Recording guitar (don't want to sound digital) INTERFACE??

[Ratt617]

I'm totally new to all of this. I have 2 Sennhauser E609 mics on my Marshall cabinet and they are running through a Lexicon Lambda into a USB input on my computer. I am using Cakewalk Sonar 7 for my recordings. I have a nice tube amp that I use and high end guitars but my recordings sound very digital compared to what is actually coming aout of my cabinet. What is the problem? Is it the Lambda interface that is the weak link? Do I need to spend $600 on an interface that does a better job converting my sound? Which one would be worth the money? Everybody seems to like the MOTU Ultralite MK3. Would this just be a waiste of money? I hate dropping a lot of cash just to try something. I also have regular onboard sound. Do I need a great sound card too, or does that have anything to do with the digital sound? Please help!! Thanks. :x

 

[GeckoMusic]

It's not the gear. Perhaps what you are hearing as "digital" is the lack of ambiance from the room? You could move the microphones away from the speaker a few inches. Or sound treat your room for modes and move it back a few feet.

This is classic:

[="http://www.expertvillage.com/video/4233_recording-studio-pro-tools.htm"]Tad Donley[/]

"Pro Tools LE ... digital ... Flat as a pLancake ... just ni di dee di do di do"

:lol:

 

[Space]

I also have regular onboard sound. Do I need a great sound card too, or does that have anything to do with the digital sound? Please help!! Thanks. :x

It is some of the gear. When you think about how much consideration you have given to your guitars and amps, mics and quality recording software...then it is ported into an onboard card, wholesale cost 47 cents, it's a point of weakness.

 

[GeckoMusic]

Use your [="http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/product/Lexicon-Lambda-USB-Audio-Interface?sku=245506"]Lexicon Lambda[/] not the on board sound card.

 

[Ratt617]

Lexicon Lambda

I guess I am using the Lambda instead of the sound card. I don't think the sound card even comes into play. It is connected via USB. The soundcard shouldn't be the issue. Would it make a big difference to replace the Lambda with say a MOTU 8pre or something equivilant? I just didn't want to fork out $600 if I did't need to. If it does make a difference in the problem that I am discussing I will gladly save up some funds for that. What do y'all think?

 

[hueseph]

Buying new gear won't help if it's your approach that is lacking. Post an example. Sennheiser makes some great mics. Maybe you could adjust the position of the mic? Maybe you could back the mic up as it has been pointed out? I still don't know what digital "sounds" like. There is clean and there is coloured.

 

[Space]

"I also have regular onboard sound."

Disable it.

That's what I meant

 

[antoniosolo]

Put headphones on and see what the mics are giving you. Either proximity or malfunctioning. Cans will tell you what is there.

 

[Irondog]

we really need an audible example. Its tuff to diagnose sound without hearing it

 

[hueseph]

Out of curiosity, what amp, cab, combo are you using?

 

[Ratt617]

amp / Cabinet

I'm running a Randall lynch box with a Marshall cabinetwith Vintage 30's in it. It's not as bad on the clean sounds, but when I crank up the gain it begins to sound like I'm playing through a line6 POD straight into headphones. It definitly doesn't sound like i'm hearing it through the cabinet. I can make it sound a little better bu using 2 mics. One mic i put right against the cabinet centered on the edge of the inter cone and the other backed off about a foot and a half. I run each mic to a separate track and then mix them. It sounds a little more authentic that way. I'm just wondering if a more expensive interface wil change my sound that much or is it not worth it.