Small amps as recording amps?

[grapeskeletons]

Re: Small amps as recording amps?

I used a Marshall DSL201 20-watt combo on my last album for all the guitar tracks. (Okay, two songs were recorded direct into Amplitube.) The DSL201 gave up some nice, fat tones...when it wasn't overheating and breaking down. The cleans were particularly nice, the crunch was meh. I was playing a Les Paul with a Super Distortion into it.

 

[IanBallard]

Re: Small amps as recording amps?

I think they would only work for tracking though. I can't imagine putting some 15 or 20 watt amp in a room with a loud drummer and bassist and expect to be heard. When you do live tracking in separate rooms, I suppose you could use a small amp with no problem, but it depends on the music. Sometimes, you just need a cab hitting you in the guts and ringing your head to get a certain kind of energy across. I just can't imagine the energy level of Van Halen's debut being the same having been recorded with a Champ or something.

 

[TwilightOdyssey]

Re: Small amps as recording amps?

I think they would only work for tracking though. I can't imagine putting some 15 or 20 watt amp in a room with a loud drummer and bassist and expect to be heard. When you do live tracking in separate rooms, I suppose you could use a small amp with no problem, but it depends on the music. Sometimes, you just need a cab hitting you in the guts and ringing your head to get a certain kind of energy across. I just can't imagine the energy level of Van Halen's debut being the same having been recorded with a Champ or something.

If by 'loud drummer' you mean 'undisciplined', then yes -- you will always need more power.

I play two 2W heads with my band and have no problem being heard.

 

[Diego]

Re: Small amps as recording amps?

Actually, the only exception to the "loud drummer" would be if you need massive headroom for cleans at rehearsal or something.
A tiny amp should get dirty more quickly, thus becoming useless.

 

[TwilightOdyssey]

Re: Small amps as recording amps?

Actually, the only exception to the "loud drummer" would be if you need massive headroom for cleans at rehearsal or something.
A tiny amp should get dirty more quickly, thus becoming useless.

I agree 1,000%. I am using very low wattage amps to get power valve distortion at gig SPLs. Headroom = out the window!

 

[IanBallard]

Re: Small amps as recording amps?

If by 'loud drummer' you mean 'undisciplined', then yes -- you will always need more power.

I play two 2W heads with my band and have no problem being heard.

"Drums sound best when played hard" --Tony Williams. "Tony is the baddest mother$%$#er to every play the drums" --Miles Davis.

I think you'll find lots of examples of amazingly disciplined drummers who play loud. Do you think playing in a 40 piece big band allows you to tap the drums? In fact, I think it's takes enormous discipline to play at triple forte, keep a groove and still leave room for dynamics. I don't know what kind of band you play in, but even a high energy jazz group could drown out a couple 2watt amps.

That said, as a drummer for many years, studied with Chad Wackerman, Jim Riley and Gary Chaffee and played in an incredibly diverse range of musical groups, I still prefer being a part of a loud band, so long as the music is played well. Both as a drummer and guitarist, I don't shy away from volume and love the sheer power of a 100w amp cranked.

 

[Laughing Kookaburra]

Re: Small amps as recording amps?

It sounds like the output was run through a harmonizer and likely other gear. There's no way a stock, dry Pignose could sould like that, even with Mr. Schenker at the helm.

Here's your stock, dry Pignose. Pretty friggen sweet.

Thanks for the FZ, a great tune, and a version I'd not heard.

 

[NecroPolo]

Re: Small amps as recording amps?

"Drums sound best when played hard" --Tony Williams. "Tony is the baddest mother$%$#er to every play the drums" --Miles Davis.

I think you'll find lots of examples of amazingly disciplined drummers who play loud. Do you think playing in a 40 piece big band allows you to tap the drums? In fact, I think it's takes enormous discipline to play at triple forte, keep a groove and still leave room for dynamics. I don't know what kind of band you play in, but even a high energy jazz group could drown out a couple 2watt amps.

That said, as a drummer for many years, studied with Chad Wackerman, Jim Riley and Gary Chaffee and played in an incredibly diverse range of musical groups, I still prefer being a part of a loud band, so long as the music is played well. Both as a drummer and guitarist, I don't shy away from volume and love the sheer power of a 100w amp cranked.

Thread is about recording little amps, not about rehearsal, big band situation and such. Of course, there you'll need power and more power to keep up if you play with a powerful drummer and a bassist with a 800W rig.

I can't agree enough: drummers who do petting only with the kit please go home Being a dynamic instrument, tone is in power and precision.