Upload the sample... I can only guess what you are doing wrong.

My guess would be trying to record a stage volume amp.

Definitely OE in this case. With that combination of tools, you should be able to get a good sound, although using a 75w amp in a small space is not the best way forward, as Greener has intimated.

Agree with hackenslash and Greener,

If your room is smallish (that's a technical term for bed room size) then try a lower volume setting, and the microphone closer to the cone. Same goes if the room is not acoustically treated.

Thanks for the replies. Here's a small sample:

[[url=http://[/URL]="http://www.tindeck…"]Click here to listen.[/]="http://www.tindeck…"]Click here to listen.[/]

It's a shitty little riff thing I recorded just now... you can basically hear the frustration in my playing, lol. I can't try anything creative, because the sound quality is holding me back. I think it sounds really brittle and sticky, on top of it being generally quiet and crap-sounding. You would think just a straight mic->amp setup would at least yield somewhat OK results, but this doesn't live up to my expectations of the Fireface at all... :(

I added a full band thing towards the end, so you can hear what it sounds like with other instruments. The distortion isn't set to max, just so you know. When I have distortion up to my normal live sound, it sounds less "sticky", but more fuzzy, as you can imagine. The guitar was recorded with an SM57 placed about 5 inches from my amp (which is a Fender Frontman 25A (75W), btw).

Thanks in advance.

Reminds me Duke Nukem. :P

Try the mic closer for more proximity effect, also maybe boot off the guitar and amp if you want to sound like Pantera you need the cleanest sounding guitar ever and a Randall Warhead. :P

For the record I'm a drummer and not qualified to impart my opinions.

Invalid link here. It's definitely not the fireface, the amp, or the mic. All of those are decent kit.

I dont hear anything wrong with it to be honest, quality wise its fine, i think its the method or recording and the source. Fenders were never known for their killer distortion. did you record the drums and bass through the same unit cuz they sound fine as well.

Sorry - I haven't listened to the sample (can't at the moment) but I guarantee it's not the fireface.

I use my fireface to record all the time - including the sample listed in this post:
{old-link-removed}

Please tell us how you're hooking things up here. Which channels are you going into using what mics (or line inputs or instrument level inputs, etc.)

The recording in the post that I linked to was done both on a Millennia preamp and the built-in pres on the RME.

Cheers-
Jeremy

Here's a guess. You're using a Fender amp but you don't mention which one. Does it matter? Yes. A lot of Fender amps are naturally "Trebly"....er...that is, they have a lot of high end. If you're trying to get that scooped mid sound by dumping the mids and boosting the highs, you're likely to get a very thin sound. I don't mind the treble on my Princeton for the clean channel but on the overdrive channel I just about have the Treble knob all the way down. It's just too piercing. I still think there's something else going on though. I'd bet there is a setting on the Fireface or on your preamp which is not quite right.

Could it be a case of the oldest error in computer related technology, loose nut on the keyboard? 8)

SuprSpy79 wrote: I dont hear anything wrong with it to be honest, quality wise its fine, i think its the method or recording and the source. Fenders were never known for their killer distortion. did you record the drums and bass through the same unit cuz they sound fine as well.

Perhaps I should have mentioned that I'm using a Boss MT-2 distortion pedal, not just the amp. And yeah, quality wise, I guess it's ok, but it's just so quiet and weak...
The drums and bass are programmed.

Cucco wrote: Sorry - I haven't listened to the sample (can't at the moment) but I guarantee it's not the fireface.

I use my fireface to record all the time - including the sample listed in this post:
{old-link-removed}

Please tell us how you're hooking things up here. Which channels are you going into using what mics (or line inputs or instrument level inputs, etc.)

The recording in the post that I linked to was done both on a Millennia preamp and the built-in pres on the RME.

Cheers-
Jeremy

Whoa, that sounds excellent. If only I could get mine sounding that good.

For basic test purposes, I'm only using one of the analog mic inputs for a single SM57, and just the built-in pres on the RME. Perhaps I need better preamps?

hueseph wrote: I'd bet there is a setting on the Fireface or on your preamp which is not quite right.

I'm curious, what do you mean (specifically) by this? I'm still new to the audio interfaces as a whole, so maybe I missed something when setting it up.

Another question: would anyone be willing to mix just that small sample i posted (if I gave them the raw files, of course), so I can hear how good I can potentially get it at this quality? That would help me rectify at least whether it is truly the sound source that is letting down the entire recording.

I'll gladly mix the raw files if you don't mind me waiting until the weekend to do it. I can either download them from your site or set you up an anonymous FTP site for you to upload them on.

I wouldn't go replacing the preamps in your Fireface yet. As I mentioned, some of the sound you heard on that recording was from those preamps. I use my Fireface preamps all the time for some seriously high-profile clients and never have a problem. They're quite good - in fact, I would easily stack them up against the other "transparent" pres in the $1000 per channel range.

J.

Cucco wrote: I'll gladly mix the raw files if you don't mind me waiting until the weekend to do it. I can either download them from your site or set you up an anonymous FTP site for you to upload them on.

I wouldn't go replacing the preamps in your Fireface yet. As I mentioned, some of the sound you heard on that recording was from those preamps. I use my Fireface preamps all the time for some seriously high-profile clients and never have a problem. They're quite good - in fact, I would easily stack them up against the other "transparent" pres in the $1000 per channel range.

J.

Awesome. No problem whatsoever, take your time. I will send you a link to the files either in a few hours, or some time tomorrow. After hearing that concert recording, I'm sure you can work some magic with it. ;)

Horvat wrote:

[quote=hueseph]I'd bet there is a setting on the Fireface or on your preamp which is not quite right.

I'm curious, what do you mean (specifically) by this? I'm still new to the audio interfaces as a whole, so maybe I missed something when setting it up. I don't mean anything specifically but yeah, maybe you missed something when you set up. I'm leaning more toward the problem being more the amp now though. Unfortunately I can't seem to access the file. So, I can't listen.

Things I would try:

-if the amp is an open back combo or cabinet, stuff the back with a pillow or block it off somehow. Get some more of that bass going forward.

-turn the treble down maybe as low as 8 or 9 o'clock.

-move the amp to another part of the room. Make sure you're not in a corner.

-is there a coat closet near by? Try shoving that amp in there.

-Keep the gain on the amp down and use the distortion box to shape the tone. IMHO Fenders are not made for metal. Rock and Roll? OK. But not metal.

Try changing the MIC position on the cab as well. If its a sm57 try positioning it close to the outside of the cone angling it in towards the middle of the cone. There are also several other close micing technics that may work for you. Try searching on youtube for "MIC Placement"

Okay, I'll try out your suggestions guys.

In the meantime, here are the raw files, Cucco: [[url=http://[/URL]="http://www.megauplo…"]download link[/]="http://www.megauplo…"]download link[/].

If anyone else would like to mix it, go ahead. There's only four tracks, and I've edited them so they all match up perfectly. I'd like to hear a few different takes on it, and see what kind of magic you can do with it.

Honestly, I would ditch that Boss pedal and get a sweet amp. If you had like a 5150 or a Rectifier or something along those lines, You'd be fine. I'm sorry if I'm biased, I'm just not a fan of distortion pedals, especially Boss.

If it doesn't sound the way you want it out of the amp, chances are it won't sound that way when you record it.

Just an idea, :)

Agreed. I finally was able to listen to this and yeah it does sound thin and weak but I'll bet it sounds like that straight out of the amp. Get it to sound good at the source first and work from there. You should be able to at the least get good levels though right?

Hmmm... a new amp... interesting. My amp isn't exactly expensive. It's louder and bigger than a beginner amp, but it ain't great.
The thing with using an amp for distortion is that I can't switch between distorted/clean on the fly, which I do alot. If I get a new amp, I'll have to retain some form of distortion pedal.

hueseph, what do you mean by 'You should be able to at the least get good levels though right?' If you're talking about volume levels, I can't make it much louder than the sample I posted, otherwise the Acid mixer says that it clips. Maybe I should use another program rather than Acid? It sucks, I was listening to [[url=http://[/URL]="http://recording.or…"]this guy's[/]="http://recording.or…"]this guy's[/] recording that he did solely on PodXT, and it sounds light years beyond what I'm getting from the Fireface. Something just ain't right.

Horvat wrote: I was listening to [[url=http://[/URL]="http://recording.or…"]this guy's[/]="http://recording.or…"]this guy's[/] recording that he did solely on PodXT, and it sounds light years beyond what I'm getting from the Fireface. Something just ain't right.

Keep in mind when comparing that part of the improvement is that he is actually quad tracking instead of using a stereo delay. For me, the quality of performance also makes a difference in the perceived quality of the distortion.

I'll definitely get around to doing this over the weekend.

But, you've got to stop blaming your equipment (the Fireface) for the problems. It's a very highly capable device used by top pros around the world. The fact that it doesn't work for you doesn't mean it's the problem. The POD isn't going to make life better, just easier. But, you'll quickly realize its limitations.

If I've said this once, I've said it a thousand times -
The key to making a good recording is having these ingredients (in order of importance):
1 - Good Musician
2 - Good Performance
3 - Quality instrument(s) - this is where you seem to be lacking and see how high it is on the list
4 - A quality performance space (or studio room)
5 - Good recording technique (the ability to properly place microphones and then use the most important piece of studio gear - your ears)
6...
7...
8...
.........
99 - Your recording gear.

Yes, it's dead last. If you can't record it with an SM57, a Mackie 1202 into a Sound Blaster Audigy, you can't record it with a SSL G and a shelf full of Neumanns.

Just some thoughts -
J.

+1 8-) Well put Cucco.

Cucco wrote: If I've said this once, I've said it a thousand times

I've told you a million times about exaggerating! :lol:

All absolutely true, though. Good post.

hackenslash wrote: [quote=Cucco]If I've said this once, I've said it a thousand times

I've told you a million times about exaggerating! :lol:

All absolutely true, though. Good post.

LOL..
no, seriously though.... check my post count. I'm certain 1 in 4 of those say the same thing......;-)

Dooes a PG58, a Phonic K-16 and a Sound Blaster count too?

I'd post a sample of what's possible with the above (if you troll this forum "for knowledge" for weeks) but the performances in the latest recordings are shaky.
I could make excuses and post one, but it's more likely I'll get shown up than make a point.

Och stuff it, see [[url=http://[/URL]="http://recording.or…"]here[/]="http://recording.or…"]here[/].

Cucco wrote: I'll definitely get around to doing this over the weekend.

But, you've got to stop blaming your equipment (the Fireface) for the problems. It's a very highly capable device used by top pros around the world. The fact that it doesn't work for you doesn't mean it's the problem. The POD isn't going to make life better, just easier. But, you'll quickly realize its limitations.

If I've said this once, I've said it a thousand times -
The key to making a good recording is having these ingredients (in order of importance):
1 - Good Musician
2 - Good Performance
3 - Quality instrument(s) - this is where you seem to be lacking and see how high it is on the list
4 - A quality performance space (or studio room)
5 - Good recording technique (the ability to properly place microphones and then use the most important piece of studio gear - your ears)
6...
7...
8...
.........
99 - Your recording gear.

Yes, it's dead last. If you can't record it with an SM57, a Mackie 1202 into a Sound Blaster Audigy, you can't record it with a SSL G and a shelf full of Neumanns.

Just some thoughts -
J.

Heh, I'm definitely not blaming the Fireface. I spent quite a few months researching, making sure I got a good interface. :D I'm doing something wrong.
Those are all valid points, though, and I'm pretty sure some combination of 3, 4, and 5 is my problem, as you guys have already suggested.
As for 5, do you suggest recording guitars with more than 1 microphone?

Check out this thread for options on recording a fuller sound:
(Dead Link Removed)

Horvat wrote: As for 5, do you suggest recording guitars with more than 1 microphone?

No. Yes. No. I mean yes....

It entirely depends on the situation. Some of the best sounds of gotten have come from multi-mic setups where I use a ribbon close to the cone and a condenser in the room. The other best sounds I've gotten have come from a single ribbon or dynamic on the cone.

Bear in mind, the moment you introduce a second microphone is the moment you will screw up the phase relationships. Be prepared because something's not going to be quite right unless you're very careful.

Your best bet, learn how to use the amp, the instrument and the microphone to get exactly the sound you want. Start with the instrument (in this case, inlcuding the amp). Play it and honestly listen to it. I mean REALLY listen to it. Most people, when they're playing an instrument, live in a fantasy realm. They hear exactly what they want to hear (trust me - as having taught musicians now for 15 years, this is true in 100% of the cases). That means, your tone and sound that you're getting in your room is not what's really happening but what you *think* is happening. Step out of that mental zone and listen - critically.

Now, using just your instrument, technique and amp settings, get the sound that you really want - the one that you think you hear now.

Once that has been achieved (and believe me, this can take months to years to perfect), then start playing with mic placement.

Again - sorry for the delay, but I will get to this soon. I truly haven't even listened to it as of yet.

Cheers-
Jeremy