I play mostly metal/hard rock.

Any suggestions?

It depends — there’s no one magic bullet solution for everything, and with so many variables involved it’s hard for me to tell you what’s the best next move for your current situation.

I’ve only recorded a few bands with that many guitarists playing, but I can tell you - it’s a challenge to make things sounds cohesive AND textured at the same time. 90% of it is what the players are playing. If you are all strumming the same parts at the same time, it doesn’t matter what amps/guitars/pedals you are running through - it’s all going to turn into one giant muddy mess!

But with that said, I’ll assume you guys have your act together! Test out a compressor pedal with your mates — I always put it first in my effects chain, but it’s personal preference to an extent. Be gentle with it though, less is more is very true with any type of compression, unless it is really being used as an effect. You don’t want to compress the hell out of all your instruments because then you’ll have NO dynamics whatsoever. You want you quiet parts to sound quiet, and loud parts to be loud. A compressor/limiter should be used with caution, as it can really deflate and neutralize an otherwise rockin’ band.

You may want to look into the Boss NS-2 noise reducer pedal. This thing does wonders on tightening up your sound. Especially if you guys are running a bunch of single-coil fenders, those are sure to make some static on-stage. The NS-2 cleans all that shit up, without too much damage to your tone. Do a search for it on here.

Hope this helps -
Rick