Home Recording, Warm-Up's, Tone Targeting

http://www.andrewwasson.com/

Andrew Wasson of Creative Guitar Studio answers questions from off of his Guitar Blog website...

Q #1). I've been trying to record my amp into my computer using an SM57, a Lightsnake cable, and Audacity. My problem is that I can't get enough volume in the recording without using some kind of amplification effect after recording, even with my amp's volume on half of maximum. Where should I position the mic to get the best sound? I've been trying to do this with the mic positioned roughly over the center of my amp's speaker. Also, if it helps, I'm using an adapter to make the Lightsnake cable work with the SM57.
- Duncan, California

Q #2). Is there any way of warming up without touching a guitar both mentally and physically through the use of something like a grip exerciser? This is something I could imagine being very useful before lessons, or when jamming with friends when I might not have the opportunity to run through my usual warm ups.
- John, Germany

Q #3). I've been playing electric guitar now for many years & I've recently started to learn about the theory behind the music such as; scales, modes, inversion and the names of the notes across the fret board. My question is; when playing a scale over a chord, (or a progression), what intervals in the scale should I highlight or target and what are the tonal qualities of each of the intervals based off a given root note.
- Gareth, South Wales UK.

Thanks for Writing in! Links are below...
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APEX 185 Matched Pair Condenser Microphones:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000S5MW7Q/?tag=doddud-20

Mackie 402-VLZ3 Mixer:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00132EJJW/?tag=doddud-20

ART V2 USB - Phono Plus Preamp:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000BBGCCI/?tag=doddud-20

Adobe Audition:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000VU4BZY/?tag=doddud-20

Apple Logic Pro:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002ISDD1K/?tag=doddud-20

Cubase Studio:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001THFAJE/?tag=doddud-20

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The Creative Guitar Studio Web-site:
http://www.creativeguitarstudio.com/

Andrew's Official Q & A Guitar Blog Website:
http://www.andrewwasson.com

Andrew's "Creative Guitar Studio" YouTube Channel:
http://www.youtube.com/creativeguitarstudio/

Follow Andrew on Blogspot:
http://creativeguitarstudio.blogspot.com/

Follow on Twitter for new lesson announcements:
http://twitter.com/andrewwasson

MySpace:
http://www.myspace.com/andrewwasson

Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Andrew-Wasson/76585035288

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Category:

Music

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• april
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[macaroon331]

@UltimateNeoHunter ... though as Andrew points out, alternative mics and a better DAW might not be a bad idea in the long run. Personally I don't think a mixer is required these days, but that assumes you have enough inputs on your audio interface. Also, SM57s are still used extensively in pro studios for miking guitar cabs, though often in conjunction with other mics.

[macaroon331]

@UltimateNeoHunter Hi Duncan, from what I can tell, the lighsnake cables don't contain proper preamps. Any microphone needs a preamp as mic signals are actually very weak. Most mixing desks or audio interfaces have mic preamps built in, (tho in pro studios they often use expensive separate mic-pres). Propably the cheapest way to fix your problem would be to buy a small audio interface, (google for M-Audio Fast Track). Then your existing setup of SM57 and Audacity will work much better.

[DuskY1991]

I would like to recommend the Oktava condenser mics, the CAD M179 and Cockos REAPER for a DAW.

[veers0r]

Applying 'you get what you pay for' to opensource software doesn't work. ;) That doesn't make audacity good though, it's horrible.

[UltimateNeoHunter]

I've been looking into getting a mixer, and a better DAW, but It's most likely going to be some time before I can get them. Thank you for the suggestions.

Also, there is an XLR version of the Lightsnake cable, but I don't yet use mine enough to make getting it worthwhile.

And one small error, I actually live in the city of California in the state of Maryland. Not the state of California.

-Duncan

[Saculus]

SM57 - Will work on bass but a condenser will give you brighter sound. Reaper @ reaper.fm is the best DAW for the money $40 with a free non-limited demo.

[sIash90]

Hi Andrew! Love your blog! always very helpful. Regarding recording softwares, what do you think about Reaper?

[jkshoujk]

Maneli Jamal uses Cubase, he's an amazing acoustic soloist, similar to Andy McKee and Don Ross. He has videos posted if anyone's interested, he's got a beautiful sound.

[humbecker]

another great one from andrew