Ok, we made sure the vu level gets just on the edge of the vu meter but I have a question about the mic. We really can't record anywhere but in our main room (which is kinda big); wouldn't moving the mic further away from the amp give it a roomy sound? If so, how can prevent the saturation
and roominess?
Turn down the volume on the amp Moving the mic away will definitely give the guitar a bit of a distant sound, but it likely wont be super noticeable since it's not really that far. Also, make sure to isolate the mic on all sides (except facing the amp) with the foam. That should help cut down on reflections from around the room, and keep the sound a little more focused (less saturation).
I know the computer isn't the problem: AMD Phenom 2.3GHz Quad Core, 4GB DDR2 800 Memory.
We're going to try an external eSATA drive now. One question though, does it matter if there is other data on the drive (unused by this computer tho)?
I wouldnt think so, but as long as you defrag it, should be no issues.
We've made sure the mixer has flat EQs and we start with no effects in Ableton. Our main problem with tone is with our vocals; we are using a Shure 58A Beta microphone (which is designed for vocals), but it is very trebley (sp?), and simply raising the bass on any eqs clips the audio.
Maybe dial down the treble a bit on the mixer, rather than boosting the bass. If it's clipping with any bass added, then it's probably too hot.. maybe dial it back a bit.
We're going to make a separate user account where there are no programs running in the background or at startup.
That's what I did on mine too. Make sure you kill as much stuff as possible, including network.
Does the using a PS2 mouse and keyboard really make a noticeable difference?
I dont know for sure, but I didnt want to risk it.
We really want to go firewire, namely a Presonus Firepod or similar interface, but we just don't have the cash right now.
I hear that man.. broke here also.
We weren't able to try recording after you're tips because we started having an old playback issue.
The playback from Ableton is VERY glitchy (all other programs are fine), do you know what the problem could be?
Defrag on the disk maybe? I use Audacity almost exclusively these days..