Recording Thread (Official)

[Esrb99]

After participating in a few threads in this forum, I felt that we needed a thread solely dedicated to the Art of Recording.

Here people can discuss new gear, methods, acoustics and have others critique recorded works, and quick questions can be asked and (hopefully) answered. This may stop the length of threads like, "RECORDING HELP!!! why won't my macbook play my guitarrrr!!!" and we can have threads on musician stuff as well, like guitars and crap.

anyways...

RULES:

if you got a question, look for the answer HERE (http://www.tweakheadz.com/guide.htm) first. it will save you (and us) LOTS of headaches.

More awesome info: audiotuts.com

If you don't get something, please ask, we all want to help!
that's pretty much it.

GO!!!

http://www.bluebearsound.com/images/thestudio/controom_wide.jpg(Love BlueBear's Rig)

[remoteCONTROL]

Going to that link made my head ache....

[Esrb99]

it does that the first few times.

but it's my recording bible.

Getting the Presonus Firestudio next week. pumped.

[Hyp]

You should link audiotuts.com in the first post also. Some really great stuff there. ;) Just a suggestion.

[Esrb99]

You should link audiotuts.com in the first post also. Some really great stuff there. ;) Just a suggestion.

done. never heard of the place, but it looks pretty sweet.

[TimT]

After participating in a few threads in this forum, I felt that we needed a thread solely dedicated to the Art of Recording.

Here people can discuss new gear, methods, acoustics and have others critique recorded works, and quick questions can be asked and (hopefully) answered. This may stop the length of threads like, "RECORDING HELP!!! why won't my macbook play my guitarrrr!!!" and we can have threads on musician stuff as well, like guitars and crap.

anyways...

RULES:

if you got a question, look for the answer HERE (http://www.tweakheadz.com/guide) first. it will save you (and us) LOTS of headaches.

More awesome info: audiotuts.com

If you don't get something, please ask, we all want to help!
that's pretty much it.

GO!!!

Thankyou so much for posting this. Best site

[Tristan Needler]

So if you were my installation disk for Cubase LE, Sonar LE, and WaveLab Lite, where would you be?


I just got a new computer and need to install all this junk, but I can't find my damn CD.

[Esrb99]

So if you were my installation disk for Cubase LE, Sonar LE, and WaveLab Lite, where would you be?


I just got a new computer and need to install all this junk, but I can't find my damn CD.

screw disc, do you have the cd key?

if so, I'd just dl a torrent of it, cd is useless w/out serial.

[Tristan Needler]

screw disc, do you have the cd key?

if so, I'd just dl a torrent of it, cd is useless w/out serial.
The key is with the CD somewhere.

I don't suppose there's any way to look up the key on my old computer, is there?

[TimT]

The key is with the CD somewhere.

I don't suppose there's any way to look up the key on my old computer, is there?

If its still in working order, you can go through the registry and try to find it. Go to Run in the start menu and type 'regedit' then go to the directory HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE, then open the SOFTWARE directory and find the Cubase directory in the list that drops down. Once you find it have a bit of a look through any sub directories or just any files that are in there and you should find the key pop up on the right hand side of the window. Unless you are on a mac, in which case i dont know.

[lew_1987]

Thanks for the link, will check it out.

I'm not sure this will stop people posting the same thread over and over, but this thread is long overdue.

EDIT: The link is incorrect, needs '.htm' after it.

[Tristan Needler]

I stickied this so it won't get buried.

[Esrb99]

Thanks for the link, will check it out.

I'm not sure this will stop people posting the same thread over and over, but this thread is long overdue.

EDIT: The link is incorrect, needs '.htm' after it.

I know what you mean. Fixed the link, thanks for the heads up!

I stickied this so it won't get buried.

that's nifty.

[Tristan Needler]

Ha! I found the CD.

Anyone have any good free VST plugs they want to recommend? I'm going to have to download all of those again too. Particularly parametric EQs and/or good free softsynths or drums.

[Chigwinkle]

Ha! I found the CD.

Anyone have any good free VST plugs they want to recommend? I'm going to have to download all of those again too. Particularly parametric EQs and/or good free softsynths or drums.

Arturia Analouge Factory has a free trail which I use all the time, some really cool sounding phat bass sounds. I've yet to find a decent free drum plugin... any suggestions? Also a good compressor.

[Hyp]

Ha! I found the CD.

Anyone have any good free VST plugs they want to recommend? I'm going to have to download all of those again too. Particularly parametric EQs and/or good free softsynths or drums.

I have a Computer Music issue that is just a catalouge of free AU's, VST, and programs of the such...but alas, I've let my friend look at at. Once he's done with it, I'll let you know of a bunch.

[Tristan Needler]

Arturia Analouge Factory has a free trail which I use all the time, some really cool sounding phat bass sounds. I've yet to find a decent free drum plugin... any suggestions? Also a good compressor.
Drums, no. A good free VST compressor is the classic compressor by Kjaerus Audio. Actually, the whole classic series is awesome. I use the compressor and reverb all the time, and the limiter on my master tracks. I don't have a ton of use for the others, but I've heard they're great at what they do as well.

http://www.kjaerhusaudio.com/classic-series.php

[Esrb99]

Ha! I found the CD.

Anyone have any good free VST plugs they want to recommend? I'm going to have to download all of those again too. Particularly parametric EQs and/or good free softsynths or drums.

I'm lame, I bought some *sigh*

I got guitar rig 3, and Izotope ozone 4 for better preset mastering settings to give a band while they wait for the final mixes and such.

in some SOS issue a while (long while) back, there was some set of loops, plugins etc that were sampled off of stuff the beatles had used at abbey road. Been looking for it, but I don't know what it's called.

[Tristan Needler]

I just learned you can download Proteus VX for free from their site. It's a VSTi and stand-alone sampling synth with a shit ton of presets (over 1,000) from E-MU.

http://www.emu.com/promo/proteusvx/welcome.asp

You have to sign up for their new letter, but just put in a fake email or something if you don't want, it doesn't ask you for an activation or anything.




Edit: Actually first, try this link: http://www.emu.com/promo/proteusvx/welcome.asp?vx=GuWMjKSTEn9iG5p8MKQP rvLSXFPm9gYL

That's what they gave me after signing up. If it doesn't work for you, try the first link I posted.

[Tristan Needler]

I'm lame, I bought some *sigh*

I got guitar rig 3, and Izotope ozone 4 for better preset mastering settings to give a band while they wait for the final mixes and such.

in some SOS issue a while (long while) back, there was some set of loops, plugins etc that were sampled off of stuff the beatles had used at abbey road. Been looking for it, but I don't know what it's called.
Nothing lame about that, that just means you're a little less broke than I am hahah.

[Chigwinkle]

Edit: Actually first, try this link: http://www.emu.com/promo/proteusvx/welcome.asp?vx=GuWMjKSTEn9iG5p8MKQP rvLSXFPm9gYL

That's what they gave me after signing up. If it doesn't work for you, try the first link I posted.

Just comes up with the same page for me.

And thanks for mentioning that Kjaerhus audio, the reverb sounds really nice.

[Esrb99]

I just learned you can download Proteus VX for free from their site. It's a VSTi and stand-alone sampling synth with a shit ton of presets (over 1,000) from E-MU.

http://www.emu.com/promo/proteusvx/welcome.asp

You have to sign up for their new letter, but just put in a fake email or something if you don't want, it doesn't ask you for an activation or anything.




Edit: Actually first, try this link: http://www.emu.com/promo/proteusvx/welcome.asp?vx=GuWMjKSTEn9iG5p8MKQP rvLSXFPm9gYL

That's what they gave me after signing up. If it doesn't work for you, try the first link I posted.

bah! all for pc!!

lame.

[Tristan Needler]

bah! all for pc!!

lame.
Oh yeah, I forgot it's only for PC haha. Sorry.

[Esrb99]

Oh yeah, I forgot it's only for PC haha. Sorry.

no probs, like I said just bought stuff anyways, want to learn that first!

[SeeYouSeptember]

What is the best program for a PC to use for recording guitars?

[Tristan Needler]

What is the best program for a PC to use for recording guitars?
Well, what kind of guitars? Electric/acoustic? Do you want to mic them or record them DI and use amp modeling software? I'm assuming you don't have an audio interface or anything yet.

There really is no best sequencer, Pro Tools, Cubase, Sonar, etc. They all do pretty much the same thing, just in a little bit different ways.

[Esrb99]

What is the best program for a PC to use for recording guitars?

if you just have a computer, and an electric guitar (No sexy marshall or worthy amp to record,) get this:

http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/product?sku=249701X

comes with software that models or emulates popular amps and effects.

if you want to mic up an acoustic guitar or electric through an amp, i'd get a Shure sm57, and the line 6 toneport mentioned above, as it will take inputs from a mic as well.

[SeeYouSeptember]

Electric, I'm also wonder on how to get the audio into the computer, do I use a mic and put it against the amp or use a two way cord and line in the guitar using the amp's headphone jack or if they're is any other way?

[Tristan Needler]

Electric, I'm also wonder on how to get the audio into the computer, do I use a mic and put it against the amp or use a two way cord and line in the guitar using the amp's headphone jack or if they're is any other way?
You could use the mic in on your computer, but if you want any presentable result, you'll want some sort of audio interface like the toneport mentioned above, or any one of a slew of others.

[Praetor]

if you just have a computer, and an electric guitar (No sexy marshall or worthy amp to record,) get this:

http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/product?sku=249701X

comes with software that models or emulates popular amps and effects.

if you want to mic up an acoustic guitar or electric through an amp, i'd get a Shure sm57, and the line 6 toneport mentioned above, as it will take inputs from a mic as well.
Just wanted to second the Shure SM57. I love Shure mic's.

[tellmycaster]

Just out of curiosity...
What are everyones thoughts on protools?
I didnt see that named dropped in here. And it seems like less people are using it these days.
Am I wrong?

[ShimmerAndSpill]

What are some good laptops that I can look at just for basic home recordings?

[SeeYouSeptember]

What is the recommended sequencer? I've been looking into a few and I can't decide.

[Esrb99]

Just out of curiosity...
What are everyones thoughts on protools?
I didnt see that named dropped in here. And it seems like less people are using it these days.
Am I wrong?

personally, I've never used protools; while it and wave are the 'industry standards,' Protools locks you in with proprietary equipment, and pre-approved plugins at times. I shy away from that (Weird, as I use a mac to record, which is like the digidesign of computers!!!)

What are some good laptops that I can look at just for basic home recordings?

Not trying to bash pc's here, but get a mac. Preferably a Macbook Pro. Pc's have WAY too many variations among manufacturers and parts, so you may be spending lots of time just trying to get hardware interfaces and midi stuff trying to just WORK with your computer. now, if you were getting a desktop, that would be different, as you could better control the components in your machine, but I digress... Most major recording gear and software works with macs, and as macs come in usually one way, with one specific set of parts, Mac drivers and support for them is much easier.

think of it like this; while a pc laptop may be inexpensive, you'll lose valuable recording time messing with drivers if you're unlucky, and you'll have to be more cautious about security and feature updates from both windows and software manufacturers. With a Mac, it's generally made for the hardware in it, seein as apple gets parts from no more than 2 vendors for a certain item in their machines. much easier to make drivers for.

What is the recommended sequencer? I've been looking into a few and I can't decide.

same with the protools above; most sequencers are equally useable- the biggest difference nowadays is the power behind the built in plugins and loops, and how much you get, both of which are usually not something to write home about. essentially then you are paying for ease of use and familiarity with the thing, looks.
I chose to use Apple's Logic 8 because the box was hefty, and it was made for my machine. little/no compatibility issues. I also run komplete 5 and sonar Cakewalk from time to time if needed.

[ShimmerAndSpill]

Not trying to bash pc's here, but get a mac. Preferably a Macbook Pro. Pc's have WAY too many variations among manufacturers and parts, so you may be spending lots of time just trying to get hardware interfaces and midi stuff trying to just WORK with your computer. now, if you were getting a desktop, that would be different, as you could better control the components in your machine, but I digress... Most major recording gear and software works with macs, and as macs come in usually one way, with one specific set of parts, Mac drivers and support for them is much easier.

think of it like this; while a pc laptop may be inexpensive, you'll lose valuable recording time messing with drivers if you're unlucky, and you'll have to be more cautious about security and feature updates from both windows and software manufacturers. With a Mac, it's generally made for the hardware in it, seein as apple gets parts from no more than 2 vendors for a certain item in their machines. much easier to make drivers for.





I do know that macs are better for recording, but unfortunately I might have to go with a PC just because I can get it cheaper. And I'm goinig to use it mostly for simple recordings that I'll do out of my college dorm. I'm just trying to get a basic projection of the stuff I'm going to need to start buying in the next few months.

[Esrb99]

I do know that macs are better for recording, but unfortunately I might have to go with a PC just because I can get it cheaper. And I'm goinig to use it mostly for simple recordings that I'll do out of my college dorm. I'm just trying to get a basic projection of the stuff I'm going to need to start buying in the next few months.

get Cakewalk then as your sequencer/DAW. get a cheap usb audio interface, a mic or two, and you're set!!!

[Tristan Needler]

Just out of curiosity...
What are everyones thoughts on protools?
I didnt see that named dropped in here. And it seems like less people are using it these days.
Am I wrong?I've never used it. I've heard it's not as good as the others for MIDI, but that was a while ago and things constantly change.

What are some good laptops that I can look at just for basic home recordings?Lots of ram, fast processor. I never had a single compatibility issue, but some people do. Just make sure to choose a laptop/interface combination that is known to work. Pay attention to things like mother board chipsets, sometimes things don't work out. I never thought about any of that stuff, and I never had a problem, but who knows?

IBM/Lenovo ThinkPads are great computers though. Don't let anyone tell you that they're only for businessmen, because that's a crock. A few years ago, I was told that they were one of the few PC laptops that ProTools certified as good to use. Do you have a budget? Because I know Lenovo's can be pricey.

Macs are not necessarily better, just easier to not screw up.

get Cakewalk then as your sequencer/DAW. get a cheap usb audio interface, a mic or two, and you're set!!!I prefer Cubase to Sonar by a mile. I haven't used any other Cakewalk software though. Why do you say Cakewalk? I've seen most people say Cubase.

[Esrb99]

I've never used it. I've heard it's not as good as the others for MIDI, but that was a while ago and things constantly change.

Lots of ram, fast processor. I never had a single compatibility issue, but some people do. Just make sure to choose a laptop/interface combination that is known to work. Pay attention to things like mother board chipsets, sometimes things don't work out. I never thought about any of that stuff, and I never had a problem, but who knows?

IBM/Lenovo ThinkPads are great computers though. Don't let anyone tell you that they're only for businessmen, because that's a crock. A few years ago, I was told that they were one of the few PC laptops that ProTools certified as good to use. Do you have a budget? Because I know Lenovo's can be pricey.

Macs are not necessarily better, just easier to not screw up.

I prefer Cubase to Sonar by a mile. I haven't used any other Cakewalk software though. Why do you say Cakewalk? I've seen most people say Cubase.

haha cause I got it.

I was 15 and saved up paperboy money, and if a 15 year old can figure it out, shan't be too hard for someone to... a DAW is very intimidating upon a first look.

[Tristan Needler]

haha cause I got it.

I was 15 and saved up paperboy money, and if a 15 year old can figure it out, shan't be too hard for someone to... a DAW is very intimidating upon a first look.
I won't deny that. The way I learned mine was by only learning the super basic stuff, then whenever I thought "hey, I wonder if I can do that..." I'd look it up. I've read through the manual a bunch of times now, but I still haven't 100% remembered everything. I won't touch the sample editor, for example. I've got all the important stuff though. I've never needed to edit a sample. All my stuff came with "get started" manuals as well as the real manuals. Those definitely help for getting a fee for the basics before going in depth.

[Esrb99]

I won't deny that. The way I learned mine was by only learning the super basic stuff, then whenever I thought "hey, I wonder if I can do that..." I'd look it up. I've read through the manual a bunch of times now, but I still haven't 100% remembered everything. I won't touch the sample editor, for example. I've got all the important stuff though. I've never needed to edit a sample. All my stuff came with "get started" manuals as well as the real manuals. Those definitely help for getting a fee for the basics before going in depth.

I LOVE the sample editor on vocals... soo good for pops from voices, and extra breaths.

haha, I remember installing it, and refusing to look at the manual. for two weeks I had my 12 channel shit mixer hooked up to it via 1/4" to 1/8" adapter, left channel only, and was wondering why it wouldn't record it.

then I learned about arming a track.

good times.

[TimT]

Bit of a technical question...I've just bought a Behringer Xenyx 1204FX mixer, which came with the UC2000 USB Audio Interface, that basically just connects to the mixers cd/tape out via 2 x RCA cables. The problem I am having at the moment is that I can get sound into the mixer fine, I can record fine, but even though the output RCA's on the interface are hooked up to the mixer's CD/Tape In, I can't hear any playback from the computer through my headphones, connected to the mixers 'phones' jack. As far as I can tell I am doing everything right in terms of channels and connections, so I am thinking it might be a software/operating system thing. I am running Vista atm. Anyone have any idea what I can do to fix this?

[Esrb99]

the interface is plugged into the 'outs' on the board only right?

if you want to hear what you recorded back from the pc, your interface needs a headphone or audio jack on it, or you need to send a 1/4, 1/8, or stereo rca's back to the mixer via some kind of input, but that waay is kinda iffy. I suggest getting a better interface with an actual headphone jack (Not too expensive, less than $100.

btw, doing MAJOR upgrades to my setup this week/weekend... will post before and after pics once I get all the shiny new(and in some cases, old) gear in the mail. im excited.

[floormaster925]

anyone else having problems with cubase (Lambada interface) and korg nanokey?

[TimT]

the interface is plugged into the 'outs' on the board only right?

if you want to hear what you recorded back from the pc, your interface needs a headphone or audio jack on it, or you need to send a 1/4, 1/8, or stereo rca's back to the mixer via some kind of input, but that waay is kinda iffy. I suggest getting a better interface with an actual headphone jack (Not too expensive, less than $100.

btw, doing MAJOR upgrades to my setup this week/weekend... will post before and after pics once I get all the shiny new(and in some cases, old) gear in the mail. im excited.

I'm sure your new setup will work out better than mine has lol.

Basically I have done it the iffy way, plugged the RCA outs from the audio interface into the CD/TAPE in on the mixer. In the instruction manual it says that if you then press the CD/TAPE to phones/control room out button, you should be able to monitor your computers output along with the main mix. I figured out that the output is there, but its so fucking quiet that even with the volume turned waaaay up all you get is a whisper. So pretty much i need to find a way to boost that signal.

[Esrb99]

I'm sure your new setup will work out better than mine has lol.

Basically I have done it the iffy way, plugged the RCA outs from the audio interface into the CD/TAPE in on the mixer. In the instruction manual it says that if you then press the CD/TAPE to phones/control room out button, you should be able to monitor your computers output along with the main mix. I figured out that the output is there, but its so fucking quiet that even with the volume turned waaaay up all you get is a whisper. So pretty much i need to find a way to boost that signal.

you need some kind of headphone preamp to boost the signal, either between the rc and mixer or headphone jack and mixer. possibly at the latter.

you'd need something like this: http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/product/SMPro-Audio-HP4v-4-Channel-Headphone-Amplifier?sku=180208

however, I suggest scrapping that interface altogether (RCA? really?) and getting a better one w/ a built in headphone output.

this is a sweet buy: http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/product?sku=242192V

if you're willing to go mixer-less, and/or want to have control of editing each individual drum track, this is your best bet as far as interfaces go, at least in the budget level: http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/product?sku=184131V


hope this helps!

[Tristan Needler]

Cubase LE has been crashing for me every once in a while lately. :bluesad:

I guess that's what you get for trying to run a 32-bit sequencer on a 64-bit computer.

[ShimmerAndSpill]

I want to get into recording, but this all seems a bit over my head.

[Tristan Needler]

Don't let it scare you! There's a lot to learn, and you'll always keep learning, but once you've got the ideas it's so fun.

[lew_1987]

It's the same as anything... it will all seem like gibberish at first, but you learn some common sense after a bit. Just try some basic recordings with basic equipment and try experimenting with different effects. Every time you encounter a problem with certain things, it gives you a chance to read up on something which you might not have otherwise.

[Tristan Needler]

It's the same as anything... it will all seem like gibberish at first, but you learn some common sense after a bit. Just try some basic recordings with basic equipment and try experimenting with different effects. Every time you encounter a problem with certain things, it gives you a chance to read up on something which you might not have otherwise.
Haha that was me at first. "Hmm, if I download Audacity and use this computer mic, I can record some acoustic guitar!" "But what if I want to record bass? Can I just get an adapter?" "How do I make it sound better?" And on from there.


You don't need to be rich either. I make some pretty presentable (I think, at least) recordings with a set up that cost ~$250. Not including cables and stands and crap. I have a MIDI controller now too that was about $400, but if you don't need to do any keyboard-related things, then that's not entirely necessary.

[lew_1987]

Haha that was me at first. "Hmm, if I download Audacity and use this computer mic, I can record some acoustic guitar!" "But what if I want to record bass? Can I just get an adapter?" "How do I make it sound better?" And on from there.


You don't need to be rich either. I make some pretty presentable (I think, at least) recordings with a set up that cost ~$250. Not including cables and stands and crap. I have a MIDI controller now too that was about $400, but if you don't need to do any keyboard-related things, then that's not entirely necessary.

Exactly. You make do with bad knowledge and bad equipment, and they both eventually improve. If you learn to make the most of bad situations then you're better equipped when it comes to better ones. That's what I believe anyway.

I started off watching other people recording badly, and learned a bit from that.

[TheSkyline]

I want to try to get an internship or part-time job or whatever at a local studio, how would I go about doing this? Just stop by and ask if they need any help? Sorry if this sounds like a stupid question. haha

[ShimmerAndSpill]

Don't let it scare you! There's a lot to learn, and you'll always keep learning, but once you've got the ideas it's so fun.

I have basic ideas. My old band recorded with this guy that used nuendo, I was able to get a basic understanding of it, and the guy I'm recording with now is a certified pro tools engineer. But some of the stuff they start to talk about makes my head hurt. Stuff about quantizing drums and what not, I have no clue haha.

[ShimmerAndSpill]

I want to try to get an internship or part-time job or whatever at a local studio, how would I go about doing this? Just stop by and ask if they need any help? Sorry if this sounds like a stupid question. haha

That's probably all you will be able to do, that's how it works around here at least.

[Tristan Needler]

I have basic ideas. My old band recorded with this guy that used nuendo, I was able to get a basic understanding of it, and the guy I'm recording with now is a certified pro tools engineer. But some of the stuff they start to talk about makes my head hurt. Stuff about quantizing drums and what not, I have no clue haha.
Quantizing has to do with MIDI haha. It makes the notes you've played line up exactly on the beat.

[ShimmerAndSpill]

Quantizing has to do with MIDI haha. It makes the notes you've played line up exactly on the beat.

Haha well I never knew what he was talking about to begin with, thanks though. The guy we're recording with right now doesn't like to record live drums, so he has us do a tabit version and export it as midi. He makes it sound surprisingly real.

[Tristan Needler]

Haha well I never knew what he was talking about to begin with, thanks though. The guy we're recording with right now doesn't like to record live drums, so he has us do a tabit version and export it as midi. He makes it sound surprisingly real.
There are some pretty good drum samples out there. In fact, a very large portion of artists these days (yes, some your favourite artists too haha) use sampled drums.

Sadly, I can't afford to get decent drum samples haha.

[Esrb99]

There are some pretty good drum samples out there. In fact, a very large portion of artists these days (yes, some your favourite artists too haha) use sampled drums.

Sadly, I can't afford to get decent drum samples haha.

eww, I hate fake drums unless that's the sound you're going for.

Im excited about the prospect of getting some new mic pres, will make my drum tracks fat and sexy, and I bought a reel to reel recorder. My tracks will be manly.

[ShimmerAndSpill]

There are some pretty good drum samples out there. In fact, a very large portion of artists these days (yes, some your favourite artists too haha) use sampled drums.

Sadly, I can't afford to get decent drum samples haha.

Well actually what he does is we use the program tabit to make a midi of the drums. I'm pretty sure that it's not even the greatest quality drums samples either. He then puts them through frooty loops and does all this crazy stuff and then they come out sounding pretty realistic.

[Tristan Needler]

eww, I hate fake drums unless that's the sound you're going for.

Im excited about the prospect of getting some new mic pres, will make my drum tracks fat and sexy, and I bought a reel to reel recorder. My tracks will be manly.I prefer real, but lots of bands do it now. Bands like Fall Out Boy, and tons of bands that are way less popular too.

Well actually what he does is we use the program tabit to make a midi of the drums. I'm pretty sure that it's not even the greatest quality drums samples either. He then puts them through frooty loops and does all this crazy stuff and then they come out sounding pretty realistic.What most of the bands that use samples seem to do it record actual drums, and rather than have that sound on the record, they use the sound to trigger samples, so those are the sounds that end up on the record instead.

[Esrb99]

New sexy gear this week:

Presonus Firestudio Project

Art MPA Gold w/ new tubes: A telefunken and Mullard 12AX7

and the king of the hill, a Tascam 22-2 reel to reel.

just awaiting some tape from ups, should be in tuesday!!!

http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/59/l_153aaa78234a4eb6b41b90104fb3db04. jpg

http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/35/l_95511160e35a4530ad0d39f1da534a9c. jpg

[lew_1987]

That is NICE. You really need to set the date on your camera though, haha.

[Esrb99]

That is NICE. You really need to set the date on your camera though, haha.

thanks!

the camera is a piece of 2003ish crap, runs through batteries in like 5 min, so I don't worry about it, and take the pics whilst I can.

[ShimmerAndSpill]

Any of you guys know of a good program that simulates a rhodes?

[Drown_The_City]

I know this constitutes as a dumb question, but Im just starting to record music in my room.
Im planning on buying this mic :
http://www.guitarcenter.com/MXL-MXL-990-USB-Powered-Condenser-Microphone-271009-i1177542.gc?sort=5

and I was wondering what a pop filter does, and if its worth buying?

[TheSkyline]

A pop filter makes it so that when you say a "p", or make any kind of sharp sound it dulls it down. It is worth buying because you don't want any of your meters to peak every time you say a "p"!

[Drown_The_City]

A pop filter makes it so that when you say a "p", or make any kind of sharp sound it dulls it down. It is worth buying because you don't want any of your meters to peak every time you say a "p"!
Thanks. would it be worth using when recording guitar as well? or just it just depend on what kind of sound Im trying to get?

[TheSkyline]

No, you wouldn't really need one for recording a guitar. It's more meant for vocal tracks.

[Esrb99]

what is your price range? an MXL is good for a beginner, or someone who's VERY casual at this sort of thing, but for just 50 bucks more, you can get a much better setup that will benefit you down the road.

[floormaster925]

I know this constitutes as a dumb question, but Im just starting to record music in my room.
Im planning on buying this mic :
http://www.guitarcenter.com/MXL-MXL-990-USB-Powered-Condenser-Microphone-271009-i1177542.gc?sort=5

and I was wondering what a pop filter does, and if its worth buying?
i've heard that most usb mics aren't so great (not sure about the one you've picked out), i'd advise just buying a decent interface and standard mic. it might cost more, but your sound quality will be better.

[Drown_The_City]

what is your price range? an MXL is good for a beginner, or someone who's VERY casual at this sort of thing, but for just 50 bucks more, you can get a much better setup that will benefit you down the road.
Im looking to keep it under $200 for equipment. What is your suggestion?
Im really open to anything.

I just need a mic that can do vocals and acoustic guitar

[Esrb99]

For an under 200 setup, I'd get:

mic: sm57 http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/product/Shure-SM57-InstrumentVocal-Mic?sku=270102

audio Interface: http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/product/Lexicon-Alpha-USB-Audio-Interface?sku=245507

the interface comes with Cubase LE, a pretty good DAW (Digital audio workstation) to record and edit your tracks on your computer.

while not the best interface in the world, the 57 is THE go-to mic in the industry- heck, some drum kits are mic'd using ONLY 57's!

damn good mic. will be a bit quiet without a good preamp, but much better than getting a shoddy mic with no external pre at all. (your pre will be built in on your interface.)

[lew_1987]

OK, I'm hoping someone can help me out here...

I have recorded 8 tracks of a song on my 8-track (BR 1180), and want to record these onto the mastering track, so that I can add vocals on top. Will I lose any sound quality by 'bouncing' the 8 tracks onto the 9th + 10th track?

Hoppefully I've explained this enough and it makes sense. :-)

[Esrb99]

OK, I'm hoping someone can help me out here...

I have recorded 8 tracks of a song on my 8-track (BR 1180), and want to record these onto the mastering track, so that I can add vocals on top. Will I lose any sound quality by 'bouncing' the 8 tracks onto the 9th + 10th track?

Hoppefully I've explained this enough and it makes sense. :-)

Personally, I would finish tracking before sending ANYTHING to a mastering location.

it seems that the BR 1180 is capable of tracking 10 tracks; try to do vox to the last two only then mix?

or, burn each of the current 89 tracks individually, then record all the vox you need, and open all tracks in a DAW on a pc and mix there.

[lew_1987]

Personally, I would finish tracking before sending ANYTHING to a mastering location.

it seems that the BR 1180 is capable of tracking 10 tracks; try to do vox to the last two only then mix?

or, burn each of the current 89 tracks individually, then record all the vox you need, and open all tracks in a DAW on a pc and mix there.

I have the BR 1180 without the CD drive, so I won't be able to burn anything off it, and also I need more than 2 vocal tracks for this one. I think I'll have to master the backing track, so that I can free up the others for vocals. I thought I'd have to do it that way, but I thought I'd check anyway. It's only a demo, so it's not that crucial to get it sounding amazing.

Thanks for the advice, it'll help while I'm trying to figure it out.

[Tristan Needler]

Well, why don't you at least try to do the vocals under a separate project and mix them together after. That way if you find the vocals completely drown a guitar or anything like that, you're not stuck.

Can you export what you have already without reducing it to one track?

[lew_1987]

Well, why don't you at least try to do the vocals under a separate project and mix them together after. That way if you find the vocals completely drown a guitar or anything like that, you're not stuck.

Can you export what you have already without reducing it to one track?

Not really, not without recording it onto my computer as separate tracks and then saving them for mixing later.

I'd be mastering the backing track to stereo, so it would be mixed completely and I would only save that master if I'm completely happy with it. Then I'd be able to use the backing track to make sure the vocals are recorded at the right levels etc., and then mix those after they are done and then transfer the whole recording onto my computer. I do need to find a better way to transfer the recordings back to PC though, because with each recording to/from it, I lose quality.

[Tristan Needler]

What I'm talking about is basically mastering it, but saving it to a different project, so that the "unmastered" tracks are still intact. Then you can record vocals in the new project with the "master" as for reference. Then mix vocals and the instruments in two separate projects, combining them from time to time to see how the go with each other. Admittedly, a pain in the ass, but if you're worried about how the vocals will sit in the mix, it would be wise to at least give yourself the opportunity to fix things later. What might sound fantastic with no vocals is very likely to sound muddy with them.

How do you get it back and forth to the computer?

[lew_1987]

What I'm talking about is basically mastering it, but saving it to a different project, so that the "unmastered" tracks are still intact. Then you can record vocals in the new project with the "master" as for reference. Then mix vocals and the instruments in two separate projects, combining them from time to time to see how the go with each other. Admittedly, a pain in the ass, but if you're worried about how the vocals will sit in the mix, it would be wise to at least give yourself the opportunity to fix things later. What might sound fantastic with no vocals is very likely to sound muddy with them.

How do you get it back and forth to the computer?

Hahaha, very awkwardly. At the moment using a simple red/white phono cable from the 'audio out' on the 8-track to the composite input on the front of my computer, and then using Windows Movie Maker to capture the sound. It works better than you might think, but it is definitely not a permanent solution.

Yeah, that isn't too different from what I would already be doing... obviously I was going to save the original backing track (pre-master) just in case anything went wrong. I could try them as two separate projects though.

[Tristan Needler]

How much is it for the CD burner upgrade? My friend had the exact same recorder except with the burner. When he wanted to do songs with more than 8 tracks he did what you're talking about. I think sometimes he actually burned it to CD and then reimported it. I don't know if that's necessary though.

[lew_1987]

How much is it for the CD burner upgrade? My friend had the exact same recorder except with the burner. When he wanted to do songs with more than 8 tracks he did what you're talking about. I think sometimes he actually burned it to CD and then reimported it. I don't know if that's necessary though.

I don't know how much the upgrade is, I can't actually find it online anywhere. I don't mind too much at the moment, because I'm only recording demos. I'll just carry on working on trying to make it sound as good as I can with what I have.

[Clark]

Is it possible to mix in Audacity? I know you can pan a track left or right, and they will mix two tracks together for you (Quick Mix), but what if I want to manually place a track? For example, in a song I've recorded, the drums are much too prominent and I want to make them "lower" in the mix.

[Tristan Needler]

You change the volume throughout a track, although I forget how. I think the tracks have a sort of envelope. I don't know how to explain it more simply. I can't figure it out after ten second of fooling around in the new version. I'm almost certain it existed in the old version though.

You can reduce the volume of the entire track with the slider above the pan slider though. If you go to the Audacity site you can download a VST enabler and a bunch of (pretty basic) VST plugins. There are a couple of EQ plugins there.

[Clark]

Yeah, I know I can adjust the volume, but I don't think that's what I want to do.

I'm very new to this stuff. I've finally gotten recording down for the most part, although always learning of course, but I don't know much about editing what I've recorded. I've tried to read the information in the "essential" links posted by people in this forum, but for the most part it's all over my head and I don't want to get too technical.

I'm using the stable release of Audacity, the newest version tends to cause my computer to crash, if that helps.

[Tristan Needler]

Yeah, I know I can adjust the volume, but I don't think that's what I want to do.

I'm very new to this stuff. I've finally gotten recording down for the most part, although always learning of course, but I don't know much about editing what I've recorded. I've tried to read the information in the "essential" links posted by people in this forum, but for the most part it's all over my head and I don't want to get too technical.

I'm using the stable release of Audacity, the newest version tends to cause my computer to crash, if that helps.
For the volume thing I was talking about, it's just the button next to the main cursor button.

But what exactly do you want to change? Usually to 'lower' something in the mix, you just turn it down. How exactly does it sound and what do you want to change? EQ's can change the sound (make the bass louder, treble quieter, or whatever), does that sound more like what you're looking for?

[Clark]

Ah, possibly. Thank you, I'll check it out.

Also, if I wanted to make the bass drum more noticeable in the drum track, would I use an EQ for that, or would something else do the trick?

[Tristan Needler]

If all your drums are on the same track, EQ will probably be the best way to try to bring it out. It will affect everything though, and might make the snare and cymbals sound off.

If your kick is on a different track, then EQ and some compression can definitely help give it that punch.

[Clark]

Yeah, wish it was on a different track, but it's not.

[Tristan Needler]

Yeah, wish it was on a different track, but it's not.
http://audacity.sourceforge.net/download/windows

Go there and get the LADSPA plugin thing. There's an EQ plug in there that will hopefully be able to help you. I'd suggest using the graphic setting, not the setting where you draw the curve by yourself. In case you didn't know, bass frequencies to the left, treble to the right. Play around with it and you'll be able to change the sound, hopefully into something you like. Avoid boosting too much from the middle though.

[Clark]

Have any tips to raise a mix to a normal volume level (using Audacity)? Everything I try ends up severely distorted.

[Tristan Needler]

Compression. Although I don't know how any of those Audacity compressors are.

[Clark]

Yeah, I've tried compression and normalization, but they don't make it nearly loud enough. Not even close to the songs in my iTunes library, for example.

[Tristan Needler]

I wouldn't use normalization. Just raise the volume after the compressor, or use the compressor's make-up gain if it has it.

I'm not quite sure how else you'd raise the volume in Audacity.

[Clark]

Yeah, the compressor's make-up gain is just a "normalize to 0db after compressing" checkbox.

[Tristan Needler]

Yeah, don't do that. There's an "amplify" plugin or something like that, use that after the compressor. It's not ideal, but it should work better, hopefully.

[Clark]

Yeah, I used the amplify. I think I've got it the best I can. I figured out it was sounding so bad when I raised the volume because everything done on keyboard, including the bass guitar and piano, is in the same track, so when I raise the piano to the right volume, the bass is way too loud. Oh well, this'll just have to be a quiet track, I guess. Haha.

Here it is: http://www.badongo.com/file/13816887

Keep in mind it was a first for everything: recording, mixing,etc. As well as my "band's" (it's just my friend and I) first song. Also, it's an intro track, so it's short.

[Esrb99]

that is SO much better than the first piece of garbage I recorded, and I had all the tools to make it better right in front of me! just goes to show that knowledge is far better than tools. oh, and I guess competent musicians (don't record people who can't/refuse to keep time.)

[mrshamoozoo1481]

im looking to sell two practilly new AKG studio mics ..
c 4000 B and a c 100 s
for 650
any one intrested?

[lew_1987]

Yeah, I used the amplify. I think I've got it the best I can. I figured out it was sounding so bad when I raised the volume because everything done on keyboard, including the bass guitar and piano, is in the same track, so when I raise the piano to the right volume, the bass is way too loud. Oh well, this'll just have to be a quiet track, I guess. Haha.

Here it is: http://www.badongo.com/file/13816887

Keep in mind it was a first for everything: recording, mixing,etc. As well as my "band's" (it's just my friend and I) first song. Also, it's an intro track, so it's short.

This is really good for a first go at recording... and you can only improve with time. The music sounds good too, but it seems to go out of time a little bit near the end.

[lew_1987]

Just found this:

http://www.dpamicrophones.com/da/MikrofonUniversitet/Application-Guide.aspx

Not really conclusive, but decent if you want some quick tips about mic placement. Has quite a few different instruments on there too... just overlook the sales pitches.

[nikaidoh]

Yeah, I'm not really going to look back a few pages and see if something's already been said about it...

But I used Audacity and a laptop mic to record, and I use an acoustic, and the problem is that the guitar is too soft, and want I try using an amp boost up a decibel or so, it get's so clangy that you can't tell there are chord changes, and like, my voice on the recording is much much higher than how I actually sound. So I'm wondering if it's a mic problem, like I should just dish out the $20 or whatever to get a decent mic, or if there's something I can do (effects and equalizer-wise) that can adjust this?

[lew_1987]

Does anyone have any ideas/advice on how to make one vocalist sound like a group of vocalists singing the same part, using conventional methods?

[Tristan Needler]

Yeah, I'm not really going to look back a few pages and see if something's already been said about it...

But I used Audacity and a laptop mic to record, and I use an acoustic, and the problem is that the guitar is too soft, and want I try using an amp boost up a decibel or so, it get's so clangy that you can't tell there are chord changes, and like, my voice on the recording is much much higher than how I actually sound. So I'm wondering if it's a mic problem, like I should just dish out the $20 or whatever to get a decent mic, or if there's something I can do (effects and equalizer-wise) that can adjust this?Where are you putting the mic? I used to do the exact same thing as you, and where you put the mic makes a world of difference.

Does anyone have any ideas/advice on how to make one vocalist sound like a group of vocalists singing the same part, using conventional methods?Do you mean gang vocals or harmonies?

[lew_1987]

Do you mean gang vocals or harmonies?

Yeah, gang vocals - but sung, not chanted. There will be a harmony as well if I can get it sounding right, but none if not.

[Tristan Needler]

Yeah, I used the amplify. I think I've got it the best I can. I figured out it was sounding so bad when I raised the volume because everything done on keyboard, including the bass guitar and piano, is in the same track, so when I raise the piano to the right volume, the bass is way too loud. Oh well, this'll just have to be a quiet track, I guess. Haha.

Here it is: http://www.badongo.com/file/13816887

Keep in mind it was a first for everything: recording, mixing,etc. As well as my "band's" (it's just my friend and I) first song. Also, it's an intro track, so it's short.That is very impressive. You say there's only one mic on the drums? They sound pretty damn good to me.

Yeah, gang vocals - but sung, not chanted. There will be a harmony as well if I can get it sounding right, but none if not.I'm not entirely sure, but I think the best way is to record yourself singing it four or five times, then copy the tracks so there are two or three copies of each. Pan them a little differently, maybe EQ each differently so they don't all sound like you. Sing a couple of the tracks in different octaves. Probably a little reverb would help too. I'm not sure how else to go about it.

[lew_1987]

I'm not entirely sure, but I think the best way is to record yourself singing it four or five times, then copy the tracks so there are two or three copies of each. Pan them a little differently, maybe EQ each differently so they don't all sound like you. Sing a couple of the tracks in different octaves. Probably a little reverb would help too. I'm not sure how else to go about it.

Hmm, I'm sure that the only way to get it to sound convincing is to get other people in to do it with me. That's probably not going to be possible though.

I had a quick go before, and it sounded OK-ish once I had 6-7 tracks of the same thing going. Once I have more time I can mess around with mic placement, reverb, panning, volume, dynamics and stuff like that. I saw an article where a guy made 4 harmonies sound like a choir using a Cubase plug-in, but I only have my 8 track to do it with. I was just wondering if there was something I'm missing.

[nikaidoh]

Where are you putting the mic? I used to do the exact same thing as you, and where you put the mic makes a world of difference.




Well I mean, the mic is built in by the camera on my laptop, so pretty much right in front of me. and when I'm playing I've usually got the sound hole facing the laptop sitting at the same level as the screen, a foot back, and I'm singing from above down into the screen/mic

[SeeYouSeptember]

Well I mean, the mic is built in by the camera on my laptop, so pretty much right in front of me. and when I'm playing I've usually got the sound hole facing the laptop sitting at the same level as the screen, a foot back, and I'm singing from above down into the screen/mic
Buy a mic, laptop mic's are shitty mics.

[lew_1987]

I'm not entirely sure, but I think the best way is to record yourself singing it four or five times, then copy the tracks so there are two or three copies of each. Pan them a little differently, maybe EQ each differently so they don't all sound like you. Sing a couple of the tracks in different octaves. Probably a little reverb would help too. I'm not sure how else to go about it.

Hey man, thought you might like to know... I think I have figured out the situation with transferring songs from my 8-track to my computer. I forgot that it has a digital out connection on the back of it, so some time in the future I can buy a new sound card which has a digital in connection and that should be much better.

[Esrb99]

Hey man, thought you might like to know... I think I have figured out the situation with transferring songs from my 8-track to my computer. I forgot that it has a digital out connection on the back of it, so some time in the future I can buy a new sound card which has a digital in connection and that should be much better.

heck you could probably go straight from the digital output on your 8 track to the pc into cubase or something, not even recording on the 8 track! just use the built in pres (not eq!!!) on the 8 track till you can get a standalone pre. pretty much an interface right there!


unless of course, I'm retarded and have no idea what you really got.

[Clark]

that is SO much better than the first piece of garbage I recorded, and I had all the tools to make it better right in front of me! just goes to show that knowledge is far better than tools. oh, and I guess competent musicians (don't record people who can't/refuse to keep time.)
Haha, yeah, although I did invest in a few good pieces of equipment. I'm quite happy with the USB interface I purchased (Line 6 Toneport UX2).

This is really good for a first go at recording... and you can only improve with time. The music sounds good too, but it seems to go out of time a little bit near the end.
Thanks. Yeah, we've had a really tough time trying to fit that part near the end together. It's a lot better now then it used to. Like worlds apart.

That is very impressive. You say there's only one mic on the drums? They sound pretty damn good to me.
Yeah, pretty much. I use a Shure SM57 overhead and an Audix F14 on the kick drum.

[lew_1987]

heck you could probably go straight from the digital output on your 8 track to the pc into cubase or something, not even recording on the 8 track! just use the built in pres (not eq!!!) on the 8 track till you can get a standalone pre. pretty much an interface right there!


unless of course, I'm retarded and have no idea what you really got.

Haha, I'm pretty sure I would be able to do that. Going to have a look in the manual now to see what it mentions about the digital out.

EDIT: It seems like this is the case... but if not, it still makes things a lot better.

EDIT 2: OK, so now I am looking for a decent sound card which doesn't cost a lot! It'll still be cheaper than buying a CD drive upgrade for my 8 track, which are also seemingly impossible to find.

[theguy77]

ive got intermediate experience with computer-based home recording, but virtually none when it comes to mixing apart from just panning/volumes. heres some equipment i intend on working toward based on research. i was wondering what you guys think of some of these things.

-AKG C 414 microphone (http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/product/AKG-C-414-BXL-II-Condenser-Microphone-?sku=278591) (the newest model looks phenomenal)
-presonus firestudio tube (http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/product/PreSonus-Firestudio-Tube?sku=243005)
-cubase 5
-a pair of AKG c1000s (http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/product/AKG-C-1000-S-Condenser-Mic-2-Pack?sku=271132) (used as overheads on a drum set -- drummer already has SM57s and a beta-52 for kick)

also, if you could rec me a good pair of headphones and studio monitors, im not sure what my price range would be im just looking to get some with enough quality for someone who wants to take home recordng seriously, as in learning how to mix/master/produce his own music over the next few years, but isnt on a pro enough level to drop thousands or anything like that. mostly im not too into the idea of fiddling with beginner's equipment becuase ive already established that i want to learn how to produce my own music; im not just getting my feet wet, and i know i'll quickly become dissatisfied with the beginner gear and just want to drop more money on better more expensive gear anyway.

P.S. also are there any ramifications to buying used recording gear (despite the obvious risk of it being broken)? for example, does normal microphone use cause wear and tear that would reduce the quality/produce undesirable results?

[theguy77]

oh yet another question before i forget, are SM57s fine for toms/snare or would you recommend getting more specialized microphones? ive heard from a lot of sources that SM57s are the no-brainer for mic-ing drums but ive also heard that there are plenty of mics that do what the SM57 does better, and that the SM57 is sort of sacrificing specialized quality by being so versatile.

and what would you guys recommend for mic'ing a hi-hat, a condenser or a dynamic?

EDIT: fuck, another question. in what applications would you most recommend cardoid/supercardoid?

[lew_1987]

P.S. also are there any ramifications to buying used recording gear (despite the obvious risk of it being broken)? for example, does normal microphone use cause wear and tear that would reduce the quality/produce undesirable results?

I bought my microphone used (albeit really good condition), and it sounds great. Not sure if this is any help to you because it's the only microphone I've ever owned, haha.

[11:11]

I got recording equipment for my guitar from Line 6 for Christmas, and while I don't necessarily have a problem with the box itself, I can't get the sound to come out of my computer. I have to plug headphones into the box to hear it, which defeats the purpose because I can't record it. Anyone know how to fix this?

[Tristan Needler]

I got recording equipment for my guitar from Line 6 for Christmas, and while I don't necessarily have a problem with the box itself, I can't get the sound to come out of my computer. I have to plug headphones into the box to hear it, which defeats the purpose because I can't record it. Anyone know how to fix this?
Plug your computer speakers into the Line 6. It's meant to replace your soundcard.

[11:11]

Plug your computer speakers into the Line 6. It's meant to replace your soundcard.
I use the sound that comes out of my monitor. Is that still what you're referring to?

[Tristan Needler]

I use the sound that comes out of my monitor. Is that still what you're referring to?
Is it a laptop or do you just have a computer monitor with built-in speakers?

[11:11]

Is it a laptop or do you just have a computer monitor with built-in speakers?
The latter.

[Esrb99]

-AKG C 414 microphone (http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/product/AKG-C-414-BXL-II-Condenser-Microphone-?sku=278591) (the newest model looks phenomenal)
-presonus firestudio tube (http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/product/PreSonus-Firestudio-Tube?sku=243005)
-cubase 5
-a pair of AKG c1000s (http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/product/AKG-C-1000-S-Condenser-Mic-2-Pack?sku=271132) (used as overheads on a drum set -- drummer already has SM57s and a beta-52 for kick)

also, if you could rec me a good pair of headphones and studio monitors, im not sure what my price range would be im just looking to get some with enough quality for someone who wants to take home recordng seriously, as in learning how to mix/master/produce his own music over the next few years, but isnt on a pro enough level to drop thousands or anything like that. mostly im not too into the idea of fiddling with beginner's equipment becuase ive already established that i want to learn how to produce my own music; im not just getting my feet wet, and i know i'll quickly become dissatisfied with the beginner gear and just want to drop more money on better more expensive gear anyway.

P.S. also are there any ramifications to buying used recording gear (despite the obvious risk of it being broken)? for example, does normal microphone use cause wear and tear that would reduce the quality/produce undesirable results?

I'd consider getting less expensive mics for the same price as the akg, more versatility, then you can record a live band off the floor, mic a kit, etc... almost always a better route. I'd get a blue Bluebird as a condenser, an sm81, rode nt1(or2) and as many 57/8's as you can get.

again, as far as interfaces go, presonus makes awesome ones, but the built in tubes are nothing special. If the tubes in it were fully tube and not half-staved plates, I'd suggest swopping to some telefunkens, but the circuitry is too cheap- essentially the tubes are for show, there's not enough in the thing to power the tubes right.

I'd get a presonus firestudio or fp10, or even a project (which is nifty with the better phantom power options.) and get 2 good pre's: get an ART MPA Gold and swap out the stock chinese tubes with some telefunkens (can be had for around $35 a matched pair) and get an FMR RNP preamp.

much better route than spending that much extra on gimmicky fake tube pres on an interface.

akg c1000s are fine but again, a matched pair of sm81's will go so much farther.

Monitors: imo, KRK is the way to go. Get some rokit 6's, the 5's are a bit small and underpowered, and the 8's are really just overdoing it unless you got to spread your monitors behind a large neve or something.

headphones, I wouldn't worry about- more of a reference thing anyways. mixing on headphones is a big no-no, use them for reference and musician mixes during tracking, never more if you can help it.

I love to buy used. esp. on ebay.

oh yet another question before i forget, are SM57s fine for toms/snare or would you recommend getting more specialized microphones? ive heard from a lot of sources that SM57s are the no-brainer for mic-ing drums but ive also heard that there are plenty of mics that do what the SM57 does better, and that the SM57 is sort of sacrificing specialized quality by being so versatile.

and what would you guys recommend for mic'ing a hi-hat, a condenser or a dynamic?

EDIT: fuck, another question. in what applications would you most recommend cardoid/supercardoid?


the 57 is a god mic: it sounds great (albeit with lots of hissy gain) on it's own, and will get the job done with a novice. but once you get a nice sexy pre, a 57 will be a whole diff mic. It reacts for diff situations perfectly with different pre's in a way most other mics don't. it's also very versatile, whereas ribbons and some high end condensers you need to put back in the box for fear of breaking. the 57 is good.

the akg c1000's, shure ksm32 and sm81, and the crown cm-700 are awesome drum mics, with a decent pre of course.

[Tristan Needler]

The latter.
I see. Well, do they pug into an audio jack in the back of your computer?

[remoteCONTROL]

http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs038.snc1/2609_572043942798_60707248_34040208 _6407845_n.jpg

ummm.

Neumann U47.

heaven.

i'll post samples soon.

[theguy77]

I'd consider getting less expensive mics for the same price as the akg, more versatility, then you can record a live band off the floor, mic a kit, etc... almost always a better route. I'd get a blue Bluebird as a condenser, an sm81, rode nt1(or2) and as many 57/8's as you can get.

again, as far as interfaces go, presonus makes awesome ones, but the built in tubes are nothing special. If the tubes in it were fully tube and not half-staved plates, I'd suggest swopping to some telefunkens, but the circuitry is too cheap- essentially the tubes are for show, there's not enough in the thing to power the tubes right.

I'd get a presonus firestudio or fp10, or even a project (which is nifty with the better phantom power options.) and get 2 good pre's: get an ART MPA Gold and swap out the stock chinese tubes with some telefunkens (can be had for around $35 a matched pair) and get an FMR RNP preamp.

much better route than spending that much extra on gimmicky fake tube pres on an interface.

akg c1000s are fine but again, a matched pair of sm81's will go so much farther.

Monitors: imo, KRK is the way to go. Get some rokit 6's, the 5's are a bit small and underpowered, and the 8's are really just overdoing it unless you got to spread your monitors behind a large neve or something.

headphones, I wouldn't worry about- more of a reference thing anyways. mixing on headphones is a big no-no, use them for reference and musician mixes during tracking, never more if you can help it.

I love to buy used. esp. on ebay.

the 57 is a god mic: it sounds great (albeit with lots of hissy gain) on it's own, and will get the job done with a novice. but once you get a nice sexy pre, a 57 will be a whole diff mic. It reacts for diff situations perfectly with different pre's in a way most other mics don't. it's also very versatile, whereas ribbons and some high end condensers you need to put back in the box for fear of breaking. the 57 is good.

the akg c1000's, shure ksm32 and sm81, and the crown cm-700 are awesome drum mics, with a decent pre of course.

all of this makes sense, but i have a few questions to pose.

1) if theres one thing im most set on, its getting a top quality condenser like that AKG c-414 -- i wanted something incredibly sensitive and accurate for mostly vocals (but also acoustic instruments), something good enough to keep on me for a LONG time, even after i start to become proficient at audio engineering. dropping 3500 dollars for a neumann U87 would be ridiculous for someone at my stage though, so i did some research and this mic really makes the most sense for me and im hearing it does nearly everything that neumann does anyway. ive been doing some window shopping and i could pick up a used one for under 600 dollars if i did my homework. technically for the diversity issue we're already two SM57s in, and could easily get the two more we need for below 100 dollars via ebay. i also already have a rode NT-1 that i do intend on keeping. we're looking at getting a pair of condenser mics for overheads which could be used for other things as well. what im skeptical about is using a 300 dollar microphone as the mack daddy of my mikes.

2) the reason i listed the tube version of the presonus interfaces is because i was trying to see if id get that answer from you. sure enough, you like many others advised me that unless i can drop thousands on an interface with good tube circuitry im much better off going for the cheaper solid state. so now that we got that bit out of the way, i remember seeing you saying you were rather fond of presonus interfaces. in your opinion how would the firestudio models fare against other interfaces in its class with 8+ inputs, like the tascam US-1641 or the m-audio profire 2626?

3) i was looking at those monitors actually; pairs of monitors are sold in practically every price range from a couple hundred to a few thousand and i was a bit skeptical of that pair because they are ridiculously cheap so i thought they might be crap. but you do think they're legitimate and can help achieve positive results?

[11:11]

I see. Well, do they pug into an audio jack in the back of your computer?
I believe so. Should I take that and plug it into my box then?

[Tristan Needler]

I believe so. Should I take that and plug it into my box then?
Yeah, because your box is a soundcard, which replaces the one on your computer. I don't even use my computer's soundcard. I leave my speakers plugged into my interface and I use it for listening to music as well as recording.

[Esrb99]

all of this makes sense, but i have a few questions to pose.

1) if theres one thing im most set on, its getting a top quality condenser like that AKG c-414 -- i wanted something incredibly sensitive and accurate for mostly vocals (but also acoustic instruments), something good enough to keep on me for a LONG time, even after i start to become proficient at audio engineering. dropping 3500 dollars for a neumann U87 would be ridiculous for someone at my stage though, so i did some research and this mic really makes the most sense for me and im hearing it does nearly everything that neumann does anyway. ive been doing some window shopping and i could pick up a used one for under 600 dollars if i did my homework. technically for the diversity issue we're already two SM57s in, and could easily get the two more we need for below 100 dollars via ebay. i also already have a rode NT-1 that i do intend on keeping. we're looking at getting a pair of condenser mics for overheads which could be used for other things as well. what im skeptical about is using a 300 dollar microphone as the mack daddy of my mikes.

2) the reason i listed the tube version of the presonus interfaces is because i was trying to see if id get that answer from you. sure enough, you like many others advised me that unless i can drop thousands on an interface with good tube circuitry im much better off going for the cheaper solid state. so now that we got that bit out of the way, i remember seeing you saying you were rather fond of presonus interfaces. in your opinion how would the firestudio models fare against other interfaces in its class with 8+ inputs, like the tascam US-1641 or the m-audio profire 2626?

3) i was looking at those monitors actually; pairs of monitors are sold in practically every price range from a couple hundred to a few thousand and i was a bit skeptical of that pair because they are ridiculously cheap so i thought they might be crap. but you do think they're legitimate and can help achieve positive results?

1. I see your reasoning for the akg now. if you got your heart set on it definitely go used. However, you IMO if you're springing that much on one mic, you GOT to get a really nice pre to go with it, if not in the class of the Avalon VT-737SP, definately get an FMR RNP, and an MPA gold with fresh tubes.

2. there's really no need to drop thousands on an interface unless going the digidesign route- get a good around $500 8 channel FIREWIRE interface with expandability- I don't think the tascam or profire can be daisy-chained to add inputs like the firestudio. the firestudio has great converters and very good pres if you don't have enough external pres for a drum kit. Also, the us-1641 and the profire both do not have enough sends for my liking in the rear, and the tascam has no digital out or wordclock, again forcing you to upgrade a major portion of your system if you ever want to add midi or video sync, or sync high end analog gear with your interface.

3. they are pretty great; here's an SOS review of the rokit series in general. keep in mind that this is for the older generation, and they've gotten even better! http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/aug04/articles/krkrokit.htm

I'd consider also getting the ns10's, only though cause nearly any studio has them. It's recommended to use them like you would headphones- to supplement your main monitors, and as a kind of reference- if you can get it to sound good on ns10's, you should be good.

you gotta remember all this gear is really crap if you don't have good room treatment. You're asking about expensive enough stuff that I feel I should mention to you that if you don't have good acoustic treatment, now is the time to get it, before you get all this gear. otherwise, all the akg, avalon, and monitors will emphasize is your voice muddled amongst an overbearing bass that really isn't overbearing.

I suggest looking into Realtraps or GIK Acoustics for your treatment.

[ShimmerAndSpill]

What's everyone's thoughts on the presonus firepod? I know someone selling it for $250 and it's in really good condition, I'm thinking about getting it.

[Esrb99]

it's an epic piece of machinery. decent pre's if you don't have enough ext preamps for a kit, and you can daisy-chain them to have more inputs. Backed hard by me.

[ShimmerAndSpill]

it's an epic piece of machinery. decent pre's if you don't have enough ext preamps for a kit, and you can daisy-chain them to have more inputs. Backed hard by me.

I used it once when my old band recorded with him. He used that with nuendo and the mercury waves plug-ins bundle. Gotta love demonoid.

[Esrb99]

I used it once when my old band recorded with him. He used that with nuendo and the mercury waves plug-ins bundle. Gotta love demonoid.

ehhh... I'm a fan of buying my recording software, as I want to record bands professionally. Best to keep things legal in such events.

[ShimmerAndSpill]

ehhh... I'm a fan of buying my recording software, as I want to record bands professionally. Best to keep things legal in such events.

Yeah that's understandable. He mostly did it for his own recording purposes for his band. Probably still doesn't justify it, but that's him.

[Esrb99]

it's all good. either way, $250 is a good price. I'd go for it!

[ShimmerAndSpill]

I'll probably end up getting it once I get the cash together, thanks for the input.

[11:11]

Yeah, because your box is a soundcard, which replaces the one on your computer. I don't even use my computer's soundcard. I leave my speakers plugged into my interface and I use it for listening to music as well as recording.
Thanks for the help!

[theguy77]

1. I see your reasoning for the akg now. if you got your heart set on it definitely go used. However, you IMO if you're springing that much on one mic, you GOT to get a really nice pre to go with it, if not in the class of the Avalon VT-737SP, definately get an FMR RNP, and an MPA gold with fresh tubes.

right on. haha yeah the avalon is way out of my current price range. as for the other two you listed, are you recommending that i get both so that i have multiple inputs, or for variety, or what? cause i was thinking i could just get one at first, and given that both have two inputs i could not only use it for vocals but also for stereo-micing acosutic instruments and for drum overheads.

oh and what kind of tubes would you recommend for the MPA gold? i did a bit of research and the feedback on that preamp was just what you told me -- that it was a real quality product but only if you replaced the tubes.

2. there's really no need to drop thousands on an interface unless going the digidesign route- get a good around $500 8 channel FIREWIRE interface with expandability- I don't think the tascam or profire can be daisy-chained to add inputs like the firestudio. the firestudio has great converters and very good pres if you don't have enough external pres for a drum kit. Also, the us-1641 and the profire both do not have enough sends for my liking in the rear, and the tascam has no digital out or wordclock, again forcing you to upgrade a major portion of your system if you ever want to add midi or video sync, or sync high end analog gear with your interface.

explain?

3. they are pretty great; here's an SOS review of the rokit series in general. keep in mind that this is for the older generation, and they've gotten even better! http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/aug04/articles/krkrokit.htm

I'd consider also getting the ns10's, only though cause nearly any studio has them. It's recommended to use them like you would headphones- to supplement your main monitors, and as a kind of reference- if you can get it to sound good on ns10's, you should be good.

hahaha, i find it humorous actually that you're recommending me a 700 dollar pair of monitors as merely a reference for my main 300-400 dollar pair, lol. but yeah ive been looking around and i havent seen a single claim made against the rokit series, they seem pretty damn legit for the pricetag, i think i'll definitely go for those.

you gotta remember all this gear is really crap if you don't have good room treatment. You're asking about expensive enough stuff that I feel I should mention to you that if you don't have good acoustic treatment, now is the time to get it, before you get all this gear. otherwise, all the akg, avalon, and monitors will emphasize is your voice muddled amongst an overbearing bass that really isn't overbearing.

I suggest looking into Realtraps or GIK Acoustics for your treatment.

im told this everywhere but damn room treatment is expensive! haha. can poor room treatment be accounted for using EQ? the studio in which ive been recording really only just sets up a portable booth around whatever's being recorded, and then applies low cuts to remove most of those nasty bass frequencies, and i have a friend who's pulled some real quality recordings out of an untreated bedroom and is able to compensate for it in the mixing stage. (he makes great music by the way, www.myspace.com/williamdoyle (http://www.myspace.com/williamdoyle) ) i dont mean to be making excuses not to accomodate this expense but also im a fan of production styles that utilize the excess ambience in a recording to create atmospheres and different textures, rather than the ones who get rid of as much as possible, and im not a fan actually of making music the highest fidelity possible (although i wouldnt be satisfied with anything thats too lo-fi either, i tend to like it somewhere in between -- death cab for cutie's pre-narrow stairs records are a good example). these are just some thoughts ive been throwing around when it comes to just how much am i willing to spend to find that happy medium of quality and natural flaws in my recording equipment/environment.

[Esrb99]

right on. haha yeah the avalon is way out of my current price range. as for the other two you listed, are you recommending that i get both so that i have multiple inputs, or for variety, or what? cause i was thinking i could just get one at first, and given that both have two inputs i could not only use it for vocals but also for stereo-micing acosutic instruments and for drum overheads.

oh and what kind of tubes would you recommend for the MPA gold? i did a bit of research and the feedback on that preamp was just what you told me -- that it was a real quality product but only if you replaced the tubes.

the fmr would be a 'transparent' pre; what goes in is what comes out. in fact, it's so transparent for the price that many pro studios use it frequently. the MPA Gold excels at bass, acoustic and non-distorted electric, and vocals. I suggest a matched pair of jj's or telefunken's, all 12AX7 models.

the fmr is the best all around pre, the mpa will add an analog feel to your recordings.

explain?


http://en.440tv.com/video.php/v/2059/Daisy-Chaining-FireStudio-Tubes-Projects

cheaper 2,6,8 input interfaces cannot be combined with other interfaces to get more channels of audio input at once. it's much easier to record a band direct off a floor when you can mic everything and get a different track for everything. and with 8+ inputs, you can mic a full kit, AND have overheads. best of both worlds.

hahaha, i find it humorous actually that you're recommending me a 700 dollar pair of monitors as merely a reference for my main 300-400 dollar pair, lol. but yeah ive been looking around and i havent seen a single claim made against the rokit series, they seem pretty damn legit for the pricetag, i think i'll definitely go for those.


NS10's are only that expensive as they are overhyped. However, they do a good job, as they were the del-facto standard of 70's hifi (and nowadays budget) stereo systems. if a mix translated well to them, they probably would translate well on a consumer's stereo. The price is also due to the fact taht they haven't been made since like '01.

im told this everywhere but damn room treatment is expensive! haha. can poor room treatment be accounted for using EQ? the studio in which ive been recording really only just sets up a portable booth around whatever's being recorded, and then applies low cuts to remove most of those nasty bass frequencies, and i have a friend who's pulled some real quality recordings out of an untreated bedroom and is able to compensate for it in the mixing stage. (he makes great music by the way, www.myspace.com/williamdoyle ) i dont mean to be making excuses not to accomodate this expense but also im a fan of production styles that utilize the excess ambience in a recording to create atmospheres and different textures, rather than the ones who get rid of as much as possible, and im not a fan actually of making music the highest fidelity possible (although i wouldnt be satisfied with anything thats too lo-fi either, i tend to like it somewhere in between -- death cab for cutie's pre-narrow stairs records are a good example). these are just some thoughts ive been throwing around when it comes to just how much am i willing to spend to find that happy medium of quality and natural flaws in my recording equipment/environment.

eq'ing to compensate for poor room treatment doesn't work very well. think of it like this: you record a band in the next room, your control room has no treatment. when tracking bass, lack of good broadband treatment, means long standing waves- rattling windows, muddy, overbearing. you record him a bit softer. next, mixing in the same room. again, bass seems a bit overbearing from song to song, so you turn it down a bit more- same monitors listening, same room without bass treatment.

you do a quick master for the band, again reducing the bass till it's just right (HOORAY!!!) you all go in the nearest van/hifi stereo system in the house, etc and put it on, only to hear little to no bass, sharp mids, and and a hissy, lifeless high range.

that is what a poor room does.

if you're able to shell out 900 on a mic, 400 on a pre, and 500 on monitors, imo you should at least Look into getting Room Kit 1 from GIK. 7 traps in 3 sizes.

heck, if you're REALLY poor (like me!) get just some at a time!!! every little bit helps. skip on the foam bit though, that shit's useless in nearly all situations.

for the cheapest route I'd get a pack of 3 GIK 242's- mount one directly above your head at the mix position, and one to your left and right on the walls.

a pack of 3 GIK 242 panels (2'x4' each, fiberglass) is about $165. not bad at all, seeing as it's got a nice wood frame, pre-built, and ready to mount.

room kit 1 is about $545 and has 3 242's(2 in thick each), 4 244's(4 in thick each), and a monster bass trap(6 in thick).

easily the best investment you can make. mic's can be replaced completely, room treatment can only be improved.

[RustyxDrums]

I'm looking into recording and I think its something I would enjoy doing. I play drums, a little bit of guitar and bass and was wondering what I would need to get started?
I have Audacity, but thats it.

[Esrb99]

I'm looking into recording and I think its something I would enjoy doing. I play drums, a little bit of guitar and bass and was wondering what I would need to get started?
I have Audacity, but thats it.

here's three packages that would be good for a beginner:

http://www.zzounds.com/item--TASTRACKPACKT1

http://www.zzounds.com/item--TASUS1641PACK

http://www.zzounds.com/item--TASFW1082PACK

I suggest package 1 for a beginner- you get a mic and 2 channel interface (would need a second mic to record both at the same time,) and some headphones, along with Cubase LE4.

Dudes, im excited!!! gonna get Mackie Control in the next few days, and some sexy gik traps. and a friend is helping me build a workstation for my pc, monitors and rack gear. hooray for spending money!!

http://images.digitalmedianet.com/2004/Week_27/r9e0ct1b/story/mackie_control_top.jpghttp://www.protoolerblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/art_panel_500.jpghttp://plans.thefrankes.com/Racks/pix/STU-009.gif

[Tristan Needler]

Sexy.

God damn it, I need money to put toward recording.

[Esrb99]

it's too daaaamn expensive... 3 months of saving, gah. will be worth it though. I actually got a hip-hop project that im producing the vocals for, it's gonna be so badass. www.myspace.com/big_suede225 im excited.

[Praetor]

I downloaded Adobe Audition and want to just mess around a little bit. Somebody rec me some good VST plugins to help me waste my time, haha.

[Tristan Needler]

I downloaded Adobe Audition and want to just mess around a little bit. Somebody rec me some good VST plugins to help me waste my time, haha.
What kind of plugins do you want?

[Praetor]

Honestly, anything. Anything that comes in handy, is fun to use, etc. I know that's real broad but I just want to mess around haha.

EDIT: I've got Antares Autotune, that's the only one though.

[Tristan Needler]

Here are some of the free plugins I find most useful:

http://www.kjaerhusaudio.com/classic-series.php
(tons of very useful, very good plugins)

http://www.kaosaudio.com/roger-nichols-digital-inspector-free/
(great spectrum analysis tool, good for figuring out recording levels in RMS as well)

http://www.aixcoustic.com/index.php/Electri-Q-posihfopit/30/0/
(nice multi-band parametric eq, can be a bit of a cpu hog though)

http://www.voxengo.com/product/boogex/
(pretty versatile amp modeling plugin)

http://illformed.org/plugins/glitch/
(extremely fun for creating weird, glitchy sounds, great for electronic music)

[Praetor]

Amazing, thank you. Any plugins that cost $$$ that you especially enjoy?

EDIT: I really like the look of the plugins on the first link. Very simple/not cheesy.

[Esrb99]

I use Izotope's ozone 4 for itb mastering- nothing genus, but will bring mixes to commercial level without killing them. Guitar amp pro is good, as are the abbey road mix plugs.

[Tristan Needler]

Amazing, thank you. Any plugins that cost $$$ that you especially enjoy?

EDIT: I really like the look of the plugins on the first link. Very simple/not cheesy.
Can't afford real plugins haha.

I use Amplitube LE (free version which came with my interface), which is an awesome amp model, I'm sure the full version in phenomenal.

[Praetor]

Can't afford real plugins haha.
www.thepiratebay.org ;-)

Plugins are waaaay too expensive.
I use Amplitube LE (free version which came with my interface), which is an awesome amp model, I'm sure the full version in phenomenal.
Guitar amp pro is good,
I've heard not-so-good things about plugin amps. Do they really sound legit?
I use Izotope's ozone 4 for itb mastering- nothing genus, but will bring mixes to commercial level without killing them.
The only thing I'll really need in the way of mastering is normalization and I can do that in Adobe Audition. Looks really nice though.
as are the abbey road mix plugs.
What is this? All that comes up when I search is the album.

[Esrb99]

www.thepiratebay.org ;-)

Plugins are waaaay too expensive.

this is the wrong way to go; you'll really want to learn if you pay for it!!!
it hurts, I know, but you get so much more fulfillment out of a plugin/vsti/au when you KNOW your gear, your room, and monitoring chain, and after researching the software, etc and choosing it, you spend the time to really learn to use it, and get real results, instead of twisting knobs around from pirated stuff and wondering why it does not sound good.




I've heard not-so-good things about plugin amps. Do they really sound legit?
I use guitar pro plugin when I di guitar/bass. di is also good to record the basic guitar, then choose amp settings by routing the signal out of your daw and interface, into an amp/eq/whatever in real life, and back into the interface. amp modeling made by actual companies are usually pretty good.


The only thing I'll really need in the way of mastering is normalization and I can do that in Adobe Audition. Looks really nice though.

Normalization rapes mixes- try not to use it!!! instead, turn your monitors up when mixing, and mix without thinking of volume. then, hit it with some gain, general eq, LIGHT compression, and a limiter when you have your final mix bounced to a wav. normalization kills mixes, it really does.

What is this? All that comes up when I search is the album.

http://abbeyroadplugins.com/

I have the brilliance pack as an AU for logic; really good emulation of vintage pre's. I'm looking to get the TG Limiter once I get a new studio (June!!!) and finish filling up my api 500 lunchbox with fivefish pres.

[Praetor]

this is the wrong way to go; you'll really want to learn if you pay for it!!!
it hurts, I know, but you get so much more fulfillment out of a plugin/vsti/au when you KNOW your gear, your room, and monitoring chain, and after researching the software, etc and choosing it, you spend the time to really learn to use it, and get real results, instead of twisting knobs around from pirated stuff and wondering why it does not sound good.
I do want to go to school for this eventually but right now I'm just trying to find my way around and not make myself a perfect mix. Plus even if I wanted to buy the plugins I wouldn't have that kind of money, haha.

I use guitar pro plugin when I di guitar/bass. di is also good to record the basic guitar, then choose amp settings by routing the signal out of your daw and interface, into an amp/eq/whatever in real life, and back into the interface. amp modeling made by actual companies are usually pretty good.
Interesting, I'll give this a shot.

Normalization rapes mixes- try not to use it!!! instead, turn your monitors up when mixing, and mix without thinking of volume. then, hit it with some gain, general eq, LIGHT compression, and a limiter when you have your final mix bounced to a wav. normalization kills mixes, it really does.
How does normalization kill mixes? All it does is bring the peak of the song up to 0db and drag the other parts proportionately with it, doesn't it?

http://abbeyroadplugins.com/

I have the brilliance pack as an AU for logic; really good emulation of vintage pre's. I'm looking to get the TG Limiter once I get a new studio (June!!!) and finish filling up my api 500 lunchbox with fivefish pres.
Nice, I'll check this out. Thank you.

[Esrb99]

here's a quick example of what amp modeling with guitar rig (3?) can sound like that I whipped up in a few minutes. ignore my horrid guitar playing; this is why I sing and record (haha)

below is a screenshot with some of the settings- eq, one of the guitar rig windows itself, ozone, etc.

Di guitar with Guitar Rig modeling- Thomas I.

http://www.filefreak.com/pfiles/92330/Picture%201.png



as far as normalization goes, read this: http://www.gearslutz.com/board/remote-possibilities-acoustic-music-location-recording/345015-do-you-normalize-there-any-benefit-normalizing.html

P.S. Screen real estate is a sexy thing.

[Tristan Needler]

I've never heard normalization not make audio sound like complete shit.

I used to not know what it was other than "makes it louder." Every time I tried it, it sounded all distorted and like garbage. I still don't really know what the point of it would be, you can get way better results with limiters and compressors.

[TheSkyline]

To be honest, that guitar sounds pretty bad. Garageband has a better amp modeling feature..

[Tristan Needler]

Hahaha that was hard to listen to.

I went from a 15" laptop screen to a 19" widescreen monitor a while ago it it was like a whole different world haha.

Hmm, I'll see if I can record some hilarious metal riffage with Amplitube to show how it can sound too.

[Esrb99]

To be honest, that guitar sounds pretty bad. Garageband has a better amp modeling feature..

It does. I only use the thing for the bass modeling, this is really the first time i've tried the guitar one. I usually di bass and mic up guitar cabs.

and the garageband one is good in the sense that if you're using garageband's seriously, it's all you got and you will take the time to use it. I just threw settings on there and went with it. much better stuff out there though, notably line 6 stuff.

[Esrb99]

Hmm, I'll see if I can record some hilarious metal riffage with Amplitube to show how it can sound too.

that is so the extent of my guitar skills, haha. now all I gots to do is pirate me some protools and straighten my hair, and I can swing my axe around in a christian screamo act!

[TheSkyline]

It does. I only use the thing for the bass modeling, this is really the first time i've tried the guitar one. I usually di bass and mic up guitar cabs.

and the garageband one is good in the sense that if you're using garageband's seriously, it's all you got and you will take the time to use it. I just threw settings on there and went with it. much better stuff out there though, notably line 6 stuff.

Ah, I see. Yeah I agree, garageband can be good if it's all you have and you put a lot of time honing in on a good sound. I usually just mic the amps too though, I just use modeling for basses usually.

[Tristan Needler]

that is so the extent of my guitar skills, haha. now all I gots to do is pirate me some protools and straighten my hair, and I can swing my axe around in a christian screamo act!
Where did you upload your mp3 to in order to have it play like that?

[Praetor]

here's a quick example of what amp modeling with guitar rig (3?) can sound like that I whipped up in a few minutes. ignore my horrid guitar playing; this is why I sing and record (haha)

below is a screenshot with some of the settings- eq, one of the guitar rig windows itself, ozone, etc.

Di guitar with Guitar Rig modeling- Thomas I.

http://www.filefreak.com/pfiles/92330/Picture%201.png



as far as normalization goes, read this: http://www.gearslutz.com/board/remote-possibilities-acoustic-music-location-recording/345015-do-you-normalize-there-any-benefit-normalizing.html

P.S. Screen real estate is a sexy thing.
Hm. I'm not in love with that sound to tell you the truth. As for the normalization link, thanks so much for that; it was very enlightening.

[Praetor]

Anybody know a plug-in (or anything else for that matter) that would let me add pops and hisses to the backround like a record?

[StarlightSergio]

I've never used Guitar Rig, but AmpliTube is pretty sweet. You have to play with a LOT though in order to get a decent sound. Then you still have to EQ it so it sounds even better.

I'll give Guitar Rig a try even if I hated that example (no offense haha). I managed to get a decent pop-punk tone but I'm not quite happy with it. If anyone wants to hear it PM me.

[TheSkyline]

Anybody know a plug-in (or anything else for that matter) that would let me add pops and hisses to the backround like a record?

What program are you using to record?

[Esrb99]

I managed to get a decent pop-punk tone but I'm not quite happy with it. If anyone wants to hear it PM me.

just post it on here, haha. I've already set the precedence for raping amp modeling software!!!

[nickstetina]

Anybody know a plug-in (or anything else for that matter) that would let me add pops and hisses to the backround like a record?

If you're using pro tools - funk logic masterizer.

[Praetor]

What program are you using to record?
Audition.

[Praetor]

If you're using pro tools - funk logic masterizer.
*sigh* If only.

[Praetor]

It's been only a day with the program but I really love Adobe Audition. Why isn't it mentioned up there with Sonar, Cubase, Logic, ProTools, etc.?

[nickstetina]

It's been only a day with the program but I really love Adobe Audition. Why isn't it mentioned up there with Sonar, Cubase, Logic, ProTools, etc.?

I'm not sure...I'm not familiar with its features compared to pro tools, sonar, etc. I use pro tools myself. Couldn't tell ya for sure though. Personally, when I heard Adobe, I think photography and stuff because of photoshop, but that isn't to say that they aren't capable of producing a good DAW.

[Tristan Needler]

Well, here's a link to download a clip of me playing random shit with Amplitube. I'm not great at guitar, so I just improvised some random metal shit. I didn't mess around with it, it's just a preset. Pardon the hiss at the beginning, my guitar's jack is fucked and I didn't want to spend the time trying to get to work properly haha.

http://www.sendspace.com/file/7clf1j

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f87/tristanisneat/Amplitube.jpg

Added a little compression and a bit of a high frequency boost, doubled it to sound a bit more full, and that's about it.

Also, all of the electric in all of these songs is through Amplitube: www.soundclick.com/tristanneedler (http://www.soundclick.com/tristanneedler)

[Praetor]

Well, here's a link to download a clip of me playing random shit with Amplitube. I'm not great at guitar, so I just improvised some random metal shit. I didn't mess around with it, it's just a preset. Pardon the hiss at the beginning, my guitar's jack is fucked and I didn't want to spend the time trying to get to work properly haha.

http://www.sendspace.com/file/7clf1j

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f87/tristanisneat/Amplitube.jpg

Added a little compression and a bit of a high frequency boost, doubled it to sound a bit more full, and that's about it.

Also, all of the electric in all of these songs is through Amplitube: www.soundclick.com/tristanneedler (http://www.soundclick.com/tristanneedler)
Now I like that sound. Sounds real. That hiss is nasty though, haha

[Tristan Needler]

Now I like that sound. Sounds real. That hiss is nasty though, haha
Yeah, it's a real bitch. The shop told me it would be about $100 to fix, and I'm not going to drop that since the guitar was onlt about $100 to begin with. If I had a soldering iron I could probably fix it, but I don't.

[nickstetina]

I've had some luck with Amplitube. I only have their LE version though. I have Guitar Rig 3 and Eleven LE though as well though. I find more use in them for some of the more effect based guitar sounds than trying to get a really good distortion or clean tone. Nothing like micing up the real thing.

[7dollarsox.com]

as far as amp sims go, i have found amplitube le to be the best one ive used, as far as getting pop punk tones. its true i may not know what im talking about, but you can get some pretty heavy tones out of it! obviously there is no substitute for micing the mesa up, but when you are in an apartment it seems like a no brainer.

so far i havent had one noise complaint due to my recording :)

[SeeYouSeptember]

Since I have no recording equipment and is too lazy/broke to buy any, what would be a good guitar/bass vsti that I can use?

[Praetor]

Since I have no recording equipment and is too lazy/broke to buy any, what would be a good guitar/bass vsti that I can use?
We were just talking about this the last couple of pages, haha.

[SeeYouSeptember]

We were just talking about this the last couple of pages, haha.

I don't need a amp sim. I need a plugin that actually makes the guitar/bass sounds

[Praetor]

Oh my bad. Sorry.

[nickstetina]

So, does anyone plan on making any big fun purchases on recording gear in the future?

[TheSkyline]

Buying a set of drum mics soon! :-)

[7dollarsox.com]

im thinking of getting a blue baby bottle mic by the end of summer. though i dont know if i would rather save up for a regular one!

[Esrb99]

So, does anyone plan on making any big fun purchases on recording gear in the future?

well, right now I'm building a desk for my comp and rack gear and such...

and me and some friends plan to rent a place through the rest of college, and use it as a studio. we're looking at 2 houses and a vacant church...

[nickstetina]

Buying a set of drum mics soon! :-)
What kind you looking at?

im thinking of getting a blue baby bottle mic by the end of summer. though i dont know if i would rather save up for a regular one!
A regular one, as in the $6,000 one? Haha. Or, do you mean the Bottle Rocket Stage 1? Haven't had the opportunity to use the Baby Bottle, but I've heard good things. If you don't have outstanding preamps I wouldn't bother getting anything any nicer than the Baby Bottle. Mic choice is important but to some extent they'll only sound as good as the preamps you run it through.

well, right now I'm building a desk for my comp and rack gear and such...

and me and some friends plan to rent a place through the rest of college, and use it as a studio. we're looking at 2 houses and a vacant church...

Nice! I always wished I could track in a different enviornment. My recording space is above a garage. 36 feet long by 11 feet wide, and only 7 foot ceilings. Kind of odd, hahha. I have a lot of acoustic treatment but I'd dig recording drums somewhere with bigger ceilings.

[TheSkyline]

What kind you looking at?


Not really looking at anything specific yet, I just know I need a set of microphones that can stay as the drum mics. Anything you would recommend?

[nickstetina]

Not really looking at anything specific yet, I just know I need a set of microphones that can stay as the drum mics. Anything you would recommend?

So you want dedicated drum mics? This (http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/DP4A/)pack may work well for you. Audix makes great stuff. Doesn't include overheads but they do sell a pack that does (http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/DP7). If you're on a budget Samson CO2's (http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/C02/)can serve as overheads to get you started without spending as much on that Audix kit.

If you aren't set on dedicated drum mics this (http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/DMK5752/)Shure pack works well because then you have 3 57's on hand if you want to use one for guitar amp micing or other various aplications. Versatility.

[TheSkyline]

Thanks man, I'll look into that!

[Esrb99]

cut all pieces for desk, doweled up the left rack, and made sure it fit. it did.

http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs032.snc1/3231_521697223633_121203039_3104150 5_1470963_n.jpg

[nickstetina]

cut all pieces for desk, doweled up the left rack, and made sure it fit. it did.

http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs032.snc1/3231_521697223633_121203039_3104150 5_1470963_n.jpg

The most handy thing I've ever done for recording is take 3 four foot by four foot pieces of wood, put acoustic treatment on them and door hinges so I could link them together in a \_/ shape around my drum set. And then building a little addition to my desk to raise monitors to ear level and create desk space. In other words I commend you on taking up such a project, haha.

[Esrb99]

The most handy thing I've ever done for recording is take 3 four foot by four foot pieces of wood, put acoustic treatment on them and door hinges so I could link them together in a \_/ shape around my drum set. And then building a little addition to my desk to raise monitors to ear level and create desk space. In other words I commend you on taking up such a project, haha.

thanks! I found the plan at plans.thefrankes.com as most desks cost at least 1K, I thought that $115 in materials would be easy. I've never built anything, or really have the right tools, but I got some friends with experience in this kind of stuff so it's coming together pretty rapidly.

I've always wanted to build a gobo for drums! I may take that up when this is done...

[SeeYouSeptember]

I'm looking into a 4-track recorder any suggestions on a specific one?

[Musformation.co]

Hey guys if you like audio tuts you should check out our site its called musformation.com. We do daily recording tips as well as tips for ever instrument and tips for bands. I also do a Pro Tools Tip everyday! Check it out.

[Chigwinkle]

Hey guys, got a small problem.
Few months ago i brought a Tascam US-144 audio interface, it came with cubase LE and I began recording with it straight away(just like acoustic stuff mainly). It worked pretty much fine for ages, but lately I've been having really bad latency issues. Its for when I'm first recording but after laying down more than about 3 tracks and when i start adding and using effects plugins, I get about a 2-3 second delay on my microphone. This also happens whenever I go back to a previously saved piece, so much so that, sometimes, when I try to listen back to what I've recorded the day before, all i hear is crackle.
If you've got any idea how to fix this, it'd be really helpful.

Cheers guys.

[underoath7820]

i'm looking into getting the M-Audio Fast Track Ultra 8r USB, but i can't find many reviews on it, so i was wondering if anybody can just give me some feedback on it, and whether it's a great piece of equipment, or not worth it.

[brandnew741]

i'm looking into getting the M-Audio Fast Track Ultra 8r USB, but i can't find many reviews on it, so i was wondering if anybody can just give me some feedback on it, and whether it's a great piece of equipment, or not worth it.

There's a handful of reviews here (http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/product/MAudio-FastTrack-Ultra-USB-2.0-Audio-Interface?sku=241806). If you really want 4 pre's for cheap, its probably a decent option, but I'd rather go with an Mbox, even though you'll only be getting 2.

[underoath7820]

There's a handful of reviews here (http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/product/MAudio-FastTrack-Ultra-USB-2.0-Audio-Interface?sku=241806). If you really want 4 pre's for cheap, its probably a decent option, but I'd rather go with an Mbox, even though you'll only be getting 2.

nah, i mean the Ultra 8r, not just the Ultra. it's this one on musicians friend: http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/product/-Fast-Track-Ultra-8R-USB-Interface?sku=482555

it's got 8 pre's instead of 4. i've had the Mbox 2 for a while and 2 mic inputs isn't what i need anymore.

[brandnew741]

Ah. I don't have any experience with that but it seems like a good, inexpensive option for that many pres.

[oh totes]

i'm so excited to get a computer that can actually handle recording. a few basic questions though.
the only program i've used is logic but should i bother getting logic or just use garageband? i'm not going to be recording for anything serious i just want to get more experience and mess around with recording for myself. and since i'm not looking to spend a lot of money what interface would work best for me? i'll only be recording guitar and vocals.

[Tristan Needler]

i'm so excited to get a computer that can actually handle recording. a few basic questions though.
the only program i've used is logic but should i bother getting logic or just use garageband? i'm not going to be recording for anything serious i just want to get more experience and mess around with recording for myself. and since i'm not looking to spend a lot of money what interface would work best for me? i'll only be recording guitar and vocals.
Just get an interface with recording software bundled.

How much are you willing to spend on an interface, mics, cables, stands, etc.? What kind of computer are you getting? Does it have firewire ports?

[oh totes]

Just get an interface with recording software bundled.

How much are you willing to spend on an interface, mics, cables, stands, etc.? What kind of computer are you getting? Does it have firewire ports?

I just bought a macbook. I don't exactly know how much I'm willing to spend really. Since I just spent a lot of money on the computer if I wait a little longer I'll be willing to spend more money on the recording gear I need. But like I said, its not for anything serious so I'm not looking to throw down a grand or anything.

[Esrb99]

if you're at a university, you're in luck as far as logic goes. Logic studio can be had at a uni bookstore for 149, which is a dang bargain with all the au instruments, effects, and virtual instruments. however, the most important thing you need is getting a mic, a/n (possibly 2 channel) interface, and some pc speakers/ studio monitors or headphones.

Personally if I was staring a 2 channel laptop rig, I'd get the m-audio mobile pre, a shure sm57 and a cascade fathead, and just mix on headphones.

total cost: less then 500.

[GetWellBoss]

nah, i mean the Ultra 8r, not just the Ultra. it's this one on musicians friend: http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/product/-Fast-Track-Ultra-8R-USB-Interface?sku=482555

it's got 8 pre's instead of 4. i've had the Mbox 2 for a while and 2 mic inputs isn't what i need anymore.

I have the Mackie ONYX 8r. It sounds amazing. I think I'm going to sell it though hahaha. i only need basic shit to demo now.

[Chigwinkle]

I have the Mackie ONYX 8r. It sounds amazing. I think I'm going to sell it though hahaha. i only need basic shit to demo now.

Lol woah thats a beast, how much did you buy it for?

[GetWellBoss]

Lol woah thats a beast, how much did you buy it for?

I got mine new around 1k. But I've seen them around on ebay for as low as 700. The only thing is a) they are used or b) they are rebuilt.

I guess as long as they work they should be fine though right?

It does sound great though.

[Chigwinkle]

I got mine new around 1k. But I've seen them around on ebay for as low as 700. The only thing is a) they are used or b) they are rebuilt.

I guess as long as they work they should be fine though right?

It does sound great though.

Yeah definatly, seems a shame to get rid of it.

[GetWellBoss]

Yeah definatly, seems a shame to get rid of it.

Yes and no. I dont need it anymore sadly. I needed it for one project. It happened and now it kind of just sits there. In fact all my equipment did until I sold a lot of it.

Either way as long as i get like $800-850 i'll be happy(cause then ill break even for what i paid minus money given to me by the band). So it's all good. Plus I can always get another one later if I needed too.

[oh totes]

if you're at a university, you're in luck as far as logic goes. Logic studio can be had at a uni bookstore for 149, which is a dang bargain with all the au instruments, effects, and virtual instruments. however, the most important thing you need is getting a mic, a/n (possibly 2 channel) interface, and some pc speakers/ studio monitors or headphones.

Personally if I was staring a 2 channel laptop rig, I'd get the m-audio mobile pre, a shure sm57 and a cascade fathead, and just mix on headphones.

total cost: less then 500.

i'm not at a university, just a community college. i don't even think i saw logic in the bookstore last time i was there even though that's what I'm learning on right now.

and thanks for the suggestion on the interface, i was only looking to spend about 100 on it so that's right around my price range.

[ShimmerAndSpill]

What's the general consensus on KRK rp 6 powered monitors?

[Tristan Needler]

What's the general consensus on KRK rp 6 powered monitors?
The general consensus is that they are very, very good, if not the best, in the price range. I've never given them a really good, attentive listen though.

[ShimmerAndSpill]

The general consensus is that they are very, very good, if not the best, in the price range. I've never given them a really good, attentive listen though.

Hmm okay. I'm getting a recording rig together. Probably going to get those monitors. The firepod by presonus, which comes with Cubase LE 4, and the mxl 990/991 mic package. I'm getting a laptop too, but I'm not sure if the specs on it will be good enough.

[Tristan Needler]

Hmm okay. I'm getting a recording rig together. Probably going to get those monitors. The firepod by presonus, which comes with Cubase LE 4, and the mxl 990/991 mic package. I'm getting a laptop too, but I'm not sure if the specs on it will be good enough.
Sounds like a decent setup. Better than what I have. What kind of laptop?

[ShimmerAndSpill]

Sounds like a decent setup. Better than what I have. What kind of laptop?

A Dell Studio. I know most people hate on PCs for recording, but I have a friend that uses this basic setup with a PC and it works really well. Right now the specs on the laptop are 4 gigs of ram, 320 gig hard drive, and 2.2 GHz processor. I'm not sure if the processor is powerful enough for it though.

[Tristan Needler]

A Dell Studio. I know most people hate on PCs for recording, but I have a friend that uses this basic setup with a PC and it works really well. Right now the specs on the laptop are 4 gigs of ram, 320 gig hard drive, and 2.2 GHz processor. I'm not sure if the processor is powerful enough for it though.
If someone hates on PCs for recording, don't listen to them. They're probably better, at least in my opinion. You can upgrade a PC as equipment and software gets better and more powerful, while with a mac you'd need to buy another. Macs may be better set up out of the box, but a PC can be just as good with as little tweaking.

Laptops aren't usually the best for recording, but yours looks pretty decent. What processor is it exactly? My desktop has a 2.1 GHz AMD triple core processor. It's fine, I haven't had any problems with overloading it yet. My old laptop had a 1.6 Pentium M and I was fine unless I tried to run lots of stuff at the same time. You just have to be a little creative with how you add effects and stuff.

[ShimmerAndSpill]

If someone hates on PCs for recording, don't listen to them. They're probably better, at least in my opinion. You can upgrade a PC as equipment and software gets better and more powerful, while with a mac you'd need to buy another. Macs may be better set up out of the box, but a PC can be just as good with as little tweaking.

Laptops aren't usually the best for recording, but yours looks pretty decent. What processor is it exactly? My desktop has a 2.1 GHz AMD triple core processor. It's fine, I haven't had any problems with overloading it yet. My old laptop had a 1.6 Pentium M and I was fine unless I tried to run lots of stuff at the same time. You just have to be a little creative with how you add effects and stuff.

The processor is an Intel Core 2 Duo T6600 (2.20GHz/800Mhz FSB/2MB cache). I really have no idea what most of that means. My other option for it was the same but 2GHz/800Mhz with a 1MB cache.

[Tristan Needler]

The processor is an Intel Core 2 Duo T6600 (2.20GHz/800Mhz FSB/2MB cache). I really have no idea what most of that means. My other option for it was the same but 2GHz/800Mhz with a 1MB cache.
I don't know much about processors either, but that's a dual core processor. I think it should be fine. I don't really know what the cache does, I just know bigger is supposed to be better.

[ShimmerAndSpill]

I don't know much about processors either, but that's a dual core processor. I think it should be fine. I don't really know what the cache does, I just know bigger is supposed to be better.

I'll probably end up going with the 2MB cache, it's only $50 more. Thanks for the advice. How's Cubase LE? I might end up not using it if my friend can hook me up with a copy of Nuendo.

[Tristan Needler]

I'll probably end up going with the 2MB cache, it's only $50 more. Thanks for the advice. How's Cubase LE? I might end up not using it if my friend can hook me up with a copy of Nuendo.
Nuendo has nearly exactly the same capabilities as Cubase, just with added video capabilities. Or something like that.

I love Cubase LE, it's what I use. There's a limit to the number of tracks per project, but I've never even come close to the limit. The only thing that has ever slightly irked me is you can only have two insert effects per track. But again, just be creative with the way you apply effects, because with a computer like yours or mine, you won't be able to handle too many insert effects once you have more than five or six tracks in a project.


Just curious, what kind of stuff do you plan on recording?

[ShimmerAndSpill]

Nuendo has nearly exactly the same capabilities as Cubase, just with added video capabilities. Or something like that.

I love Cubase LE, it's what I use. There's a limit to the number of tracks per project, but I've never even come close to the limit. The only thing that has ever slightly irked me is you can only have two insert effects per track. But again, just be creative with the way you apply effects, because with a computer like yours or mine, you won't be able to handle too many insert effects once you have more than five or six tracks in a project.


Just curious, what kind of stuff do you plan on recording?

Okay cool. I don't ever really plan on doing much saturation with effects with my recordings. I just want some good quality stuff I can haul with me when I go to college so I can keep my music project running without half of my band. I plan on recording full band stuff, but I won't do live drums for a while. Just demos mostly though, nothing too crazy.

[Tristan Needler]

Okay cool. I don't ever really plan on doing much saturation with effects with my recordings. I just want some good quality stuff I can haul with me when I go to college so I can keep my music project running without half of my band. I plan on recording full band stuff, but I won't do live drums for a while. Just demos mostly though, nothing too crazy.
Yeah, but usually each track will have EQ and compression. Then reverb maybe, then whatever else. I usually make the reverb a send effect if I can use the same settings for a bunch of tracks.

Hmm. So vocals, electric guitar, bass kind of stuff? I'm just wondering of those mics would be the best for you; I've never heard anything about them.

[ShimmerAndSpill]

Yeah, but usually each track will have EQ and compression. Then reverb maybe, then whatever else. I usually make the reverb a send effect if I can use the same settings for a bunch of tracks.

Hmm. So vocals, electric guitar, bass kind of stuff? I'm just wondering of those mics would be the best for you; I've never heard anything about them.

I've used the 990 for vocals before and it works very well. The 991 is a standard condenser mic, and I'm going to use a Vox AC30 for that. I'm also going to record guitars and bass directly in and use amplitube. I'm going to use programmed midi drums probably, unless I can find a space to record drums.

[brandnew741]

What's the general consensus on KRK rp 6 powered monitors?

I've heard mixed reviews on them. For the price, I don't know if there is a better option, but my friend has them and he said the high mids were a little loud, I believe. I have the 5s and they are a little low heavy.

[ShimmerAndSpill]

I've heard mixed reviews on them. For the price, I don't know if there is a better option, but my friend has them and he said the high mids were a little loud, I believe. I have the 5s and they are a little low heavy.

I don't really need something of the highest quality, I'm sure these will get the job done. My friend has behringer truth monitors for $300 and he said they work really well.

[Esrb99]

I don't really need something of the highest quality, I'm sure these will get the job done. My friend has behringer truth monitors for $300 and he said they work really well.

I have the krk rp6's, and they translate well for monitors of their size and price. you generally don't want monitors smaller than 6 inches anyways, as smaller ones don't have the power to produce accurate bass.

[ShimmerAndSpill]

I have the krk rp6's, and they translate well for monitors of their size and price. you generally don't want monitors smaller than 6 inches anyways, as smaller ones don't have the power to produce accurate bass.

Okay thanks, I'll probably end up getting these.

[Esrb99]

finished desk!!!

http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/86/l_69473a0ccb04416db20636719a3aa902. jpg

[Tristan Needler]

finished desk!!!

http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/86/l_69473a0ccb04416db20636719a3aa902. jpg
That looks nice.


Gotta get that basement treated next!

[Esrb99]

That looks nice.


Gotta get that basement treated next!

yep! treatment is next on my list; just gonna get panels though, seeing as I plan to move to a new location soon.

[ShimmerAndSpill]

Wish I had a space like that.

[Chigwinkle]

I so have that guitar tuner.

[Esrb99]

just ordered 20 reels of tape from RMGI... Excited

[lew_1987]

finished desk!!!

http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/86/l_69473a0ccb04416db20636719a3aa902. jpg

DIY at its best.

[ShimmerAndSpill]

Anyone know of any programs that are good keyboard simulators? Specifically if I wanted to do a wurlitzer or a rhodes.

[Tristan Needler]

Anyone know of any programs that are good keyboard simulators? Specifically if I wanted to do a wurlitzer or a rhodes.
For free ones:

This is a very good (from my limited knowledge of the instruments) Hammond/drawbar organ VSTi.

Superwave 8 seems to be a good synth.

I haven't found a good electric piano style VSTi though.

[ShimmerAndSpill]

For free ones:

This is a very good (from my limited knowledge of the instruments) Hammond/drawbar organ VSTi.

Superwave 8 seems to be a good synth.

I haven't found a good electric piano style VSTi though.

Hmm I'll check those out and keep looking around a bit. I'm excited, I ordered my laptop and I'm going to pick up my interface in a couple of weeks.

[Clark]

I just realized I never posted my second ever recording here. I like to hear what people who actually know what they're talking about have to say. We were extremely happy with how this one turned out.

http://www.badongo.com/audio/14896864

It's a cover of "Mosquito Song" by Queens of the Stone Age (off of the fantastic Songs for the Deaf). If you've never heard the original, you should check it out as soon as possible.

P.S. I suggest downloading the file. Hard to judge audio quality when you're streaming in a flash player.

[Clark]

Damn, I killed this thread.

[TheSkyline]

Hey, at least your avatar is awesome..

[rivaldi22]

I posted this in a new thread before seeing the sticky. My bad.
---

I'm moving soon, and serendipity has caused me to have an extra room in this new place. I'm thinking of setting up all my instruments and whatnot in there, and building a small PC specifically designed for recording.

What is a good, consumer-level setup? I'm not looking for anything great, just some hobbyist-level recording, perhaps recording demos at some point. Would it be best to mic the amps, put them all through a mixer, and then put that through to the PC?

If not, what is a good setup? Should I put the instruments through amp heads instead, and put that directly to the mixer, or just the instruments straight through to the mixer?

If so, what equipment should I be looking for? What mixer? What computer hardware should I look into? Is an external, USB-oriented input device better than getting a dedicated PCI card for recording? Which kind, for either?

Obviously, I don't know a lot about audio engineering, but any help or advice would be MUCH appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[dietoseeyoufail]

Make sure you have a good PC. Contrary to popular belief, Vista isn't as bad as everyone says.
But if you can get a hold of a good PC with XP, that's even better.

Shoot for at least 2Gb in Memory. You wont run into any problems (unless of course you're running huge huge huge sessions)

You could get this:
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/FastTrackUSB/

good price, good deal

you should invest in a SM57 and you could use that on almost anything.

AT2020 Condenser for vocals and acoustic guitars

if you wanna get monitors you can get some cheap KRK Rockits

btw, miking a guitar amp is way better than a direct connection

I hope I covered it all

[Tristan Needler]

How much money are you willing to drop? Do you think you'd prefer using a physical mixer, or mixing in your computer? I honestly think mixing on your computer is more versatile for the amount of money you pay, and easier to pick up.

[rivaldi22]

Make sure you have a good PC. Contrary to popular belief, Vista isn't as bad as everyone says.
But if you can get a hold of a good PC with XP, that's even better.

Shoot for at least 2Gb in Memory. You wont run into any problems (unless of course you're running huge huge huge sessions)

You could get this:
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/FastTrackUSB/

good price, good deal

you should invest in a SM57 and you could use that on almost anything.

AT2020 Condenser for vocals and acoustic guitars

if you wanna get monitors you can get some cheap KRK Rockits

btw, miking a guitar amp is way better than a direct connection

I hope I covered it all

Yeah, a decent PC is fine for me to handle. I build PCs as a hobby, so that end of the task isn't really a hurdle.

I actually have a Fast Track and can't get anything but tinny, ultra-quiet, ghostly underwater-sounding recordings. Though I was using it through Audacity, but I don't think that would cause problems, as the only other real music program I have is Synapse Audio's Orion (which I really love the interface of, for some reason).

Which leads me to another question I forgot to ask: what's a good program for multi-instrument recording? I essentially want to use this room as a jamming space for my friends and I.

How much money are you willing to drop? Do you think you'd prefer using a physical mixer, or mixing in your computer? I honestly think mixing on your computer is more versatile for the amount of money you pay, and easier to pick up.

I'd prefer to spend less than a grand. I can get a barebones (in parts, not necessarily power) PC together for about 350, so yeah, I guess like 500-650.

I seem to get by mixing on the computer fine, so if it's easier and more powerful on the computer, then I'll just do that, and try to get an input device with multi-track input. What would you recommend?

Thanks, again, for your guys' help in the matter, I really appreciate the advice.

[Esrb99]

at entry level, a presonus firestudio would be great- 8 analog inputs, 8 oututs along with left and right, firewire, quiet pres, and auto bypass of pres once you decide to get external ones. great beginning interface/converters/pres for the price.

[rivaldi22]

at entry level, a presonus firestudio would be great- 8 analog inputs, 8 oututs along with left and right, firewire, quiet pres, and auto bypass of pres once you decide to get external ones. great beginning interface/converters/pres for the price.

That seems like a pretty good device. Other than making sure I have a decent processor, a good amount of RAM and, of course, a FireWire jack, is there any other considerations to be made with the PC building end of this?

Also, forgive my ignorance, but on a recording device like that, I would put the mics that are on the guitar/bass/keyboard amp into one of those 8 inputs on the front? Or, I should, specifically the line-in or the instrument-in?

I get the impression that the instrument-ins are for connecting an instrument directly to the device, for processing on the computer, where the line-ins are for miced amps?

Please correct me if I'm wrong.

[ShimmerAndSpill]

I'm having a lot of trouble trying to figure out what kind of monitors I'm going to get. It doesn't help that I don't really know much about them, but I'm willing to spend up to $250 on them, what's a good brand and model to look at for that price range?

[dietoseeyoufail]

That seems like a pretty good device. Other than making sure I have a decent processor, a good amount of RAM and, of course, a FireWire jack, is there any other considerations to be made with the PC building end of this?

Also, forgive my ignorance, but on a recording device like that, I would put the mics that are on the guitar/bass/keyboard amp into one of those 8 inputs on the front? Or, I should, specifically the line-in or the instrument-in?

I get the impression that the instrument-ins are for connecting an instrument directly to the device, for processing on the computer, where the line-ins are for miced amps?

Please correct me if I'm wrong.

You would go through the XLR in since you're miking it with a microphone. It's mic level so it needs to go through a preamp to amplify it to line level.

[Esrb99]

That seems like a pretty good device. Other than making sure I have a decent processor, a good amount of RAM and, of course, a FireWire jack, is there any other considerations to be made with the PC building end of this?

Also, forgive my ignorance, but on a recording device like that, I would put the mics that are on the guitar/bass/keyboard amp into one of those 8 inputs on the front? Or, I should, specifically the line-in or the instrument-in?

I get the impression that the instrument-ins are for connecting an instrument directly to the device, for processing on the computer, where the line-ins are for miced amps?

Please correct me if I'm wrong.

with the bc building end, I'd look for xp, as many recording hardware and software producer, espicially plugins, don't work well with vista.

yeah, into one of the 8 on the front. if Direct-inputing a guitar, into one of the first two line jacks on front. if gonna go through an external pre like the art mpa gold or a manley or something, go through the front LINE level inputs for channels 3-8 on the front, or for one or two in the back.

your impresion is right. the line in is for bypassing the built in pre's (To an extent, in some ppls minds,) and using an external one as mentioned above. with this, you would not turn the gain on the unit for that channel. signal for vox in example would be: MIC-->XLR cable to external art MPA Gold pre-->1/4"--> line in for channel one of presonus firestudio(located in rear).

[ShimmerAndSpill]

Just got my recording rig set up today, it's pretty sweet :thumbup:

[Esrb99]

Just got my recording rig set up today, it's pretty sweet :thumbup:

Watchya get??? Pics of rig, Plox!

[ShimmerAndSpill]

Watchya get??? Pics of rig, Plox!

I don't have a camera right now so I can't put anything up yet :-(

But I got a pair of KRK Rokit 5 monitors, presonus firepod I bought off of my friend for 250, and then the mxl 990/991 mic combo kit. Plus my friend got me the software hook up, but it's not all up and running yet.

[Esrb99]

that's awesome! you'll love it, the pres and converters on the presonus are great for the price (esp at that used one!) look for some sm57's and maybe a cascade fathead next; now you need to build up a small mic locker to use all them inputs!

[ShimmerAndSpill]

that's awesome! you'll love it, the pres and converters on the presonus are great for the price (esp at that used one!) look for some sm57's and maybe a cascade fathead next; now you need to build up a small mic locker to use all them inputs!

Well all my drums are going to be done on midi for now, since I'll be living in a dorm haha, but I probably will end up getting some sm57s and other stuff along the way.