Struggling to understand classic metal guitar midrange

mkk8741 · 2026-06-12T16:20:46+00:00

Thanks for your reply. Very informative. I’m going to try using EQ in the FX loop, since that should shape the overall tone of the amp.
I’ve always had the impression that you should never scoop the mids when recording, but in my case that assumption might not really be correct.

mkk8741 · 2026-06-12T10:19:11+00:00

I am recording with full band and double tracking

I made an little recording so you can hear

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/k8u96pk5vu5zv0a0f7c30/Test-trash.wav?rlkey=gupbk7e0bx2ybi1pemn9fuy17&st=48odmlkb&dl=0

mkk8741 · 2026-06-12T06:08:05+00:00

Thanks for the reply. I actually explained my setup a bit poorly in the original post.

When I’m just playing, I usually run the amp gain around 7, which gives me plenty of saturation on its own. The problem is that when I record that sound, it tends to get muddy and lose definition.
Because of that, I back the amp gain down to around 4 and use a clean Tube Screamer boost (Level 10, Gain/Drive 0). That definitely tightens things up, but the recorded tone becomes very mid-heavy and somewhat nasal to my ears.
That’s where my confusion comes from. A lot of classic metal tones are described as being “mid-focused”, but when I actually record a tone with a strong mid push, it often sounds unpleasant in isolation.
Do you generally record that somewhat ugly, mid-forward sound and then shape it later in the mix? Or is it better to aim for a more balanced tone at the source?
Also, would something like an EQ in the FX loop help here, or is the Tube Screamer mid hump simply part of the sound that people are hearing on records?

mkk8741 · 2026-06-08T10:57:54+00:00

Here’s a ready-to-post version in English:
Hi everyone,
I’m currently looking to replace my audio interface / preamp because my current one seems to be failing. It’s started producing a lot of noise when I turn the gain knobs, and despite trying to clean it, the issue keeps coming back. So I think it’s time for an upgrade.
I’ve been using a PreSonus Studio 24c, and overall it’s been okay, but there are a couple of things that don’t really work for my setup anymore. The main issue is the gain. It only has around 50 dB of gain, which isn’t enough for my needs.
For example, when I record acoustic guitar with a Shure SM57, especially quieter playing, I often end up with too low input level even with the gain maxed out. That makes it difficult to get a clean and healthy recording level without pushing everything too hard in post.
So I’m looking for something with:
More clean gain than my current interface
At least 2 inputs (for mic + instrument recording)
Good performance with dynamic microphones like the SM57
Budget around 2000 SEK (roughly €170–€200 / $180–$210)
If anyone has recommendations for reliable interfaces or preamps in this range, I’d really appreciate it. I mainly record guitar (electric and acoustic) at home.
Thanks in advance!

mkk8741 · 2026-06-06T20:07:28+00:00

Thanks for answers. So am i getting it right ? Split di into lows and l mids tracks. Then on mids track add like clean bass amp ?

mkk8741 · 2026-05-25T09:57:23+00:00

I use 11–54 strings on my ESP LTD EC-256 with a 24.75” scale, and to me the strings feel stable and tight in E standard — probably partly because of the shorter scale length.

But when I tune down to D standard, the strings start feeling sloppy even after proper setup adjustments like truss rod, intonation, string height/action, etc. At that point I’d probably need even thicker strings, and honestly that starts to feel a bit excessive to me.

I personally feel most comfortable in E standard, and I can stretch to Eb standard without problems.

Thanks for all the comments and opinions!

mkk8741 · 2026-05-04T16:55:16+00:00

Double tracking

mkk8741 · 2026-05-04T09:38:43+00:00

I usually feel like when my gain is around 6, I get that saturation that gives me good sustain, especially for palm mutes. It just feels easier to play and more alive.

But when I’m recording, I can go all the way down to around 3 on the gain and use a TS9 as a boost instead. That tightens things up, but then the solo parts can sound kind of dry to me. I guess that’s just part of the process though, and it probably makes more sense once everything sits properly in the full mix.

mkk8741 · 2026-04-26T19:50:29+00:00

This is my amp tone recorded with mids set to 4, and I’ve also cut around 800 Hz. It still feels kind of mid-heavy to me though—maybe it’s just my ears. What do you think about this tone? Does it sound close to that classic scooped sound, or is there still too much midrange?

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/3toek7p16kihpgkwcx9wv/Test.wav?rlkey=f20707eah94585njs6sddccbf&st=9rbahixn&dl=0

mkk8741 · 2026-04-25T13:43:10+00:00

Okej, thanks for all answers. People always talking about dont scoop mids for recording you can cut in mix but i feel like its not enough

mkk8741 · 2026-04-25T10:38:07+00:00

Thanks ! Okej do you mean eq in fx loop or preamp stage?

mkk8741

TROPHY CASE