Guitar "samples" for testing purposes

[selloutrr]

Don't forget strings, pickups, electronics.

Something I see a lot is musicians plug in like an amp then switch guitars and say its not "this or that". But they seldom actually turn the knobs to rebalance the amp for that instrument. First you need to know how the EQ circuit works were is it bypassed or full on and what frequencies do you not like about the tone or maybe you actually need to just turn it up or down and change the gain. 9-10 times I can get a great tone out of any guitar/amp combo. Just have to listen and know what you want to hear.

[sdp1234]

This is something that i am also looking to do. My son has always helped me test the amps. He is getting older and is not as available to help. He works as a sound tech with access to equiptment. I would love to have something like this to do initial tests on new builds but someone in the past told me it was not posible

[selloutrr]

It's completely possible.
Here is how...
1.) do setup on guitars new strings, intonation, tune, etc.

You will want at least a stratocaster type single coil guitar and a Les paul type humbucker guitar.

2.) Meter all cords and cables for shorts and low ohm load. 0.01 ohms or less
3.) recording software I.e. protools, logic, reason
4.) interface to get audio into computer
5.) direct box and preamp to convert the guitar signal into MiliVoltage and then to line level. As well as adjust the recording level for optimal headroom without clipping.
6.) once you have done steps 1-5 plug in the first guitar toggle switch in neck positions. Press record and play confirm you are not clipping once levels are good...
Play a practiced test patern of about 2min of material in rythme style, lead style, and alternate styles.
Change pickup positions and repeat the same patterns
Then switch guitars and repeat.
Edit the performance into tracks add fades and edit dead space
Place them in order and burn them to a 44.1/16 red book CD

Now you have a test disc you can put in a CD player and hit repeat. A portable disc man works well to drive the signal.

Make a 3.55mm stereo mini jack to 1/4" TS phono male to plug into the amp.

Using a voltmeter measure the current coming off the guitar cord out of the guitar write it down. Meter the cd phono cord and match the voltage. Plug it in to the amp pick your track hit repeat and you have a forever test track

Enjoy

[iulker]

I've got the Radial X-Amp ... but, another problem ... seems like I need to boost my line output from the soundcard (Realtek HD, internal) to pro line out level, +4dB ...
X-Amp only accept XLR line out balanced, what I need now?
I've looked at several models of mixers, but I not quite sure if the entry level ones have +4dB out, because I see only 1/4 TRS outputs.
Can I boost the level from a DAW program, like Reaper or something else, or I need to buy/build an preamp or some line converter?

[bluemeany]

Proguitarshop's "demo it live" is good for this...

[selloutrr]

I've got the Radial X-Amp ... but, another problem ... seems like I need to boost my line output from the soundcard (Realtek HD, internal) to pro line out level, +4dB ...
X-Amp only accept XLR line out balanced, what I need now?
I've looked at several models of mixers, but I not quite sure if the entry level ones have +4dB out, because I see only 1/4 TRS outputs.
Can I boost the level from a DAW program, like Reaper or something else, or I need to buy/build an preamp or some line converter?

You need to make a cable from your sound card to XLR. It should be a line level signal -10db if not pro audio. If not get a pro audio sound card. Or burn down to disc.

The reamp box was designed for pro studio use from a line level output. I.e aux send. Or the output or a preamp. If you are using direct outs

[iulker]

it's not a problem of cables, of course I have a proper cable between soundcard and XLR input of the x-amp, is the LEVEL of +4dB problem ... assuming that I don't wanna buy some expensive soundcard right now, what else can I put between those two to match the output level and the impedance of a soundcard line out (or headphones) to line level pro of the XLR ?

[vibratoking]

Deleted due to sensitivity perception deficiency. The river's rising...

[Firestorm]

it's not a problem of cables, of course I have a proper cable between soundcard and XLR input of the x-amp, is the LEVEL of +4dB problem ... assuming that I don't wanna buy some expensive soundcard right now, what else can I put between those two to match the output level and the impedance of a soundcard line out (or headphones) to line level pro of the XLR ?

Ebtech makes several level shifters that convert between -10 and +4. Cheapest ones use TRS jacks so you might have to make your own TRS to XLR adapter.

[iulker]

And you build amplifiers? This has become a mountain out of a molehill.

I'm not sure I understood the irony quite clear, but even so, yes, I build amplifiers, but I'm not familiar with studio recording and those type of signals, that's why I ask, maybe someone else use this kind of setup.
Also, I'm not using any of those DAW, I didn't need'it so far, so maybe there is a trick, I don't know.
But if you are bored about this topic, feel free not to read'it! It's OK by me!

[JazzGuitarGimp]

And you build amplifiers? This has become a mountain out of a molehill.

I'm not sure I understood the irony quite clear, but even so, yes, I build amplifiers, but I'm not familiar with studio recording and those type of signals, that's why I ask, maybe someone else use this kind of setup.
Also, I'm not using any of those DAW, I didn't need'it so far, so maybe there is a trick, I don't know.
But if you are bored about this topic, feel free not to read'it! It's OK by me!

VK does tend to be a little insensitive at times....

[selloutrr]

You are kinda in a shit spot.. You aren't using 100% professional equipment it's kind of a mix and match but it doesn't all talk. Pro audio uses interface / converters not sound cards. To keep the correct level / and signal type.

You would be best off burning a cd of the media and doing as I posted earlier.

Signal converters (at least cheap ones) add distortion, color, and artifacts.