Recording Guitars with the Ultralite MK3

[yoraz]

Hi Peeps:

I am fairly new user of the Ultralite MK3. I am trying to record some guitars by using a mix of Amplitude 2.0 and Guitar Rig 3 plug ins in Sonar 8. I am currently experiencing some issues trying to tame down the input signal before clipping. In the MK3 manual it states that input channel 1 and 2 (Analog) should be used when recording guitars straight. My project is currently set up at 24 bit depth and at 96 Khz sampling rate. The problem I am having is that the input signal is coming in too hot. When I apply the FX (Guitar Rig or Amplitube) I see a major bump in the input causing it sometimes to clip. When I try to tame it down and use the faders in Sonar to adjust the signal, it does not work. What i mean is that the input signal is there at a constant level no matter if i down the faders or not. I try adjusting it in CueMIx and same problem. At the end I decided to not use a the frst 2 channels (pre-amp equipped) and use Anlaog 3 (no preamp). This has helped a bit and now am able to not clip and stay around the -12 db target for recording. However, I am questioning if I am using the MK3 right and why the input is always constant even if I down the faders (which in terms lowers the volume but the signal is still there). I am experiencing this more predominantly when i use a 7 string guitar. The lower frequency notes tend to force the clipping.

Current signal path:

guitar (7-String strat like for heavy rock) -------> Motu Ultralite MK3 -------------> Sonar 8 --------------------> Computer (FireWire) and Monitors (Main Out from mk3)

I am a noob at this so I wanted to get some feedback on the best way to record guitars with this setup and any pointers with the Ultralite willl be appreciated.

Note: I just purchased the Revalver MK3 so in turn this will be my go to plug in for guitar sounds

Thanks in advance

[Mark S]

I don't really like going direct from guitar into the interface

What I usually do is take a preamp out from a guitar amp and a line in on the motu.