Recording guitar

[Pestilent Sleep]

I'm having a lot of problems recording guitar. Seems like no matter what tweaks I make to the EQ, it never clears up. I have the highs on the amp pinged and it sounds outrageously shrill out here, but after I listen to what I just recorded it's muffled. Gear I'm using:

http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Peavey-6505-112-60W-1x12-Tube-Combo-Guitar-Amp?sku=582106

http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/ESP-LTD-MH401NT-Electric-Guitar?sku=520114

http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/product/Shure-SM57-Mic-with-Cable-Stand?sku=485304

http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/product/Tascam-DP02-Digital-Portastudio?sku=241788

It didn't seem to have these problems a few months ago, but I stopped recording for a while and now I'm having all these issues. Another thing to note, on the mixer I'm near peaking, but it's not nearly as loud as the drum track or older guitar tracks. What could be causing this mess? I suspect could be the ****ty mic cable, as it's been cutting out.

 

[SamusChief]

Re: Recording guitar

That would do it. if everything else is ok then the cable is probably shot. I had a similar problem in my dad's friend's home studio. It was muffled and really static-y. I think the cable was providing white noise.

 

[GuitarStv]

Re: Recording guitar

A failing cable will cause all kinds of trouble for you, but don't overlook mic position. Make sure that you have your mic in the right spot for the sound that you want to hear . . . the difference of a couple inches here and there can change a perfect sound to super shrill, or completely undefined and muddy. You might want to try backing the mic off of the amp a little and roll off the lows with your EQ a bit too . . . there's a proximity effect that you get where bass is boosted when close micing stuff sometimes.

 

[75lespaul]

Re: Recording guitar

Make sure that you have your mic in the right spot for the sound that you want to hear . . . the difference of a couple inches here and there can change a perfect sound to super shrill, or completely undefined and muddy. You might want to try backing the mic off of the amp a little and roll off the lows with your EQ a bit too . . . there's a proximity effect that you get where bass is boosted when close micing stuff sometimes.

How painfully true! Good advice my bro.

 

[Pestilent Sleep]

Re: Recording guitar

A failing cable will cause all kinds of trouble for you, but don't overlook mic position. Make sure that you have your mic in the right spot for the sound that you want to hear . . . the difference of a couple inches here and there can change a perfect sound to super shrill, or completely undefined and muddy. You might want to try backing the mic off of the amp a little and roll off the lows with your EQ a bit too . . . there's a proximity effect that you get where bass is boosted when close micing stuff sometimes.

That is indeed true! I tried it in all types of positions, but it honestly didn't make much difference. I ordered a new cable, it will be here by the end of the week or early next week. I hope that's all it is, I can't afford another SM57!

Thanks for the help everyone!