[Q] dubbed guitar recording

I seek some advice on recording "dubbed" guitars, that is recording the same
track twice to get a fatter sound (for heavy metal). So far, what I have
tried produces small (and non constant) phasecancellations between the
recorded tracks. One thing that seems to help is to position the dubs
different in the stereo image, but as there are two rhythm guitars which are
panned to each side, the panning between each dub must remain subtle
(otherwise the two rhythm guitars gets too mixed up).

Any suggestions on how to minimize the phase cancellations?

Besides the panning which you've tried and of course helps, try shifting one
of the tracks in time so it is delayed with respect to the other. I'm
thinking about a shift on the order of 5-25 milliseconds. At some point
you'll create an audible echo, and thqt's too much.

Hi Arny. We mentioned that earlier on. 5-25mS is as you say the ballpark
area. Shifting the pitch of the second guitar 1%-2% is also effective. I
like effects to be "subtle" :-)

FYI, the dubs are recorded using the exact same mic positions and gain
settings on the gear.

Michael Hansen

Hi Michael. One other thing I forgot to mention. If you are using stereo
reverb, cross the channels over, so that the reverb of Gtr1 is on the same
side as Gtr2 and vice versa. It's a nice touch:-)

Hi Michael. I do this often. There are a couple of pointers which
may help you. The process is called DT (double tracking) For the
second guitar, try a different mic, and make some small
changes in the EQ. Never place the two tracks on top of each
other, but spread them as wide apart as your mix will allow to
ue the phase differences as an effect.

You might get a more solid rhythm sound with the two rhythm
guitars panned half left and half right, which would give room for
your DT solos and fills hard left and hard right.

You should also consider ADT (auto double tracking) which can
easily be achieved with a digital delay. Start at 5mS and do some
experiments. You might also want to shift the pitch about 1% on
one of the tracks.

Have fun.
Best regards
Iain