Recording Tips and
Tricks
Getting Started - Ok, you've got
the mics, cables, preamps, recording medium and you have all the instruments set
up. You'll be tempted to skip ahead and start recording. Resist the temptation
at least until you read this one last page, then you can come back after the
recording process to learn how to mix down and master what you have recorded if
you like.
Eliminate any outside noise - Eliminate nuisance noises like
air conditioners by shutting them down temporarily during
recording of if you can't try to put the fan on the "continuous" or "on" setting
so that the fan will run and there will be no abrupt starts and stops of the
fan. Also many noises can be eliminated with the judicious use of partitions
made of heavy cloth or other absorbent objects. If you are picking up noise from
outside cars or foot traffic then close the windows and drape them with heavy
fabric.
Equalizers or EQ - If you choose to Eq your track before the recording process remember
that any frequencies you eliminate can not be restored so use Eq sparingly if at
all during the recording process, especially if you have the option of adding it
later as with computer or DAW recording. Remember that
what sounds good now may not sound as good in the context of the entire song so
be judicious in the use of EQ at this stage. If you plan to Eq before you record
use a high quality Eq and check with the mixing section for specific frequencies
to try.
Double Tracking
- To thicken acoustic and electric guitars, vocals, and string parts, record two
identical tracks and pan one left and one right. For an interesting effect play
similar but differently phrased guitar parts, possible one on acoustic panned
left and one on electric panned right. For a more pronounced effect add more
layers to create that wall of guitars sound. For vocals it is very rare that
they aren't at least double, triple, or quadruple tracked. In the hands of a
skilled engineer multi-tracked vocals sound like a single voice but the
composition tracks are thick and rich compared to a single voice. Called comping
the technique is very effective in strengthening a weak vocal. Remember to save
the original tracks in case you want to remix later when you get better gear.
Unique Vocal Ideas - Nothing completes a great song like a stunning and original vocal.
There are many ways to add some spice to your vocal so as always experiment. Try
heavy compression or reverb to a track to give it a unique sound. Also try
singing into a megaphone, over a telephone, through a guitar pedal, a guitar
amp, a wah pedal, or anything else you can imagine.
Giving you Recording
Depth - Create the illusion of space by using different types of reverb
on drums, guitars, vocals, and other instruments. I don't personally recommend
putting reverb on bass heavy tracks as it tends to muddy them up. A little
compression and Eq on the bass at the mix down stage is usually the best bet but
as always experiment, experiment, experiment.
Vibe - Don't
underestimate the power of the vibe in a recording. Sometimes that not quite
perfect track with tons of emotion and feel is better than the perfect but
sterile track. Go for emotional content first and then technical expertise.
Demo verses Broadcast
Quality - Many people are confused about what makes a recording a demo quality
recording and what makes it a broadcast quality recording. I wish I had an easy
answer for this. It is really like trying to define
art verses craft. Its just something you know when you hear it. There are some
things you can do to avoid traps that will land your project squarely in the
demo category. First the recording should sound clean and free of unwanted
distortion. Don't confuse unwanted distortion (hiss, popping, etc.) with good
distortion (guitar amps, intentionally overdriven vocals, etc.). Remember to set
you recording levels very hot and use a compressor to eliminate hiss as much as
possible. Another pitfall of the demo quality recording is that most of the time
they have not been
mastered
and the audio levels are too low to be broadcast on the radio. The most
important factor in the demo versus broadcast quality dilemma is to get
professional help if you can afford it. If you are using a multitrack tape
recorder it is almost impossible to produce a broadcast quality project but if
your budget doesn't allow for anything else don't despair. Make the best quality
project you can. If you wish to you can send that demo to producers and record
labels and perhaps someone will assist you in remaking the project once they see
the potential in it.
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.
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