Starting to figure the problem out

[Doug Young]

Your levels aren't terrible, but a little on the low side. Definitely *not* too hot. You're getting a peak of around -12 to -14db, average level -33db. If this was a mastered release, you'd bring that peak up closer to 0 db (or somewhat less), which is 4 times louder! I'd shoot for peaks of -6 to -8db or so when recording, so that's about twice as hot. But with digital recording at 24 bits, your levels are ok as-is, too. But I certainly wouldn't try to lower them.

One thing to think about: I can't say for sure since I'm not there in the room with you, but my impression listening to this track is that you're playing very quietly. It's a common thing to feel like you need to hold back with those mics right in front of you. If you play more like you're trying to be heard by someone in the back of the room, your guitar will be louder, squeaks and other noises will be softer in comparison, and the room sound and ambient noise will be less of a problem.

In both cases, recording and playing, you can turn it up! As sdelsolrey points out, the playback level is a different thing - if it's too loud, you can turn the volume down on playback.

[TBman]

Originally Posted by Doug Young

Your levels aren't terrible, but a little on the low side. Definitely *not* too hot. You're getting a peak of around -12 to -14db, average level -33db. If this was a mastered release, you'd bring that peak up closer to 0 db (or somewhat less), which is 4 times louder! I'd shoot for peaks of -6 to -8db or so when recording, so that's about twice as hot. But with digital recording at 24 bits, your levels are ok as-is, too. But I certainly wouldn't try to lower them.

One thing to think about: I can't say for sure since I'm not there in the room with you, but my impression listening to this track is that you're playing very quietly. It's a common thing to feel like you need to hold back with those mics right in front of you. If you play more like you're trying to be heard by someone in the back of the room, your guitar will be louder, squeaks and other noises will be softer in comparison, and the room sound and ambient noise will be less of a problem.

In both cases, recording and playing, you can turn it up! As sdelsolrey points out, the playback level is a different thing - if it's too loud, you can turn the volume down on playback.

Thanks Doug.

[Doug Young]

Your latest sounds a bit "better" mostly because it's louder, but the earlier sounds more open because it's stereo. 4 inches away from the guitar is *really* close. If it works, that's fine, but backing up to 8, 12, or even more - in a good sounding room you can go back several feet, is worth trying. At 4 inches, you tend to get the spot sound of the guitar where the mic is. Backing up a bit, you get more of the whole sound of the guitar.

[TBman]

Originally Posted by Doug Young

Your latest sounds a bit "better" mostly because it's louder, but the earlier sounds more open because it's stereo. 4 inches away from the guitar is *really* close. If it works, that's fine, but backing up to 8, 12, or even more - in a good sounding room you can go back several feet, is worth trying. At 4 inches, you tend to get the spot sound of the guitar where the mic is. Backing up a bit, you get more of the whole sound of the guitar.

Thanks Doug. I don't have a good sounding room, so close it will be. Next weekend my mic cables will be here so I'll probably get a recording done. Doing the mics in close I get more guitar and less of everything else.

[Doug Young]

Originally Posted by TBman

Thanks Doug. I don't have a good sounding room, so close it will be. Next weekend my mic cables will be here so I'll probably get a recording done. Doing the mics in close I get more guitar and less of everything else.

Close is good for home recording, but at 4 inches you should be having serious proximity issues. It doesn't seem like you are, so whatever works is fine, but I'd keep an eye out for that.

[KevWind]

Do you perhaps have the Pad switched on on the mic ?

[Sage97]

I agree with the others.

4" from the mic is too close so back away approximately 12" from the mic, increase your tracking level so that peaks get close to zero then adjust your listening volume to preference.