Best recording setup for guitar (equipment and software) | Rick Beato and Lex Fridman

Quick Overview

The discussion between Rick Beato and Lex Fridman about guitar recording setups concludes that while digital tools like Neural DSP and Logic Pro are powerful, the guest maintains a preference for a large collection of physical amplifiers (around 75-100) and uses them for different sonic characteristics, despite acknowledging the convenience of digital modeling for travel.

Key Points: The guest, Rick Beato, states he uses both Pro Tools (primarily) and Logic Pro for his Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) needs, noting that he only uses about 1% of the power of these tools. Beato owns approximately 100 physical guitar amplifiers (and is down to about 75-95) and keeps them miked up because each one does one thing really well, contrasting with the versatility of amp modelers. He uses amp simulation software like Neural DSP, specifically mentioning using the Neural DSP Quad Cortex or Kemper Profiler Head and Axe-Fx III for travel when he cannot bring physical gear. Beato also mentions using Logic Pro for video editing and production work, and that artists like Billie Eilish use Logic. The guest prefers specific physical amps like the Marshall JCM800 (modified) for certain tones, and the Vox AC30 for chimey or edge-of-breakup sounds. The discussion highlights the trade-off between the convenience of digital tools for portability versus the nuanced, specific sounds achieved with numerous physical amplifiers.

Context: This segment features an interview between Lex Fridman and musician/producer Rick Beato, focusing specifically on the equipment and software choices for high-quality guitar recording. Beato details his extensive collection of physical amplifiers and his usage patterns for both studio recording and remote work, comparing the utility of industry-standard DAWs like Pro Tools and Logic Pro against powerful digital amp modeling solutions.

Detailed Analysis

Lex Fridman inquires about Rick Beato's current recording setup, including his DAW, microphones, and hardware/software tools. Beato confirms he primarily uses Pro Tools but also has Logic Pro, which he uses for video editing and production; he notes that artists like Billie Eilish use Logic. He mentions that for most of his work, he is on a Mac. Regarding tools, he uses the Shure SM7B microphone. When discussing amp modeling technology, Beato mentions using Neural DSP (specifically the Quad Cortex) and other hardware modelers like the Kemper Profiler Head and Axe-Fx III, which he uses when traveling. However, despite owning around 75 to 100 physical amplifiers (including a modified Marshall JCM800 and a Vox AC30), which he keeps miked up because each amp excels at one specific sound, he admits he only uses about 1% of the capability of his DAWs. He explains that he keeps the physical gear ready because each amp offers a unique tone, such as the scooped metal tone from the Mesa/Boogie Mark VII or the chime from the Vox AC30, and he discards any gear that doesn't do one thing exceptionally well.