Just recorded the Axe DIRECT for the first time...

[hunter]

Working on a new track for the ProgMetal project, so as it's been 1AM when I had the idea for this bit, I plugged the Axe direct, used one of my Ueber patches, threw the stock Vintage 30 and G12T75 cab models each mixed 50%, took my McCarty (still with stock PUs, the rebel yells for it are just being covered by Tim) and put down some tracks.

It's just EZ drums and 2 guitar tracks, plus some synth pad coming in later.

I like the result, it's using much more of the frequency band than the mic recordings, which have more mids but sound also a bit more congested. Maybe I should get myself one of those FBT Verve monitor thingys now .... hmmmmm

The only bit where I think it does sound a bit artificial is at the end where the drop D chord rings out in the back.

Here's the clip: http://www.thegutbusters.com/temp/axe_direct_example.mp3

[hamfist]

SOunds pretty good to me Hunter.  I didn't notice any "artificiality" in that last D chord, so it must be pretty minimal.

THose drums are horrible though !!

[Tellboy]

Excellent results for direct recording.

Agree with Hamfist's comments on the drums but I have EZ drummer (and a couple of other progs) and am absolutely ***t at coming up with good drum tracks . Perhaps I should start another thread but would welcome any tips/advice on how to lay down good drum tracks.

[hunter]

Yeah drums aren't my forte ... for that we luckily have an amazing drummer! I am really considering the FRFR route, it would be so easy to just plug an xlr in the back on stage and it's done.

Guess I might really give it a shot with the FBTs ...

[gwEm]

Yeah drums aren't my forte ... for that we luckily have an amazing drummer! I am really considering the FRFR route, it would be so easy to just plug an xlr in the back on stage and it's done.

Guess I might really give it a shot with the FBTs ...

I understand that you want to go direct from the axefx to the PA?

I've gone direct in the PA for almost every show I've done. It sounds good, and the audience don't care. You can't argue with the connivence, but I must say the fun factor is alot lower on stage. But carrying cabs around also isn't fun.

[hunter]

Yeah drums aren't my forte ... for that we luckily have an amazing drummer! I am really considering the FRFR route, it would be so easy to just plug an xlr in the back on stage and it's done.

Guess I might really give it a shot with the FBTs ...

I understand that you want to go direct from the axefx to the PA?

I've gone direct in the PA for almost every show I've done. It sounds good, and the audience don't care. You can't argue with the connivence, but I must say the fun factor is alot lower on stage. But carrying cabs around also isn't fun.

Yeah but according to users on the FAS forum, the Verve 12MA is giving you that "thump", "scream" and "fun" that a guitar rig would do, plus through its coaxial design it seems to project very wide and give a consistent sound across a wide angle - which btw no closed guitar cab does.

[Denim n Leather]

Well, I like it, if that's worth anything to you.

[gwEm]

Yeah but according to users on the FAS forum, the Verve 12MA is giving you that "thump", "scream" and "fun" that a guitar rig would do, plus through its coaxial design it seems to project very wide and give a consistent sound across a wide angle - which btw no closed guitar cab does.

that does sound good. i will check it out

[Tellboy]

Although I luv' me valve amps I can't help thinking that in a few years from now when amp sims will have fully perfected the valve guitar amp sound we could be looking back like this......

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3SAbJjktk7E

........substitute "valve amps " for the "potatoes" and "amp sims" for "Smash"

Note for non Brits: ..this was a long running ad in the 1970s for Smash (packet) mash potatoes.

[Nadz1lla]

Stop it, you're fuelling my GAS!!!   

[hunter]

Well, I like it, if that's worth anything to you.

definitely is man!

Just listening to Killswitch Engage, man their tone is HUGE.

[AndyR]

Yep, I like that too.

Personally, I prefer this direct recording of the Axe to your earlier mic'd up ones - sounds like you might as well :D

One of the reasons I like and switched to modellors is it cuts out all the mic issues :lol:

[_tom_]

Not really a fan, it definitely sounds more "modeller-ish" to me than your mic'd up clips.

[Denim n Leather]

Hey hunter, I was thinking --

You might wanna try mic'ing again, but using something  like an AKG C414 or a ribbon mic for their wide-open mids (even a Rode NTK or M3 will give you a very open midrange). Then compress the signal as you record it. I've found that using compression when I record guitar tracks helps them sit in the mix better and requires less tonal shaping in the box. I set the compression ratio hot, like 6:1, and then bring up the input until I'm getting a good 6dB of compression.

I don't know if you're using an external mic pre/interface or if you're doing everything in the box, however. If you're using a mic pre, you would wanna run the compressor right after the preamp or through a send/return (if you have a channel strip) and set it for sum.

That being said, having re-listened to your clip -- it sounds excellent.

[Johnny Mac]

This is great Hunter!!  :D