Home Recording Tips
The following are some neat home recording tips:
Multi-timbral synthesizers are a must for sequencing. They eliminate having to use a different synthesizer for every sound.
There is no single way to get a guitar sounding great. Experiment, and you will find a sound that moves you.
Don’t waste your money on any expensive cords. Expensive cords don’t make a difference in how your recording will sound.
When overdubbing, hearing certain parts that you recorded earlier may throw you off. If this happens, you can turn down certain tracks and only listen to the parts that are going to help you perform the overdub.
Once you have recorded a performance, you don’t have to do a lot of editing. Just getting rid of the unwanted noise or a bad note may do the trick. You don’t have to use every capability of your system.
You don’t have to use every track on your mixer, this can make for a cluttered arrangement. Use only the tracks that you think you need.
When you are mixing songs, use a lot of dynamic changes. This could make your song have a big emotional impact. By doing this you can make your verses have a low dynamic, and during the chorus make the dynamics go up.
When you set your recording levels keep these tips in mind: On your preamp/input, keep an eye on the clip light. If the light is glowing red your signal is way too hot and may end up distorted. Use the meters as a guide, trust your ears, and when you have doubts, turn down the level.
Microphone Tips:
If you use a cardiod mic, they produce more bass when close to a sound source. With figure 8 mics or omnidirectional mics you don’t find this effect. Cardioid condenser mics have a roll off switch that allows you to eliminate added bass, which can be helpful.
The first condenser mic for home recordists should be the large-diaphragm condenser mic. This mic works best for most applications.
If you are going to record loud instruments, look for a mic with a high sound pressure level rating. With this you can tell how much volume the mic can handle before it starts to sound distorted.
If you want to make your own pop filter get a wire hanger, get a pair of tights or pantyhose, and stretch it over the hanger. Adjust the coat hanger so it is at least 4 inches from the microphone. You can also buy an actual pop filter starting around $20.
Make sure you cover your mic when you are done recording to keep out dust or excess particles.
If you are miking a drum set and it sounds thin, try tuning the drum slightly up or putting the mic in the tunnel of the drum set.
If you don’t have big bucks for a decent microphone, use the mic simulator programs to make it sound like you have more expensive vocal mic.
Demand that your drummer plays the cymbals softer; doing this will create a better difference between the drums and cymbals.
Don’t be afraid to try to record your bass in different rooms to get a warm sound. However, don’t go in the bathroom because that trick doesn’t work as well with a bass guitar.
Stay tuned: More tips to come…
