Getting distortion spikes while recording hot guitar with Blue Snowball Mic

[meminor]

Hi guys,

my buddy picked up a blue snowball (a usb mic) to record a guitar solo for me, he's got it set at -10db, set well away from the amp but he's still getting distorted spikes. (see the file extension)

He's recording into audacity and the parts of the song that are played without any distortion (not attached) sound clean.

Obviously we're newbs and our collaboration is also compounded by the fact that he's across the ocean (Otherwise I'd gladly lend him an audio interface/mic.)

What do you in all your infinite wisdom recommend to get a hot signal minus spikes?

Thanks.

M./

[civilization3]

Simple enough. Use a limiter.

[meminor]

Thanks for the advice civilization3.

Will try it out.