Best way to record electric guitar direct?

[Chrisc_o]

This is a broad subject. I suggest you read up on DIs. Many preamps have built-in instrument inputs or a dedicated DI.

Many discussions on DIs around here. Do a search.



Best of luck. thumbsup

[rty5150]

When I track guitars, I di into my ssl alpha vhd and split the signal to the converter/compressor for dry and then to my pod for a wet scratch. With this i am looking more for performance over tone. After I have the di track, I reamp. Normal mic techniques from here or substitute with modeling/sims.

[Neilo75]

Actually I read somewhere that you should use a paramteric eq as an insert effect before the amp simulator. I tried it and it does sound a hell of a lot better!

Because of my small budget I guess I'll have to stick to the Studio V3 as my DI. I'm tempted to get a Radial JDI but not sure how much of a difference that will make? The JDV a bit too pricey just for a DI for me.

The SSL Alpha VHD looks pretty good though! Again just a bit too expensive for me...

[Jimsi]

I sometimes use an older Johnson J Station simular to a POD to do dirty simple demos of what i like to record...POD makes some new and so called improved units...direct into your interface...

[Neilo75]

The thing is my band is going in to the studio in a couple of weeks and I thought I could save time/money by tracking the guitars and bass beforehand. Last recording we did the guitars were recorded live (Fender Twin and Peavey Classic 30) and I thought it sounded alright but not incredible, and I could probably get just a good result by tracking them at home. (check out facebook page, music player bottom left of page)

The My Ty's | Facebook

So I'm not after a quick demo sound but something appropriate for a proper release!

[Jimsi]

Originally Posted by Neilo75

So I'm not after a quick demo sound but something appropriate for a proper release!

Hope the DI works for you...i'd personaly Mic a real amp with some air coming from the tube amp with a decent mic and preamp....but i understand sometime this cant be done due to peace in the house, neighbors and appartments even lack of decent equipment for some...come to virginia and ill track you using my peavey tube amp with an Eminence Governor cranked at 5-10 watts (yes that will do it) miked about 8-12" from center of speaker a little off axis....yummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm and bass DIed

[scottyjneilson]

I have heard good results with a re tubed ART MPA GOLD and a les paul, really fat, sparkly and clean

[Neilo75]

Originally Posted by scottyjneilson

I have heard good results with a re tubed ART MPA GOLD and a les paul, really fat, sparkly and clean

Hmm.... actually a friend has one of these. Any idea what tubes they replaced the originals with?

[Retinal]

An API 512c of course

[kafka]

GT Brick. It's cheap and clean and sounds good enough to use on it's own. It will noticeably improve your amp sim.

[scottyjneilson]

Originally Posted by Neilo75

Hmm.... actually a friend has one of these. Any idea what tubes they replaced the originals with?

Telefunken 12ax7's NOS

[CJ Mastering]

Guitar into Hi-Z input of sound card

That's a great way to record guitar direct
Cj

[Jerrick]

Originally Posted by CJ Mastering

Guitar into Hi-Z input of sound card

That's a great way to record guitar direct
Cj

Thats how I do it. Just go direct into my Motu mk3 ultralite.

For going into a guitar sim I like to record pretty hot, amp sims seem to react and sound better that way. Then output that to a standard tracking level.

Your ts808 could work really well if your going for an overdrivin or heavy tone. A lot of people out there usually use a tubescreamer pedal as an insert, like Mokafixs cream tube, and Onqel just released his ts808 pedal which sounds amazing, and its free.