you could lower the tracks' level between signals...but that also may mess with the room sound...if there is any with a mic kissing the grill of a 120dB behemoth.

You could try a combination of any or all, and do some careful hand-editing. Depending on if the amp has one, you may even try a series-loop noise reduction to keep noise from pedals and the preamp section down, though it still may mess with attack, decay and tone.

If you're using a compressor in the guitar to amp chain...why? The more overdriven a signal is, the more it is probably squashed to death, anyway. Kinda like the lifeless latter-day Santana tweeze-tone. In the case of a pedal compressor, when the signal goes down, the noise may come up.

Maybe find out why your signal chain/amp is so noisy? Are you using a noisy pedal? Does your amp need service? I have an early-80's JCM800 that has VERY little self-noise, even with a guitar plugged in (but turned down), and the amp's Master and Pre set to full.
(I took it to show my amp-tech friend when I got it, and he put his ear down by the speaker and asked "Is the standby off?" "Yep...lemme show ya!")

The point is you may have to do a combination of things to try to first eliminate as much as possible, then to manage what's left later in a recording. Anything done after the fact is likely to mess with something. Probably just have to weigh the pros and cons of each step. May just have to live with a certain amount of imperfection, which may, in itself, be perfect for what you are doing. Who knows? try anything. Try everything. That's what the "Undo" button is for. :shock:

Just some stuff to gnaw on, and stir things up.

Kapt.Krunch

anonymous Sun, 07/01/2007 - 17:55

thanks for the answer but still i wasnt talking about ground problems, i was referring to get really steady tone. when recording hi gain guitars u usually get a lot hi irritating frequencies around the 3 ks, you can move around the mic the speakers to control it and eq or still that is what i do, but my question was what do other forum members do to get a hi gain steady tone, less irritating, i think i lack of the necesary vocabulary to make my self clear :lol:

Kapt.Krunch Sun, 07/01/2007 - 19:27

I didn't mention a ground problem, although the same principles apply.
Start at the source, go through the chain, and if there's anything left, you have to deal with it, or live with it.

I think that was the point of all the suggestions I made? You're free to take it or leave it, naturally.

Good luck,

Kapt.Krunch

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