DI recording

[Wes Mantooth]

So because I'm lazy and haven't really been happy with my recorded tones using a microphone. So if figured an easy way would be to get a nice preamp with a DI out or just get a DI box. I'm just looking for something clean, don't need any dirt modeling, just want a flexible EQ. So anyone here record direct? How do you like the tones you're getting? What do you use? What should I use?

Thanks

[skullservant]

I have recorded direct for the past 5 years. It's got its benefits and its disadvantages, but I've found most often if I'm unhappy with a tone I can just tweak a software EQ to get what I'm looking for. It's usually a subtle change, but it works. The one thing I don't necessarily enjoy about recording direct is the lack of feedback from standing infront of speakers or just how the pedals play with my amp. But I've kind of grown used to it and have a dedicated set of pedals that sort of simulate that situation!

[Wes Mantooth]

I have recorded direct for the past 5 years. It's got its benefits and its disadvantages, but I've found most often if I'm unhappy with a tone I can just tweak a software EQ to get what I'm looking for. It's usually a subtle change, but it works. The one thing I don't necessarily enjoy about recording direct is the lack of feedback from standing infront of speakers or just how the pedals play with my amp. But I've kind of grown used to it and have a dedicated set of pedals that sort of simulate that situation!

Cool, links to your music? I know I've listened to your Algea stuff and that shit sounds so sick, that was DI? What do you use?

[skullservant]

All the stuff in my sig is DI except for of course the live recordings!

I've been using the Behringer UCA222. It's stereo so if you've got a stereo chain it can record direct in nicely. I've also got an M-Audio Fast Track that I used and use extensively for mono signals. In a mono situation I often just overdub a guitar track for each ear

[Wes Mantooth]

All the stuff in my sig is DI except for of course the live recordings!

I've been using the Behringer UCA222. It's stereo so if you've got a stereo chain it can record direct in nicely. I've also got an M-Audio Fast Track that I used and use extensively for mono signals. In a mono situation I often just overdub a guitar track for each ear

Damn well they sound awesome so that definitely makes me less nervous about going DI. I have just a mono signal so that was my plan to just do one ear Eau Claire Thunder and the other SSTwosome. I'll look into the Behringer!

[skullservant]

TwoSome DI'd sounds great. Haven't recorded it yet but I was screwing around with it the other day and it still retained the balls that it has through a cab. The only problems I run into are fuzzes sounding more sizzly direct than mic'd, but with the SS2some its so versatile it doesn't even matter!

[skullservant]

I know I've listened to your Algea stuff and that shit sounds so sick

THANK YOU so much!!!! I appreciate it, a lot

[greyscales]

I've done all of my demos through DI. I just use the input on my Tascam US-144. That's always gotten me pretty decent results, and much easier when you can't turn up an amp loud enough to get mic-able tone. I run all of my pedals through it without a problem. Logic has some pretty good amp models, and compared to my real tube amps they sound pretty accurate as far as interaction.
That said, I don't have a problem running direct and using just Logic's modeling. The pedal models aren't as good, but it gets the job done. If someone didn't know it was digital, they would never know. They aren't pro, but then again I don't put pro effort into mastering.

[Wes Mantooth]

I know I've listened to your Algea stuff and that shit sounds so sick

THANK YOU so much!!!! I appreciate it, a lot

No problem!

Well I do have a USB mixer I could plug right in like you do with the Behringer. Do you think running through a preamp would help calm the sizzle? I'll have to try this out tonight after work!


Yeah I've been thinking about getting a Mac and running Logic, especially since it's only $200 now. Didn't think of using the amp models though, that's a good idea!

Now I just need to save up for one of those new Macbooks with the Retina display. For some reason with a student discount the Retina display model with the same specs is less than a non-Retina model.

[Dr. Sherman Sticks M.D.]

i've been experimenting w/ micing and DI-ing at the same time. recording 2 tracks, one mic and one DI adn then blending them together afterwards. its got a unique sound and u can dial in the positives from each method

[greyscales]

i've been experimenting w/ micing and DI-ing at the same time. recording 2 tracks, one mic and one DI adn then blending them together afterwards. its got a unique sound and u can dial in the positives from each method

I've done this with bass a few times, especially if it is a fuzzed out bass. It gives the tracks some dimension. Haven't tried it out with guitar though, oddly enough.

[Wes Mantooth]

i've been experimenting w/ micing and DI-ing at the same time. recording 2 tracks, one mic and one DI adn then blending them together afterwards. its got a unique sound and u can dial in the positives from each method

Also a cool idea

[skullservant]

Yeah a preamp might be cool and calm the sizzle a bit!

[Wes Mantooth]

Yeah a preamp might be cool and calm the sizzle a bit!

Yeah I might hit up someone to build me a custom one. I just need it nice and clean with a really cool flexible EQ (maybe some parametric options?).

Anyone wanna build me one?!

[GardenoftheDead]

Almost all of the shit I've recorded has been done with amp modeling, because I only get inspired at times of the night when cranking an amp to recording volumes would cause my parents to kill me.

But, you could reasonably use a Tech 21 Sansamp Bass Driver DI set to be really clean. Or use a tube pedal like an EHX English Muff'n as a preamp of sorts. That's if you don't want to drop cash on a Marshall JMP-1 or a Mesa-Boogie Triaxis.