![Moog Synthesizer mini-moog](https://api.sageaudio.com/storage/article/uploads/2014-01-mini-moog1-e1413319735375.png)
Recently analog synthesizers have made somewhat of a comeback as producers and composers have found digital samples, when compared side by side, to be lacking in warmth and range.
The upcoming documentary “[I Dream of Wires](http://www.idreamofwires.org/" rel="noopener noreferrerj "I Dream of Wires - Documentary")” covers how this trend toward analog sound synthesizing isn’t going away anytime soon.
As a result we thought it’d be helpful to share the three most common ways to record an analog synth. And, of course, a better recording makes for a [better mix](http://www.sageaudio.com/blog/pre-mastering-tips/home-recording-academy-getting-it-right-at-the-source.php" rel="noopener noreferrerj "Home Recording Academy: Getting it Right at the Source")and mastered song.
Record Directly Into Your Interface
Most synthesizers have a stereo output, often two quarter inch plugs. If your A/D interface has two inputs, the simplest way to record would be to plug your synth up directly using the line or instrument inputs. Adjust the volume on your synth to an optimal level (usually 80-100%) and hit record.
This way is best if you really want a clean, pure recording of your original synth sound. Though you may not get a sound as big and full as one from a preamp, having less steps on your signal flow will mean less noise and distortion in your final mix.
Record Through a Preamp
If you want to add some general warmth and presence to your sound try plugging your synth’s output into an analog preamp. Many engineers swear by this method as it can make an already great synth sound fantastic.
Of course, each preamp will add its own flavor to the sound, so be sure to play with it in order to get what you’re looking for. Rupert Neve preamps are well-liked for the classic analog sound and rich high’s. Or for a deeper bass, an API 512c might be a good place to start.
Using a preamp can be the best way to get that full synth sound you may be looking for. However, it can also cause your recording to lose a bit of fidelity and clarity, depending on the type and quality of the preamp you use.
Record Through A Guitar Amp
Finally, plugging your synth into a guitar amp can add some very nice color, depth and punch to your mix. You’ll want to then record your amp with a dynamic microphone, like a Shure SM57, and then run it into the mic input on your A/D interface. Though it seems like a shoddy way to mix your sound, a lot of producers love how synths sound through guitar amps and swear by this method.
Recording this way is probably the best technique for getting a fat vintage tone out of your synth. The amp will certainly add some grunge and depth to your mix, though, it will be at the cost of significant resolution.
With all of the tones and colors that synths are capable of producing, how you record them can also affect their sound in your mix. Don’t hesitate to experiment with these methods of recording until you find a sound you really like. As always, getting you want upfront will make mixing and mastering much better in the end.
So, Why A Membership?
Let’s face it — trying to create professional mixes without the correct knowledge, tools, services, and network is like playing a concert with a broken instrument to an audience of no one.
That’s where the Sage Audio membership comes in — the membership gives you everything you need to create professional mixes consistently.
The membership is the secret to your success — it’s the difference between the 1,929,999,999 of poor-sounding mixes and the .00000002% of mixes that make people say 'WOW!"
There are 7 unique value-points included in your Sage Audio membership.
Let’s go over each one so you can decide if the membership is right for you.
1. Sage Audio University
- SAU Flagship Mixing Course: 23-video in-depth mixing course that reveals the little-known secrets of mixing and matches the needs of the new music industry.
- SAU Flagship Mastering Course: 19-video in-depth modern mastering course that dives into every nuance of making professional-sounding masters.
- SAU Pre-Mastering Course: Concise pre-mastering course that details the latest industry standards for preparing your mixes for mastering.
- SAU is designed for every experience level, ranging from budding mixing engineers to advanced engineers. The techniques and concepts taught can be applied to any DAW to create industry-leading mixes without expensive software or plugins - and free plugin alternatives are suggested throughout each course.
- Each SAU course includes Start-to-Finish session walkthrough lessons for multiple genres so you can follow along with your preferred genre.
- SAU Certification Document, which can be downloaded and showcased on your website and social channels.
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2. Private 1-on-1 Mentorship
- The Sage Audio private 1-on-1 Mentorship gives you direct access to us for advanced mixing feedback, in-depth discussions, and customized guidance that's tailored to your specific needs.
- Unlimited private access to us for advanced mixing feedback, where we provide detailed suggestions for improvement.
- Unlimited private access to us for in-depth discussions to help you improve every aspect of your mixes and masters.
- Customized guidance that’s tailored specifically to your needs.
- Fast communication so you can improve your skills quickly.
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3. Unlimited Mixing Feedback
- Unlimited professional mixing feedback directly from us so you can consistently improve your skills and create professional mixes.
- Mixing feedback is invaluable, and the Sage Audio membership gives you continual direct access to us for real-world feedback so you can improve every aspect of each of your mixes while you're in the process of mixing.
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4. 50 Free Mastered Songs Per Year
- 50 free mastered songs per year with your own dedicated professional mastering engineer so you can get all your mixes sounding like professional songs.
- You get your own dedicated Sage Audio mastering engineer to create custom masters that are specific to you and sound exactly how you want.
- Unlimited revisions with your dedicated mastering engineer. As a standard of our service, we are not happy until you are happy with the sound of your masters.
- All masters are delivered as commercial, industry-standard high-resolution 24-bit HD WAV masters so they will sound clean and clear on every platform.
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5. Community
- The Sage Audio community is a tight-knit community of passionate audio engineers who can provide you with additional real-world mixing feedback, meaningful discussions, networking, collaborations, and more.
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6. 70+ GB of Curated Sage Audio Downloadable Content
- 36 multitrack sessions spanning multiple genres for mixing practice.
- 57 un-mastered mixes spanning multiple genres for mastering practice.
- 62 Recommended Free Plugins List (vetted, tested, and approved, so you don’t have to).
- 39 Recommended Paid Plugins List (vetted, tested, and approved, so you don’t have to).
- 71 Sage Audio custom plugin presets to improve your mixes and masters.
- Sage Audio Membership Badge to showcase on your website, social channels, and portfolio.
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7. 800+ Video Catalog
- Access 700+ in-depth Sage Audio mixing and mastering videos - curated and organized into categories so you can easily take a deep dive into all aspects of audio engineering with thousands of hours of concise, expertly crafted Sage Audio videos to continually improve your skills at your own pace.
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