he is not man of the job, and his rules are way more than the Talmud 600 do and donts... his ass cant mix without that direct input nonesense he yells about all the time?... you cant do it? give it to me, 90% i can make something good out of it and everybody happy... i wont even call him "elite", it more sounds like a poser who always have problems with everything... he is simply not a practical person, and more about show off about how his ass is important
@@dooshnukem32 "oh! who are you to insult my beloved dude!..." i know who you are definitely! a kiss ass!! i said the truth! he is being paid to deal with these AND MAKE THE BEST OUT OF IT, efficient and fast! thats the definition of the job itself!! with a milion dollar of gears in his studio, yet he cant deal with a distorted recorded guitar and he needs his fancy direct input thing?!
in some cases guitar and making music saves addicts! im a recovering heroin addict, i have 5 years clean now and owe it to music and picking the guitar up again!
I seriously learned how to double track my guitars and pan then left/right in 1998 the first time I recorded with a computer. It's such a simple concept, and so powerful, yet I'm amazed how many local bands I hear recording in mono. Not to mention, recording two rhythm guitars allows for cool things such as harmonies, and having one guitar rest sometimes for dynamics. If you want to sound professional, double track your guitars!
I don't record serious stuff but every once in a while I get the itch and I record some Judas Priest riffs or something and I always double track it's so simple yet so powerful.
@@JimSlimjimCassi most people having that problem, rarely talk about string stretching... ; my cheapest guitar has the most stable tuning (has a LP style headstock too), and i know how to give a nice and safe stretch right after installing new strings.
I've just begun recording at home, it's just been 4 days, still a baby at it and have loads to learn. I can't stress enough how timely this video is. Thanks a bunch Glenn!
Instead of double tracking I copy and paste but pitch shift one of the tracks. It doesn't sound 100% like normal double tracking but its easier and the wavy wacky sound is great for recording with less over drive.
13:21 Haha I love this guy. He screams and clips his make when conveying to all the idiots out there not to clip their guitars when tracking. This guy has as much passion about recording than anyone I've ever met. Keep up the good fight, Glenn! HUGE fan
I am an indie-pop musician (guitar, bass, vocals, drums) and I have notifs on for your uploads. So much valuable info here all for free? You, sir, are awesome. I don't even mind being yelled at, it's fucking worth it. Keep rocking \m/
Had a band of “seasoned” fellas record in my studio ten odd years ago. The guitar player had a 60’s les Paul, looked great, played like a bag of wank and it refused point blank to stay in tune. I offered the use of my studio’s collection of decent, well maintained axes and the old chap was having absolutely non of it. Even going as far as to insult my collection. When I’d finished his band’s mix a couple of weeks later, have a guess what the only thing the rest of the band said....? “The guitars are out of tune”. He had to come back and record them again. At double cost. Weapon.
If you're gonna track a band I suggest that you get a whiteboard. It makes you more effective, you always know what to do and what you haven't done. And it distracts the bass player with all those pretty colors.
Finally! Someone that just clearly explained what everyone else couldn’t explain. I kept looking into why a DI was important not a single website could explain why it was needed. Time to sort out a DI for my setup then.
A lot of guitarists don't want to give the engineer a clean signal because they rely on effects to mask their inadequacies. Always remember kiddies, if it doesn't sound good clean, it's crap !
90% of metal riffs, at least in my estimate, sound like shit clean. Especially anything downtuned, Sludge Metal minus the distortion is awful. A riff may sound horrible clean but shine with the added texture of distortion - hence why the engineer would never want to just use that DI straight.
@@drpibisback7680 it may sound "bad" as in: "unappealing, and not good for a clean tone", but there should be no obvious errors in playing that are covered up by distortion. Pretty sure that's the point here. Yes, it's not going to sound "good" like it does when run through an amp w/ distortion; but there shouldn't be any sloppy playing that's just masked by distortion.
@@drpibisback7680 A good metal guitar track should sound clean and precise without any distortion on it. If you just mean shit because it doesn't sound metal, that's not the point. And if you think engineers never use DI's straight, you don't know what you're talking about. Plenty of world class metal engineers like Jens Bogren and Andy Sneap will add clean DI guitars back into the mix to add some definition and clarity. Some of the most coveted distortion pedals of all time do this too. It fattens up the sound and adds articulation.
I use a Scarlet Solo gen 3 and I've been happy with it. I'm new to the whole DAW situation so I'm still learning my way around. Tips on guitar placement is helpful. I recently got an Ibanez RGIB21, it has active pickups and I am getting great recordings with it. I'm using the Neural DSP Soldano plugin and I love it.
Love these vids. I've been recording as a guitarist since 1979 and you never stop learning. Learning lots for my home recording sessions. Cheers Glenn👍
Yes, #9! Actually double tracking the guitars adds variation, nuance, and excitement to the sound compared to the copy pasta method and it's also fun to experiment with two different guitars, amps, and pickups, depending on what you're going for and what the song needs. Awesome tips, Glenn!
I haven't tried it as yet, but on another channel it was suggested to pan the reverb or effects opposite to the guitar track in question, so the reverb of the left guitar track is panned right and visa versa. Might be interesting.
@@424Recording It's straight from another video, Produce like a Pro most likely. (I don't think Glenn would mind the mention, he's collaborated with that channel.)
Getting a tone that works when blended with other instruments is something bands should be sorting out well before they start recording... funnily enough, audiences at live gigs want to hear a good mix, too (& it makes rehearsal sound a lot better, & therefore more fun)
Guys, he's only shouting at you because he cares! He doesn't want you to lose money from bad habits/incompetence. Listen past the screaming and pay attention to his words! The screaming is fun though not gonna lie XD
IF YOUR TRACKS LOOK LIKE THIS you may have entered Gear Gods "riff salads that don't even try to be songs that punish trey for exactly 3 minutes and 57 seconds"
3:21 And the next day of course the guitar player is like: Wow this sounds so much better. You're being rude, Glenn. Dude not only was able to notice the difference, but even admitted that he did. Can't you appreciate how much generosity it took a guy like him?
Thanks, Glenn! Just recently got the Rupert Neve RNDI-S going into SSL2, can get to the mark with gain at 0, 4K kicked in is nice - cleanest signal I’ve ever heard. NO noise! Glad to know I’m doing all the other things right for someone who is first a composer/engineer and classical pianist/singer, drummer, then finally “guitarist” hahaha. (I even play bass but try to be careful so that I can still walk and chew gum simultaneously.) Oh and thanks for the foam idea! That’s fu(king killer!
This is a Tough Love show. Are you going to act like the people he's screaming about, or did you learn the lesson? Go get a hug from your mom either way. You deserve it. And so does she.
if you become desensitised to his screaming your penis will work better and so will your guitar...long term side effects include keeping a job and doing a good job
+1 on the DI signal ALWAYS. I've been a software engineer for almost 28 years and we have a phrase: "write once, use anywhere". This is the exact same concept when it comes to recording a DI since the same performance can be reused when any changes in sound need to be made after the fact. Plus you there's a great comparison point that can be A/B'd since the original underlying raw signal will be the same. One thing I've learned as a guitarist myself: who knows that the hell I'm going to like a few days later? Maybe I'm going to want to run it through an amp sim I really like later instead and I'll just get rid of the amped recording. It opens you up to additional possibilities and won't pigeonhole anyone into a single sound too. A consistent baseline is of immense importance AND, as Glenn mentioned, it is also a safety net in case of catastrophic failure. You may lose the original recorded amped signal but you won't lose the original performance with it. I just looked over at my DI box and smiled.
When I was part timing in a studio, I once saw a guy who insisted on adding a compressor before his DI box because "it makes it sound consistent", and the sound engineer was not impressed at all.
I recorded a band and the bassist used a compressor on his pedalboard. There was weird pops that got by the compressor from time to time. Really made the mixing process a lot of fun lol
@@ScottFuckinRitchie I actually tried that. Sounded great on it's own, but had to retrack everything without, as I got that nice extra sound that shouldn't be in the mix
The first point you made was the only mistake I have made when recording something I intended to release. I came into the studio with fresh strings, truss rod adjusted so my action was comfortable, but what I had neglected was to intonate my guitar. I hadn’t noticed until the producer asked me to play some notes on different strings then play the same note an octave up on the same string while his tuner was open. My intonation was terrible, he wasn’t very happy, but he fixed it for me and I got to learn how to intonate my guitar. Will never make that mistake again!
If anyone argues about the value of re-amping, the solo in Another brick in the wall pt. 2 was recorded direct and then re-amped... It's one of the prettiest sounding, most beautiful tones of all time... And I think it made a few bucks !!!
I always hear about the Gibson tuning issues but have never experienced them. I have owned at least four Les Pauls and for some reason fell into a way of setting them up where they don’t often go out of tune. My PRS Se Custom 24 and Dean V (both of which l absolutely LOVE and play more than my remaining Gibson) will slip out of tune simply by breathing on them - and don’t even get me started on my $300 doubleneck tuning issues!
W.A.S.P. Live in the Raw would have to be on the list of any W.A.S.P. fan, the production was terrible. Whomever was responsible for the snare sound should be drawn and quartered! 🤪
Relationship of Command Elliot Smith Hugo Grayling and the Wilderness within (which is definitely my favorite, it's just REALLY obscure. Stream it if you haven't heard it. It's...brilliant).
Hey Glenn, I’m a college recording student recording on a second generation Focusrite at home, and I’d been wondering why my direct guitar tracks sounded like shit when my room tone was pretty solid. Thanks for clarifying why that is! Will definitely be investing in a direct box next paycheck.
Out of all of the UA-cam channels about how to properly record guitars at home, yours is the most comprehensive, and entertaining. Lots of fantastic tough love here. You’ve helped me tremendously within the span of mere days. Liked. Subscribed. Notifications on. Thank you sir may I have another.
Man, I've been a musician for 35 years, and a recording engineer for 29 years, among other music related jobs (live production and mixing, DJing etc) and still, I learn something new from every single one of your videos. Thank you so much.
Thank you VERY VERY MUCH for this Glenn!! I'm just getting into recording my guitar playing and I want to do it right and NOT waste my money. I will be buying a Countryman DI box soon and am eagerly awaiting your Focusrite 3rd-gen shootout!
Hey brother hope your wife is getting better. Hitting like on every video of yours that comes up. Hope it helps along with everyone else I'm sure have learned a ton from your channel. Vibing you all the best from the US
I am always impressed by his compression and clarity when he screams at the top of his lungs. Good stuff, Glenn. Also, where is the bass plugin video?!?!
Glenn, I got about 4 scam calls during this video. so i just put my receiver up to my tv's speaker during those calls. some people in india got some free recording tips today. and at least one got yelled at. good job Glenn. keep up the good work.
Another things you should add. If you really want your "tone" find a tone that can sit well with the other instruments and not only sound good alone. A lot of time i listen to guitar sound that i can't realize what notes are played.
Looking forward to 15 things in the home studio. I feel like I'm going to know most of them but I always watch content for those few that I didn't. Have you done any empty room vs treated room videos with a before and after in the same room? I'd watch the shit out of that!
As a guitarist I think when I go into the recording aspect it’s time to leave my ego outside of the studio. I can write a song and I can play a song live with no trouble but when it comes to the studio it’s a whole different beast. I admit I have red button syndrome (RBS)with my DAW which I’m trying my best to overcome. Very interesting concept of re-amping. . As always thank you for teaching us.
I did 3 decades of guitar repair and it warms my heart to hear the play authentically rant. When I saw a gibson case come in the shop it was either "let me guess ... broken head stock?" or "let me guess ... won't stay in tune?" depending on how pale the owners face was.
Hey Glenn, if you want to make a shoot out with scarletts, I can send you my 1st gen! Only if you fuck up the returning process and send me the 3rd one tho
I have the 1st Gen Scarlett 2i2 and could never figure out the headroom issue. Glad you called this out. I'll be looking for a new recording interface very soon. Great video!
currently tracking guitars for our band. god. your tips are so useful. man, i really think you'd be pretty cool to have a coffee or a beer with. cheers, buddy.
Hey glen, GREAT advice to switch off noise gate(s)!!! I once tracked an entire record with my noise gates nearly maxed out… Long story short, I realized that the mic/cab I used wasn’t working for the mix… and began re-amping… I had no idea just how bad the 60hz hum was until I had the cab/mic replaced, and listening back to the re-amp. I completely disassembled my guitar, resoldered everything with all new cables, pots, & knob; STILL THE HUM WAS THERE!!! I was so FRUSTRATED I steamingly/furiously (yet gently) placed my guitar back into its case, & didn’t come back for three days… Three days later, I plugged it back up, & to my surprise 60hz hum was completely GONE!!! I joked with my friend, saying that “my guitar just needed to heal up after that MAJOR surgical procedure” 😂 Then my girlfriend walks into the control room, flips on the light switch, & BAM!!! That NASTY 60HZ hum was back again!!!! It turns out that it was bad electrical wiring all along!!! And the interesting thing was, when I would turn a certain way in my chair, the hum would fade away!!! I have had this happen many many times over the years, and it seems like every time it’s a situation where changing the angle of the guitar makes the hum lessen or worsen, the problem is uuuuuusually an electrical wiring issue in the wall, never fails, always ends up being fault of some stoned & or hungover electrician!!! Go figure 😂
Anyone who says “that’s my tone,” just respond by saying, “when you don’t shower for a year, do you tell a girl you’re pursuing, but that’s my natural scent.” ??
I had a drummer like that , his girlfriend probably didn't notice but the band did and when I asked him to use deodorant it went down like a ton of shit .
Someone shared a video of yours a couple of weeks ago and holy shit am I hooked on your content. I don't record/mix but I am part of a band (drummer newb). I also play some guitar for fun because I can't drum at this apartment. I don't plan on changing careers but you make this sound so damn interesting. Keep up the great content Glenn, and fuck you!
Same here...fuck me! This explains a lot about the issues I ran into recently when recording my active pickup Schecter Hellraiser into my 1st gen Scarlett 2i4. Although, I did manage to get the input signal down to a reasonable level. But can I get a refund!? 😵
3 роки тому
That foam trick is new to me, very useful, thanks!
That’s one thing that I can relate to as an artist as well. Everyone wants to blow up social media with their opinions on every single topic but no one wants to shut the hell up and communicate those thoughts and emotions into their art.
On a particular tour I once asked the same question to a particular rockstar, his answer was simply "boiled beer" (let it cool before you apply) - research it :)
I've started a new band and I'm not ready to record much yet but these are good tips. I've got my little tascam cassette 4 track for laying down riffs lol.
@@TheWetToaster in electric guitars it isn't as important as acoustic guitars. I have built many. It's the electronics that matter most. That's why electric guitars can be made from so many different materials like acrylic, wood, metal, glass etc. Many guitars for instance are plywood. Not the kind you build a house with, but hand made, soft core and with hardwood top and back...If it's painted a solid color with no grain viable sometimes the vaneer is skipped as it's not needed for aesthetics. Guitar still sounds good. Friend of mine has an 8 string that would be otherwise too heavy if it wasn't made from softwood.
I am a new to guitar having just picked up learning in my late 30s. I tend to use a guitar to make samples/flushing out ideas to collab with friends over. This video was super useful especially the bit about foam and taping strings off. Thanks!
New strings... at least a day or two old, let them stretch properly and let the neck set in, especially if you change the string set gauge. Also, after a day, CHECK THE INTONATION and set it up if needed
I have found that changing the string gauge changes the intonation about 99% of the time, so this one is a must. It may move the neck and need a truss rod tweak as well. And yes, new strings S-T-R-E-T-C-H for a while. You can pre-stretch them a bit when stringing the thing, but at least a day's wait if you're recording, for sure.
Why do I love the energy of these videos so much? It's awesome finally catching up on this channel and seeing honest, frill-free reviews that aren't so polished (and clearly sponsored).
3rd Gen Scarlett Solo is pretty nice. I use it and it seems to capture really decent guitar signal with no issues. My board does have a compressor, graphic EQ and other stuff though.
About the direct box, I actually never knew to record with a direct box. It's one of those things where nobody ever talked about it ever since I started recording my music and people that I used to record with never mentioned it but I'm gonna def grab a countryman direct box. Thanks man!
Spit out my drink at... "GET THIS YOU CHEAP FUCK!" BASS PLAYERS: What's DI? Nah man my Drug Inventory is good and plus I just recently bought new strings... (10 + years ago). I'm ready for the Studio. Wait what songs are we doing again?
As someone of about the same age who started in studio engineering on an old Mozart desk, I have to agree with every comment made in this video. Which is rare for me. One thing that is worth trying is splitting a guitar signal with a crossover at about 250Hz. Then you reamp both parts … but with appropriate settings for bass end and treble end. Always sounds meaty and avoids the normal issue with reamping the same signal twice.
I had one person who wanted to record alone some demos to seek out new band members. And so we did. I never stopped to question why all the previous ones had left. It turned out to be a fantastic fustercluck. Two bar punch ins, horribly intonated guitar, wanting to change tempo after recording the song with one guitar, and so on. The best part was still the pronunciation of the word "abyss". In the middle of a dark heavy riff he kept singing "a bus". Which I was too tired to point out. Overall, it matched everything else in the package. Never finished the two songs we started. Good times.
I was an inte.... I mean, part-time worker at a studio, and one day a rapper was recording. The rap sounded convincing, but when he got to the chorus we all spontaneously started laughing out loud because he couldn't sing at all (happy positive chorus). The doors to the controlroom went up, the producer came out all bleak and tired and proclaimed "Sigh....another rapper that think he can sing.... ;-( ". Rapper & producer spent the rest of the day butting heads in over the worlds smallest plastic-keyboard, trying to make him hit the notes, basically teaching him to sing his own somewhat simple chorus (same 3 lines over and over). I don't think I'm ever going to forget that chorus.
you just said "avoid the first generation scarlett" and my 1st generation scarlett is giving me that "nervous Elaine" look from the memes. I'm not sure what to say about the general timbre of its sound, but Teh Clipping!!!11 is the problem. It's not that it doesn't have enough gain headroom in high-z mode, I don't think, it's just that you can clip the front end of the high-z input even if the gain knob is down. And that's bad. And that's why I have an AXE I/O Solo coming in today for my 'dedicated home studio'.
11:40 a cheaper way to fix the tuning problem on Gibsons is to wind "in reverse" around the tuning post. This reduces the G string break-angle at nut. Also use .10 string gauge
@@DonaldRickert Yes, it is mandatory on any guitar without a locking nut. Although in my experience a Strat for example it is less likely to go out of tune even without graphite
I know for sure there's at least some Gibson smartass out there with a Les Paul that'll go "but the Hellraiser has locking tuners!!!" You know why they have locking tuners? Because they stay in fucking tune.
I gotta say... The Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd gen is actually really doing it for me. I hesitated a long time before moving to a USB recording interface for instruments (mostly lapsteel guitar and violin) and vocals, but even after years of fumbling in cables and analog gain levels, I kept getting annoying noise in silent parts. The 3rd gen Focusrite blew me straight out of the water with it's ease of use, sound quality and signal-to-noise ratio. I'm sure professional equipment will make it even better but man, this €100 bundle of joy blew new life into my playing. Now I'm not a professional by any means and if I ever would have my shit professionally mixed/edited I would pay the mix engineer for DETAILED personal advice before ever sending it in. But for me and my simple home recordings? It's just awesome. One thing though: THE "AIR" SETTING IS *** NOT *** A REPLACEMENT FOR DOUBLE TRACKING!
Ive reverted back to this video a bunch now and the biggest thing that helped me was the tip on not recording so close to my laptop and turn the guitar a different direction
Cut "BUT MY TONE" - and keep it as your default notification sound 😂😂
I think I'm just gonna do that 😂
he is not man of the job, and his rules are way more than the Talmud 600 do and donts... his ass cant mix without that direct input nonesense he yells about all the time?... you cant do it? give it to me, 90% i can make something good out of it and everybody happy... i wont even call him "elite", it more sounds like a poser who always have problems with everything... he is simply not a practical person, and more about show off about how his ass is important
@@SamYaZdian and uhh, who exactly are you again? Oh, no one? Hmm 🤔
@@dooshnukem32 "oh! who are you to insult my beloved dude!..." i know who you are definitely! a kiss ass!!
i said the truth! he is being paid to deal with these AND MAKE THE BEST OUT OF IT, efficient and fast! thats the definition of the job itself!! with a milion dollar of gears in his studio, yet he cant deal with a distorted recorded guitar and he needs his fancy direct input thing?!
@@SamYaZdian I listened to your music. I'm good on listening to anymore of your opinions, thanks.
in some cases guitar and making music saves addicts! im a recovering heroin addict, i have 5 years clean now and owe it to music and picking the guitar up again!
Awesome! Glad to hear it!
That’s AWESOME dude !!!!!
Killin it dude
Good shit dude.
Awesome! Keep it up!
"Keep your signal out of the red"
Glenn: *screams to the point his signal clips repeatedly*
Just here supporting Glen and the family by watching some of the episodes I missed👍🇭🇲✅
I seriously learned how to double track my guitars and pan then left/right in 1998 the first time I recorded with a computer. It's such a simple concept, and so powerful, yet I'm amazed how many local bands I hear recording in mono. Not to mention, recording two rhythm guitars allows for cool things such as harmonies, and having one guitar rest sometimes for dynamics. If you want to sound professional, double track your guitars!
It's always blown me away how so many people don't know the simple concept of doubling.
I remember when I first learned that, it was a revelation. My recordings sounded a lot more pro after that. I like to pan them 45 degrees.
I don't record serious stuff but every once in a while I get the itch and I record some Judas Priest riffs or something and I always double track it's so simple yet so powerful.
Even with Bandlab on an Android, I have found panning my Les Paul left and my Telecaster right sounds really good.
Its not that I don't get the concept but I suck on guitar and can't play the same thing twice easily lol which is on me ofc
The cops came to my door thinking there was a domestic dispute.
I told them i was listening to Glenn Fricker!!
Thank you Glen, for giving a 78 year old acoustic player and complete newb at electric guitar stuff, essential and esoteric knowledge. Bless you sir!
Me: Uses focusrite 2
Glen: hurts my feelings
Me: Buys countryman and focusrite 3. Throws away Les Paul. Buys foam.
lmao focusrite 2 is one clipping bastard
This video left me wondering where I can get a hold of some premium nut foam
I'm sure Glen is over exaggerating the tuning problem of the LP, I have one,
and do not have the issue once the strings are properly stretched out.
@@JimSlimjimCassi most people having that problem, rarely talk about string stretching... ; my cheapest guitar has the most stable tuning (has a LP style headstock too), and i know how to give a nice and safe stretch right after installing new strings.
You're on the right track!
I've just begun recording at home, it's just been 4 days, still a baby at it and have loads to learn. I can't stress enough how timely this video is.
Thanks a bunch Glenn!
And todayyyyy? 🎶👉🙂
Yes update!!
Double tracking is great. It taught me that my timing is shit and I need to practice more 🤣🤘
Don't we all?
And then you record the bass and it is even worse
Instead of double tracking I copy and paste but pitch shift one of the tracks. It doesn't sound 100% like normal double tracking but its easier and the wavy wacky sound is great for recording with less over drive.
I find slight in accuracies to be acceptable because it gives should say it can give a mix a certain ambience
@@MichaelMoore-nx5uethose discrepancies are a good thing. It shows the human side of the song and adds more depth.
13:21 Haha I love this guy. He screams and clips his make when conveying to all the idiots out there not to clip their guitars when tracking. This guy has as much passion about recording than anyone I've ever met. Keep up the good fight, Glenn! HUGE fan
I am an indie-pop musician (guitar, bass, vocals, drums) and I have notifs on for your uploads. So much valuable info here all for free? You, sir, are awesome. I don't even mind being yelled at, it's fucking worth it. Keep rocking \m/
Enjoy!
@@SpectreSoundStudios Thank you Glenn!!!
Had a band of “seasoned” fellas record in my studio ten odd years ago. The guitar player had a 60’s les Paul, looked great, played like a bag of wank and it refused point blank to stay in tune. I offered the use of my studio’s collection of decent, well maintained axes and the old chap was having absolutely non of it. Even going as far as to insult my collection.
When I’d finished his band’s mix a couple of weeks later, have a guess what the only thing the rest of the band said....?
“The guitars are out of tune”.
He had to come back and record them again. At double cost. Weapon.
If you're gonna track a band I suggest that you get a whiteboard. It makes you more effective, you always know what to do and what you haven't done. And it distracts the bass player with all those pretty colors.
I’m a bass player, and I’ll admit, pretty colors are pretty sick.
Beat me to it!
A direct box is honestly the best thing I’ve ever bought for my guitar box. Thank you so much SpectreSoundStudios.
Finally! Someone that just clearly explained what everyone else couldn’t explain. I kept looking into why a DI was important not a single website could explain why it was needed. Time to sort out a DI for my setup then.
I agree. I didn't get it then. I get it now. Thank you, Glenn.
LOL - as he rants about clipping the signal, he clips the signal in the background with his scream. LOL - classic Glen!
A lot of guitarists don't want to give the engineer a clean signal because they rely on effects to mask their inadequacies. Always remember kiddies, if it doesn't sound good clean, it's crap !
90% of metal riffs, at least in my estimate, sound like shit clean. Especially anything downtuned, Sludge Metal minus the distortion is awful. A riff may sound horrible clean but shine with the added texture of distortion - hence why the engineer would never want to just use that DI straight.
@@drpibisback7680 it may sound "bad" as in: "unappealing, and not good for a clean tone", but there should be no obvious errors in playing that are covered up by distortion.
Pretty sure that's the point here. Yes, it's not going to sound "good" like it does when run through an amp w/ distortion; but there shouldn't be any sloppy playing that's just masked by distortion.
@@drpibisback7680 A good metal guitar track should sound clean and precise without any distortion on it. If you just mean shit because it doesn't sound metal, that's not the point. And if you think engineers never use DI's straight, you don't know what you're talking about. Plenty of world class metal engineers like Jens Bogren and Andy Sneap will add clean DI guitars back into the mix to add some definition and clarity. Some of the most coveted distortion pedals of all time do this too. It fattens up the sound and adds articulation.
I use a Scarlet Solo gen 3 and I've been happy with it. I'm new to the whole DAW situation so I'm still learning my way around. Tips on guitar placement is helpful. I recently got an Ibanez RGIB21, it has active pickups and I am getting great recordings with it. I'm using the Neural DSP Soldano plugin and I love it.
Glenn: "Banjos aren't very metal"
*Rob Scallon entered the chat*
*Revocation entered the chat*
Metal kazoo and banjo.
*Glenn's point stands strong*
*Mastodon entered the chat*
The breakdown from White Devil by No One Gets Out Alive has entered the chat.
Love these vids. I've been recording as a guitarist since 1979 and you never stop learning. Learning lots for my home recording sessions. Cheers Glenn👍
Yes, #9! Actually double tracking the guitars adds variation, nuance, and excitement to the sound compared to the copy pasta method and it's also fun to experiment with two different guitars, amps, and pickups, depending on what you're going for and what the song needs. Awesome tips, Glenn!
I haven't tried it as yet, but on another channel it was suggested to pan the reverb or effects opposite to the guitar track in question, so the reverb of the left guitar track is panned right and visa versa. Might be interesting.
@@Dave-Rough-Diamond-Dunn That sounds cool! I'll have to try that out. Thanks, Dave!
@@424Recording It's straight from another video, Produce like a Pro most likely. (I don't think Glenn would mind the mention, he's collaborated with that channel.)
@@Dave-Rough-Diamond-Dunn that's a great trick for lead parts, but it sucks huge balls on rhythm.
@@alexeypolevoybass You'll have to tell Warren at Produce like a Pro!
Getting a tone that works when blended with other instruments is something bands should be sorting out well before they start recording... funnily enough, audiences at live gigs want to hear a good mix, too (& it makes rehearsal sound a lot better, & therefore more fun)
Guys, he's only shouting at you because he cares! He doesn't want you to lose money from bad habits/incompetence. Listen past the screaming and pay attention to his words! The screaming is fun though not gonna lie XD
I love the shouting👌🎤
My guitar ego says I'm awesome and I don't need advice, so I'm here just for the screaming. Also, I've been a bass player in a couple of projects.
IF YOUR TRACKS LOOK LIKE THIS you may have entered Gear Gods "riff salads that don't even try to be songs that punish trey for exactly 3 minutes and 57 seconds"
I'm LMAO at him getting red-faced and screaming at all the idiots out there. Funny stuff, and god info too.
Fucking facts
3:21 And the next day of course the guitar player is like: Wow this sounds so much better.
You're being rude, Glenn. Dude not only was able to notice the difference, but even admitted that he did. Can't you appreciate how much generosity it took a guy like him?
Thanks, Glenn! Just recently got the Rupert Neve RNDI-S going into SSL2, can get to the mark with gain at 0, 4K kicked in is nice - cleanest signal I’ve ever heard. NO noise! Glad to know I’m doing all the other things right for someone who is first a composer/engineer and classical pianist/singer, drummer, then finally “guitarist” hahaha. (I even play bass but try to be careful so that I can still walk and chew gum simultaneously.)
Oh and thanks for the foam idea! That’s fu(king killer!
Comes in wanting to learn how to get better at recording.
Leaves wanting a hug from his mom from all the shouting.
(I'm joking I love this guy)
But he tells us to stop bitching and does more bitching than anyone I've ever worked with!
@@louaguado995 the yelling thing was entertaining for exactly 4 videos
This is a Tough Love show. Are you going to act like the people he's screaming about, or did you learn the lesson? Go get a hug from your mom either way. You deserve it. And so does she.
if you become desensitised to his screaming your penis will work better and so will your guitar...long term side effects include keeping a job and doing a good job
+1 on the DI signal ALWAYS. I've been a software engineer for almost 28 years and we have a phrase: "write once, use anywhere". This is the exact same concept when it comes to recording a DI since the same performance can be reused when any changes in sound need to be made after the fact. Plus you there's a great comparison point that can be A/B'd since the original underlying raw signal will be the same.
One thing I've learned as a guitarist myself: who knows that the hell I'm going to like a few days later? Maybe I'm going to want to run it through an amp sim I really like later instead and I'll just get rid of the amped recording. It opens you up to additional possibilities and won't pigeonhole anyone into a single sound too. A consistent baseline is of immense importance AND, as Glenn mentioned, it is also a safety net in case of catastrophic failure. You may lose the original recorded amped signal but you won't lose the original performance with it.
I just looked over at my DI box and smiled.
When I was part timing in a studio, I once saw a guy who insisted on adding a compressor before his DI box because "it makes it sound consistent", and the sound engineer was not impressed at all.
Ugh.
I recorded a band and the bassist used a compressor on his pedalboard. There was weird pops that got by the compressor from time to time. Really made the mixing process a lot of fun lol
@@ScottFuckinRitchie I actually tried that. Sounded great on it's own, but had to retrack everything without, as I got that nice extra sound that shouldn't be in the mix
@@igorjakobsen1694 that's the thing. If you want to use a compressor just use it you don't have to pu it before the DI
The first point you made was the only mistake I have made when recording something I intended to release. I came into the studio with fresh strings, truss rod adjusted so my action was comfortable, but what I had neglected was to intonate my guitar.
I hadn’t noticed until the producer asked me to play some notes on different strings then play the same note an octave up on the same string while his tuner was open. My intonation was terrible, he wasn’t very happy, but he fixed it for me and I got to learn how to intonate my guitar. Will never make that mistake again!
If anyone argues about the value of re-amping, the solo in Another brick in the wall pt. 2 was recorded direct and then re-amped... It's one of the prettiest sounding, most beautiful tones of all time... And I think it made a few bucks !!!
I learned that recently and it blew my mind. Definitely recording to a DI now.
Hate to be the bearer of bad news but recording direct won't make you sound like David Gilmour lol
@@stimpsonjcat26 I don't think that was being implied anyway?
@@matturner6890 jokes bro
I have nothing against reamping but i believe the way i play is very much connected to what îm hearing, levels of distortion etc....
I always hear about the Gibson tuning issues but have never experienced them. I have owned at least four Les Pauls and for some reason fell into a way of setting them up where they don’t often go out of tune. My PRS Se Custom 24 and Dean V (both of which l absolutely LOVE and play more than my remaining Gibson) will slip out of tune simply by breathing on them - and don’t even get me started on my $300 doubleneck tuning issues!
My bass player went to buy new strings, he just returned, said his drug dealer doesn't know any drug called new strings.
:D:D:D
Funny: cause it’s real
Also, I posted a few weeks back and auto correct used “your” instead of “you’re”.
Now Glenn probably thinks I’m stewpid.
A load of really great tips even for someone like me who just records at home. I've never heard of taping strings but it makes so much sense!
Hey Glenn, were there any albums you loved that sucked from a production stand point in your opinion?
Great question, I'm curious the answer as well
W.A.S.P. Live in the Raw would have to be on the list of any W.A.S.P. fan, the production was terrible. Whomever was responsible for the snare sound should be drawn and quartered! 🤪
WAKING THE FALLEN
Relationship of Command
Elliot Smith
Hugo Grayling and the Wilderness within (which is definitely my favorite, it's just REALLY obscure. Stream it if you haven't heard it. It's...brilliant).
@@christopherrohlf1975 100% in agreement about Elliot Smith. Love his music. But yikes on the production 😬.
Man it’s wild the amount of knowledge you drop on this channel. Tips, tricks, and methods that would take years to research on your own.
Hey Glenn, I’m a college recording student recording on a second generation Focusrite at home, and I’d been wondering why my direct guitar tracks sounded like shit when my room tone was pretty solid. Thanks for clarifying why that is! Will definitely be investing in a direct box next paycheck.
It's worth the money & a good one will last your lifetime.
Out of all of the UA-cam channels about how to properly record guitars at home, yours is the most comprehensive, and entertaining. Lots of fantastic tough love here. You’ve helped me tremendously within the span of mere days. Liked. Subscribed. Notifications on. Thank you sir may I have another.
I can really FEEL the past experiences Glenn is reliving in this video.
As a guitarist, I can say I never make mistakes, I just do things to keep people on their feet.
Superb advice! I had been copy and pasting guitar tracks but I will NEVER SO THAT AGAIN!!! Thank you, great channel 😎
glen your are exactly right i spent 1200 dollars on a guitar and only spent 100 dollars on my entire recording setup
Man, I've been a musician for 35 years, and a recording engineer for 29 years, among other music related jobs (live production and mixing, DJing etc) and still, I learn something new from every single one of your videos. Thank you so much.
Thank you VERY VERY MUCH for this Glenn!! I'm just getting into recording my guitar playing and I want to do it right and NOT waste my money. I will be buying a Countryman DI box soon and am eagerly awaiting your Focusrite 3rd-gen shootout!
Hey brother hope your wife is getting better. Hitting like on every video of yours that comes up. Hope it helps along with everyone else I'm sure have learned a ton from your channel. Vibing you all the best from the US
“Retune your guitar!”
Me: laughs in Evertune
“Foam!”
Me: ah fuck.
Actually lol’Ed at that!
@@SpectreSoundStudios Just goes to show, no matter how much you think you’ve solved, there’s always room for jackassery.
Much love, fucko!
@@Torrment "JACKASSERY"--LOL!!!
Love watching your videos - Not only are you so wise and knowledgable, you're so very funny when you shout, has me in stitches... Bless you...
I am always impressed by his compression and clarity when he screams at the top of his lungs. Good stuff, Glenn. Also, where is the bass plugin video?!?!
We're working on it.. might be a few weeks yet...
Another Gem!! Sadly, I've created the Hawes effect many years ago!! They say "He Hawes".
Cannot wait to watch this when I get home later🤣🤣🤣. Really begun to enjoy this series the most!
Glenn, I got about 4 scam calls during this video. so i just put my receiver up to my tv's speaker during those calls. some people in india got some free recording tips today. and at least one got yelled at. good job Glenn. keep up the good work.
Another things you should add. If you really want your "tone" find a tone that can sit well with the other instruments and not only sound good alone. A lot of time i listen to guitar sound that i can't realize what notes are played.
Direct recording also records hardware noise, so we have to get rid of that as well. He left out dogs barking as well😊
Looking forward to 15 things in the home studio. I feel like I'm going to know most of them but I always watch content for those few that I didn't.
Have you done any empty room vs treated room videos with a before and after in the same room? I'd watch the shit out of that!
I like the way you explain the detail after shouting [[ENOUGH!!]], thanks for the pro-tips and you really a great teacher.🤘🍺
As a guitarist I think when I go into the recording aspect it’s time to leave my ego outside of the studio. I can write a song and I can play a song live with no trouble but when it comes to the studio it’s a whole different beast. I admit I have red button syndrome (RBS)with my DAW which I’m trying my best to overcome. Very interesting concept of re-amping. . As always thank you for teaching us.
And Thank you for the tip on using the DI box and plugging into the Mic pre's. Gonna have to rewire the OctaPre. Thx again.
This is a good one, Glen seems to be extra annoyed when this was filmed. So funny!
I did 3 decades of guitar repair and it warms my heart to hear the play authentically rant. When I saw a gibson case come in the shop it was either "let me guess ... broken head stock?" or "let me guess ... won't stay in tune?"
depending on how pale the owners face was.
What about my famous Tone that only me, the band and my girlfriend have ever even heard before?!
Yeah! I bought a Countryman thanks to you, Glen!! Such a brilliat idea.!
I have a special recording sock that I wrap on my guitar neck when recording solo. Works for me.
I just found your channel and I love the tips. Not sure anyone has ever drawn the comparison but your delivery reminds me of Luis Blacks comedy.
Please do "things to avoid when choosing a producer"
Been watching your videos for years and just realized I haven't been subscribed all this time. Fixed that issue today.
Hey Glenn, if you want to make a shoot out with scarletts, I can send you my 1st gen! Only if you fuck up the returning process and send me the 3rd one tho
I have the 1st Gen Scarlett 2i2 and could never figure out the headroom issue. Glad you called this out. I'll be looking for a new recording interface very soon. Great video!
Should I hire a recording assistant to cup the mic in front of the amp while I'm playing? - Vocalist dabbling in recording guitar
currently tracking guitars for our band. god. your tips are so useful. man, i really think you'd be pretty cool to have a coffee or a beer with. cheers, buddy.
Takeaway - book a session at Glenn's, get a free guitar overhaul and setup. 😎😉
Well, I got smart & went hourly shortly after that.
Hey glen, GREAT advice to switch off noise gate(s)!!! I once tracked an entire record with my noise gates nearly maxed out… Long story short, I realized that the mic/cab I used wasn’t working for the mix… and began re-amping…
I had no idea just how bad the 60hz hum was until I had the cab/mic replaced, and listening back to the re-amp. I completely disassembled my guitar, resoldered everything with all new cables, pots, & knob; STILL THE HUM WAS THERE!!! I was so FRUSTRATED I steamingly/furiously (yet gently) placed my guitar back into its case, & didn’t come back for three days… Three days later, I plugged it back up, & to my surprise 60hz hum was completely GONE!!! I joked with my friend, saying that “my guitar just needed to heal up after that MAJOR surgical procedure” 😂 Then my girlfriend walks into the control room, flips on the light switch, & BAM!!! That NASTY 60HZ hum was back again!!!! It turns out that it was bad electrical wiring all along!!! And the interesting thing was, when I would turn a certain way in my chair, the hum would fade away!!! I have had this happen many many times over the years, and it seems like every time it’s a situation where changing the angle of the guitar makes the hum lessen or worsen, the problem is uuuuuusually an electrical wiring issue in the wall, never fails, always ends up being fault of some stoned & or hungover electrician!!! Go figure 😂
😂
Anyone who says “that’s my tone,” just respond by saying, “when you don’t shower for a year, do you tell a girl you’re pursuing, but that’s my natural scent.” ??
I had a drummer like that , his girlfriend probably didn't notice but the band did and when I asked him to use deodorant it went down like a ton of shit .
Someone shared a video of yours a couple of weeks ago and holy shit am I hooked on your content. I don't record/mix but I am part of a band (drummer newb). I also play some guitar for fun because I can't drum at this apartment. I don't plan on changing careers but you make this sound so damn interesting. Keep up the great content Glenn, and fuck you!
*looks at screen*
...
*looks over to Scarlett 2i2*
...
*looks back at screen*
...
“Oh dear...”
Same man lol
I mean we all have to start somewhere, and the second generation doesn’t have a problem with headroom even if the sound is a bit “boxy”
Same here...fuck me! This explains a lot about the issues I ran into recently when recording my active pickup Schecter Hellraiser into my 1st gen Scarlett 2i4. Although, I did manage to get the input signal down to a reasonable level. But can I get a refund!? 😵
That foam trick is new to me, very useful, thanks!
"Foam behind the nut" sounds like some kinky shit.
That’s one thing that I can relate to as an artist as well. Everyone wants to blow up social media with their opinions on every single topic but no one wants to shut the hell up and communicate those thoughts and emotions into their art.
"Avoid the first Gen Scarlett."
Me **Smuggly sipping coffee in 3rd Gen Clarett 8pre**
got a 3rd Gen 2i2 myself as I'm just a solo artist.
PreSonus 1818VSL here.
@@a2ndopynyn those are dope
*cries in Music Prod newb with first Gen Scarlett*
FeelsSadMan
@@blazinkid5178 I actually upgraded to this 8pre from my first Gen 18i8 lol
Never heard of the string butler before. Seems like a good mod for a Les Paul style guitar. Thanks for the good info!!
Hey Glenn, what hair products do you use? I want mine as lush as yours is when I'm your age. You know, ancient.
Damn really got em
Axle grease thinned with cheap gasoline.
On a particular tour I once asked the same question to a particular rockstar, his answer was simply "boiled beer" (let it cool before you apply) - research it :)
I've started a new band and I'm not ready to record much yet but these are good tips. I've got my little tascam cassette 4 track for laying down riffs lol.
“Banjos aren’t very metal, are they?”
*Rob Scallon is typing*
He says that about a guitars body being sanded and the wood dried out, then later says tonewood is bull shit. Make up your mind dude. Lol
@@neilsnow7644 he never said that it has no effect on the sound at all, just that the difference completely evaporates in a metal mix.
@@TheWetToaster in electric guitars it isn't as important as acoustic guitars. I have built many. It's the electronics that matter most. That's why electric guitars can be made from so many different materials like acrylic, wood, metal, glass etc. Many guitars for instance are plywood. Not the kind you build a house with, but hand made, soft core and with hardwood top and back...If it's painted a solid color with no grain viable sometimes the vaneer is skipped as it's not needed for aesthetics. Guitar still sounds good. Friend of mine has an 8 string that would be otherwise too heavy if it wasn't made from softwood.
I am a new to guitar having just picked up learning in my late 30s. I tend to use a guitar to make samples/flushing out ideas to collab with friends over. This video was super useful especially the bit about foam and taping strings off. Thanks!
New strings... at least a day or two old, let them stretch properly and let the neck set in, especially if you change the string set gauge. Also, after a day, CHECK THE INTONATION and set it up if needed
I have found that changing the string gauge changes the intonation about 99% of the time, so this one is a must. It may move the neck and need a truss rod tweak as well. And yes, new strings S-T-R-E-T-C-H for a while. You can pre-stretch them a bit when stringing the thing, but at least a day's wait if you're recording, for sure.
Why do I love the energy of these videos so much? It's awesome finally catching up on this channel and seeing honest, frill-free reviews that aren't so polished (and clearly sponsored).
I could see this one...
A: "Why are you masking taping off strings?"
Tommy Tedesco: "I get paid a lot of money to not screw up."
3rd Gen Scarlett Solo is pretty nice. I use it and it seems to capture really decent guitar signal with no issues. My board does have a compressor, graphic EQ and other stuff though.
About the direct box, I actually never knew to record with a direct box. It's one of those things where nobody ever talked about it ever since I started recording my music and people that I used to record with never mentioned it but I'm gonna def grab a countryman direct box. Thanks man!
Spit out my drink at...
"GET THIS YOU CHEAP FUCK!"
BASS PLAYERS: What's DI? Nah man my Drug Inventory is good and plus I just recently bought new strings... (10 + years ago). I'm ready for the Studio. Wait what songs are we doing again?
As someone of about the same age who started in studio engineering on an old Mozart desk, I have to agree with every comment made in this video. Which is rare for me.
One thing that is worth trying is splitting a guitar signal with a crossover at about 250Hz. Then you reamp both parts … but with appropriate settings for bass end and treble end. Always sounds meaty and avoids the normal issue with reamping the same signal twice.
"You can tune a guitar, but you can't tuna fish. Unless, of course, you play bass." - Douglas Adams
Pre fader metering for proper level control!!
I had one person who wanted to record alone some demos to seek out new band members. And so we did. I never stopped to question why all the previous ones had left. It turned out to be a fantastic fustercluck. Two bar punch ins, horribly intonated guitar, wanting to change tempo after recording the song with one guitar, and so on. The best part was still the pronunciation of the word "abyss". In the middle of a dark heavy riff he kept singing "a bus". Which I was too tired to point out. Overall, it matched everything else in the package. Never finished the two songs we started. Good times.
I was an inte.... I mean, part-time worker at a studio, and one day a rapper was recording. The rap sounded convincing, but when he got to the chorus we all spontaneously started laughing out loud because he couldn't sing at all (happy positive chorus). The doors to the controlroom went up, the producer came out all bleak and tired and proclaimed "Sigh....another rapper that think he can sing.... ;-( ".
Rapper & producer spent the rest of the day butting heads in over the worlds smallest plastic-keyboard, trying to make him hit the notes, basically teaching him to sing his own somewhat simple chorus (same 3 lines over and over).
I don't think I'm ever going to forget that chorus.
you just said "avoid the first generation scarlett" and my 1st generation scarlett is giving me that "nervous Elaine" look from the memes. I'm not sure what to say about the general timbre of its sound, but Teh Clipping!!!11 is the problem. It's not that it doesn't have enough gain headroom in high-z mode, I don't think, it's just that you can clip the front end of the high-z input even if the gain knob is down. And that's bad. And that's why I have an AXE I/O Solo coming in today for my 'dedicated home studio'.
11:40 a cheaper way to fix the tuning problem on Gibsons is to wind "in reverse" around the tuning post. This reduces the G string break-angle at nut. Also use .10 string gauge
Use a little graphite in the nut usually fixes the problem because it alleviates the nut grabbing the string.
@@DonaldRickert Yes, it is mandatory on any guitar without a locking nut. Although in my experience a Strat for example it is less likely to go out of tune even without graphite
I'd still better buy a Japanese replica rather than the original.
hell yeah Glenn! THANK YOU for taking your time to put these videos together. much appreciated!
I know for sure there's at least some Gibson smartass out there with a Les Paul that'll go "but the Hellraiser has locking tuners!!!"
You know why they have locking tuners?
Because they stay in fucking tune.
You know why they don’t stay in tune?
Nut binding
I gotta say... The Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd gen is actually really doing it for me. I hesitated a long time before moving to a USB recording interface for instruments (mostly lapsteel guitar and violin) and vocals, but even after years of fumbling in cables and analog gain levels, I kept getting annoying noise in silent parts. The 3rd gen Focusrite blew me straight out of the water with it's ease of use, sound quality and signal-to-noise ratio. I'm sure professional equipment will make it even better but man, this €100 bundle of joy blew new life into my playing. Now I'm not a professional by any means and if I ever would have my shit professionally mixed/edited I would pay the mix engineer for DETAILED personal advice before ever sending it in. But for me and my simple home recordings? It's just awesome.
One thing though: THE "AIR" SETTING IS *** NOT *** A REPLACEMENT FOR DOUBLE TRACKING!
HAHAHAHAHAHAHA CATASTROPHE, great story.
Ive reverted back to this video a bunch now and the biggest thing that helped me was the tip on not recording so close to my laptop and turn the guitar a different direction