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Looking to build a very basic recording setup

Discussion in 'Recording/Live Sound' started by somedude, Sep 12, 2004.

  1. Sep 12, 2004 #1
    somedude

    somedude Member

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    This is only for practicing, recording jams, and general farting around.

    Right now I'm using a Korg PXR4 digital 4-track direct off the recording outs on my Recto Preamp.

    It sounds great, except the mutes are weak as hell, too thin and no crunch to them.

    I'm looking for the absolute basics for micing my cab into the Korg unit.

    What do I need?

    Thanks.
     
    somedude, Sep 12, 2004
    somedude, Sep 12, 2004
    #1
  2. Sep 13, 2004 #2
    jzucker

    jzucker Supporting Member

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    I was not impressed with the speaker simulation in the rectifier preamp. Is your requirement to record direct from the preamp as opposed to mic'ing the cab?
     
    jzucker, Sep 13, 2004
    jzucker, Sep 13, 2004
    #2
  3. Sep 13, 2004 #3
    somedude

    somedude Member

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    No, I'd like to be able to mic the cab and forget the direct stuff.

    Basically, I'm looking for what mics I need, if a mic pre is nessessary (and what make/model), and what axis and point of aim you recommend for each.

    I'll be micing an oversized Mesa 4x12, and I'd like both a nice clean sound and something that captures heavy dirt (some done with detuned guitars) and muted chugging, if that's of any assistance.

    I'm also on a budget. I can save for anything I can't afford, but this is an amature setup for home use, so I don't need pro studio gear....
     
    somedude, Sep 13, 2004
    somedude, Sep 13, 2004
    #3
  4. Sep 13, 2004 #4
    jzucker

    jzucker Supporting Member

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    I'm not an expert but you should be able to do everything you need with a single Shure SM57 and no mic preamp assuming you have XLR inputs on your recorder. The basic technique is to point the mic at the edge of the speaker cone as an inch or so away from the grille cloth but don't be afraid to experiment.

    If you're recording in a nice sounding room, a condensor mic such as the MXL 2001 a few feet from the speaker will capture some room ambience which will sound good for more mellow tones. For that you'd need a mic preamp such as the Presonus Tube Pre.
     
    jzucker, Sep 13, 2004
    jzucker, Sep 13, 2004
    #4
  5. Sep 13, 2004 #5
    heinz

    heinz Guest

    Here's what I would suggest.

    Since the PXR4 doesn't have a mic preamp (they're line in's only I believe) I'd consider getting a

    - sm57
    - studio projects vtb-1 preamp
    http://www.studioprojectsusa.com/vtb1.html

    Get 'em both for under $200 total, and improve your recorded guitar sound 1000%. Just run the line outs from the vtb-1 into the pxr4 line in.
     
    heinz, Sep 13, 2004
    heinz, Sep 13, 2004
    #5
  6. Sep 13, 2004 #6
    somedude

    somedude Member

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    What are the benifits of a tube pre over a solid state pre?
     
    somedude, Sep 13, 2004
    somedude, Sep 13, 2004
    #6
  7. Sep 14, 2004 #7
    heinz

    heinz Guest

    IMO that question comes down to sound... tubes add another level of distortion and harmonics that some find pleasing. But I don't think that necessarily means tube equipment is better just another flavor of color. On the vtb-1 it can be blended in which is a cool feature...
     
    heinz, Sep 14, 2004
    heinz, Sep 14, 2004
    #7
  8. Sep 14, 2004 #8
    somedude

    somedude Member

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    So the VTB-1 is a combination tube/SS preamp with a blend control?
     
    somedude, Sep 14, 2004
    somedude, Sep 14, 2004
    #8
  9. Sep 14, 2004 #9
    jzucker

    jzucker Supporting Member

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    I think the Presonus Tube Pre would do you just as well and it's dirt cheap. I sold mine for $60 a few weeks ago.
     
    jzucker, Sep 14, 2004
    jzucker, Sep 14, 2004
    #9
  10. Sep 14, 2004 #10
    somedude

    somedude Member

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    Thanks.

    I'm reading up on all the gear you guys suggest as I find the time.
     
    somedude, Sep 14, 2004
    somedude, Sep 14, 2004
    #10
  11. Sep 15, 2004 #11
    tedm

    tedm Gold Supporting Member

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    when the "blend" knob is fully CCW, it is all solid state.

    I would get a SS transparent preamp first, then get tube preamps if you like.


     
    tedm, Sep 15, 2004
    tedm, Sep 15, 2004
    #11
  12. Sep 15, 2004 #12
    Shawn Lutz

    Shawn Lutz Member

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    Shawn Lutz, Sep 15, 2004
    Shawn Lutz, Sep 15, 2004
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