I’m recording my first album using real drums that I’m recording with two mics. I used to use drum programs like EZDrummer so it was fine to use just regular guitar plugins. Now that I’m using real drums recorded in a room, the guitars used with VSTs sound off and way more artificial now when compared to the real drums. I want something that I can record with the same mics I use on the drums to give it that “same room” sound. I’d like a budget amp, whether new or used, that’s great for recording old death metal with a mic. Budget is $300. Would spend a little over if needed, but just really would like something that will sound great when recorded and isn’t going to cost me a mortgage.
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There is a great series on YouTube from Jim Lill about “where does guitar tone come from”.
He investigates what makes good sustain, what makes good strings, what makes a good amount, what makes a good cab, what scale lengths do to tone, etc.
My big takeaway was that your EQ and production matter way more than any equipment your using, as long as it’s all in tune and all that
Heres a quintessential video for the pursuit of tone: https://youtu.be/y8GiF-GVLgg
The katana is basically the only choice in that budget that has everything you need and keeps up with drums.
To get a real authentic heavy sound, you probably need something that can move some air. The cab may be more important that the amp in this case. I would see if one of those mini/lunchbox Rectifiers or Peaveys work for your style, and try to get one of those used along with either an oversized 1x12 cab, or a 4x12. The 4x12 cab is the only real way you’ll get that low-mid thump that you always hear on metalcore and death metal albums.
The tried and true match for that sound is 5150/6505 with a Mesa 4x12 … But even used, you aren’t going to get those in this budget.
One other recommendation… Depending on what guitar plugins you’ve tried, just getting better IRs could make a huge difference. If you aren’t using Neural DSP plugins, I would suggest trying some, or using GGD’s Studio cab packs.
Real amps are more fun IMO, but with such a low budget, better plugins may be a better bang for your buck.
100% agree. The other crucial aspect is that a good “room tone” doesn’t work in a mix. Guitars are double tracked and some people do a 70-100Hz low cut to give the bass and drums space. Not to mention blending mics at the cabs so you get a deeper sound. It just isn’t worth the hassle when a good audio interface/plugin will give you a much more usable track to work with.
I saw this and it’s pretty great idea. https://youtube.com/shorts/3vpo_dsLWcI?feature=share
I was a huge fan of Line6 in the beginning personally.
However for your price range I think a quality amp sim could be a great setup. I would recommend Neural DSP in a flavor of your choice.
Yamaha THR series wouldn’t need a mic and doubles as its own audio interface over USB. If you want something analog, a little Blackheart stack isn’t a bad place to start either.