CREATING THE PERFECT GUITAR YOUTUBE CONTENT
USING HUGHES & KETTNER AMPS AND THE REDBOX AE/AE+
The guitar is an instrument that has captivated musicians and music lovers worldwide for
decades. With the rise of platforms like YouTube, a new generation of guitarists has emerged,
showcasing their skills and gear in videos. Sound quality is particularly important in this context,
as it plays a crucial role in how well your performance is perceived. In this article, we’ll show you
how to create professional-sounding guitar YouTube videos using Hughes & Kettner amplifiers
with the integrated RedBox AE or AE+.
Why Sound Quality Matters!
In an era where countless guitarists are uploading videos online, those who not only play well
but also perfect their sound quality stand out from the crowd. A video where the guitar sounds
clear and powerful attracts more viewers and leaves a lasting impression. This is where Hughes
& Kettner amps come into play, offering an excellent solution to capture the authentic sound of
your performance, thanks to the built-in RedBox AE or AE+.
Introduction to the RedBox AE and AE+
The RedBox and the RedBox AE+ (AE = Ambience Emulation) are innovative DI (Direct Injection)
boxes that are available as a stand-alone solution, but are also integrated into many Hughes & Kettner amplifiers. They provide a simple and effective way
to send the guitar sound directly from the amplifier to a mixing console or audio interface
without the need for a microphone. The RedBox is known for delivering a warm, tube-like tone
that closely mimics the sound of a mic’d guitar speaker. This is especially important when
considering that much of the guitar’s tone comes from the interaction between the amplifier and
the speaker.
The RedBox AE+ takes this a step further by offering additional customization options, such as
different microphone placements and speaker simulations. This gives you the flexibility to find
the perfect sound for your video
From your small home studio out into the whole world: you can create great things with just a little investment and effort. With the right tools and the ‘know how’, studio-ready productions and perfect guitar sounds are almost child’s play, even for amateurs.
Capturing the Guitar Sound: Direct Recording vs. Microphone
Recording the guitar sound directly through the RedBox has several advantages over traditional
microphone techniques:
• Consistency: You get the same sound every time, no matter where you record.
• No Bleed: When recording in a room with other instruments, you don’t have to worry
about unwanted noise.
• Simplicity: You don’t need an expensive microphone or have to worry about proper mic
placement.
While mic’ing guitar speakers has its own benefits, such as the ability to use different
microphone types and positions, direct recording through the RedBox is often the better choice
for guitar YouTube videos, offering a quick and reliable solution. You can find an in-depth Blog-Of-Tone article on this important topic here!
The Importance of a Separate Audio Track
Another crucial aspect of creating guitar YouTube videos is recording a separate audio track. It
may be tempting to use the sound captured by the camera, but this rarely leads to professional
results. The reason is that the built-in microphones of cameras are often not designed for
recording music, especially guitar amplifiers. They may capture room noise, echoes, or
suboptimal sound quality.
By recording a separate audio track, you ensure that the guitar sound is crystal clear and free
from distractions. This is particularly important if you want to capture the full glory of your
Hughes & Kettner amp. The RedBox AE or AE+ allows you to send the amp’s sound directly to an
audio interface or mixing console, where it can be recorded in the highest quality.
Separate tracks for the playback and the guitar are mandatory! However, if you record the playback together with the guitar track again, you can perfectly synchronise the image and sound by moving the camera track, also with the help of the zoom function, using characteristic waveforms as a guide. Sometimes this is even faster and more accurate than with automated solutions.
Synchronizing Audio and Video
After capturing the perfect guitar sound, the next step is to synchronize it with the video footage.
This can be challenging at first, but with the right approach and software, it’s a manageable
process.
Preparation
Before you start recording, make sure you have a clear plan. It’s helpful to use a “slate” or
“clapper” – the typical film clapper sound you make at the beginning of a recording. This serves
as a reference point for easier synchronization of audio and video later on.
Using Software for Synchronization
There are various software solutions that can help you synchronize audio and video. Some of the most popular programs include:
• Adobe Premiere Pro: One of the leading video editing programs with powerful
synchronization features.
• Final Cut Pro: A popular choice for Mac users, also offering extensive synchronization
tools.
• DaVinci Resolve: Another strong tool that provides both free and professional solutions
for editing and synchronization.
• VEGAS pro from Magix is reserved exclusively for WINDOWS computers, but offers comprehensive and simple operation as well as a multi-cam function and audio synchronisation.
These programs often offer automatic synchronization features, which can significantly ease the process. Alternatively, you can manually g and synchronization.synchronize the tracks by comparing the waveforms of
the audio in the video track and the externally recorded audio track and aligning them
accordingly.
Pedal amps such as the Hughes & Kettner AmpMan are perfect for recording sessions in the home studio thanks to the integrated RedBox AE+, the extensive sound options and the slim format.
Fine-Tuning
Once audio and video are synchronized, it’s time for fine-tuning. Ensure that the audio perfectly
matches the visual movements of your hands on the guitar. A small delay can make the entire
video look unprofessional. So be precise and take the time to fine-tune the timing.
Additional Tips for Creating Guitar YouTube Videos
In addition to sound quality, there are other aspects to consider to take your videos to the next
level:
• Lighting: Good lighting is crucial to make your guitar and hand movements clearly visible.
• Background: Ensure that the background is not distracting and complements the theme
of your video.
• Camera Settings: Use a camera capable of recording in high resolution. Set the focus so
that your hands and the guitar are in the center of attention.
• Video Editing: Cut unnecessary parts and add transitions to make your video smooth and
engaging.
Publishing and Promotion
Once your video is complete, it’s time to publish. Choose a concise and descriptive title that
piques viewers’ interest. An appealing video description and appropriate tags help ensure that
your video reaches the right audience.
Don’t forget to share your video on social media and post it in relevant forums and groups to
reach more viewers.
An eye-catching thumbnail with the core message, a bit of storytelling, plus a good performance – and there’s nothing standing in the way of your success! Here is a nice example of a ‘hobby room production’.
Conclusion: The Path to Professional Guitar YouTube Videos
Creating guitar YouTube videos requires some planning and technical knowledge, but the results
are worth it. With Hughes & Kettner amplifiers and the integrated RedBox AE or AE+, you have the
opportunity to record excellent guitar sound directly without the need for mic’ing or other
complex techniques. By recording a separate audio track and then synchronizing it with the
video footage, you can ensure that your videos not only sound great but also look professional.
With a little practice and the right equipment, you’ll soon be able to create high-quality guitar
YouTube videos that will captivate your audience. Take advantage of the possibilities modern
technology offers, and elevate your guitar playing to the next level – both sonically and visually
