Recording...a bit of mud and splat...advise please.

[SlyFoxx]

OK...here's the deal. My band is doing some recording for a new promo package. We're not muliti tracking...just live to two. (Tascam CD recorder)
We are not using an "xy" stereo mic set-up we have all instruments miked like we would for a live show. Levels are good...things sound good in the room. Vocals sound good and the guitars sound good. The drum kit sounds good...the bass sounds good. We've got good gear all around and there are no crappy mics.

The problem is that when things get cooking (read loud) the 3rd octave bass (~80-160hz range) gets muddy and splatty. I've tried carving out some of those frequencies before it hits the recorder but it's just less pronounced...the problem is still there. As far as I can tell the levels are still under control.

The only things I can think of: a phase issue or something in the room that's vibrating and adding nasty color at higher volumes.

Any tips?

Thanks

 

[TwilightOdyssey]

Re: Recording...a bit of mud and splat...advise please.

If you are otherwise happy with the sound, I would advise you to track the 1st song, and then take the 2 channel track into software like SOUNDFORGE and do some corrective EQ.

The problem you're describing might also be where the guitar and bass cabs are in the room ... try pulling them away from the wall and you will lose a LOT of boominess ... room boundaries accentuate mid/low bass frequencies.

Can you post a clip?