[fanir]

www.soundclick.com/asmelodrama

First song.

I've been thinking of doing a demo for my band and this is the first song we wrote, actually, we wrote it in like 2005 but didn't manage to finish it up. It's still not *quite* finish though.

Firstly, I'm using dfh ezdrummer for the drums, used my dad's DIY edrum. Added a slight reverb to the snare. Vocals are recorded through a decent audio technica mic. Its a little off so ignore the vocals.

Now, on to guitars, I'm using my Ibanez RG 470DX through my Line6 Toneport and Guitar Rig 2 software version. I have it panned left/right 80%. Used a high pass filter like suggested from some of the members here. Bass, I'm using an Ibanez too also through Guitar Rig patch.

I'm using Sonar 6 as my host [got it off my friend's dad, simply fabulous grab].

My DAW's quite good enough for recording. Windows XP Home SP2, 512MB Ram and a wholatta gigs hdd space.

As you can see, my guitar's tone all too muddy and annoyingly treblish. It also lacks the in your face feel like most metal songs, sounds weak. Any ideas?

Also, any tips for eZdrummer? The only thing I did to improve its punchyness was to increase the db, still lacks the punch though.

Hopefully, I'll be able to solve the above problems and be happy again.

Thanks and have a nice day!

[Hexer]

you have 2 guitar-tracks on there, right?

for a big guitarsound try double-tracking the guitars. pretty much everyone does this in metal. simply do the following:
if you have 2 guitarparts, record each part 2 times with slightly different sounds (different guitar, different cab, different amp, different settings, something like this). play very thight so the 2 same tracks sound as much as possible like 1 guitar when played together.
pan the 4 tracks 100% and 80% or something like that (try how it sounds best to you)

[fanir]

Hey man, thanks for that response, I think I'll try that, but instead of redoing the take, is it possible if I just offset it a little here and there?

Thanks again.

[Drew]

Originally Posted by fanir

Hey man, thanks for that response, I think I'll try that, but instead of redoing the take, is it possible if I just offset it a little here and there?

Thanks again.

Doesn't sound nearly as good.

[thedownside]

Originally Posted by fanir

Hey man, thanks for that response, I think I'll try that, but instead of redoing the take, is it possible if I just offset it a little here and there?

Thanks again.

you can do that, but it wont sound the same, or... right. i'd really take the time and record it a second time.

[DSS3]

Originally Posted by Hexer

you have 2 guitar-tracks on there, right?

for a big guitarsound try double-tracking the guitars. pretty much everyone does this in metal. simply do the following:
if you have 2 guitarparts, record each part 2 times with slightly different sounds (different guitar, different cab, different amp, different settings, something like this). play very thight so the 2 same tracks sound as much as possible like 1 guitar when played together.
pan the 4 tracks 100% and 80% or something like that (try how it sounds best to you)

I'd recommend this in a slightly different fashion...

Use the same guitar, same cabinet/mic, and a different amp, or different settings. Switching up guitars leads to tuning problems later down the road (no two guitars will ever be intonated exactly the same), and it's easier just to stick with one cabinet.

Definitely play very tight.

I find panning -100/-80/80/100 can sound too cluttered... lately I've been in love with -100/-100/100/100.

[thedownside]

Originally Posted by DSS3

I find panning -100/-80/80/100 can sound too cluttered... lately I've been in love with -100/-100/100/100.

i've tried all of those, i actually like to go either way (depending on the song) but have the level of the second one for each side dropped down to about 75% of the main guitar for that side. it fattens it up, but doesnt get loose or mushy sounding at all. all use all the same gear and settings, except the guitar 'in the back' i'll use lower treble and more bass. fattens it up and the front guitar gives it the bite.

[bulb]

man two tracks is all ya need!

[Ryan]

Originally Posted by bulb

man two tracks is all ya need!

i have one left and one right. works fizzine.

[Drew]

I do the same too, and I actually often use either similar or identical amp settings while double tracking. My needs are sort of different, though - it sounds "bigger" with contrasting tones, no question, but for instrumental rock where your guitar is your main melodic voice, you don't necessarily WANT huge rhythm guitar tones, as you need space for your lead.