Right, i just got a new soundcard, not the greatest by far, but im sure its adequate (M-Audio Delta), and i've been trying to do some recording with it. I've recorded vocals ok, from Mic -> Mixer -> Soundcard. When i try and do Guitar -> POD -> Mixer -> Soundcard, it sounds rubbish, and when i do Guitar -> POD -> Amp -> Mic (shure sm57) -> Mixer -> Soundcard, it sounds a little better, but still not good enough at all; it sounds really flat, no bass, and sounds like its clipping, even though the software says it isn't. What tips can anyone give as to get better recording? I'm using SoundForge for the recording by the way.

Cheers in advance!

try running both simultaneously... thats what i do with my triamp(and used to do with my jmp-1), it has a red box DI built in so i mic one speaker AND run the DI out.. mix them together, twiddle the knobs on the mixer a bit. makes for some interesting sounds.

where is the gain on the mixer at?
where are you putting the mic?

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Just because the signal input to your PC isn't clipping doesn't mean that you haven't already clipped your signal in the gear prior to that point. Non-harmonic distortion will also arise from impedance mismatching. You need to verify that all inputs and outputs in your chain are compatible with each other and insert impedance transformers or other matching devices as necessary. As far as the frequency response goes your microphone's response curve has to be cancelled with an EQ if you want the recording to sound the same as what's coming out of your amp. The ever popular "V" pattern on EQ's is that shape because microphones and speaker systems typically have the exact opposite filtering effect like so "^" and you are simply correcting for gear which does not have a perfectly flat response.

I think i was trying to record at too low a volume, i turned it up a bit, and it seems to have improved somewhat. The mic is about 3inches from the cone, and just offset from the center. Methinks i should upgrade the cable im using to go from Mixer -> PC, xdx, what's that cable you say you make yourself? I may try using the digital out from the POD to the digital in of the soundcard....... when i buy a cable.

Kylito: i haven't really fiddled with the EQ, Soundforge seems pretty rubbish, so i'll have to give that a go too

ta

i make mogami's with switchcraft ends... though i can also do george L cables and ends, as well as neutrik ends....

it's all about the same quality. but i like mogami's and switcrafts, that's what i have in my rig. i buy the shit in bulk for dirt cheap, cut them, solder, ect... then sell them... alot cheaper than guitar center...

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Try going directly into your computer through the USB with the POD and bypass the mixer...

To do this you'll need to download the Pod drivers from Line 6's site. Then you have to change your audio device from your soundcard to the POD

Ah cool, i'll have too see what i need, then i'll PM you and see what you can come up with



I've got the POD Pro, so it doesn't have the USB interface unfortunately, but im gonna get the S/PDIF cable today, so i can bypass the mixer that way


I think one of the main problems was that i was trying to record at too low a volume, the gain on the mic is set to about 15dB methinks (if im reading the mixer correctly).

to set the gain proper, on the channel your using - press solo, then what ever your playing will come thru the bars at the side - if it goes into the red, turn the gain down a lil.

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When I record with my POD I go right into my sound card, no mixer, no amp.
Jerry

Also, make sure the impedence levels are compatible with your soundcard. You may get some excess noise (static) if the impedence is too high.

There is some slight hiss, so when i get home from work today, i'm gonna check all the impedences and make sure they all match... I think the problem lies in my Behringer mixer, which is pretty naff :P