Whether it was on Abbey Road or Master of Puppets, multi-tracking is a widely-used studio technique that has given countless recordings the instantly recognizable sound of massive guitars.
By recording the same part multiple times, then layering them on top of each other, engineers create a wall of sound. And with each take, subtle differences in pick attack, timing and tone make for a complex texture that brings hi-fi sensibilities to even the heaviest metal.
Multi-tracking is a fairly straightforward technique and its use has only spread with the advent of DAWs and home recording gear. But recreating those sounds live is another story. Sure, you can try using subtle chorus or even a detune effect on a pedal, but you still won’t have the same rhythmic nuances.
Enter TC Electronic’s Mimiq. Bringing the multi-track sound straight to guitarists, this pedal lets you select from 1, 2, or 3 overdubs and set your dry signal level alongside your overdubs. In a bit of an uncanny twist, you can even set the “tightness” of the overdubs to control how in-sync they are with your dry signal! Stereo inputs and outputs also give you the chance to really beef up your multi-tracked signal by running it through two amps.
We can’t wait to check out the Mimiq — it certainly would be a handy tool for most of our Iconic Rigs entries!
Mason has played guitar since age 14 and has remained a charmingly amateurish musician ever since. Mason joined zZounds in 2014 and serves as editor of the zZounds Blog, as well as Accessories Merchandiser. Prior to zZounds, he earned a degree in journalism and worked as a newspaper editor and freelance writer. When not writing or editing for zZounds, you can find him playing his Strat, hosting bar trivia, and chasing his toddler around the house.
