Hey guys,
I'm a huge newbie when it comes to home recording, so let me just get that out of the way ASAP. I've been using just my stock soundcard (will be buying a much better one within a month or so) and using my Boss MT-2 Metal Zone distortion pedal as a pre-amp. Everywhere I look, every guide I read, says to either mic your amp, or use a DI box or something similar. Mic'ing my amp is kinda out of the question based on where I live.
I guess my question is, am I doing something horribly wrong by using my distortion pedal as a preamp?
Side question for bonus points: What is decent free software for synthing drums? I'm using Kristal for mixing.
Thanks everyone
My guess is that you will soon need that new soundcard as your current one will be toast. Way too much gain coming out of that distortion box at far too high an expected impedance level. Impedance is resistance. So your level from the distortion box is going out expecting a bit of uh....back pressure to keep the level at bay but instead it's meeting an open gate. So, your soundcard is probably thinking "I can't hold them back much longer. Soon I'll be dead". That sounds like bad distortion. Digital distortion sounds like sandpaper. You're probably keeping your levels quite low in order to compensate. Anyway, a decent interface is worth the trouble.
Would it be just as damaging to use a Zoom G2.1u multi-effects unit as a preamp with a mic?
The main mic I use is a Snowball USB, but I also have a proper microphone that I haven't used in years. Could I plug it into the Zoom, which has a USB connection to the computer, and record audio through the mic that way?
Would it be just as damaging to use a Zoom G2.1u multi-effects unit as a preamp with a mic?
The main mic I use is a Snowball USB, but I also have a proper microphone that I haven't used in years. Could I plug it into the Zoom, which has a USB connection to the computer, and record audio through the mic that way?
That's totally fine. The problem with effects pedals specifically is that they output an instrument level signal as opposed to some of the other effects units which usually have line level output as well.
The Zoom of course is designed to work with your computer. No issues there.
Sweet! Thanks Hueseph.
Jeff
Yup, the zoom is a miniature 'all yu need to record' box, just plug the USB into the computer and rock on. Sounds GREAT too!
I did a quick test the other night, recording my playing acoustic with both the Snowball USB and my Audio-techica mic through the Zoom, it sounded great!
Jeff
