Reamping is a powerful recording technique that allows you to take a pre-recorded direct signal and send it back through a guitar amplifier and cabinet, capturing the sound of the amp and cab in the process. This technique has been used by countless engineers and producers to add depth, character, and realism to their recordings. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the world of reamping, exploring the benefits, equipment needed, and step-by-step process of setting up a reamp.
What Is Reamping And Why Do You Need It?
Reamping is a simple yet effective way to enhance your guitar recordings. By sending a direct signal back through a guitar amplifier and cabinet, you can capture the unique tone and character of the amp and cab, adding a new level of depth and realism to your recordings. This technique is particularly useful when working with direct injection (DI) boxes, as it allows you to capture the sound of a real amp and cab without having to re-record the entire performance.
Benefits Of Reamping
There are several benefits to using reamping in your recording workflow:
- Increased tonal flexibility: Reamping allows you to experiment with different amps, cabs, and mic placements, giving you a wide range of tonal options to choose from.
- Improved sound quality: By capturing the sound of a real amp and cab, you can add a level of depth and realism to your recordings that’s difficult to achieve with direct injection alone.
- Enhanced creativity: Reamping gives you the freedom to try out new and unusual amp and cab combinations, allowing you to push the boundaries of your sound.
Equipment Needed For Reamping
To set up a reamp, you’ll need a few pieces of equipment:
- Reamp box: A reamp box is a device that allows you to send a direct signal back through a guitar amplifier and cabinet. There are several types of reamp boxes available, ranging from simple, passive devices to more complex, active units.
- Guitar amplifier: You’ll need a guitar amplifier to send the direct signal through. This can be a tube amp, solid-state amp, or even a modeling amp.
- Guitar cabinet: A guitar cabinet is necessary to capture the sound of the amp. You can use a traditional guitar cab or experiment with unusual cabs, such as a bass cab or a Leslie speaker.
- Microphone: You’ll need a microphone to capture the sound of the amp and cab. There are many types of microphones available, ranging from dynamic mics like the Shure SM57 to condenser mics like the AKG C414.
Choosing The Right Reamp Box
When choosing a reamp box, there are several factors to consider:
- Active vs. passive: Active reamp boxes use a built-in preamp to boost the signal, while passive boxes rely on the amp’s own gain. Active boxes are generally more versatile, but passive boxes can provide a more transparent sound.
- Impedance matching: Make sure the reamp box is impedance-matched to your amp and cab. This will ensure that the signal is transferred efficiently and without any loss of tone.
Step-by-Step Guide To Setting Up A Reamp
Setting up a reamp is a relatively straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started:
Step 1: Connect The Reamp Box
Connect the reamp box to the direct output of your recording interface or console. This will send the direct signal to the reamp box.
Step 2: Connect The Amp And Cab
Connect the reamp box to the input of your guitar amplifier. Then, connect the amp to the guitar cabinet.
Step 3: Set The Gain
Set the gain on the reamp box to the optimal level for your amp and cab. This will ensure that the signal is transferred efficiently and without any distortion.
Step 4: Choose The Right Mic
Choose a microphone that’s suitable for capturing the sound of your amp and cab. Experiment with different mic placements and types to find the sound that works best for you.
Step 5: Record The Reamped Signal
Record the reamped signal through your recording interface or console. You can then blend the reamped signal with the original direct signal to create a unique and interesting sound.
Tips And Tricks For Getting The Best Out Of Your Reamp
Here are a few tips and tricks for getting the best out of your reamp:
- Experiment with different amp and cab combinations: Don’t be afraid to try out unusual amp and cab combinations. This can help you create a unique and interesting sound.
- Use a variety of mic placements: Experiment with different mic placements to find the sound that works best for you. Try placing the mic close to the speaker, or farther away to capture more of the room sound.
- Blend the reamped signal with the original direct signal: Blending the reamped signal with the original direct signal can help create a more balanced and interesting sound.
Conclusion
Reamping is a powerful recording technique that can add depth, character, and realism to your guitar recordings. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can set up a reamp and start experimenting with different amp and cab combinations. Remember to experiment with different mic placements and types, and don’t be afraid to try out unusual amp and cab combinations. With a little practice and patience, you can unlock the full potential of reamping and take your recordings to the next level.
| Reamp Box | Amp | Cab | Microphone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Radial Reamp JCR | Mesa/Boogie Rectifier | Mesa/Boogie Rectifier 4×12 | Shure SM57 |
| Little Labs Redeye | Marshall JCM800 | Marshall 1960A 4×12 | AKG C414 |
Note: The table above shows some examples of reamp boxes, amps, cabs, and microphones that can be used for reamping. The specific equipment used will depend on the desired tone and sound.
What Is Reamping And How Does It Work?
Reamping is a recording technique that allows you to take a pre-recorded direct signal from a guitar or bass and send it back through a guitar amplifier and cabinet, effectively “reamping” the original signal. This process enables you to capture the tone and characteristics of the amplifier and cabinet, while still maintaining the original performance and feel of the direct signal.
The reamping process typically involves using a reamp box, which is a device that converts the low-level direct signal from the recording into a high-level signal that can drive a guitar amplifier. The reamp box is connected to the recording console or audio interface, and the output is sent to the guitar amplifier and cabinet. The resulting sound is then captured using microphones, and the signal is sent back to the recording console or audio interface for mixing and processing.
What Are The Benefits Of Reamping?
Reamping offers several benefits, including the ability to capture a wide range of tones and sounds from a single direct signal. By reamping the signal through different amplifiers and cabinets, you can create a variety of tones and textures that would be difficult or impossible to achieve with a single amplifier. Reamping also allows you to experiment with different mic placements and techniques, which can add depth and complexity to the sound.
Another benefit of reamping is that it allows you to work on the tone and sound of the guitar or bass after the initial recording has been made. This can be especially useful if you’re working on a project and the tone of the guitar or bass isn’t quite right. By reamping the signal, you can try out different amplifiers and cabinets, and experiment with different mic placements and techniques until you find the sound you’re looking for.
What Equipment Do I Need To Get Started With Reamping?
To get started with reamping, you’ll need a few pieces of equipment, including a reamp box, a guitar amplifier and cabinet, and a microphone. The reamp box is the most critical piece of equipment, as it converts the low-level direct signal from the recording into a high-level signal that can drive the guitar amplifier. There are several different types of reamp boxes available, ranging from simple, passive devices to more complex, active units.
In addition to the reamp box, you’ll also need a guitar amplifier and cabinet that can produce the tone and sound you’re looking for. This can be a challenging part of the reamping process, as different amplifiers and cabinets can produce vastly different sounds. You may need to experiment with different amplifiers and cabinets to find the one that works best for your music. Finally, you’ll need a microphone to capture the sound of the amplifier and cabinet.
How Do I Set Up A Reamp Box?
Setting up a reamp box is relatively straightforward, but it does require some care and attention to detail. The first step is to connect the reamp box to the recording console or audio interface, using an XLR or 1/4″ cable. Next, you’ll need to connect the output of the reamp box to the input of the guitar amplifier, using a 1/4″ cable. Make sure to set the level of the reamp box to the correct level for the amplifier, as excessive levels can cause distortion and damage to the amplifier.
Once the reamp box is connected, you’ll need to adjust the level of the signal to the correct level for the amplifier. This can be done using the gain control on the reamp box, or by adjusting the level of the signal at the recording console or audio interface. It’s also a good idea to check the polarity of the signal, as some reamp boxes and amplifiers may have different polarity settings.
What Are Some Common Reamping Techniques?
There are several common reamping techniques that can be used to create a wide range of tones and sounds. One of the most common techniques is to use a combination of close and room miking to capture the sound of the amplifier and cabinet. Close miking involves placing the microphone close to the speaker cone, while room miking involves placing the microphone at a distance from the amplifier to capture the sound of the room.
Another common technique is to use a variety of different microphones to capture different aspects of the sound. For example, you might use a dynamic microphone to capture the low-end response of the amplifier, and a condenser microphone to capture the high-end response. You can also experiment with different mic placements and techniques, such as miking the back of the cabinet or using a microphone with a figure-eight polar pattern.
Can I Reamp A Signal That Wasn’t Originally Recorded Direct?
While reamping is typically used with direct signals, it is possible to reamp a signal that wasn’t originally recorded direct. However, this can be more challenging, as the signal may not be suitable for reamping. If the signal was recorded using a microphone, it may contain a lot of room noise and ambiance, which can make it difficult to reamp.
To reamp a signal that wasn’t originally recorded direct, you’ll need to use a device called a “reamp simulator” or “amp simulator”. These devices use digital signal processing to simulate the sound of a guitar amplifier and cabinet, and can be used to reamp a signal that wasn’t originally recorded direct. However, the results may not be as good as reamping a direct signal, and you may need to experiment with different settings and techniques to get the sound you’re looking for.
What Are Some Common Mistakes To Avoid When Reamping?
There are several common mistakes to avoid when reamping, including using the wrong type of reamp box or amplifier, and not adjusting the level of the signal correctly. Using the wrong type of reamp box or amplifier can result in a poor-quality sound, while not adjusting the level of the signal correctly can cause distortion and damage to the amplifier.
Another common mistake is to not experiment with different mic placements and techniques. Reamping is all about experimentation and trying out different sounds and techniques, so don’t be afraid to try out different mic placements and techniques to find the sound you’re looking for. Finally, make sure to keep the signal chain as simple as possible, and avoid using too many devices or processors, as this can degrade the sound and cause problems.