What is wrong with my recordings?

[Jovianknight]

Hey, I have a question. When I record stuff, and then play it back on winamp, only the first few bars ever move up and down, like in this picture, even if it is relatively loud. My friend has a horrible soundcard and microphone, yet even on his recordings, all the bars (whatever they're called, if anyone can help me) move.

http://www.showmesexy.com/albums/userpics/10007/help.jpg

This is just an example of a relatively quiet part in a normal song:

http://www.showmesexy.com/albums/userpics/10007/help2.jpg

The louder I go in recording, the more normal it looks. Do I just need to put my amp up really loud when I'm recording? Or is there a specific identifyable problem?

If you aren't clear about anything I'm asking, please tell me. I'm trying my best to describe it...

[moaner]

I don't even see the problem. if it sounds good, surely it doesn't matter what the little VU bars are doing?

[Jovianknight]

Well, my way of thinking is that if professional recordings (as well as every recording any friend has sent me), have all those bars being active, then it must be at least normal. Perhaps even good. I'm just wondering what's wrong with my stuff... maybe I'm doing something wrong.

[jarviss]

it seems like your recordings are only taking up a part of the frequencies..
like high frequency is to the right..low is to the left (like yours)

each instrument usually sits in a certain range of the frequency
when professionals are having their stuff mixed...they can boost or cut frequencies
in order to allow each instrument (or even individual drums) to sit in their own part of the frequency...

so for some reason..you're way down there.

(imo)

-G

[Fretboardninja]

turn up the treble and on the windows recording mixer make sure that the mic input gain level is high

[moaner]

is the picture you showed us during a bass solo?