Record Production
Phase-aligning three mics for big guitar tones
Dan Austin demonstrates a technique for recording guitars using three different microphones on a guitar cabinet to achieve a rich, full sound. He emphasizes the importance of phase aligning the microphones to avoid phase issues, which can occur when using multiple mics. Austin uses a pink noise technique to phase align the mics, starting with a Shure SM57 to find the sweet spot on the speaker cone, followed by an 87 condenser and a ribbon mic. By listening for phase cancellation, he ensures the mics are aligned, allowing for tonal blending without phase interference. Once aligned, Austin blends the mic signals to achieve the desired guitar tone, using EQ and compression to enhance the sound. He then sums the three mic signals into one track in Pro Tools, applying additional processing with a valve EQ and compressor for added character. This method provides flexibility in shaping the guitar sound while maintaining clarity and depth.
Record Production
Distorting room mics for explosive guitars
Dan Austin demonstrates a creative technique for recording guitars by heavily distorting a room microphone to add energy beneath the main guitar sound. He uses a bright condenser mic, like the AKG 414, placed about 12 feet from the guitar cabinet. By cranking up the mic preamps, he achieves a unique distortion, adding a lively character to the mix. Austin emphasizes the importance of recording this distorted room mic on a separate track, allowing it to be blended subtly under the close mics for a fuller, more exciting guitar sound.
GGD
Tune distorted guitars based on playing style
This video promotes the idea that when tuning a distorted guitar, it's crucial to consider the playing style, as the tuning can differ based on whether the part emphasizes attack or sustain. Typically, the transient or pick attack tends to be sharper than the sustained note. For fast, attack-heavy sections, tune to the transient to prevent sharpness during recording. Conversely, for sustained notes, tune to the sustained pitch for accuracy. This method results in a more unified and cohesive sound. The difference, though subtle, becomes stark when compared to a perfectly tuned MIDI bass, highlighting the importance of this technique for achieving clarity and cohesion in your mix.
GGD
Tune each chord for clearer distorted guitars
For achieving more clarity in distorted guitar recordings, consider tuning each chord individually. This technique can significantly enhance the polish of a modern production but comes at the expense of the organic flow of playing a guitar part. By adjusting the tuning of each string for every chord position, you can eliminate the muddled sound caused by imperfect intonation, especially when playing chords up the neck. This method ensures that each chord is perfectly in tune, resulting in a clearer and more powerful sound. While this approach might not suit grungy or hardcore styles, it is highly beneficial for those aiming for a hi-fi, polished sound. To strike a balance between performance and perfection, you can apply this technique selectively to certain chords, maintaining some of the natural feel while still enhancing clarity where it matters most.
Universal Audio
Emphasize tone and presence with EQ and compression
Will Yip is using the UAD API Vision channel strip to enhance each distorted guitar track in the mix individually. He employs preamp gain for character and presence, should the track lack these qualities. He also applies a gentle high-pass filter around 30-40Hz to reduce muddiness, and adds light compression (1-2dB reduction, 4:1 ratio, medium attack, fast release) for consistency. The main emphasis is on EQ, particularly boosting around 700-800Hz for tone and 7kHz for presence, creating a sound that's musically rich and detailed, avoiding boxiness or harshness.
Universal Audio
More clarity by processing guitars track by track
Will Yip's approach on mixing distorted rock guitars focuses on treating each guitar track individually for a unique and nuanced sound, and is relying less on processing the guitar bus as a whole. He is using the UAD API Vision Channel Strip to mold each track into the guitar mix, resulting in a tailored and distinct sound for each guitar element.