I recently had the chance to test out the soundproofing ability of the studio while recording some rhythm guitar tracks with Ross Greig. We're working on a 4 track EP project at the moment full of big heavy drums and guitars. All the drum tracks were recorded through Kevin's API 1608 down at Angels Gate Studio so they're sounding big and punchy, while the rest of the overdubbing we're doing here at The Garage.
Ross was able to jack up a couple of nice amps that really suited the style of guitars we wanted through a friend of his Mark Hunter. Mark plays guitar in a band called Setting Fire To Stacey and happens to be a very handy guy to have around when you are looking for the right guitar tone.
The amp which really shone through on the day was the Peavey 5150. This amp is renowned for being ideal for rock, hardcore and metal guitar tones, and it certainly delivered the goods. This was through a Mesa quad cabinet.
The other head you can see in the picture is a Line6 DT50, which also sounded great, and offers a very diverse range of sounds. Line6 is known for it's amp modelling, and this amp models different sounds on the front end, but then the signal runs through all tube circuitry for the rest of the amp, and also lets you switch between a number of true analogue cicuits. It's basically the best of about 4 different worlds in one amp. Pretty nice.
The pleasing thing for me, apart from the good tones we captured, was that we were able to really get these amps nice and LOUD just a few feet away from the control room with no real sound control issues. Also, outside the studio you could hardly hear it at all. Makes me feel good about all the time, effort and money spent on the soundproofing!
As far as recording technique goes - well it's pretty simple. SM57 through the Warm Audio WA12 with the Tone button engaged. Easy. I've tried a lot of different mics and techniques on guitar amps, but it's hard to beat a 57 or 58 right on the cabinet (usually just off centre to the middle of the driver. That's a good starting point anyway).
So with all the rhythm guitar tracks recorded, next we'll be doing lead guitars and then vocals. But with xmas rapidly approaching that won't be until the new year, so stay tuned for some mixes late Jan/Feb.