[LAU] Applying effects when recording electric guitars: before or after recording?

[Dave Phillips]

James Stone wrote:
> On Thu, Jul 7, 2011 at 12:16 PM, Jeremy Jongepier <jeremy at autostatic.com> wrote:
>   
>> On 07/07/2011 12:57 PM, Brett McCoy wrote:
>>     
>>> That's a strange way to do it... there are some techniques that
>>> require sustain and distortion or they won't sound right, even if
>>> added in post-production. But like I said, it's rare to do it this
>>> way.
>>>       
>> It's common practice in the metal world afaik. One of my bandmates has a
>> little (Reaper) based homestudio and virtually all metal bands he
>> records are re-amped through his collection of tube amps.
>>
>>     
>
> Interesting - but that's still a home studio. Is it common practice in
> pro studios that record heavy metal bands?
>   

A somewhat-related anecdote: In one of his short films-about-film-making 
Robert Rodriguez demonstrates how he records some of the music used in 
his soundtracks. He obviously gets a kick out of being able to apply any 
variety of effects - including some impressive distortion - to his 
cleanly recorded guitar. It's all done with PT, of course, but it's a 
good demo of the utility of recording clean.

OTOH, as a player I sometimes need the sound and the soul coming out at 
the same time. Can't wait then. :)

Best,

dp