No amps? No problem! Modern amp simulations

Recording guitar, especially big, overdriven sounds, has long been a technical challenge. Today, thanks to technological advances, plugins and impulses offer a credible and flexible alternative to traditional recording methods. This article explores two main approaches: recording via mic and amplifier, and using amp simulations and impulses with a plugin.

The Challenges of Traditional Guitar Recording

When recording a guitar through an amplifier and microphone, several variables influence the final result:

  • Microphone positioning (distance, angle, location relative to the speaker).
  • The characteristics of the microphone used (type, frequency response).
  • Amplifier settings, such as gain, equalization, and distortion.

Although this method provides authentic sound, it has limitations. For example, if the recorded sound is not suitable, it is necessary to retake the recording or attempt corrections in post-production, often with mixed results.

Plugins and Pulses: A Modern Alternative

Modern technologies allow the characteristics of an amplifier and speaker to be digitally reproduced using plugins and impulses. Impulses capture the sonic nuances of a given speaker and microphone, allowing these characteristics to be recreated without physical hardware.

Benefits include:

  • The ability to edit the sound after recording without re-taking takes.
  • Reduced cost compared to physical equipment.
  • Increased flexibility to experiment with different sounds, microphones and speakers.

“Modern plugins are bringing digital sound dangerously close to that of traditional tube amps.”

Practical Example: Recording with Reaper and Neural DSP

In this example, a Neural DSP amplification plugin was used to simulate a high-distortion amplifier. Adding impulses allowed for a more natural and defined sound. Here are the main steps of the process:

  1. Setting up the audio interface with a good input level to avoid any saturation.
  2. Using a plugin to add noise gate, overdrive and speaker pulses.
  3. Experiment with different settings to get the sound you want.

The Neural DSP plugin offers an intuitive interface, detailed controls (gain, EQ, presence, etc.), as well as presets created by renowned artists such as Ola Englund.

Neural DSP plugin interface with presets and custom settings
Neural DSP plugin interface showing advanced settings.

The Results: Microphone vs Plugin

After comparing the two methods, here are the main observations:

Criteria Traditional Microphone Plugin + Impulses
Sound Quality Authentic and rich Close to the real amp, but more controlled
Flexibility Weak (requires physical adjustments) High (post-recording changes possible)
Cost High (amp, microphones, etc.) Low (plugin and audio interface)

Conclusion

Advances in plugins and impulses are revolutionizing guitar recording. While traditional tube amps and microphones remain the gold standard, modern plugins allow you to achieve remarkable results at a reduced cost and with unmatched flexibility. Whether you’re a hobbyist or a professional, these tools are worth exploring.

Want to discover free plugins for your recordings? Check out the list of tools mentioned in our video description!

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