I could use some help... yes, that kind, but also this kind! (I don't want to keep bugging @schreckmusic in PMs... LOL!)
Basically, I am frustrated with my attempts at being able to balance volume across rigs & across performances subjectively using just my ears, so I though I would try this approach since my manual comparison/tweaking wasn't working as I thought it should.
1) Create a looper recording. (In the case, playing an E major, first position, strummed hard).
2) Record multiple tracks into my DAW (Reaper) one at a time, each time changing the amp profile. I am going from my Monitor Out (since that is what drives my on stage sound support) into a Scarlett 2i2, into Reaper.
3) Use a plug in tool (Voxengo Span) to look at each track, and (hopefully) analyze the peak volume and use that as a reference for adjusting the rig volumes to match.
4) Secondary, but also hopeful that I could understand my EQ curves for future reference.
So that is what I did. Below you can see 6 results including Peak dB, EQ curve at Peak and a secondary EQ that is supposed to represent the average of the entire track including decay. I used the stock Crunch profile and my current 'go to' rig based on M. Britt's AC30 65 profiles. (actual profiles not listed, I can provide that later if its at all useful.) The screen captures are just that - I took them at approximately the same time while the sample was playing but not exactly and they are not actually exported from the tool.
Again, the goal is to volume balance all rigs. You can see that to my surprise, the Crunch rig comes out with the lowest volume at -18.5 dB, and my not so accurate attempts at balancing the others. I realize that I may want to increase the volume slightly with the gain at some point for sitting in the mix, but for now I am attempting to come up with a 'reasonably fool-proof method' & repeatable process for volume balancing. Rigs go from clean (AC30 1) to what is for me, 'high gain' (AC30 5).
So, with that said, a couple of questions:
1) Is this a reasonably sound approach? Use a consistent sample, compare to the stock rig, tweak the volume on the target rigs until I can get them to peak at the same dB (-18 dB here). I suppose I could also mic my Tech 21 Power Engine if that would be better than going directly into the DAW.
2) What else can I learn from the EQ? Anything stand out to you when you look at it?
Thanks in advance!!!
Crunch - reference
-18.5 dB Peak Volume
[Blocked Image: http://i1368.photobucket.com/albums/ag198/flyingheelhook/Crunch%20for%20reference_zpsxodtk7xr.jpg]
AC 30 1
-12.5 dB Peak Volume
[Blocked Image: http://i1368.photobucket.com/albums/ag198/flyingheelhook/AC30%201_zps13veitkg.jpg]
AC 30 2
-13 dB Peak Volume
[Blocked Image: http://i1368.photobucket.com/albums/ag198/flyingheelhook/AC30%202_zpsd3haxgmv.jpg]
AC 30 3
-16.5 dB Peak Volume
[Blocked Image: http://i1368.photobucket.com/albums/ag198/flyingheelhook/AC30%203_zpsebn0pov4.jpg]
AC 30 4
-15 dB Peak Volume
[Blocked Image: http://i1368.photobucket.com/albums/ag198/flyingheelhook/AC30%204_zpsyevhpp68.jpg]
AC 30 5
-15.5 dB Peak Volume
[Blocked Image: http://i1368.photobucket.com/albums/ag198/flyingheelhook/AC30%205_zpsudzyogz9.jpg]