Recording and amplifier modeling software
Good morning everyone. I would like to get this groups experiences with computer-based recording software and amplifier modeling. I need to practice quietly without disturbing the family so I use a PC, an interface and plug a microphone into that, either with an XLR cable or quarter inch. I then use a recording package known as Reaper. And I have an add-on module known as Amplitube. With Amplitube you can purchase additional amplifier models. I have purchased a 59 batsman.
I'm really struggling to find a tone that I can listen to though. I realize that nothing computer generated is going to replace the real thing, so I'm not expecting that this will be fantastic. However at the moment I am struggling to even get it to be tolerable. I'd say the tone that I get is too sweet, I suppose favoring the high-end. This is even without turning on the amplifier modeling, just the microphone being recorded directly by the recording software. It's irritating.
If anyone has any tips for me, I would appreciate that. Right now this is sort of making going into my home studio to practice more of a chore then a joy. Thank you
I have a lot of homework to do.
I use Reaper as well, but only with its inbuilt amplifier and a couple of other free plugins including EQ. After some tweaking it isn't perfect, but it's usable for practicing and even not too abitious recording. I also use Blue Dadi, which is available on this site. Its tone is definitely better, but its user experience and functionality much worse.
If you're getting a sound that's too sweet even without the map modeler, I'd look first at your acoustic tone and second at the mic, third at whatever else you're doing to the signal downstream.
Deepening and stengthening your acoustic tone will give the mic and subsequent gear more to work with. Open throat, tongue out of the way, big oral chamber, the usual advice.
Microphones have response curves, and some brighten the high end. Find out the response curve for your mic; if it's a major brand it will be published somewhere. This can give you some clues on how to employ EQ to better tailor the sound.
Guitar amps - and modelers - are voiced for guitar, favoring the midrage and a trebly sound, which does the harmonica no favors. Mods to both hardware and internal settings for real amps abound, but with a modeler you're stuck with whatever controls the modeler gives you. PLay around with the tone settings, preamp volume, master, etc.
But you should have plenty of other plugins separate from the modeler, which you can place both upstream and downstream in the chain, including EQ and compression. Play around with those as well.