reducing hum, noise and other crap in guitar recording...

[jkhuri44]

gday all

just wondering if anyone knows any magic tricks to avoid constant amp noise, humming, etc from high gain guitar recording....im tryin to get the cleanest possible sound from my solos...

using a boogie dual recto...keeley compressor pedal...and an epiphone gibson copy..

i know i should back down the compressor coz it turns up any shmukky noises the pickups are outputting, but other than that, not sure what else can be done?

Any help would be great!

Jamil.

[TimS]

gday all

just wondering if anyone knows any magic tricks to avoid constant amp noise, humming, etc from high gain guitar recording....im tryin to get the cleanest possible sound from my solos...

using a boogie dual recto...keeley compressor pedal...and an epiphone gibson copy..

i know i should back down the compressor coz it turns up any shmukky noises the pickups are outputting, but other than that, not sure what else can be done?

Any help would be great!

Jamil.

Jamil, some suggestions..

1) Use the shortest possible guitar leads of the best quality (Belden, Canare GS-6, Mogami 2524, George L, Evidence Audio, Lava cables, Van Den Hul, Pete Cornish cables). Use quality connectors (Switchcraft 280's /Neutrik NP2C's) and make good solder connections (if making your own leads).
2) Try passing your signal through a Axess Electronics BS-2 - I use one on my pedalboard always..
3) Ditch the compressor and record guitar into amp - most accurate and true signal of the guitar and amp together.. even though you're using a recto!!
4) Plug the amp into a balanced power supply in the studio.
5) Record at lower volume levels
6) Use a better guitar (not being disrespectful) - beg, borrow or hound any mates with good quality guitars - it will help make your recording shine. I have an Epi LP and the stock pup's are SH1T. I swapped them out for some Duncans (JB and a '59 in the neck) - its a haul-ass killer rock combination. However, I'm a strat man and have a Cilia Custom that is my go-to studio guitar - although I've been using my tele alot lately..

TimS..

[heathen]

The above mentioned stuff helps bigtime.

Maybe an expander on mixdown, you can adjust it so the expansion range is above the noise floor thus reducing the noise floor, this can work quite well, though not if the noise is close to as loud as the guitar signal. The Waves SSL channel expander does this really well.

This is more of a fix than a cure.

[Damien]

move.

move around the room. move the amp. leave the room. touch the fx rack (earth you and the gtr).

some of this may help.

[jkhuri44]

hey, thanks guys,

really good tips!

i havent thought about grounding the player before...but ill be doin that fo sure next time!

[JulienG]

1) Use the shortest possible guitar leads...

Although, if you can't do that (amp in an iso booth for example) take a look at the Little Labs STD. It's designed to make long guitar level runs safe from hum/etc.

[jkhuri44]

yeah, ive got the little Labs STD, bought it to do exactly what u just said :)

and once we are in the room, i connect all my pedals with George Ls...

: )

[TimS]

1) Use the shortest possible guitar leads...

Although, if you can't do that (amp in an iso booth for example) take a look at the Little Labs STD. It's designed to make long guitar level runs safe from hum/etc.

Here's some info about the BS-2;

The BS2 Guitar Audio Buffer/Splitter prevents the loss of (1) signal level (2) high end frequency response (3) low end punch that is caused by cable capacitance and poorly designed input stage/circuitry of some effect pedals.
Our buffer circuit is a very high quality Op-Amp based design that is both low-noise and MUSICAL, don’t let other’s try to deceive you, nothing is transparent !!!
Three outputs allow a single guitar signal to feed a tuner and two amplifiers without any signal loss and/or tonal degradation.
Two of the three outputs are connected in parallel and the third is Transformer Isolated to prevent Ground Loop Hum/Noise when driving two amplifiers.
The Transformer Isolated output is equipped with a Phase Reverse switch to prevent phase cancellation problems from occurring when driving two amplifiers.
Powered by a 9VDC Adapter (we recommend the Boss PSA Series - not included) with a 5.5mm/2.1mm barrel connector.
Housed in a compact (4.40" x 2.40" x 1.30") and rugged 0.064" thick aluminum enclosure for years of reliable use and performance.


TimS..