MM Axis Gear Help

[msgdman]

I want to explain what it is I want to do, and then get you guys opinion on what I need to buy to do this.

I want to be able to record a track from my EBMM guitar, lets say a rhythm, dress it up on the computer, then have it play while I lay down leads with it, also recording it. I then want to be able to add simulated drums to it, but ones that sound real, and I have control over, not an endless beat loop. Finally I would like to then be able to play the entire thing while I sing, recording it all. Finished product would be a track, maybe mp3 that I could play. I do not know if this takes multiple items, of if one would do it, or even how to do it. Please, be as specific as you can.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Shadowbox]

Oh man. There are a whole lot of options. Firstly, what kind of computer do you have? PC or Mac? There are some things made for PCs and some native Mac software that function better on Macs. A lot of software is universal binary, meaning that it will function on either. I am a Mac convert and I run Pro Tools LE with Propellerhead Reason for all non-guitar instruments. Here are a few options:

1) Tascam and a couple of other companies make hand-held recorders with 1/4" inputs and built-in condenser mics. Many of these come with software like Cubase that will allow you to transfer the files to your computer. If you go this route, make sure you record to a metronome or click track if you want to track drums after you have already laid down the guitars. I prefer to lay down drums first because I think it is easier to lay down guitar tracks if the rhythm tracks are already done. If you have a Mac, Garage Band comes iLife, so you may already have it.

2) Get an interface. Firewire is better if you have the inputs. There are decent USB and Firewire interfaces that start at about $100 and come with Cubase. Pro Tools is great, and is the industry standard. The downside to Pro Tools is that you must have the proprietary hardware attached in order for the program to launch. With Apple's Logic, you can use any interface you like.

If you go the interface route and get into computer-based recording, You MUST get an external hard drive. Where MIDI and other sequencing functions will be fine, recording live audio eats up a s**tload of memory, and it is always wise to store tracks away from your system drive.

You could start with something simple like the Line 6 guitar port or TonePort. I don't know how flexible the drum options are, but you can check it out.

Good luck!

 

[msgdman]

I am using a PC, I guess one of the first things I need to figure out is if I mic the amp, and record the guitar that way, or leave the amp completely out of the mix, and use a modeler directly into the computer, I am not sure which is the best route, if I could use a Line 6 type item, plug the guitar into it, then it into the computer, dial in a sound, then play and record directly to the computer, then that would work, just not sure how to start. or what to put between the guitar and the computer, then what to use on the computer to dress, edit, and layer it with other tracks.

Thanks for the input!

 

[agt]

Look into everything Shadowbox suggested.

A different route would be to investigate the Line 6 JM4 Looper. I own it and highly recommend it, not so much for the guitar sounds (I'm not a fan of amp modeling, YMMV) but for the looper functionality. It is a great practice and composition/arrangement tool. Check out the specs and demo videos at the Line 6 site. There are other brands of looper pedals, but, IMHO, the JM4 gives you the most features and ease of use for the price.

A DAW based setup like Shadowbox suggested is going to be much more powerful and flexible. It will also be more complicated to master. I have a full blown DAW/outboard setup for critical work and I am fully experienced using it, but I still favor the JM4 for spontaneity and convenience when I just want to work something out and hear the results instantly.

If you want to work out riff ideas, practice soloing over chord changes, train your ear, or learn your modes, etc. something serving in this capacity -- DAW software or dedicated pedal -- is invaluable.

 

[rickjohns]

Download Audacity. It is a freeware program for PC. Google it. Surprisingly, it is a good program full of plugins that are useful. It's not the best software for recording, but it is very useful and more than adequate for the beginner.
Next, I would look online for a cheap interface. You could get the Stealthplug, from IK Multimedia, it is around $100, and comes with amplitube live, which has several amp models and effects. The interface is cool, it is a 1/4 inch guitar cord on one end, and a usb cable on the other end. I have one to practice with, and to use to lay ideas down on my computer when I don't feel like running all the way out to my studio. I get the best results with this running a pedal or two in front of the stealth plug, like an overdrive or distortion pedal. The amp models alone are kinda noisy, but they do a decent job simulating the tube sound of what they are trying to emulate, and the built-in noise gate works decent enough. The Line6 Guitar port is another good choice, I believe they are around $100 also.
If you want to get an interface for recording mics, there are plenty out there for cheap, under $200, and they usually all come with software. Get an SM57 mic and your set.

I would go the cheap route first, and learn how to record and mix first. Then, just like with EBMM guitars, you'll get GAS and spend a fortune like I have on studio gear. Having the best recording gear won't necessarily make you sound good, however, if you know what you are doing you can make yourself sound fairly good with cheap equipment until you get the good stuff. Have fun with it!

 

[msgdman]

I appreciate all the info, I will go through everything all of you suggested.

 

[Shadowbox]

Yes, and Yes. The Line 6 loop pedal is a great one. Plus, I had totally forgotten about Audacity! I haven't used it, but I've heard it's great.

Regarding Mic'ing an amp vs. going direct via digital gear, it all depends on what you want your final product to be. If you are working on demos or adding guitar to a song where guitar is not the pivotal instrument, digital is fine. I prefer mic'd amps if the guitar is a feature of the recording.

Although, I think that the plug-ins are catching up. They are starting to sound pretty good. I've heard plug-ins used on professional recordings that sound amazing.

But for live uses, nothing beats a good speaker cabinet pushing some air!!

 

[Rufedges]

Riffworks by Sonoma Wireworks will do what you are talking about......it costs about 130.00. You will need to interface through USB however,...I use the Korg Pandora PX5D,...250.00 This thing has great effects and it even better for recording than for practice. With the Pandora, you will not need to mic anything or even use your amplifier. Riffworks is very user friendly, comes with drum beats,...and you can purchase more drum beats for 10 bucks apiece. All the drums a able to be customized,.....tempo,...fills,..etc. You can lay tracks, rythmn, bass, lead, etc,...copy them over and over, change each one, volume, drum intensity, fills, etc,...add different drums,...new leads,....The only thing is the mastering volume is a little lower than industry standard,...you will need to download the finished product into other software to just increase it to CD standard. Here's an example of a few of mine.....

http://www.riffworld.com/Members/rufedges27/?searchterm=rufedges27

Basically just came up with a good drums/rythmn/bass 16 bar set,...copied and just added a new lead to each set,...then just added and intro and outro....that is very basic,...with more time one can do a lot more. This sounds like exactly what you may be looking for,.....they have forums too.

 

[rickjohns]

That riffworks software looks great, I already have a stealthplug and the full version of amplitube, I'm downloading the T4 free version to try out, I might end up buying the standard version. Thanks for the tip.

 

[Rufedges]

That riffworks software looks great, I already have a stealthplug and the full version of amplitube, I'm downloading the T4 free version to try out, I might end up buying the standard version. Thanks for the tip.

Yeah, stealth-plug should work,...I don't need it. What you described you wanted was Riffworks exactly, so.,....I'm happy with it. If you have any issues, use the forum or cutomer support,....customer support contacts usually within 24-48 hours, sometimes, much sooner. Good luck and enjoy.

 

[Shadowbox]

Does Riffworks allow you to record vocals though? I know that was part of the original question.

 

[rickjohns]

How are the drums in the standard version compared to the free version. Really, as far as I go, the drums are what I'm looking for to create riffs and ideas on my laptop inside the house, the full guitar rig and all my recording gear are in my studio in a seperate garage building on my property. It's nice to have all of these toys and tools on the laptop to capture an idea quickly without having to run out and fire up the rig, computer, setup mics, etc. That's why I got the stealthplug. I can jack in the ol' axis to usb and play with headphones and record an idea all in my pj's at 4 in the morning without waking the dead with my ol' Marshall.

 

[rickjohns]

If you can't record vocals in the Riffworks software, you can do this easily by exporting the tune from riffworks, importing it into audacity, and recording vocals.

 

[Rufedges]

Does Riffworks allow you to record vocals though? I know that was part of the original question.

You can,....I haven't used this feature yet, but there is an option to be able to record over the whole song for vocals, leads, or whatever.......the sonomawireworks forum gents should be able to point you in the right direction.

 

[Rufedges]

How are the drums in the standard version compared to the free version. Really, as far as I go, the drums are what I'm looking for to create riffs and ideas on my laptop inside the house, the full guitar rig and all my recording gear are in my studio in a seperate garage building on my property. It's nice to have all of these toys and tools on the laptop to capture an idea quickly without having to run out and fire up the rig, computer, setup mics, etc. That's why I got the stealthplug. I can jack in the ol' axis to usb and play with headphones and record an idea all in my pj's at 4 in the morning without waking the dead with my ol' Marshall.

Not sure about the free version drums,....the orignal package is OK,...comes stock with a buch of beats..............check out the downloadable drum beats from sonomawireworks........

InstantDrummer : Sonoma Wire Works, Online Store

you can buy them for 10 bucks each,...and once you purchase just download to your computer. I find that the DrumsOnDemand beats the best overall,....comprehensive, good beats,...lots of options with most of their packages.

 

[Slingy]

Of course you can do vocals or whatever signal you feed it just like any program.

The drums sound fantastic but not highly customizable like adding fills and crashes where you want. I use a variety of rex file loop cds, instant drummers, and rewire.

It really is a blast, sometimes I turn it on and just jam for hours and never record anything.

 

[Slingy]

As far as the interface wow there are so many in every price range but I can vouge for he Line6 ones. Toneport UX1 or UX2 gives you the ability to use modelling, record acoustic instruments or vocals via microphone, or mic your amps. You can use the modelling or not, or just the effects.

 

[azazael]

Pod x3, it also has built in xlr mic preamp.
I use sony acid and vaious soft synth vsts.