How to record guitar in stereo

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Level 1

0 points

How to record guitar in stereo

I have a Firebox audio interface, and my amplifier is going from its line-out to the firebox. It is connected to my Macbook Pro - Garageband. Whenever I record a track with the guitar, it doesn't record in stereo for some reason. I have looked at all the settings I can think of, but can't figure it out. When I record my keyboard, MIDI interfaced to Garageband, it records in stereo no problem. I am also having gain problems when recording the guitar. I have maxed all of the line controls for the guitar to no avail. Any help would be much appreciated.

Macbook Pro, Mac OS X (10.5.5)

Posted on Jan 19, 2009 8:49 AM

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Answer 1

HangTime

Level 9

53,841 points

Jan 19, 2009 8:52 AM in response to GB_Newbie

since a guitar is a mono instrument, it can not record in stereo. Full explanation in the Stereo vs Mono tute:

http://www.bulletsandbones.com/GB/Tutorials.html#bsqstereomono

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Answer 2

GB_Newbie Author

Level 1

0 points

Jan 19, 2009 9:42 AM in response to HangTime

Thanks. I realized that I can set the input source to mono and the app would only look for a mono signal and split it between left and right. Or, I guess I could mic the amp with 2 mics.

Thanks for the feedback.

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Answer 3

HangTime

Level 9

53,841 points

Jan 19, 2009 9:43 AM in response to GB_Newbie

you're welcome, good luck

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Answer 4

isteveus

Level 5

4,334 points

Jan 19, 2009 10:47 AM in response to GB_Newbie

Using two mics will give two channels of the same thing meaning you will end up with the same as one mono channel. Of course you could mic from different locations then you will get stereo channels but maybe not a good stereo sound.

Your best bet is just to use a stereo effect like a pedal or a processor like a line 6 pod or just use a stereo AU plugin.

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Answer 5

Lust

Level 3

515 points

Jan 19, 2009 4:57 PM in response to GB_Newbie

GB_Newbie wrote:
Thanks. I realized that I can set the input source to mono and the app would only look for a mono signal and split it between left and right. Or, I guess I could mic the amp with 2 mics.

Thanks for the feedback.

Stereo mic'ing is fairly common.

Especially using different types of mic's with different color. Like a ribbon and a condenser for example.

Mic placement is always critical, but with 2 mic's you do need to be aware of phasing.

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Answer 6

carlaz

Level 1

63 points

Jan 20, 2009 5:42 AM in response to GB_Newbie

You could record the guitar in mono, make a new empty track in GB, and then cut'n'paste your recorded guitar into it. 'Course, that won't change the sound too much unless you change the amps/FX on the second track to give it a different sound, pan the stereo on both tracks around a bit, and maybe nudge one of the tracks slightly forward or back in the time-line to create a little delay kinda thing.

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