Recording with an Archon

[FallOfHumanity]

I'm going to be buying an Archon once my Mark Holcomb sig is all paid for. What options do I have if I want to do some at home recording to my Mac? I used to have an AxeFX and a Line6 Pod HD PRO, so I was able to just do everything via USB.

I've never had much luck with recording using a mic, but admittedly I didn't really put much effort into it.

Thanks!

 

[sergiodeblanc]

You just need an interface, a mic, and some software. I recommend Logic but GB is pretty full featured for $15.

 

[FallOfHumanity]

I have Logic. I used it for recording via USB so I'm very familiar with how to set it up. Just the one time i tried using a mic into an interface, it sounded awful.

 

[FallOfHumanity]

Also, I assume something like a Focusrite Scarlet 2i2 is enough for basement recording? Sorry for the novice questions.

 

[sergiodeblanc]

I have Logic. I used it for recording via USB so I'm very familiar with how to set it up. Just the one time i tried using a mic into an interface, it sounded awful.

Cool! You're half way there! Properly micing up guitar amps is an art form and a science unto itself, you can't just try it once and be great at it, it takes as much practice as playing the damn guitar does! Keep at it and you'll get better, I promise.

Also, I assume something like a Focusrite Scarlet 2i2 is enough for basement recording? Sorry for the novice questions.

Yeah, that would totally work for you.

 

[László]

Also, I assume something like a Focusrite Scarlet 2i2 is enough for basement recording? Sorry for the novice questions.

Actually, it's one of the better sounding interfaces on the market if you want to spend less than a couple of grand.

 

[FallOfHumanity]

Cool! You're half way there! Properly micing up guitar amps is an art form and a science unto itself, you can't just try it once and be great at it, it takes as much practice as playing the damn guitar does! Keep at it and you'll get better, I promise.

Yeah, that would totally work for you.

Awesome, thanks. I've read some tips and tricks for micing an amp, but it just seems so picky. Supposedly there's a sweet spot for every cab, lol.

Actually, it's one of the better sounding interfaces on the market if you want to spend less than a couple of grand.

Good to know, LSchefman. I found some relatively inexpensive KRK Rokit 5s to go with it. Are those still the "go-to" for amateur home recording?

 

[vchizzle]

A safe spot to start if you're using an SM57 or similar mic, is right on the edge of the dust cap on the speaker, 1" away from the grill cloth. from there you can angle the mic either direction or slide the mic toward the center for a brighter, sharper tone or away from the center for a smoother sound. I'm sure you've read all that already though. One thing to remember(Les has brought this up several times), is that what you hear sitting or standing up above the cab, is not what the mic is hearing. Get your head/ear in line with the speaker to hear what the mic is hearing. You may need to dial in your EQ on the amp differently. It's inherently brighter and brasher with your head in front of the speaker. So keep in mind the room sound is often very different from the mic in front of the speaker sound. Maybe Lestaban can link his thread where he talks about that here?

 

[László]

Good to know, LSchefman. I found some relatively inexpensive KRK Rokit 5s to go with it. Are those still the "go-to" for amateur home recording?

i didn't know there ever was a go-to!

 

[CoreyT]

I have a pair of those KRK Rokit 5s and they sound nice for playback of what you record, MP3s, etc.