CD Like Guitar

Are you going directly in or using a mic and amp? Choice of mic can make a big difference as well as choice of amp. It's hard to advise without knowing more details of your recording chain. This has been discussed many times before so try doing a search for recording guitar in this forum. You may be closer than you think.

Lynn


www.wifemusic.com

Sorry I wasn't too specific. I am using it Directly imputted and recording it dry and adding distortion using GUitar Rig 2. I do have a Marshall 15DFX (not very good i know) but I don't have a good enough mic. I have also tried using my Zoom G2 Effects pedal plugged in to it using it on the line in setting on the box but I wasn't too happy with how that sounded. I'm have little/no knowlegde of how to use compressors or EQ's so maybe thats why it doesn't sound too good.

simple way to set a compressor (maybe overly simple)
1) Set the amount of compression - maybe 4:1 for a guitar - maybe more if you want to really squish it
2) You have some freedom on attack and release depending on how you want the part to sound. I like a slower attack on a guitar.
3) Move the threshold down until the meter starts to show 3-4 db of decrease on the louder parts. Somewhere around here you should be bringing up the lower parts, but not crushing the higher parts too much. Bring it down too much and you will flatten the guitar sound.
4) Move the gain up until you have a good quality signal out

That is way over simplified. Use your ears.
There are tons of good articles

Get a real tube amp and a Shure SM57 mic. That's the first step. Then, start searching the forum about getting good guitar sounds. Here's one good recent thread on the subject: http://forum.cakewalk.com/tm.asp?m=1122067

ORIGINAL: Maddy2k6`

Thanks for the replys guys. The sound I want it heavy like nu metal but I want it crisp as in if you heard it on a CD it wouldnt sound out of place if you get what I mean. I know my kit isnt great. I've tried doubling tracks etx and settin the other track say 40 milliseconds delayed and paned over to the other side. That sounded fuller but still bitty and didnt sound commercial.

It's just that, bluntly put, you have a long way to go. It all starts with the player's technique and tone, and continues with the instruments, the amp (not software based), recording gear (mic, cables, preamp, audio interface) and ends with your DAW (mixing). It takes all of these things to be able to deliver a final profesional product of the highest quality. It also takes time to develop all of these things because not only do you need to be good at your instrument but also you have to be good at finding "that" sound from your gear, have good mic'ing techniques by experimenting with different mic/room placements, and ultimately be good at mixing but not necesarily at mastering. The gear, as in mic, cables, preamp, etc., are important because it will assure a higher quality recording but most will agree that this is of a lesser impact then the feel, tone and technique of the player. Still, it is an important part and the reason why profesional studios have expensive gear.

I know lots of people are gonna say that you can get quality recordings using an amp simulator like the one you used. But, to me, they sound exactly as you've described it compared to the real thing...thin. If you read the link I posted (I know it's long but it's also very informative) you'll see what it takes to get there and produce that sound. The sound that makes the song come alive and makes you feel like you're there in front of the band.

try to add some mids to the guitar. sounds like youre using a scooped mids type sound. another reason the guitars may not sound full enough is that the bass guitar is completely buried. lower some of the high end a bit. it is very possible to get a great sound with guitar rig alone.

ORIGINAL: APC3

Having said that you can still produce some amazing sounds with software that the average Joe will never know the difference.

Dude, APC3 is right. I might not be able to tell the difference...

All seriousness aside, Line6 now has a little pocket POD that might be just the ticket for you. When you really want to roll your own, then it's probably best to amp and mic it yourself...

Joe

ORIGINAL: Jose7822

Get a real tube amp and a Shure SM57 mic. That's the first step. Then, start searching the forum about getting good guitar sounds. Here's one good recent thread on the subject: http://forum.cakewalk.com/tm.asp?m=1122067

+1
If you want a real sound, you need to use real gear. It is what it is, although technigue is something you need to take into consideration, and also performance. Even if you mike a tube amp with a mic, you still need good technique and a good performance. although, i do get great sounds with or without mic'ing. So i guess you also need to experiment also.
Cj
Cj

May I borrow a couple of those amps, pretty please?