Here's all you have to do:

1. Use better gear.
2. Use better mic placement.
3. Use a better room & monitoring device.

Here's everything you ever wanted to know about recording distorted electric guitar. Happy reading....

[[url=http://[/URL]="http://badmuckingfa…"]Slipperman's Recording Distorted Guitars From Hell[/]="http://badmuckingfa…"]Slipperman's Recording Distorted Guitars From Hell[/]

Get rid of the compressor in the signal chain. Its not needed IMO ,compressing before you go in is just useless, and could possibly be effecting the original signal before recording. Also what pedals are you using? I've never really heard one I like so you may try without. Actually you really need layers of guitars so use the amps distortion and then record the exact same thing with the pedals distortion. I've found that gives(if done properly) a much more pro sound. And yes read the slipperman diaries, they're great.

I hate to say it, but I don't think you will ever get a "professional" guitar sound out of an AVT regardless of micing, preamps, etc. The source is the most important thing in a recording chain, and the AVT just doesn't cut it. You need to start with a better amp. I know it's not what you want to hear, sorry.

Wes

danda needs some better gear

Boltino wrote: I hate to say it, but I don't think you will ever get a "professional" guitar sound out of an AVT regardless of micing, preamps, etc. The source is the most important thing in a recording chain, and the AVT just doesn't cut it. You need to start with a better amp. I know it's not what you want to hear, sorry.

Wes

yeah but he could buy a 3000 rig from mesa or whoever and that still doesn't mean he's going to get a pro sound. he should try to get as close as he can with what he's got. its like telling a noob to recording to just get a great river to start. he can get decently close with an avt and once he masters that a "real" amp will be cake.

jonnyc wrote: [quote=Boltino]I hate to say it, but I don't think you will ever get a "professional" guitar sound out of an AVT regardless of micing, preamps, etc. The source is the most important thing in a recording chain, and the AVT just doesn't cut it. You need to start with a better amp. I know it's not what you want to hear, sorry.

Wes

yeah but he could buy a 3000 rig from mesa or whoever and that still doesn't mean he's going to get a pro sound. he should try to get as close as he can with what he's got. its like telling a noob to recording to just get a great river to start. he can get decently close with an avt and once he masters that a "real" amp will be cake.nah, he can get a peavey 6506 for $1000 and get a good metal tone. http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product?sku=482639 - thats the half stack package he has (atleast the head is.) now you can get a 6505 halfstack for about $1500, or u can buy a used head and cab for about $1000.

jonnyc wrote: yeah but he could buy a 3000 rig from mesa or whoever and that still doesn't mean he's going to get a pro sound. he should try to get as close as he can with what he's got. its like telling a noob to recording to just get a great river to start. he can get decently close with an avt and once he masters that a "real" amp will be cake.

I hear you. But I don't think it's the same thing as telling someone to start with a great river. I think talking about a recording chain is one thing and talking about the source is another. I would rarely recommend someone starting out with a pre like a great river. However, I do recommend you start recording with a great source.

From Dandalph's original post said he was looking for a pro sound and while a great amp isn't the only thing it takes, IMHO it is the most important. I don't think taking the compressor out of his signal chain is going to take his sound from something he doesn't like to something amazing.

I always try to start at the source instead taking an ok sound, micing it up, and trying to turn it into something awesome in the mix. I'm not suggesting there is nothing to be gained by working on technique on a less than optimal source I just don't think Dandalph is going to get the sound he is looking for from an AVT.

Wes

I hear what your saying about the source and you're right. Now as far as the compressor goes, I just don't really think he needs that in his signal chain.

Now as far as the compressor goes, I just don't really think he needs that in his signal chain.

I agree. The only thing that 3630 adds is noise.

Wes

me

If you're only using an SM57, you may not be getting the best frequency range in your recording, I recomend you this, use two mics: the sm57 facing angled to the inside aproximately in the middle moving from the center to the edge of the cone, and use another mic, could be dynamic (with good response in the lower frequences, maybe an EV-RE20 or a Beta52) or condenser large diaphragm (AT4040, TLM130) placed in axis with the speaker at a distance where the sound of the guitar doesn't overload the mic's signal, this will give you coverage in the lower and higher frequences while the sm57 gives you coverage in the middle frequences and you'll have complete sounding distorted guitar. Another recommendation: the best distorted guitar sound comes directly from a good amp, no pedal can imitate this, use Randall or Mesa

here's my take on recording guitars...

I prefer using just one mic. I've tried using 2 mics and its just a pain sort of..once guitar tracks start building up and up...the amount of tracks becomes confusing.

I just stick to a sm57 with good placement.

Personally, I would not be able to play rock guitar without compression, to me it's absolutely essential and I wouldn't record without it. Why would you have to have to record massive stacks to get a good recording?

riffster wrote: Personally, I would not be able to play rock guitar without compression, to me it's absolutely essential and I wouldn't record without it. Why would you have to have to record massive stacks to get a good recording?

So you're saying that no compression actually inhibits your playing ability? That's interesting. There was a thread I saw that was either here or homerecording.com and its was asking who all uses compression on rock guitars. Just about every single person said they used none. What is it about a compressor that you feel you need? And who said anything about massive stacks. We were talking about a 4x12 versus a combo.

Yep, I read this post and too quickly responded without thinking about was was actually said...oops. But yes to the compression thing, I guess either I'm an oddball or I simply haven't found the right gear yet for that "tone". It's really the only processing I have in my entire chain. It's how I get that wonderful tight snap that effects my overall groove.

8th note, that link was freaking great!