effects pedals and music production @ fuzz-effect-sounds-and-more.com

MXR Micro Amp :

The Micro Amp is a pre-amplifier, which is (in this instance) ultimately designed to boost the signal level of a guitar amplifier’s input stage; thus, providing an increased amount of gain (distortion).

One notable artist whom employed this effect was Alex Lifeson—of the progressive rock group, Rush. For example : studio recordings, such as Permanent Waves and Moving Pictures.

Audio engineering techniques employed for the following video :

1.) All musical instruments were sound-recorded independently in stereo : drum loop, guitar, bass. The portable recording unit employed, was the vintage D888 (Digital Recording Studio), by Korg. Audio resolution : 16-bit, 44.1 kHz (CD-quality). Note : the drum track was recorded, first.

2.) “Punch” recording technique :

“Punch” recording is a means to re-start recording @ the point, just prior to having made a mistake. In other words, I simply played my guitar to the drum track, and then stepped on a standard latching pedal connected to the Korg D888 “Punch” input feature; “seamlessly” having created a punch-in point, wherever I needed to begin a new recorded take/ performance—thus, creating the illusion of never having made a mistake. Ultimately . . such had turned out as a success, even though the entire laborious effort involved much patience. Nonetheless, each time I now listen to this particular sound recording, I am beside-myself of having created such an illusion !

3.) Next in order of recorded instruments was the bass guitar track, which had been recorded directly into the Korg unit via the Line 6 Bass POD.

4.) After having recorded all of the musical instruments (drum loop, guitar, and bass) to the Korg D888 multi-track recorder, I then decided to bypass transferring the .wav audio files (instrument tracks) over to PC via the Korg’s USB connection; choosing to instead, mix the instrument’s dB (volume) levels, equalization, and panned stereo adjustments directly from the Korg unit, itself. Ultimately, after having created a balanced mix—along with distinctive stereo imaging—I was then ready for the next step of the procedure . .

5.) Note : Employ a proper insert cable to make the following connection :

I decided to transfer the audio signal via the Korg unit’s stereo headphone output—thus, bypassing the unit’s noisy main 1/4″ stereo analog output—thru a stereo pair of vintage input channels of a Mackie 8 buss analog mixing console. Headphone output? Yes. This alternative method of employing a stereo headphone output as a main output, had proven itself successful to provide a cleaner audio signal. From this point onward, I had begun to mix-engineer in the analog domain . .

6.) To set-up the Mackie analog mixing console to receive stereo output via the Korg D888 headphone jack, I had initially set the Mackie’s pan controls to full-left and right, relative a pair of selected input channels. I then raised said input channel dB levels (via the console’s fader controls) to maximum, whilst having decreased their relative trim control adjustments to minimum. I also, raised the main stereo fader @ the console to the unity gain level (U/ +0 dB). Ultimately, as the stereo audio signal from the Korg D888 headphone output was passing thru the Mackie console, I had then slowly raised said headphone volume (starting @ minimum) to VISUALLY monitor it’s output dB level via the console’s audio meters; thus, watching to avoid a distorted signal from occurring.

7.) Note : Employ proper insert cables to make the following connection :

The Mackie 8 buss analog mixing console also offers 1/4″ insert points to accommodate outboard processing. For example, I had thus employed analog processing via a vintage Rolls/ Bellari RP520 Tube Preamp, as well as a vintage solid-state Drawmer MX30 Compressor—which also, provides limiting and gating capabilities. The procedure is as follows :

To hear (monitor) the music mix via the Mackie console’s headphone jack (employing professional-grade headphones—i.e., Sony MDR-7506), I initially patched the Bellari RP520 Stereo Tube Preamp into 2x Mackie CHANNEL insert points. With the tube pre-amplifier’s GAIN levels left in the OFF position, I then gradually increased (starting @ minimum) the unit’s VOLUME levels to ultimately provide a full-bodied, clean/ linear audio signal.

Next, I patched the Drawmer MX30 (Dual Gated Compressor/ Limiter) into the console’s MAIN stereo insert point; thus, relatively strapping the compressed audio signal across the console’s main stereo output. Whilst listening to the sound played back from the Korg D888 unit—thru the tube preamp signal, and ultimately thru the Mackie console’s headphone output—I had then begun to adjust the compressor’s controls to achieve a natural, non-distorted illusion of dB (volume) increase; and to further, avoid any “pumping” effects as well (“pumping” describes the result of unnatural sounding, unbalanced levels of processing brought about via compression, in which volume appears to “swell” in and out).

The MX30 also provides a feature called a gate, which ultimately makes for a cleaner/ professional result (thus, gating-out a degree of inherent noise). As such, I subtly employed this particular control to great effect.

Lastly . . I slightly, readjusted the dB output level via the console’s stereo fader control. For example, @ this point you can then listen for and set an overall balance of musical instruments within the stereo field, or perhaps to make a particular instrument stand-out prominently amongst the others.

8.) As result of all the above, I thus achieved a sonic illusion which has surpassed my expectations; even eliminating a need for any further sound processing—including that of the master engineering stage! That said, the mix of instruments sounds balanced, warm, dimensional, smooth, and powerful. For example, you can hear said differences when auditioning this audio production against that of some others I have uploaded to this website—again, this particular example having been processed mostly within the analog domain : mixing console + tube preamp + solid-state compressor/ limiter. Incidentally . . monitoring (listening) from a high-quality source, will you begin to notice my intended results as you gradually (and safely) increase playback volume level to your personal preference.

9.) The mix was then transferred to PC via the main analog XLR stereo output of the Mackie console, over to a pair of XLR input channels from a Tascam US-1641 audio interface; ultimately being recorded, employing a vintage software application called Vegas Video (by Sonic Foundry). The analog audio signal was thus digitized as a 16-bit/ 44.1 kHz stereo .wav file, so as to subsequently achieve a superior-sounding compressed file—such as .mp3 or .wma7 (128 Kbps/ CD quality).

10.) After having created the final .wav file, I then converted such (“saved as”) into 2 compressed file formats : .mp3 + .wma7 (128 Kbps/ CD quality). That said, .mp3 is used for this website’s audio player section, and .wma7 (incidentally, my favorite sounding file type) is used for my video soundtracks. Both compression types provide a manageable file size for Internet purposes (i.e., converting 30 MB to 3 MB). The software application employed to create the compressed files was that of the aforementioned Vegas Video. The .wav file is saved for archival purposes.

In order of sequence/ guitar signal chain :

* Gibson SG Special (’68 reissue)
* Ernie Ball 2223 Super Slinky guitar strings (gauges : 009 – 042)
* Mogami Audio Cables
* MXR M133 Micro Amp
* Rotosound RPU1/ The Pusher Compressor
* Mesa Engineering Boogie Five-Band Graphic (equalizer)
* TC Electronic Sentry Noise Gate
* FX Loop : Roland RE-20 Space Echo
* Line 6 POD HD Pro (v.1)
(personal program preset, based on a ’72 Marshall 50w Super Lead amplifier + ’64 Fender Deluxe Reverb speaker cabinet)

In order of sequence/ bass guitar signal chain :

* Fender Vintage-Modified Jazz Bass (v.1)
* Mogami Audio Cables
* Line 6 Bass POD (v.1)
(personal program preset, based on a ’73 Acoustic 360 amplifier)

In order of sequence/ “drums” signal chain :

* Line 6 JM4 Looper effects pedal (drum loop, only)
* Mogami Audio Cables
* Origin Effects Cali76 Limiting Amplifiers (2x orig. units/ stereo pair)
* BOSS GEB-7 Bass Equalizers (2x units/ stereo pair)

Suggested audio playback : High quality professional headphones (i.e., Sony MDR-7506), and a high quality pro audio interface are preferred. This way, the listener will hear the intended results of my music production efforts, inherent within the provided video presented below.

NOTE : There may be a delay for the video to download from my YouTube channel. Please, wait !

Epilogue :

I hope that what I’ve provided as an essential overview of my personal recording techniques, has helped inspire you to craft your own unique sound mixes. To the average home studio enthusiast, what’s been mentioned herein, must seem rather involved. As you realize by reading this post, such is NOT merely twiddling knobs on effects pedals. Rather . . such is to show how effects pedals enhance music recordings, along with pro-audio gear.

This Website :

The intention of fuzz-effect-sounds-and-more.com is to provide a reference resource; virtually sharing my gear collection, so that readers are made greater-aware of particularly good-sounding (and, in some instances), potentially collectible effects pedals. Otherwise, to also help those whom might benefit from my recording/ engineering techniques. Ultimately, as I continue to build and design this site, I will gradually introduce additional collection-based content—such as blog posts, image galleries, audio, video, and official manufacturer web links for your convenience. The information provided herein, is based upon biased opinion. Please, do your own research.

Ebooks :

Later . . I will offer for sale Part 1 of a series of self-authored eBooks, in relation to fuzz effects pedals; subsequently, also offering additional volumes regarding other effects types—boost, overdrive, distortion, etc—all via my private, independent collection. Moreover, these tomes of tone will include audio examples, color images, (in most cases) close-up circuit views, and generalized spec. information. Otherwise, said eBooks regarding fuzz effects pedals will additionally incl. generalized historical information as well. For details, please read this site’s eBook advertisement page.

THANKS for your interest of fuzz-effect-sounds-and-more.com

– Michael.

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