Tabs/ Tunings/Recording

[tenorbass]

Hey I just wanted to know if you guys had any tabs just any sections of any songs would be cool! What are the guitar's tuned to? Also, What program do you guys use to record music. Also, how do you record? Mic the guitar amp? Go into the pc with a preamp?

Thanks alot!

[Metastasis]

No tabs at the moment. We tune to A flat.

Here is the recording chain for the guitars on Cognitive Dissonance:
Ibanez RG7321 --> Mesa/Boogie Triple Rectifier send --> DBX 166 Compressor --> BBE Sonic Maximizer --> Return input of Triple Rec --> Mesa/Boogie 4X12 Cab --> SM57 Microphone --> Soundcraft Spirit Digital 328 console --> PC sound card via fiber optic inputs --> Cool Edit Pro 2.0 (now it is Adobe Audition).

Also, I used Drumkit From Hell 2 samples and Fruity Loops 5.0 for sequencing and Cool Edit Pro 2.0 for editing the drum loops. I mixed and mastered using both Waves plug ins and Isotope Ozone 3. All monitored with Sennheiser HD 595 head phones.

However, for the full length I want to upgrade EVERYTHING. Well, except for the Mesa/Boogie. But I want to get the Vintech 1272 preamp, Neumman and AKG condensor mics and a pair of ADAM monitors. Hiyooh!

[ruonitb]

Hi!

Did you double the guitar tracks? :)

[Metastasis]

Yes, there are two guitar tracks, one with harmonies. We were originally going to record four tracks of guitar, but it was kind of muddy and hard to mix.

[ruonitb]

Ah, ok. So you recorded the rhythm guitars twice and the solo/melody guitars once?! :)

I´m really interesed in your methods since this is one of the best self-produced/recorded releases I have heard. I really dig the sound.

How did you pan the tracks? (if you still remember ;) )

[Metastasis]

Thanks. We put a lot of time and effort in all the steps of recording: the preproduction, the session and mixdown.

The leads and solos vary. Some of them are single tracked, while others were double tracked with double harmonies (Revelations, especially) and panned in a wide spread with multiple plug in and/or rackmounted effects!

I could probably go on forever. Feel free to let me know if you have any more questions, and I'm glad to hear that someone out there appreciates the sound.

[parabola5353]

are you guys ever going to release powertabs or something of the sort?

[Metastasis]

The demand seems to be pretty high so we'll probably release something.

[ruonitb]

I would like tabs as well...I guess that like everyone would like to play the revelations intro. ;)
And this song has a few other very nice riffs which I would like to play as well...so, please tab at least revelations out; the vid of max playing some parts of the song is really good. :)


Since my band just split up, I´m doing solo stuff now (with drumcomputer) and that´s why I´m especially interested in your recording methods. I tried to record guitar tracks with the toneport ux2 interface by line 6 but I´m not really happy with it, so I will probably buy a shure sm57 soon and try to mic the guitars.
I´m glad that I´m not going on your nerves when asking all that questions...your recording just inspired me, since it shows that you can come pretty far with homerecording - get a good sound.

[Metastasis]

I would like tabs as well...I guess that like everyone would like to play the revelations intro. ;)
And this song has a few other very nice riffs which I would like to play as well...so, please tab at least revelations out; the vid of max playing some parts of the song is really good. :)


Since my band just split up, I´m doing solo stuff now (with drumcomputer) and that´s why I´m especially interested in your recording methods. I tried to record guitar tracks with the toneport ux2 interface by line 6 but I´m not really happy with it, so I will probably buy a shure sm57 soon and try to mic the guitars.
I´m glad that I´m not going on your nerves when asking all that questions...your recording just inspired me, since it shows that you can come pretty far with homerecording - get a good sound.

Yeah, I'm assuming most people are interested in learning revelations, but there are also lots of solos and overall tricky riffs in all the other songs...not that that is the point behind our songwriting, but for those looking to push their dexterity, revelations isn't the only song that can give you some good exercises.

And your questions don't bother me at all. I'm glad I can help.

ETA: I was wrong about our tuning; it's A flat.

[parabola5353]

a flat on 7 string right?

[Metastasis]

a flat on 7 string right?

You are correct, sir.

[ruonitb]

errr..by the way: with what program did you make these industrial sounds?

[Metastasis]

errr..by the way: with what program did you make these industrial sounds?


That's a secret.

Hehe, just kidding...lots and lots of samples and different software applications. I can't even remember most of the process. I would take a sample of like a train whistle, for instance, and run it through both Fruity Loops plug ins and Waves and just fuck with it until it was unrecognizable. You can do this with basically anything and mold it into your own sound.

[ruonitb]

Hehe ok...that´s what I´m doing at the moment as well anyway... :)
So, that´s fine. It´s more fun anyway. :)

Ah, by the way...did you change much on the recorded guitar tracks? (I mean with EQ, effects etc.).

And what effects would you recommend on what drum samples? (for example reverb on snare etc.).

Thanks already!

[Metastasis]

With guitar, I think it is most important to start with a tone that hardly needs any touching up. The tone must come from the guitar rig, not the recording gear (but high fidelity equipment is important for recording a clear representation of that tone).

The Mesa/Boogie Triple Rectifier is a loud, loud amp, but it can get pretty muddy. It's a balancing act between gain and clarity (that I'm still learning).

I ran the drum tracks through a lot of software, including Fuity Loops, Waves and Cool Edit pro plug ins. The DKFH samples can be real tricky. I got the majority of the tones done in the sample library's dedicated eq and envelope filters (I found that if you crank the highs on the kick, there will be audible hiss if you don't calibrate the decay correctly). I did put the faintest bit of reverb on the toms and I humanized the snare manually (literally adjusting the velocity one beat at a time, as I prorammed the beats).

[ruonitb]

On my recordings, I always try to use as less gain as possible (especially when doubling the guitars) but I still have to feel comfortable with it while playing.

As for the industrial question, I want to use industrial sounds like they are in eraserhead (when looking at your avatar I guess you know what I mean ;) ).
I just found a free vst plugin which is pretty good for such sounds...they even mention eraserhead in it´s description. ;)

It´s really hard work to let your programmed drums sound real...so much time to invest. :)

[Metastasis]

On my recordings, I always try to use as less gain as possible (especially when doubling the guitars) but I still have to feel comfortable with it while playing.

As for the industrial question, I want to use industrial sounds like they are in eraserhead (when looking at your avatar I guess you know what I mean ;) ).
I just found a free vst plugin which is pretty good for such sounds...they even mention eraserhead in it´s description. ;)

It´s really hard work to let your programmed drums sound real...so much time to invest. :)

Yeah, lower gain is good for clarity and sharpness...but I do loves some heavy crunch. I think Meshuggah's guitar sound epitomizes a perfect balance (at least on DEI).

Hell yeah, the sound design in Eraserhead is amazing. All of Lynch's movies have exquisite sound design, especially Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me.

What vst plug in are you talking about? Sounds cool.

[ruonitb]

It´s this plugin: http://www.free-plugin-list.com/plugin.php?id=136

play around with it...I bet you will like it. :)


Guitar recording really is a science... ;)
I´m always wondering how they get such a good sound like for example on the newer fear factory cd´s. I read an interview with the guy who recorded their last cd and he said that he recorded the guitar with 3 mics. I know that´s pretty common but I can´t imagine to be able to do this...can´t even get enough out of one mic. ;)

I would die to have meshuggahs guitar sound tho.


The Lynch movies are brilliant anyway...he does everything right!

[Metastasis]

That plugin looks sweet. Thanks for that.

Fear Factory definitely has some great productions, like Demanufacture, I haven't heard much new stuff.

David Lynch is God.

[tenorbass]

I got a Ibanez RG7321 for my birthday. I am looking to do some recording but I am not sure to mic or go direct in. I play with a bass amp and a EH mini muff when I practice. I might do a line into my computer then EH muff to my guitar. My soundcard is pretty damm good but i am wondering what would give me a better tone. any opinions?

[ten_second_infinity]

v amp

[tenorbass]

I allready got a super nice distortion so it would be kinda pointless to lay down 180$ for something that I would only use 1 setting on :emot-roll

[Metastasis]

I would experiment with both direct and mic recording. A/B it and see what you like more. I'm not too familiar with the EH Huff, so I'm not sure whether it's better for direct or micing a cab.

I, personally, have a harder time getting good tone when it is direct - and there is the fact that micing a cab captures the natural acoustics of the cab (the "point of excursion"- the volume at which the cabinet actually changes the quality of the distortion). However, micing an amp with bad tone won't make it any better. Garbage in is garbage out. That seems to be what I've learned the most when it comes to recording...you really can't polish a turd.

I think the main thing that is missing from direct recording is loudness.

[Ouroboros]

I personally don't dig DI for guitar at all.

I would get a Shure SM-57 with a XLR to 1/4" adapter to go into your soundcard, those mics go for under $100 CDN. You will need software with a good preamp though. Experiment with the angles and distance of the mic to the cab, as well. Makes a huge difference.

I have an EH Metal Muff and that pedal is awesome.

[Metastasis]

I agree about DI recording...it usually sucks.

You don't need to use a XLR to quarter inch adapter - there are plenty of soundcards with balanced XLR inputs on the market. If yo are going to mic a cab, you should be able to play LOUD, though.

[ruonitb]

So, its me once again... ;)

You said that you didn´t change too much on the guitar tracks with the EQ; but with what settings did you record the guitars then? I mean ,they shouldn´t have too much bass because then they will be in frequency of the bass and the bass drums. Did you turn the bass down on the amp? And the mids all the way up?
Or did you set a low-cut for the guitars?

And at what frequencies did you turn the bass up/down?

I always have a "mumbling" sound, no matter what I do...just seems that the guitars have too much bass even though I turned everything below 150 hz down.

And another problem is bass drum and bass...damn...

[Metastasis]

So, its me once again... ;)

You said that you didn´t change too much on the guitar tracks with the EQ; but with what settings did you record the guitars then? I mean ,they shouldn´t have too much bass because then they will be in frequency of the bass and the bass drums. Did you turn the bass down on the amp? And the mids all the way up?
Or did you set a low-cut for the guitars?

And at what frequencies did you turn the bass up/down?

I always have a "mumbling" sound, no matter what I do...just seems that the guitars have too much bass even though I turned everything below 150 hz down.

And another problem is bass drum and bass...damn...


Bass was all the way down on the Rectifier. Loud tubes tend to be rumbly...so I did have to cut some bass frequency spikes in the guitar tracks (which tend to happen during palm muting).
I have a tendency to start with the mids and highs cranked, but I'll end up backing it down after searching for a tone for a while. The best way to record an overdriven tube guitar tone is to get it as dry and unaltered by onboard EQ or effects as possible. The "mumbling" might be too much bass or maybe too much gain at the output of one of the devices yo are using. This could be causing some clipping in the signal somewhere.

As far as relative bass frequencies, as well as all ranges, I like to make cuts and boosts at the same frequency on different instruments. For example: I'll cut the bass 100 Hz or so and boost that same frequency on the kick. That way they aren't fighting for the same frequency range. I do this for all instruments that share a range.

[ruonitb]

thanks! :)

btw, do you know a free eq plugin with which i can easily do low cuts and hi cuts?

[God_Complex]

yeh so im pretty much gonna mimic what I know everyone says all the time.. but tabs would be amazing! you should make a tab book like necrophagist did with epitaph... id buy it... and revelations is amazing but I hope you tab out metastasize eventually...

[Metastasis]

yeh so im pretty much gonna mimic what I know everyone says all the time.. but tabs would be amazing! you should make a tab book like necrophagist did with epitaph... id buy it... and revelations is amazing but I hope you tab out metastasize eventually...

Sweet, I'm always so glad to hear praise for Metastasize. It's a really unique song. Most people just like the arpeggios in Revelations. It's our own fault, though.

Sometime, when and if I find the time, I'll learn power tabs (or whatever software) and plot it all out. Actually...I think Nate (who has never posted on a forum in his life) already knows how to do that stuff. Maybe I'll talk to him about it.

[Metastasis]

thanks! :)

btw, do you know a free eq plugin with which i can easily do low cuts and hi cuts?

Not sure. I always use Waves plug ins...and there are ways that can be acquired *cough!*

[ruonitb]

Hehe, yeah...I´m using Cubase SX!

Do you have a function which lets you choose lo cut or hi cut for example or do you just put the frequency down for (as an example) about 24 db?!

[Metastasis]

I usually work with parametric EQ and make a large cut or a large boost and cycle through the frequencies and listen to how it changes the signal. I don't usually use any high pass/lowpass fiter stuff.

[ruonitb]

I just recorded something yesterday...some mistakes here and there but doesn´t matter. I recorded this for recording-practice only. ;)
Maybe you want to give it a listen and comment it! :)

http://up.universalhoster.net/7463_dm-10.mp3

[Ouroboros]

Awesome man. The jump to the solo there is a little awkward, but a lot of those riffs sound killer and are original too!

Good work on the song, the recording, the drum patterns (programmed, right?) and your chops, dude.

[ruonitb]

thanks! didnt expected a comment from someone else than metastasis...but nice. :) some parts are a little sloppy...im not used to record a whole song in one take.i programmed the drums with ez drummer...i still think that it sounds kinda real tho. ;)
thanks for the comment...i really appreciate it!

[Metastasis]

I just recorded something yesterday...some mistakes here and there but doesn´t matter. I recorded this for recording-practice only. ;)
Maybe you want to give it a listen and comment it! :)

http://up.universalhoster.net/7463_dm-10.mp3

First of all, the music is pretty awesome. The sound is good and has a raw quality to it and that works - but I do hear some flaws, like the guitars needing more definition, more crispness (like a light high mid boost and more compression). This is a mono recording, yes? Mono makes it more difficult to discern seperation, so it might have to do with that as well. But I do think the bass is a bit muddy and clippy (I don't blame you - so is ours!). Not sure how you recorded the bass, but I know it can be hard to control the dynamic thumps while retaining a present tone in the mix. The drums sound pretty good (are these DFH samples?) - they could use some velocity adjustments to give it a more human feel, but the tone is pretty nice.

But you are definitely on the right path. Keep at it.

[ruonitb]

thanks!
well...I recorded the bass and the guitars with the line6 toneport ux2. its an usb interface+modeller.

I don´t know too much about bass recording and just recorded it since I don´t know whats important. I think I will have to search for some informations.

Maybe I have too much distortion on the guitars and I didn´t compress anything on this track...so this is really raw! Have to play around with the compressor now - will post the new version then. ;)

These are the basic samples of EZ Drummer...I don´t know if they are taken from DFH, but I´m getting the DFH Pack for EZ Drummer anyway. :)

What do you mean by mono recording? The panning/mix etc or the recording itself?

[Metastasis]

thanks!
well...I recorded the bass and the guitars with the line6 toneport ux2. its an usb interface+modeller.

I don´t know too much about bass recording and just recorded it since I don´t know whats important. I think I will have to search for some informations.

Maybe I have too much distortion on the guitars and I didn´t compress anything on this track...so this is really raw! Have to play around with the compressor now - will post the new version then. ;)

These are the basic samples of EZ Drummer...I don´t know if they are taken from DFH, but I´m getting the DFH Pack for EZ Drummer anyway. :)

What do you mean by mono recording? The panning/mix etc or the recording itself?


I don't hear any stereo field. It could be that you made no panning adjustments, or it could be a mono mixdown. You will eventually need to widen the field by panning dual guitar tracks and seperating the drums to allow room for each instrument and make it "big".

[ruonitb]

Shit...I panned everything pretty well. :/

ah damn...I´m working on a new song at the moment. Will post it here. ;)

[Metastasis]

Shit...I panned everything pretty well. :/

ah damn...I´m working on a new song at the moment. Will post it here. ;)

Maybe I'm wrong, but it sounded like it was mono. I'll listen to it again.

[ruonitb]

You aren´t the only one who said that. So, you are right...but I just wonder why, since I really panned the guitars.

[Metastasis]

Maybe check all of your settings for your mixdown. I know cubase has several settings that include mono or stereo mixdowns. Not a big deal, just get your settings correct.

On a side note - I'm actually teaching myself cubase at the moment and it seems pretty cool. I'm actually having a hard time mixing down MIDI (I've updated to DFH Superior). So far, all I can do is record it onto an audio track, but it has playback artifacts (glitchiness, I might need to upgrade my comp as well).

Next comes new Genelec monitors! Either that or a pair of Adams. And a new soundcard with high quality A to D conversion and latency (that'll help with the aforementioned glitchiness). Also: a new mixing desk with speaker stands. I can't wait to be legit!

[Ouroboros]

Do you have any specific directions for velocity mapping the drums?

I have clips up on www.myspace.com/confuocometal and the drums are raw aside from a little EQ.

It's mainly for the snare, right?

[Metastasis]

I apply some velocity adjustments to everything. Snare is the most important because it's frequency range is the most present, but I also make subtle adjustments to the kick, especially when it is the main sound (like during a trilled-out groove ala Cryptopsy). I also apply this to tom fills and cymbals, once again, especially if they are grooving and start sounding overly repetitive.

Also - composition is key. I like changing up the cymbal mid-beat and making patterns out of the cymbal pulse and snare hits to liven it up. Maybe make the kick half-time to break up the doubles for a bit.

[God_Complex]

This doest relate to this thread and you might have answered it before but when you find your drummer to tour with are you going to use them in the studio for all the subsequent material or are you going to continue programming your drums? I recall a review of your album where the reviewer protested the idea of getting an actual drummer and talked about how it made anomalous' sound more unique. So are the drums part of the sound you’re going for or just because of the lack of a drummer? I think the bands proficiency wouldn’t change either way I was just curious.

[ruonitb]

Hi!

So, the stereo stuff seems to work now.

http://download.yousendit.com/68F188E5060EAD60

Using cubase is nice...especially for drum programming. It´s easy to do velocity changes etc., and with dfh superior you basically have everything you need.

Btw: is a sequenzer included in dfh superior or is it just a sample package with mixer?

[Metastasis]

This doest relate to this thread and you might have answered it before but when you find your drummer to tour with are you going to use them in the studio for all the subsequent material or are you going to continue programming your drums? I recall a review of your album where the reviewer protested the idea of getting an actual drummer and talked about how it made anomalous' sound more unique. So are the drums part of the sound you’re going for or just because of the lack of a drummer? I think the bands proficiency wouldn’t change either way I was just curious.

That's a good question. We've always wanted real drums - and I know that the programmed sound is off putting to a lot of people. Our goal is to acquire a drummer for the recording of our full length.

As for fans like the reviewer who prefer the synth drums, well, there are production techniques to make a live drummer sound artificial. I'm not sure if we will want to go that route for the material we are currently writing, however.

[Metastasis]

Hi!

So, the stereo stuff seems to work now.

http://download.yousendit.com/68F188E5060EAD60

Using cubase is nice...especially for drum programming. It´s easy to do velocity changes etc., and with dfh superior you basically have everything you need.

Btw: is a sequenzer included in dfh superior or is it just a sample package with mixer?

No, you need some kind of sequencing software like cubase to program Superior.

And your track is definitely panned out. Pretty sweet arpeggios...the takes are a bit rough, but it sounds like you're getting there.

It reminds me of something I made a while ago on a whim. I'm tempted to post it here.

[ruonitb]

well, you can listen to the whole thing on our (new) myspace site now:

http://www.myspace.com/inanexistence

I sent you a friend request btw ;)

[ChAAPY]

I just have to chime in and ask this, but can you dup a MIDI file into EZDrummer? like, I write all drum parts in Guitar Pro 5 and then I go into Fruity Loops and import the MIDI file and match everything up with the samples so it plays which is wayyy easier to me instead of writing drums in Fruity Loops. I'm getting a Mac soon and want to upgrade to EZDrummer so that's why I'm wondering. thanks in advance for any help.

[Antæos]

Off topic, but have you seen this one, Meta?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OP4GKHXO_Jc

[Metastasis]

well, you can listen to the whole thing on our (new) myspace site now:

http://www.myspace.com/inanexistence

I sent you a friend request btw ;)

Sweet!

What? No top friends for Anomalous?!!!




Haha, just kiddking. Keep writing brutal shit.

[Metastasis]

I just have to chime in and ask this, but can you dup a MIDI file into EZDrummer? like, I write all drum parts in Guitar Pro 5 and then I go into Fruity Loops and import the MIDI file and match everything up with the samples so it plays which is wayyy easier to me instead of writing drums in Fruity Loops. I'm getting a Mac soon and want to upgrade to EZDrummer so that's why I'm wondering. thanks in advance for any help.

Is Guitar Pro 5 MIDI? If so, You can dump it into anything that supports MIDI, like Cubase, Sonor, Reason, etc. I'm not sure what you mean about EZDrummer, I thought it was a sample library like DFH. DFH has no programming abilities, only library access and mixing. You have to use it with another program that has MIDI capabilities - so color me confused.

I always plot beats out from memory, anyway. Mr. Ruonitb might have a better anwser for you, he uses EZDrummer.

[Metastasis]

Off topic, but have you seen this one, Meta?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OP4GKHXO_Jc

That's funny because I was just about to post that. It's awesome, but he lives in Louisiana. I'm not sure if the long distance can fit into the equation. But it would be awesome to play with this guy, he sounds like he could get it.

[parabola5353]

max needz to maike sum tabz!!! and a lesson video, because that solo he did in your guys' live video is outstanding.

[ChAAPY]

Is Guitar Pro 5 MIDI? If so, You can dump it into anything that supports MIDI, like Cubase, Sonor, Reason, etc. I'm not sure what you mean about EZDrummer, I thought it was a sample library like DFH. DFH has no programming abilities, only library access and mixing. You have to use it with another program that has MIDI capabilities - so color me confused.

I always plot beats out from memory, anyway. Mr. Ruonitb might have a better anwser for you, he uses EZDrummer.

You can make your own drum track using EZDrummer I believe. I haven't used it but I was reading through the manual online and it has a section where it tells you how to make your own track. Maybe I'm wrong?

What I want to do is program the drums in Guitar Pro 5 (it's like powertab but with drums) and then save it as a MIDI file. then take that MIDI file and dump it into EZdrummer and use the samples in EZdrummer.

That's what I do in Fruity Loops, I just import the MIDI file I made in GP5 and I assign the key notes that trigger the samples and it plays what I wrote. I'm wondering if EZdrummer can do that too? I don't want to sequence/write drum patterns in EZdrummer, I want to import my MIDI file that I wrote in GP5.

[Antæos]

That's funny because I was just about to post that. It's awesome, but he lives in Louisiana. I'm not sure if the long distance can fit into the equation. But it would be awesome to play with this guy, he sounds like he could get it.

Louisiana? Shoot, save the poor guy from being eaten by alligators. You'd be doing him a favor really. haha

[ruonitb]

Sweet!

What? No top friends for Anomalous?!!!




Haha, just kiddking. Keep writing brutal shit.



haha, i changed that! ;)

you helped me a lot! :)



chaapy:

I´m using ez drummer for about two months now (so I´m more of a noob ;) ), but I know, which function of ez drummer you mean. Though, I never tried it and I don´t know if you can use midi files you´ve loaded into the program yourself...maybe it´s only for the "midi-grooves" which are already in the program.
However, I doubt that the function (even if it works with the midi stuff from gp5) is good...as far as I´ve seen in the manual, it´s only a little sequenzer, with which you can put some different grooves together.

I suggest you to get used to cubase, it´s drumeditor is really simple and easy to use but still very good. It´s easy to do velocity stuff there and programming is easier than in gp5 anyway...and you can be sure that it definitely works with ez drummer (as vsti ;) ) perfectly.

Just get cubase and ez drummer...if you have any questions considering cubase+ez drummer, I´m sure I will be able to answer them!

Btw...imo cubase is way better than fl as well!

:)

[Metastasis]

I'll go ahead and second that Cubase>FL in every way.

[ten_second_infinity]

You can make your own drum track using EZDrummer I believe. I haven't used it but I was reading through the manual online and it has a section where it tells you how to make your own track. Maybe I'm wrong?

What I want to do is program the drums in Guitar Pro 5 (it's like powertab but with drums) and then save it as a MIDI file. then take that MIDI file and dump it into EZdrummer and use the samples in EZdrummer.

That's what I do in Fruity Loops, I just import the MIDI file I made in GP5 and I assign the key notes that trigger the samples and it plays what I wrote. I'm wondering if EZdrummer can do that too? I don't want to sequence/write drum patterns in EZdrummer, I want to import my MIDI file that I wrote in GP5.

I do it like that, guitar pro 4 MIDI, then dump it into CUBASE, and then open up EZdrummer and match the samples. I don't think you can just dump them into EZdrummer.

[ChAAPY]

haha, i changed that! ;)

you helped me a lot! :)



chaapy:

I´m using ez drummer for about two months now (so I´m more of a noob ;) ), but I know, which function of ez drummer you mean. Though, I never tried it and I don´t know if you can use midi files you´ve loaded into the program yourself...maybe it´s only for the "midi-grooves" which are already in the program.
However, I doubt that the function (even if it works with the midi stuff from gp5) is good...as far as I´ve seen in the manual, it´s only a little sequenzer, with which you can put some different grooves together.

I suggest you to get used to cubase, it´s drumeditor is really simple and easy to use but still very good. It´s easy to do velocity stuff there and programming is easier than in gp5 anyway...and you can be sure that it definitely works with ez drummer (as vsti ;) ) perfectly.

Just get cubase and ez drummer...if you have any questions considering cubase+ez drummer, I´m sure I will be able to answer them!

Btw...imo cubase is way better than fl as well!

:)


so what version of CUBASE would I need to do this? I'm not concerned about velocity in any other programs since I do all that in GP5, but if it's better and easier in CUBASE then that's cool.

kind of sucks it's more complicated upgrading. It's soooo easy in Fruity Loops. I just import the MIDI file and it's already mapped out in Fruity Loops when I bring it in. Doesn't EZDrummer have a "humanizer" effect which adjust the velocity of each hit randomly?

sorry but I'm a noob when it comes to EZDrummer, I thought it had a sequencer.

[ChAAPY]

I do it like that, guitar pro 4 MIDI, then dump it into CUBASE, and then open up EZdrummer and match the samples. I don't think you can just dump them into EZdrummer.

so what exactly does it do when you dump it into CUBASE? do you mess around with the velocity and EQ? does CUBASE have a sequencer?

got any clips? I thought those Misogyny recordings were done in a studio and some of them in DKFH?

[ruonitb]

Just get cubase sx...the drumeditor in cubase is really very easy! There shouldn´t be any problems!
And the drumeditor isn´t the only reason why you should upgrade to cubase (from fruity loops). IMO cubase is more professional and you have more possibilities in editing etc.

And yes, ez drummer has a "humanizer"...I always use it but I still change velocity settings in the cubase drum editor...with the drumeditor in cubase and the humanizer effect of ez drummer, you can create really good drum tracks.

And you don´t have to import any midi files then...just program and edit everything in cubase...that sounds a lot better to me! :)



@tensecondinfinity: why do you program the drumtracks in gp5 and not in cubase? :o

[ChAAPY]

CUBASE SX 3? 4? that cost like $300-$700 and I'm not paying that if all I'm going to be doing is dumping MIDI files into it/programming drums. I plan on getting Pro Tools 7 as well for mixing so those prices are pretty crazy for me since I'm also getting a new Mac.

I can't speak for Marlon (ten_second) but I do it that way because it's fucking simple as shit. I tab out the guitar and drum parts in it and play along to them for practice. It's wayyy easier to program triplets in GP5 too and you have the sheet music for it as well, you can mess around with dynamics in the progam too.

I don't know how I feel about not using it, that's pretty much what I swear by when writing drums. I don't feel like learning/buying another program without having tried it out. But I'm still a bit confused... if I write all my parts in CUBASE, how does that work? CUBASE is like Fruity Loops in the sense that you use it for the drum sequencer? EZDrummer is just the samples?

[ruonitb]

EZ Drummer is a plugin for cubase.

You program the drum parts in the cubase drumeditor and you choose the samples you want in ez drummer. EZ drummer only gives the "sounds" so to say.
In cubase it´s only a midi track! :)

*cough* you could dl it and try it out...then buy it. ;)

I can´t imagin drum programming being easier than in cubase, seriously. Though, I´ve never been too much into gp5...still I think that cubase is a lot better anyway...since, well...it´s a pro-software.


And yes, cubase is the sequenzer! ;)

And cubase is not for programming drums only...not all. Cubase basically is everything you need (software-wise) to produce music.


Just get cubase+ez drummer (from wherever you want ;) ), and if you have problems, I will help you. It´s no big deal...as i already said - simple! :)

[ChAAPY]

EZ Drummer is a plugin for cubase.

You program the drum parts in the cubase drumeditor and you choose the samples you want in ez drummer. EZ drummer only gives the "sounds" so to say.
In cubase it´s only a midi track! :)

*cough* you could dl it and try it out...then buy it. ;)

I can´t imagin drum programming being easier than in cubase, seriously. Though, I´ve never been too much into gp5...still I think that cubase is a lot better anyway...since, well...it´s a pro-software.


And yes, cubase is the sequenzer! ;)

And cubase is not for programming drums only...not all. Cubase basically is everything you need (software-wise) to produce music.


Just get cubase+ez drummer (from wherever you want ;) ), and if you have problems, I will help you. It´s no big deal...as i already said - simple! :)


will EZDrummer work in Fruity Loops? I don't like downloading software cause I never know how to use it. I prefer the booklet in my hand for help rather than pulling up the "help" menu. And some cracked versions don't come with everything. did you buy both programs or download them?

thanks for all the help man, now I just need to figure out if I want Pro Tools or Cubase for mixing... hmm...

[Max-Anomalous]

im down to do some tabs, hehe.. just not sure i know how to do all that,... time changes mess me up, to write i mean... tim!?

[ruonitb]

@max: tabs, tabs, tabs!!! :D


@chaapy: I don´t know if fl supports ez drummer...however, I have fl somewhere, so, if I have the time, I can try it for you.

EZ drummer isn´t expensive...cubase is ofc. ;)
Don´t buy it if you aren´t sure that you need it...but well

H2O...Try before buy! ;)

[ChAAPY]

@chaapy: I don´t know if fl supports ez drummer...however, I have fl somewhere, so, if I have the time, I can try it for you.

EZ drummer isn´t expensive...cubase is ofc. ;)
Don´t buy it if you aren´t sure that you need it...but well

H2O...Try before buy! ;)

that would be cool if you could try it out, if not no biggie.

still don't know if I should get Cubase or Pro Tools for this. Pro Tools is so nice but I need Cubase if I get EZDrummer right?

[Metastasis]

that would be cool if you could try it out, if not no biggie.

still don't know if I should get Cubase or Pro Tools for this. Pro Tools is so nice but I need Cubase if I get EZDrummer right?

Pro Tools has the best editing interface of any recording program, and it has MIDI. The hardware is kind of annoying, though. I'd rather build my rack of preamps and a seperate mixing console than use Pro Tools propietary shit.

Software like Cubase is the cheaper, more convenient route (no propeitary gear) - and it's probably the best option for PC users.

I'm sure EZ Drummer will work with any software that is MIDI enabled.

[ChAAPY]

Pro Tools has the best editing interface of any recording program, and it has MIDI. The hardware is kind of annoying, though. I'd rather build my rack of preamps and a seperate mixing console than use Pro Tools propietary shit.

Software like Cubase is the cheaper, more convenient route (no propeitary gear) - and it's probably the best option for PC users.

I'm sure EZ Drummer will work with any software that is MIDI enabled.

sweet, I'll end up with Pro Tools more than likely since I'm doing all this on a Mac.

[ChAAPY]

Just get cubase+ez drummer (from wherever you want ;) ), and if you have problems, I will help you. It´s no big deal...as i already said - simple! :)

I got the H2O version from a torrent site. How do you program drums?

[God_Complex]

im down to do some tabs, hehe.. just not sure i know how to do all that,... time changes mess me up, to write i mean... tim!?


We should have a vote to see which song gets tabbed out first like Sleep Terror did back in the day with "Probing Tranquility"...... Oh and "Revelations" doesnt count.. haha.. I vote for "Metastasize!"

[ruonitb]

@chaapy: so, you got cubase now?

and ez drummer as well?

[ten_second_infinity]

so what exactly does it do when you dump it into CUBASE? do you mess around with the velocity and EQ? does CUBASE have a sequencer?

got any clips? I thought those Misogyny recordings were done in a studio and some of them in DKFH?

You set up all the toms and snares and shit in cubase, then dump it in, so you can individually EQ and change the velocity's and everything.. and you can even write the drums in CUBASE. The newest recording was done in a studio, but Womanure was done like I just said.. EZ Drummer just has drum samples, and you can fuck with the EQ somewhat, it doesn't have a sequencer.

[ten_second_infinity]

My friend knows a lot about cubase, and pro tools and most other software like that... I'll see if he can sign up here and give you some information.. all I know is that I'm probably not going to be using Pro Tools when I get my MAC.

[ChAAPY]

@chaapy: so, you got cubase now?

and ez drummer as well?

I don't ahve EZDrummer yet.. I downloaded a torrent of it but when I install it nothing happened.

I got the H20 version of Cubase SX3 and I've been reading up on the manual.. haven't even used the program to record anything yet cause I'm still getting familiar with everything.

[ChAAPY]

My friend knows a lot about cubase, and pro tools and most other software like that... I'll see if he can sign up here and give you some information.. all I know is that I'm probably not going to be using Pro Tools when I get my MAC.

that would be sweet... why aren't you going the Pro Tools route? I've been thinking the same thing after doing some research... Cubase just seems easier to work with and I'm sure it sounds just as good.

[ruonitb]

Hi!

Well, you can´t run ez drummer just like any other program. It´s a plugin for cubase. So, when you install it, install it in the steinberg/cubase/vstplugins folder.

Then you can start cubase and choose ez drummer as vst instrument. The only thing you need to do is to create a midi track then and choose ez drummer for the midi track.

I will give more informations later, got to hurry now!

But just try...maybe you can get it working. :)

[Metastasis]

We should have a vote to see which song gets tabbed out first like Sleep Terror did back in the day with "Probing Tranquility"...... Oh and "Revelations" doesnt count.. haha.. I vote for "Metastasize!"

If we decide to make tabs, then we'll definitely make a tab book of the whole EP. We also want to make another shred vid that is more instructional.

[ChAAPY]

Hi!

Well, you can´t run ez drummer just like any other program. It´s a plugin for cubase. So, when you install it, install it in the steinberg/cubase/vstplugins folder.

Then you can start cubase and choose ez drummer as vst instrument. The only thing you need to do is to create a midi track then and choose ez drummer for the midi track.

I will give more informations later, got to hurry now!

But just try...maybe you can get it working. :)

I got EZdrummer to open up in Cubase but I can't figure out how to open the drum editor when starting a new project. meaning I don't know how to just start writing drums in Cubase. When I start the program up and select "new project" the drum editor and everything is grey and it won't let me open it. I'm going to read up on it more though so I can fix this.

[tenorbass]

I am having some more problems. When my singer sings in his mic thru my speakers using my 1/8 to 1/4 it comes out both speakers. When I mic my amp then open CEP> mutli track> Click R on track 1> Click record, It comes out only the right speaker! But I have the pan at 0 so whats the problem?

[Metastasis]

I am having some more problems. When my singer sings in his mic thru my speakers using my 1/8 to 1/4 it comes out both speakers. When I mic my amp then open CEP> mutli track> Click R on track 1> Click record, It comes out only the right speaker! But I have the pan at 0 so whats the problem?

Did you make it a mono track? Make sure you do this and assign it to whatever side the channel input is on your hardware device (L or R).

[tenorbass]

On my audio options their all paned to the center. I didnt try to make a mono track in CEP, Do I need to fix some settings in CEP? The pan in CEP is at 0 also

I just double checked my mic comes out mono when recording and when its sung thru the speakers. Is my 1/4 to 1/8 mono or the soundcard?

[Metastasis]

I'm not sure what you mean...does your waveform track look like two tracks in one and the waveform itself is only on one side? If so, this means it is a stereo track and needs to be set to mono. You can't pan a stereo track. Just click on the input/output settings button on the channel near the volume/eq settings and set the channel to mono.

The 8th inch to quarter inch shouldn't make a difference in mono/stereo - just unbalanced vs. balanced.

[Metastasis]

I got EZdrummer to open up in Cubase but I can't figure out how to open the drum editor when starting a new project. meaning I don't know how to just start writing drums in Cubase. When I start the program up and select "new project" the drum editor and everything is grey and it won't let me open it. I'm going to read up on it more though so I can fix this.

This can be confusing. First start a new project and then go to VST instruments (I thinks it's under devices). Pick EZDrummer and it should open up the samples and a bunch of VST channels. Then you have to open a MIDI channel and make sure to assign the output to EZDrummer. Before you can start plotting, you need to draw out a track with the pencil - this is the part that had me stumped for a while. After you draw out a track (you just click and drag horizontally) you need to click on the "Edit in place" button on the MIDI channel and you should be set.

[ruonitb]

Yep, open a midi track, and pick ez drummer in the output settings. In the settings of the midi channel you can also choose between a key editor and a drum editor (gm map i think). Then just draw a track with the pencil and double click on it - the drumeditor should open then. Ah, and you don´t have to bother about the length of the track you draw...you can make it longer/cut it later anyway!

[ChAAPY]

thanks guys. I'm going to try it out today but I'd rather just import the MIDI file from GP5 into CUBASE since I already wrote the drums in that program and did all the velocity changes. don't really feel like doing it again, haha.

also, I downloaded the DKFH expansion packf or EZDrummer.. how do I get that to show up in CUBASE? shoudln't it be under "EZX LIBRARIES" in EZDrummer? I'm not sure how to open a torrent that is a HYRBID DVDR.. don't even know that means.

*edit* fuck this shit is annoying. I did what you guys said and when I drew a line across the event display nothing happened, still can't get this shit working.

*edit again* YES! I got it now, haha. I wasn't drawing where it said MIDI

now if I can just figure out how to send the kick and snare to their own seperate mixer and EQ it.

[tenorbass]

I'm not sure what you mean...does your waveform track look like two tracks in one and the waveform itself is only on one side? If so, this means it is a stereo track and needs to be set to mono. You can't pan a stereo track. Just click on the input/output settings button on the channel near the volume/eq settings and set the channel to mono.

The 8th inch to quarter inch shouldn't make a difference in mono/stereo - just unbalanced vs. balanced.

Ok. I did a screen shot of CEP. Screen shot of my soundcard/ mix set up. And an mp3 of my shitty drums and shitty guitar :emot-LOL:

http://www.sendspace.com/file/geidot

Track 1 in CEP is drums and Track 2 is the guitar signal

[Metastasis]

Okay, so it's just what I though it was. You need to make it a mono track. You see the two grey buttons underneath the record-enable, solo and mute buttons in the track channel settings? The bottom one, REC1, is the one you need to open (it's exactly to the right of the pan setting). When you open this it will give you the option of making the track stereo, or you can pick left channel, or right channel. Since your input is coming through the left channel, pick the left channel.

Cool Edit Pro sees left and right as seperate inputs, you always have to pick a left or right channel when recording a mono track. And don't worry - this doesn't mean you won't be able to pan it, it's just a recording setting. Playback will be in the center and you'll be able to adjust pan.

[tenorbass]

I tried go rec1 options and then I chose right and it came thru both headphones. Thanks.

[coloredCYANIDE]

Hey guys, I'm new here.

Let me start by saying Cognitive Dissonance was awe-inspiring to say the least, there isn't a death/grind/prog band out there that I've listened to this long without getting tired of it. So Tim/Max/Nate, phenomenal job, keep it up, and I hope you guys find a drummer soon.

I've been reading a lot of stuff here about recording/self producing, seems as though I'm pretty far behind, but I'm getting a ton of ideas. Right now I'm just working with whatever I've got though, until I can afford better stuff.

If any of you guys get a chance could you tell me what you think of my music? Listen to "Illusion" on www.myspace.com/carcinomic.

Keep in mind, this is a fairly low end ibanez guitar through a solid state b-52 halfstack (upgraded to a JSX afterwards), through a PC mic, bass from a practice amp, and a less than good drum machine/samples. Any suggestions besides "get better shit" are appreciated :)

[Necro Nick]

I use FL and gp4. I gave dumping a midi of drums from a tab in gp4 into FL a try but got stuck after the import! my piano roll came up with all the velocity and everything I just couldn't get the rest

[ChAAPY]

I use FL and gp4. I gave dumping a midi of drums from a tab in gp4 into FL a try but got stuck after the import! my piano roll came up with all the velocity and everything I just couldn't get the rest

I had this same problem for a bit, check out the last page or 2nd to last page on the DECREPIT BIRTH forum in the FRUITY LOOPS TUTORIAL STICKY thread. FORBIDDEN (Adam) explained it all to me there.

[Metastasis]

Hey guys, I'm new here.

Let me start by saying Cognitive Dissonance was awe-inspiring to say the least, there isn't a death/grind/prog band out there that I've listened to this long without getting tired of it. So Tim/Max/Nate, phenomenal job, keep it up, and I hope you guys find a drummer soon.

I've been reading a lot of stuff here about recording/self producing, seems as though I'm pretty far behind, but I'm getting a ton of ideas. Right now I'm just working with whatever I've got though, until I can afford better stuff.

If any of you guys get a chance could you tell me what you think of my music? Listen to "Illusion" on www.myspace.com/carcinomic.

Keep in mind, this is a fairly low end ibanez guitar through a solid state b-52 halfstack (upgraded to a JSX afterwards), through a PC mic, bass from a practice amp, and a less than good drum machine/samples. Any suggestions besides "get better shit" are appreciated :)

Right on, dude. I listened , and I gotta say that the performance of the guitars and bass are really spot on, it's just the drums sound thin and hollow. So, I'm sorry that I have to say this, but get better shit! I recommend Drumkit From Hell Superior for the drums and either a line 6 (compromise) or a finely tuned Rectifier tube amp (ideal) for the guitars.

Oh, and Mic, Mic preamp, and sound card quality is extremely crucial. As is the quality of the instrument itself.

[Necro Nick]

perfection

[coloredCYANIDE]

Right on, dude. I listened , and I gotta say that the performance of the guitars and bass are really spot on, it's just the drums sound thin and hollow. So, I'm sorry that I have to say this, but get better shit! I recommend Drumkit From Hell Superior for the drums and either a line 6 (compromise) or a finely tuned Rectifier tube amp (ideal) for the guitars.

Oh, and Mic, Mic preamp, and sound card quality is extremely crucial. As is the quality of the instrument itself.

Thanks man. Hopefully my scholarship at VCU is still there after last semester, and I'll have some extra money to get some much needed equipment and software. I did pick up a Peavey JSX afterwards though, it sounds so much better than my last amp, and I'm pretty close to getting an Ibanez prestige too, so hopefully things will work out.

The whole CD is here if anyone wants to check it out:

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=5240YCSO

[ChAAPY]

Oh, and Mic, Mic preamp, and sound card quality is extremely crucial. As is the quality of the instrument itself.

something like this? http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/FireWireSolo-main.html

I want to get one for recording guitars and that's about it. But I'm also wondering if it's going to hurt the sound quality when I'm mixing/mastering my tracks.

[Metastasis]

something like this? http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/FireWireSolo-main.html

I want to get one for recording guitars and that's about it. But I'm also wondering if it's going to hurt the sound quality when I'm mixing/mastering my tracks.

That's probably a fine sound card (although internals are probably better, IMO) but the preamp might be sketchy. If you want to use it to record ideas it is fine, in fact I use a similar extrenal soundcard (a Tascam usb external soundcard) to write and record riffs.

Sound cards do affect playback quality, and latency. In addition, a good video card is pretty important when running intense software.

My ideal set up is a stereo class A tube preamp like a Vintech or Avalon going into some kind of analog mixer (not sure yet, we did use a Soundcraft Spirit Digital 328 console for CD) or maybe a FirePod, which would then connect to a high quality internal sound card like An M-Audio Delta - this all ending at a pair of either Adam A7's or Genelec 8030A's (which are probably too small).

[ChAAPY]

I was going to use it to record all my guitar tracks. Go from my guitar to the v-amp, from the v-amp to the firewire then right into the computer (Mac)

[Metastasis]

I didn't realize it was Firewire. It'll probably work much better than my Tascam usb POS in terms of playback latency. M Audio is a good brand, too.

[ontogeny]

Recording anomalous was good times.

[Metastasis]

Recording anomalous was good times.
Nate exists!

Yeah, man...we totally need to step up bass production for the full length, the shit on CD is raw as fuck. Still good times, though.

[Willith]

I recommend Drumkit From Hell Superior for the drums and either a line 6 (compromise) or a finely tuned Rectifier tube amp (ideal) for the guitars.




I've got a line 6, which I believe sounds like shit, that I'd be willing to part with, if the price is right.

[ChAAPY]

I didn't realize it was Firewire. It'll probably work much better than my Tascam usb POS in terms of playback latency. M Audio is a good brand, too.

you have DKFH Superior right? How is it? Easy to work with? I was wondering if it lets you EQ each drum individualy (snare, kick, etc.) cause I've been trieing to do that with EZDrummer in Cubase... can't seem to figure out how. I was going to get EZDrummer with the DKFH Expansion pack but for the price, I might as well just get DKFH Superior.. I know DKFHS uses a lot of RAM (a gig right?) but that won't be a problem for me sine I'll be using it on a brand new Mac.

[Metastasis]

you have DKFH Superior right? How is it? Easy to work with? I was wondering if it lets you EQ each drum individualy (snare, kick, etc.) cause I've been trieing to do that with EZDrummer in Cubase... can't seem to figure out how. I was going to get EZDrummer with the DKFH Expansion pack but for the price, I might as well just get DKFH Superior.. I know DKFHS uses a lot of RAM (a gig right?) but that won't be a problem for me sine I'll be using it on a brand new Mac.

Yeah, Superior takes up quite a bit of hard drive space, too (35 Gig). It does not have EQ (just cut/res-envelope), so I use seperate Wave plug ins to tweak each drum in Cubase. It does allow you to adjust the microphone leakage (which mic pics up which outside sound); it gives it a more natural sound.

To use plug ins, click on the effects button (I think it is a small "e") on the track you want to tweak and it will open a window where you can select an effect.

How are EZdrummers' samples? Do you know if they sound any better than Superior? I also heard it is much more user-friendly.

[ChAAPY]

To use plug ins, click on the effects button (I think it is a small "e") on the track you want to tweak and it will open a window where you can select an effect.


I know how to do that, it's putting each the kick/snare/cymbals/etc. into seprate mixing channles that I can't do. So I can adjust the kick without fucking with the rest of the drums.

How are EZdrummers' samples? Do you know if they sound any better than Superior? I also heard it is much more user-friendly

EZdrummer is simple shit, very user-friendly and it takes less than a day to get use too. I've never used Superior so I couldn't tell you, but I have read a lot of mixed reviews about that program. Do you have any audio clips or something you've been working on or just messing around with?

[Necro Nick]

fuck ya. i'm sick of my computer speakers. i want a pair of KRK vxt series monitors!

[ruonitb]

chaapy: you can EQ everything with ez drummer as well, you just have to route everything to a channel. In the mixer of ez drummer you can choose which part of the drumset you want on which track, then you have to configure cubase.

I don´t know which version of cubase you are using, but I´m using cubase sx3 and it does the routing automatically. So maybe you just need to get a newer version of cubase to get rid of that problem. :)
(it´s possible with every version of cubase of course, but you have to do it yourself then ;) ).

I think the samples of ez drummer are the same as in dfh superior...superior just has a shitload more. But with the dfh addon for ez drummer you pretty much got everything you need I think. ;)


Btw, I recorded something two days ago with my toneport ux2 and ez drummer. The mix isn´t finished yet and I don´t use a comressor on the mixdown or anything but I still think the sound is pretty good. The left guitar is not loud enough, kick is too loud and the guitars lack of highs...need to fix that. Any comments on this would be nice. :)

http://www.file-upload.net/download-298930/mesh002-05.mp3.html

[ChAAPY]

chaapy: you can EQ everything with ez drummer as well, you just have to route everything to a channel. In the mixer of ez drummer you can choose which part of the drumset you want on which track, then you have to configure cubase.

I don´t know which version of cubase you are using, but I´m using cubase sx3 and it does the routing automatically. So maybe you just need to get a newer version of cubase to get rid of that problem. :)
(it´s possible with every version of cubase of course, but you have to do it yourself then ;) ).

I think the samples of ez drummer are the same as in dfh superior...superior just has a shitload more. But with the dfh addon for ez drummer you pretty much got everything you need I think. ;)


Btw, I recorded something two days ago with my toneport ux2 and ez drummer. The mix isn´t finished yet and I don´t use a comressor on the mixdown or anything but I still think the sound is pretty good. The left guitar is not loud enough, kick is too loud and the guitars lack of highs...need to fix that. Any comments on this would be nice. :)

http://www.file-upload.net/download-298930/mesh002-05.mp3.html


I have the H20 verison of Cubase SX3. When I bring up EZDrummer is Cubase gives me 8 different channels so to speak. ezdrummer (the whole kit I guess) and then EZ1-EZ8... they all say "Volume" though so I'm clueless to it.

*edit* I think I figured it out. I just open up the mixer in EZDrummer like you said and assign each channel to EZ1-EZ8... still confused on what EZ1-EZ8 even is.

that clip you posted was pretty cool. how did you get it to be "loud" without clipping? that's something I'm always having trouble with.. something to do with your soundcard perhaps?

[ruonitb]

well, my soundcard is the toneport ux2 (its modeller+soundcard :) ).
I didn´t really have to turn it that much louder...what you here are 4 guitar tracks and I used the steinberg loudness maximizer on them as well as far as i remember. ;)

Yeah, so, you got everything you need...select a track (the first one is for the whole kit, in this one you program the drums with the editor. The other tracks below the first one are for the single parts of the drumset...the first one is bassdrum, second one is kick.
Select a track and on the left side you have the options for eq and insert effects, send effects etc.

[Metastasis]

fuck ya. i'm sick of my computer speakers. i want a pair of KRK vxt series monitors!

That would definitely be a step up from computer speaks, but I have heard some mixed things about KRK's, including over-hyped shrillness that leads to quick hearing fatigue and darker mixes. But, for the price, they are pretty good. I'm looking at either a pair of Genelec 8030A's or Adam A7's (which I hear are the best bang for your buck).

And about loudness maximization/mastering I usually use either the LinMB Wave plug in and/or iZotope Ozone.

[ChAAPY]

sorry to sound like a n00b again, but can anyone tell me the difference between "zero-latency hardware direct monitoring" and "low-latency ASIO software direct monitoring".. I'm thinking of getting that M-Audio Firewire Audiophile but I want ZERO latency when it comes time to record and monitor.

[Necro Nick]

I haven't heard about Genelec 8030A's or Adam A7's but now I'm considering my options!

[Metastasis]

sorry to sound like a n00b again, but can anyone tell me the difference between "zero-latency hardware direct monitoring" and "low-latency ASIO software direct monitoring".. I'm thinking of getting that M-Audio Firewire Audiophile but I want ZERO latency when it comes time to record and monitor.

Well, if you want zero latency, then you need zero latency direct montioring. I've used ASIO and I had to adjust the latency by lowering the buffer setting samples to 512. For Cubase drum programming, you'll need 1028 samples for it to work without dropouts in playback or delays in monitoring. I've never used the M-Audio Firewire sound card, so i can't say if it allows for a high buffer rate, but it probably should.

On a side note, I recently caved in and purchased a Line 6 Podxt and I gotta say that it's a pretty cool little device. It actually acts as an extrenal sound card and has better Latency than my internal (which I need to replace, however, as I'm shopping for a high quality card with zero latency).

[ChAAPY]

Well, if you want zero latency, then you need zero latency direct montioring. I've used ASIO and I had to adjust the latency by lowering the buffer setting samples to 512. For Cubase drum programming, you'll need 1028 samples for it to work without dropouts in playback or delays in monitoring. I've never used the M-Audio Firewire sound card, so i can't say if it allows for a high buffer rate, but it probably should.

On a side note, I recently caved in and purchased a Line 6 Podxt and I gotta say that it's a pretty cool little device. It actually acts as an extrenal sound card and has better Latency than my internal (which I need to replace, however, as I'm shopping for a high quality card with zero latency).

thanks. what kind of card are you thinking about getting?

[Metastasis]

I'm thinking about the M Audio Delta 1010:

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/Delta1010/

Which would have stereo outs going to:

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/A7/

Fuck yeah, I can't wait to have a complete mixing set up. Later I'm going to look into a Vintech class A tube Mic preamp for recording.

[ChAAPY]

ah the Delta 1010, I've read good things about it. I was reading reviews last night again and this seems like the shit - http://www.samedaymusic.com/product--RMEFIREFACE

I don't have that kind of money to drop on a card, but this thing looks fucking NICE.

[Metastasis]

Yeah it's kind of expensive, but I'm looking for quality, and judging by what I have read, the 1010 looks like it's going to be it.

ETA: Oh, I checked your link...that Firewire rackmount is pretty damn impressive. The only thing is that I'd probably rather go with a sepreate internal soundcard like the 1010 in conjunction with a Presonus FirePod and Vintech Tube Preamp instead of an all-in-one deal.

[ruonitb]

Ah...I got a question.

Meta, as far as I know you are using cubase as well right?

I just started to play around with vst amps etc. (I know that you don´t use such stuff to record but maybe you can answer my question anyway ;) ).

Basically I want to record a clean guitar signal and reamp it later...but while recording I want to hear some distorted guitar sound.
But whenever I use a virtual amp it records the sound...so, I only want to hear the effect but I want to record the clean guitar signal.


Do you know how to do this?

[tenorbass]

Hello again. I am having alot of problems getting a nice tone dialed in on guitar. I have a Mid, Treble and Bass setting both on my amp and distortion. You were talking about cranking the mids up all the way on the distortion and I found that this made my guitar sound very bad. If you could give me some hints on getting a good balance between distortion settings and amp settings to help give me a good audible tone.

[Metastasis]

Ah...I got a question.

Meta, as far as I know you are using cubase as well right?

I just started to play around with vst amps etc. (I know that you don´t use such stuff to record but maybe you can answer my question anyway ;) ).

Basically I want to record a clean guitar signal and reamp it later...but while recording I want to hear some distorted guitar sound.
But whenever I use a virtual amp it records the sound...so, I only want to hear the effect but I want to record the clean guitar signal.


Do you know how to do this?
That's funny because Nate was just talking about this...where is that dude?
I'm not sure about that, can you control the ins and outs of the virtual amp? Maybe assign it only to monitor or playback of some kind? Just a guess.

[Metastasis]

Hello again. I am having alot of problems getting a nice tone dialed in on guitar. I have a Mid, Treble and Bass setting both on my amp and distortion. You were talking about cranking the mids up all the way on the distortion and I found that this made my guitar sound very bad. If you could give me some hints on getting a good balance between distortion settings and amp settings to help give me a good audible tone.

Did I say crank the mids? That's usually not a good idea unless you are going for a very different kind of tone. For me,the EQ is not as crucial as the source of the distortion. Is it digital or tube? Are you able to adjust the gain? Can you crank the gain and find a balance with your noise gate and the clarity of the notes?

Anyway, if you're going for a more typical metal sound, then I recommend scooping or lightly attenuating the mids, raising the shrilly highs a hair and take it easy with the bass. of course, the best way to dial in a sound is to use a parametric eq with adjustable Q (how wide the frequency is being cut/raised). After you select a specific Q, make a raise or cut and cycle through the frequency range. See what this does to your tone. Oh, and a little BBE Sonic Max can't hurt. I mean a little, though.

I recently bought a PODxt and I find the tone to be pretty abysmal. I still have to dial it in, though. I still think tubes are the way to go.

[tenorbass]

Its a digital distortion. I am using the pedal with my amp. I can adjust the gain, The gain really doesnt effect the notes clarity very much. I am looking for a very defined tone but still with a thick distortion. I know most metal players use 0 mids and crank the treble up. I would like something like Element meets Nile on AOTW.

[ruonitb]

0 mids suck...if you are playing in a band or recording guitars you need mids.
If you have 0 mids you will have no chance in the mix with your guitar.

For recording: don´t use too much bass (because these frequencies are for the kick drum + bass guitar) and definitely use more mids than bass.
The guitars are very present in the mix in the mid-frequencies - high frequencies are important too. :)

And seriously: I doubt that anyone playing in a band (with at least a bit experience) is playing with 0 mids. Just try it with your band (or in a mix, if you are recording). :)


@meta:

ah, I basically know how it would work...but it doesn´t - so i guess I do something wrong. ;)

I have to open an effects chan, choose an effect (in this case some modeller/virtual amp). Then open an audio track and send the effect chan to the audio track (with pre fader)...then I have to put the pre fader in the chan down or something. :/

Ah, well...shit...thanks anyway! : D

[THATDUDE7]

Its a digital distortion. I am using the pedal with my amp. I can adjust the gain, The gain really doesnt effect the notes clarity very much. I am looking for a very defined tone but still with a thick distortion. I know most metal players use 0 mids and crank the treble up. I would like something like Element meets Nile on AOTW.

i cant help you much but i know the guitar son AOTW are layered as fuck so that they are thick and meaty. Always remember that the guitar is not the only instrument in the band so dont cut mids/boost bass or anything. it needs to let everyone else have room and come together as an ensamble.

[THATDUDE7]

also does anyone know anything about SONAR 6?

[ontogeny]

doing tabs for revelations would SUCKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK

[THATDUDE7]

lol

[ontogeny]

tabs for metastisize would be equally as difficult if not harder

[ruonitb]

ah, if anyone bothers: here is a vid of me playing the song of my band I posted a while ago:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_9ygjg_tOE


:)

[Metastasis]

Nice sweeps...and am I hearing atmospherics during the music (i.e., explodo)? BTW, love the falling bottle at the beginning! haha.

[ruonitb]

thanks!

atmospherics? huh? :o

yeah, that bottle owns haha

[tenorbass]

Nice playing Ruonitb. How did you learn to sweep like that? Any videos or lessons you used?

[ChAAPY]

ah, if anyone bothers: here is a vid of me playing the song of my band I posted a while ago:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_9ygjg_tOE


:)

sweet solo man. the sound quality was kind of rough but good job none the less.

[ruonitb]

thanks

no, didn´t really use any vids/online lessons (got a guitar teacher though). however - its all about practicing slow and daily. :)


I never get a good quality from my videos...they sound better when I watch them on my cam, as soon as I copy them on the pc the quality is fucked...I think movie maker converts it sucky. ;)
need to check the settings.

[ChAAPY]

So tell me what you guys think of this idea. Shoot me down if it sounds jacked up cause I really don't know shit about hooking up audio interfaces to Macs and Monitors.

I figured I'd get me this little guy - http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/FireWireSolo-main.html

Going into these monitors - http://www.sweetwater.com/store/closeup/HS50M--rear.jpg

I'd plug my guitar into my VAMP Pro and take a 1/4 in. cable from the back of the Vamp (unbalanced) into the M-Audio interface (unbalanced Line Input 1)

The M-Audio would go into the back of my Mac (using Firewire) and the HS monitors would go from their Inputs to the M-Audio interface using the 2 Balanced Line Outputs on the M-Audio interface.

Is this right or am did I fuck up? Maybe I should just go from the back of the VAMP into the Guitar IN jack on the interface, using the VAMP as an "effect" so to speak instead of coming out of the back with the unbalanced connection input.

[ontogeny]

yeah it was pretty cool man. sweep that shit

[Metastasis]

So tell me what you guys think of this idea. Shoot me down if it sounds jacked up cause I really don't know shit about hooking up audio interfaces to Macs and Monitors.

I figured I'd get me this little guy - http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/FireWireSolo-main.html

Going into these monitors - http://www.sweetwater.com/store/closeup/HS50M--rear.jpg

I'd plug my guitar into my VAMP Pro and take a 1/4 in. cable from the back of the Vamp (unbalanced) into the M-Audio interface (unbalanced Line Input 1)

The M-Audio would go into the back of my Mac (using Firewire) and the HS monitors would go from their Inputs to the M-Audio interface using the 2 Balanced Line Outputs on the M-Audio interface.

Is this right or am did I fuck up? Maybe I should just go from the back of the VAMP into the Guitar IN jack on the interface, using the VAMP as an "effect" so to speak instead of coming out of the back with the unbalanced connection input.
I think using the V-Amp as an effect makes more sense. Otherwise, it would be like having two soundcards (if the V-Amp is anything like a POD, then it acts as a soundcard for direct recording/monitoring), but I'm sure both would work.

Let me know how it goes.

[ChAAPY]

I think using the V-Amp as an effect makes more sense. Otherwise, it would be like having two soundcards (if the V-Amp is anything like a POD, then it acts as a soundcard for direct recording/monitoring), but I'm sure both would work.

Let me know how it goes.

hmmmm, the VAMP is 24/96 but I don't know if it acts as a sound card (it's possible, I don't know shit about that haha)

So the way I described everything is good? I always get confused with the Line In and Out parts. If that's how I should hook everything up then I'm ordering this stuff by the end of the month. Can't fucking wait too! Cubase 4 FTW!

[Metastasis]

hmmmm, the VAMP is 24/96 but I don't know if it acts as a sound card (it's possible, I don't know shit about that haha)

So the way I described everything is good? I always get confused with the Line In and Out parts. If that's how I should hook everything up then I'm ordering this stuff by the end of the month. Can't fucking wait too! Cubase 4 FTW!

Yeah, man, sounds good to me. Fuck, I need to get Cubase 4!

Myself, I'm about to get a Presonus FirePod - zero latency and 8 balanced mic inputs at a really good price.

And then, a pair of Adam A7's FTW!!

[ChAAPY]

And then, a pair of Adam A7's FTW!!

I'd like to check those out one day. can't afford them at this time though.

I think I'm going to get this interface instead - http://www.audiomidi.com/FireWire-410-P3688.aspx

zero latency hardware monitoring you said right? that means I won't get any latency when I record (which is what I want)

[ontogeny]

firepod's are the shit! They act as excellent preamps for recording drums, give a mean signal boost to bass instruments, and guitar recordings

[ChAAPY]

zero latency hardware monitoring you said right? that means I won't get any latency when I record (which is what I want)

?

[coloredCYANIDE]

alright Tim! try this on for size.

www.myspace.com/carcinomic

it's "Druglord". let me know what you think quality-wise, cause I changed a lot of my methods. the drum machine there is only slightly better though.

[Metastasis]

zero latency hardware monitoring you said right? that means I won't get any latency when I record (which is what I want)

Exactly, no delay between your actual playing and the monitoring of your playing through your software. And it'll help with playback glitchiness, as well - although your computer's memory affects this, too.

[Metastasis]

alright Tim! try this on for size.

www.myspace.com/carcinomic

it's "Druglord". let me know what you think quality-wise, cause I changed a lot of my methods. the drum machine there is only slightly better though.

Wow, this a great improvement! In both composition and sound. Although, I still think DFH Superior would do you better, but you got some pretty natural tone out of the samples you're using using. Also, the overall mix is kind of dark and maybe a little quiet - did you try to master it? I recommend Isotope Ozone and Waves plug ins to EQ/master.

Nice solo! Keep it coming, man.

[ChAAPY]

Exactly, no delay between your actual playing and the monitoring of your playing through your software. And it'll help with playback glitchiness, as well - although your computer's memory affects this, too.

sweet... last question man, I promise haha - When I hook up the Yahmaha monitors I go into the Line OUTPUTS of the soundcard right? Cause that M-Audio 410 interface only has 2 Line INPUTS and I need to plug my V-AMP into one of those.

*edit* fuck, I'm so indecisive... the only reason I was going for that 410 soundcard was beause it has zero latency direct monitoring... but I'm going to be doing all this shit on a brand new Mac with 218 gigs of memory so I guess if I get the cheaper card (Firewire solo) I can go into the guitar jack on it and still have 2 line Inputs that are free. The Firewire solo has near-zero latency but I shouldn't have a latency problems if I'm using it on a Mac with that much memory right?

[Metastasis]

Chaapy - you are coming out of the outputs of the soundcard into the INPUTS of the monitors. This may sound nitpicky, but it's important to understand the recording chain to prevent confusion.

You should check this one out, Nate uses it for Ontogeny and he's never complained - 10 ins and outs with zero latency hardware monitroign at great price:

http://www.zzounds.com/item--MDOD1010LT

[ChAAPY]

Chaapy - you are coming out of the outputs of the soundcard into the INPUTS of the monitors. This may sound nitpicky, but it's important to understand the recording chain to prevent confusion.

You should check this one out, Nate uses it for Ontogeny and he's never complained - 10 ins and outs with zero latency hardware monitroign at great price:

http://www.zzounds.com/item--MDOD1010LT

Got it, I was thinking the same thing but I guess I worded it wrong. I understand you can go from an INPUT to another INPUT. Only problem with that soundcard you posted in that link is I have no idea how that would hook up to my Mac. hmmm... I was going to go Firewire but some of these PCI cards sound better. I'm guessing in order to hook up the V-AMP to that card I would need to go from the XLR outputs of the V-AMP into the XLR inputs of the card.

[THATDUDE7]

how do you intsall that sound card? im thinking of purchasing it.

[Metastasis]

Got it, I was thinking the same thing but I guess I worded it wrong. I understand you can go from an INPUT to another INPUT. Only problem with that soundcard you posted in that link is I have no idea how that would hook up to my Mac. hmmm... I was going to go Firewire but some of these PCI cards sound better. I'm guessing in order to hook up the V-AMP to that card I would need to go from the XLR outputs of the V-AMP into the XLR inputs of the card.

Mac's don't have PCI slots? I'm kind of Mac-illitterate, forgive me. And firewire is probably the better route to go, but the PCI card is so much cheaper, and plus you don't have to buy a firewire card (although you probably already have one on Mac).

[ChAAPY]

Mac's don't have PCI slots? I'm kind of Mac-illitterate, forgive me. And firewire is probably the better route to go, but the PCI card is so much cheaper, and plus you don't have to buy a firewire card (although you probably already have one on Mac).

yep, for Firewire I just go from the Interface right into the Firewire slot. The Interface I was talking about comes with the firewire chord as well. And I'm positive the Mac has a firewire card. The PCI slot would require me to have someone come out to my house and install it for me cause if I fuck it up, Apple is not responsible. I'm thinking of going for the M-Audio 410 Firewire Interface even though I've read some bad reviews on it. Most of the negative reviews are from kids who don't even know how to install the damn thing.

Do you know what type of cable I need for this interface to hook up my guitar? I know the VAMP needs a Female XLR cable to plug into it but I've never seen this before - http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/FireWire410-main.html

I'm guessing I need a Female on one end and a Male on the other? After figureing this out I'm sooo fucking ordering this shit by Friday, haha.

[Metastasis]

yep, for Firewire I just go from the Interface right into the Firewire slot. The Interface I was talking about comes with the firewire chord as well. And I'm positive the Mac has a firewire card. The PCI slot would require me to have someone come out to my house and install it for me cause if I fuck it up, Apple is not responsible. I'm thinking of going for the M-Audio 410 Firewire Interface even though I've read some bad reviews on it. Most of the negative reviews are from kids who don't even know how to install the damn thing.

Do you know what type of cable I need for this interface to hook up my guitar? I know the VAMP needs a Female XLR cable to plug into it but I've never seen this before - http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/FireWire410-main.html

I'm guessing I need a Female on one end and a Male on the other? After figureing this out I'm sooo fucking ordering this shit by Friday, haha.
Those are combined XLR/1/4 " TS, meaning you can plug either a mic cable or a 1/4 " instrument/patch cord into either input. I've settled, as well, and it's for sure the firepod.

[ChAAPY]

Those are combined XLR/1/4 " TS, meaning you can plug either a mic cable or a 1/4 " instrument/patch cord into either input. I've settled, as well, and it's for sure the firepod.

Really? that's fucking awesome, I almost bought $30 XLR cable cause I didn't know what the hell that was. When are you getting the Firepod? I'm ordering so much shit this weekend. Yamaha HS monitors, Cubase 4, EZDrummer and DKFH expansion pack, the M-Audio interface... can't wait!

[ruonitb]

Weeee...new recording PC ordered today.

CPU: E6750! :D

[ontogeny]

the firepod is a really cool interface. I would actually recommend motu firewire devices as well. They are less "glitchy" then the firepod.

[coloredCYANIDE]

Wow, this a great improvement! In both composition and sound. Although, I still think DFH Superior would do you better, but you got some pretty natural tone out of the samples you're using using. Also, the overall mix is kind of dark and maybe a little quiet - did you try to master it? I recommend Isotope Ozone and Waves plug ins to EQ/master.

Nice solo! Keep it coming, man.

I had to turn the mix down a whole bunch cause the bass kept clipping. There's 2 bass tracks, 4 guitar tracks (each side has one track focusing on mid and treble tone, one with mid and low tone, and from there it's easy to mix and match). I'll check out that program for EQ and mastering, I've been looking for something like that.

Thanks Tim, the first solo is mine, the 2nd is the other guitarist. I'll keep you posted on future recordings!

[ruonitb]

If a track is clipping then you have to use the compressor! :)
Then you can turn the whole track louder.

[ChAAPY]

If a track is clipping then you have to use the compressor! :)
Then you can turn the whole track louder.

what compressor do you use in Cubase SX3? that Multiband one is fucking awesome!!! I just use the presets for now cause I know fuck all about compression. I know it's your best friend, but understand how to use it is over my head right now. Do you use it mostly as a send effect or a line effect? I'd imagine it's suppose to be used as a line effect so it effects all of your audio signal right?

I want to use the Drumset preset in the Multiband Compressor in Cubase but I can only add it to a certain track (the kick, the snare, the overhead, the room, etc.) I want the whole kit compressed using it but I can't use that effect on a MIDI file. How do I record the MIDI info into an Audio track? Everytime I open the MIDI track with an Audio track and hit record, I get no sound on the Audio track when I play it back?

[ruonitb]

Hi!

I think I downloaded a few different compressors (there are free ones) - every compressor sounds different.
Try to get used to compressors, using presets isn´t the best thing to do...play around with it and read about it; there are several sites on the net. :)

If you want the whole drum track as a audio file, just do a mixdown (set the drum midi chan to solo play, so it only plays the midi chan, then make the audio mixdown).

If you record bass, you can record with the compressor if you want...not too much tho. Same with vocals I think.

You should use different settings for every instrument of course.

[ChAAPY]

Hi!

I think I downloaded a few different compressors (there are free ones) - every compressor sounds different.
Try to get used to compressors, using presets isn´t the best thing to do...play around with it and read about it; there are several sites on the net. :)

If you want the whole drum track as a audio file, just do a mixdown (set the drum midi chan to solo play, so it only plays the midi chan, then make the audio mixdown).

If you record bass, you can record with the compressor if you want...not too much tho. Same with vocals I think.

You should use different settings for every instrument of course.

haha, yes a mixdown! I hate getting frustrated with software sometimes when the solution is alwasy so simple.

Any recommendations for Compression Plug-Ins? I'm going to do more reading on what everything on it does (threshold, ratio, gain, etc.)... I'm just using some presets right now for rough demos. I do want to learn how to use one because they are pretty much essential now in recording.

Do you usually record you guitars in mono then pan them L and R? Or do you record in Stereo and pan L and R? n00b question.

[Metastasis]

Waves! R-comp, Lin-MultiBand, Ultramaximizer.

ETA: Mono, panned. Up to you if you want to go for the quad tracking or not.

[ruonitb]

Check this site for free compressors:
http://www.kvraudio.com/get.php?mode=results&st=f&q=compressor

there are a lot of other sites too of course.

I record mono and pan the tracks. If I want two guitar tracks, I record it twice, since I won´t get the "double-effect" with recording stereo.
Then I could also record the guitar mono, copy the track and change some settings. But that´s not too useful...if you want to double guitar tracks, you have to play them twice or more.

You double the guitars because you want a "bigger/fatter" sound, and the sound gets bigger/fatter because noone can play exactly the same two times...and the little differences in the two guitar tracks make it sound better (actually thats not a new idea or something - classical orchestras have for example not only one viola, since 5 violas sound better than one (its not about the volume)).
So, really double the guitar tracks, don´t record stereo. ;)

[THATDUDE7]

this thread is awesome.

[ChAAPY]

Check this site for free compressors:
http://www.kvraudio.com/get.php?mode=results&st=f&q=compressor

there are a lot of other sites too of course.

I record mono and pan the tracks. If I want two guitar tracks, I record it twice, since I won´t get the "double-effect" with recording stereo.
Then I could also record the guitar mono, copy the track and change some settings. But that´s not too useful...if you want to double guitar tracks, you have to play them twice or more.

You double the guitars because you want a "bigger/fatter" sound, and the sound gets bigger/fatter because noone can play exactly the same two times...and the little differences in the two guitar tracks make it sound better (actually thats not a new idea or something - classical orchestras have for example not only one viola, since 5 violas sound better than one (its not about the volume)).
So, really double the guitar tracks, don´t record stereo. ;)

Ahh, I understand now. I always wondered why musicians recorded another take instead of just copy/paste the original waveform. Thanks for clearing that up.

Just got all my software/monitors in the other day. Sooo fucking excited to hook this shit up this weekened.

[ruonitb]

Nice! :)


Damn...I should get some monitors as well... :/

[ChAAPY]

Nice! :)


Damn...I should get some monitors as well... :/

I'm messing around in Cubase 4 right now and when I open EZDrummer it doesn't automatically route the drums to seperate channels. I remember you saying that you may have to do it manually but I don't remember how. I'm going to search and see if it's in this thread.

[ruonitb]

It doesn´t? I was told that every version highter than Cubase SX2 does it automatically.

Why aren´t you using Cubase SX3 anyway? :P

Basically routing is explained in the cubase manual...I will try and find something on the net though.

[tenorbass]

Could someone explain to me how to dump MIDI GP5 drums into Cubase SX3 and EZDrummer

[ChAAPY]

It doesn´t? I was told that every version highter than Cubase SX2 does it automatically.

Why aren´t you using Cubase SX3 anyway? :P

Basically routing is explained in the cubase manual...I will try and find something on the net though.

nope, fucking sucks too. I can't even plug into the back of my computer with my guitar and get any sound. Routing in Cubase 4 only works with Rewire 2 and I have no clue what that is. Damn this is frustrating.

[ruonitb]

did you buy it? :X

[ChAAPY]

did you buy it? :X

yup. I wonder if it doesn't automatically route it cause I haven't installed my audio interface yet. probablly gonna have to install some ASIO drivers to get this to work... bah this sucks.

[ChAAPY]

hmmm I wonder if this is it - Due to the limit of one output channel, instrument tracks play only the first voice of a multi-timbral VST Instrument. If you want to use all voices, you have to set up a MIDI channels in combination with the multi-timbral VST Instrument like in normal VST handling.

haha, after typing it I don't think that's it either.

[ChAAPY]

BAHAHAHAH FUCK YOU CUBASSE HAHAHAH!!!!!

I figured it out. Devices>VST Instruments> then there is this LITTLE SMALL AS FUCK icon you can hardly see and you click on it and set it to "Activate All Outputs"... Why is it that the most frustrating thing in computer software always turns out to be the easiest thing.

[ruonitb]

nice one :P

[Metastasis]

BAHAHAHAH FUCK YOU CUBASSE HAHAHAH!!!!!

I figured it out. Devices>VST Instruments> then there is this LITTLE SMALL AS FUCK icon you can hardly see and you click on it and set it to "Activate All Outputs"... Why is it that the most frustrating thing in computer software always turns out to be the easiest thing.

Good to know. How is EZ Drummer?

[ChAAPY]

Good to know. How is EZ Drummer?

Pretty useless unless you have one of the expansion packs, haha. It's great though, really easy to use and sounds pretty good so far. I haven't hooked up the monitors or interface yet so I'm still learning this stuff with crappy built-in computer speakers. I'll post a clip of something for sure when I get it all up and going.

[ruonitb]

I have to say, i like the standard set of EZ drummer pretty much. I got the dfh expansion as well, but the dfh samples aren´t dry...they are already compressed I think (at least they sound like this).

[ChAAPY]

I have to say, i like the standard set of EZ drummer pretty much. I got the dfh expansion as well, but the dfh samples aren´t dry...they are already compressed I think (at least they sound like this).

I have the actual product (DVD) and there isn't anything on the box that says they were compressed. They were "remixed" but I couldn't find anything about them being compressed. Maybe they are though cause there is a "compression mix" channel on the DKFH mixer. The only thing I don't like about EZdrummer is how simple the set-up is. I love how DKFH has more cymbals/toms to work with. The blasbeat MIDI files sound very real though which is nice. Velocity editing in Cubase 4 is awesome as well so I'm no longer working with velocity changes in Guitar Pro 5.1

I must say, I don't think I'd have the time or patience to sit down with DKFH Superior. 35 gigs of different drums/mics is just fucking insane. If my job was to get the most realistic drum sound off of it then I could see myself messing around with it, but all that time you spend learning and programming you could be playing your instrument (guitar in all of our cases).

[ruonitb]

Hehe...well...just start with the small set until you are experienced with it.

Maybe the dkfh samples aren´t compressed, but at least they sound as if. ;)

[ChAAPY]

Hehe...well...just start with the small set until you are experienced with it.

Maybe the dkfh samples aren´t compressed, but at least they sound as if. ;)

I thought that clip you posted a while back was done with DKFH? They sounded pretty damn good to me. Do you still have any instrumental clips of songs you did with DKFH?

[ruonitb]

didn´t use dkfh on any of the songs yet. ;)
always the standard set, though, I use dkfh...just didn´t do anything "serious" with it yet.

[ChAAPY]

didn´t use dkfh on any of the songs yet. ;)
always the standard set, though, I use dkfh...just didn´t do anything "serious" with it yet.

really? haha.. damn. you should try out DKFH though, I'm kind of anxious to hear what it would sound like. I don't have my soundcard installed yet so I can't record anything with it yet. oh well.

how did you get EZdrummer to be so loud in your mix though? do you eq any of the drums and use compression?

[ruonitb]

ofc I EQ the drums and use compression. you have to do it. :)

I use some effects on the drumset as well (on some parts only though).
Snare+toms get some light reverb for example.

I compress bassdrum, snare and toms and EQ every part of the drumset (cymbals etc. as well).

You have to do it so everything fits together very well.
For example I give the bassdrum the frequency range at about 60 Hz, so the bass guitar gets cut at this frequency and pushed at about 100 Hz - and so I cut these frequencies out for the bassdrum. Then the bass-instruments have their own place.

For the guitars I push the mids at about 250-300 Hz, they get "fatter" then without getting muddy. I put the frequency at about 3000 Hz lower for the guitars, since there is some kind of static noise (not nice to listen to ;) ).

I do a lo-cut for the cymbals at about 800Hz because below 800Hz there is nothing but background noise coming from the cymbals (basically because of standing waves).


I could go on like that for hours...but still, not everything works in every mix. Depending on the equipment you used and the way its supposed to sound etc. you will have to change the settings a bit. :)

[ruonitb]

btw, would you recommend me the rg 7321? you used it for recording...can you tell me the good/bad aspects of it...is it worth putting expensive pick ups in it?

[Metastasis]

btw, would you recommend me the rg 7321? you used it for recording...can you tell me the good/bad aspects of it...is it worth putting expensive pick ups in it?

I love the 7321, it has great tone and the neck is just the right thickness. If I had a complaint it's the clean tone is pretty thin. Also, you're going to need Boomer strings to get the right