Choosing Audio Recording Equipment
or Gear (Part 2)
Computer Recording - Now that you have the basic recording chain you need
something to record into. Here's where it gets a bit tricky. If you have access to a pretty fast computer than you
are in luck. All you will need is a special sound card to record into your
computer and the software to run it plus you might want a small mixer to allow
you to monitor what you play as you play it. For the lowdown on
how to record audio by computer click
here.
Digital Audio Workstations - If you can afford to plunk down a few grand
on a digital console of very high quality, then studio quality recordings are
possible even for the fairly inexperienced audiophile even without a computer.
Although like computers they can be very
tricky to work with if you are not fairly literate in computer technology. Many
digital consoles can record to hard discs similar to computers and many can burn
audio CD's as well and has many of the options available from computer recording
making them basically like a
computer without the computer. For more information on
Digital Audio Workstations or DAW's
click here.
Tape Recording or MDM - If you don't want to record
with a computer or DAW or can't afford to
spend the 1000 to 3000 dollars needed to get a good one then the other alternatives are cassette tape based
four or eight track recorders. Also if you can afford one there are pro quality
32 track MDM recorders for several thousand dollars. This is probably the best
option for musicians who don't like computers allowing for manual control of
most functions. The trade off is
that these machines usually produce lower quality recordings than computers or
digital consoles. For more
information of recording with a tape or MDM click here.
Skill? - Remember
however that the most important thing in recording is the skill of the
musicians and the engineer. A good studio engineer can make just about any
equipment sound great and an inexperienced engineer can make a mess even with
the most expensive equipment. That along with the high cost of getting started
is why many musicians trust their recording to a professional engineer and
studio instead of doing it themselves.
Do it yourself? - Click on the underlined words for more info on recording
drums,
bass,
vocals,
guitar,
keyboards
and other instruments as well as
tips and tricks for recording, as
well as tips for mixing and
mastering.
Make an Estimate - We recommend listing all the instruments you wish to record
and working out a budget before you purchase anything. Count the number of
instruments you need to record at the same time and budget at least 125 dollars
for each mic and cable.
Double that for a decent vocal mic. Add 250 for a decent
outboard preamp. and 50 for each cable needed. Don't forget the ones that go
into the sound card and the mixer or control surface if you need one and then
the cost of a means of recording like tape, MDM,
DAT or Computer. Don't forget the cost of a recording space and be sure you have
enough hard drive space to record on if your using a computer or DAW and enough
tape if you choose MDM or tape to record with and computer software and plug-ins
for the DAW and Computer and stand alone effects like reverb, compression, delay
and others for all other mediums.
Can you afford it? If after
reading this you decide purchasing equipment is too much expense out of pocket
don't be discouraged. There is always a way to get a good project made. Consider
recording a low quality demo and finding a record label or studio to help you
with rental equipment or perhaps sign you to a development deal. If not then
performing a song live is a good way to peak the interest of record labels and
producers who have the
resources
to make professional quality recordings in exchange for a small percentage of
the profits. If you decide that home
recording is not right for you please feel free to check out our record label
Silver Dragon
Records and see what we can offer your band in terms of recording and other
services.
Ready? If you
have everything you need, have hooked it up according to the instructions, and are ready to record
hold on for just a second or two more. There are a few tricks that will help get
the most out of your equipment. Click
here
to get help on
optimizing your recording gear to get the most
out of your set up.
Tips and Tricks - Already set up and
you just need
tips
and tricks to make your recording sound better.
Click here.
Drums - If you need
help or tips on recording acoustic drums then this is
the place to check out.
Electric
Guitars - If you want help
recording a
electric guitar then check out
this page.
Acoustic Guitars - If you want help recording
an acoustic guitar then check out
this page.
Bass - Need help capturing that
electric bass we offer a few options for you
here.
Vocals -
Vocals can make or break a project. Get some nice
tips
for recording vocals here.
Other Instruments - Want to add
that
saxophone, cello, or flute to a project. Get the
facts here.
Mixing - Need help
mixing those tracks to get the right sound from your
mix. We can help here.
Equalization or Eq - Do you have a basic overall level and the tracks panned where
you want them. Then check out our tips on
Equalization or Eq.
Adding Audio effects - If you have the levels where you want them and have
added Eq its time to add some plug-ins or effects like reverb, delay, chorus,
flanger, and other effects to help that
final mix
shine.
Mastering - Need help
mastering your songs. Get the low down
here.
Other Items of Interest
- Also while your
here feel free to check out our record label
Silver Dragon
Records and see what we can offer your band in terms of recording and other
services. Also check out
Lazarus X
Houston's hottest local band and their new
CD release
Weapon of Love or
download a free mp3 for a limited time.
Silver Dragon Records Presents
the Musicians Toolkit
Thank
you for your interest in
Houston Rock Record Label Silver Dragon Records.
Below is some information on our
record label and website catering to rock fans and musicians.
Houston Rock Record Label Silver Dragon Records
presents
rock band Lazarus X
and the their latest independent CD release
Weapon of Love.
Lazarus X's combines determined hard hitting rock with haunting and soulful
melodies which struck a chord with many
underground
rock music fans. Some fans received a preview of the
publicity photos
and
underground
rock CD WOL at a
rooftop listening
party a day before it was released
and the response was amazing. Check out
Rock Band Lazarus X
merchandise like
The Weapon of Love Tour T-Shirt and
the
Weapon of Love CD
or preview one of their songs by
downloading a
free rock mp3.
Silver Dragon Records is a
Houston
rock record label
producing and promoting experimental, hard rock and alternative metal albums. We
provide 24 bit digital recording in a
quiet
private studio
free of distractions. If you think we are the label for you
submit a
demo to our record label and let us tell you how we can help your
band with
artist promotion,
publicity, marketing, recording, mastering, help in marketing a demo or shopping
for a major label deal. We are happy to offer musicians our online resources
like our
musicians
toolkit for recording audio, our
museum of rock
music history and our
Houston rock music resource.
Thank you for checking out
music history or rock genres and subgenres and enjoy the above links.
SDR Home
-
Free Mp3s -
Lazarus X
-
CDs - Concert
T-shirts - Rock T-Shirts -
SDR T-Shirts -
Prints
- More Products
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Copyright 2003 Lazarus X - Silver Dragon
Records - All rights reserved.
