Digital recording is the process of converting your music performance into a digital audio file on a computer. This is done using an analog to digital (A/D) converter, often called an interface. Recording is the bread and butter of the music production process and there are practically unlimited ways as to how it can be done. From everything to mic placement techniques to new gear and how to use it, our aim is to give you practical tips you can use to make better recordings in your studio. Generally, recording audio can be broken down into two categories: analog and digital. While digital is by far the most popular and cost effective today, some producers prefer to still record using older analog formats, like tape. They do this because they feel it makes a warmer, fuller sound. There is some truth to that claim, but digital recording still sounds good and is also in a state of evolution as high fidelity audio systems have become more commercially appealing and affordable. We hope to cover both types of recording for you, but will talk about digital recording primarily because it’s more prolific.
In this video we’ll describe how to set release times for compressors in a way that makes more sense musically Now by musically I mean that the release time corresponds to the bpm, or the beats per minute of the song with which your working, and in turn contributes to the overall musicality of […]
There’s a fair amount of talk in the audio world, regarding how to minimize the negative effects that jitter, electric pops, hisses, and plosives can have on a recording; however, little is said about an issue that is far more pervasive than any of the aforementioned noises. It’s so rarely mentioned in articles or […]
Everyone wants to make hit records, but little do they know of the hundred small steps that go in to getting a client and taking them to a finished mix that is ready to be sent off to mastering. One of the most common pitfalls that new and even seasoned engineers run into is having […]
Although the possibilities of working with a lot of virtual instruments are incredibly vast, one of the pitfalls is that your music can start to sound inorganic and manufactured. Drums especially can lack character when every note is a quantized sample. Here are three tips that you can use to make your sampled drums sound more realistic and more musical.
Having enough headroom from recording is essential to the mixing and mastering process. Also, there’s no better way to add headroom than from recording your tracks properly at the start. Here’s why headroom matters, as well as two tips for creating headroom in your mix in the recording process.
Producing an EP can be one of the most challenging and rewarding projects for an independent artist. It can also be the stepping stone into professional music. Here are three tips that will help you achieve the sound and quality you desire, regardless of your budget.
One of Nashville’s most iconic recording spaces nearly closed down this past month, and it raises the question about the viability of big studios in the age of digital recording. Among the many obstacles studios face, here are three key challenges that are going to directly affect the business of big studios.
Phase cancellation is one of the more overlooked troublemakers in audio production. Yet, dealing with phase cancellation is an important part of any good mixing and mastering process. One of the best ways is to head it off from the beginning by using the 3-1 rule of mic placement. By using this simple ratio, you can reduce the likelihood of phase cancelling.
The classical guitar is one of the most articulate and expressive instruments to record. As a result, it takes extra effort to record it well–capturing the nuanced details, bright tones, and deep resonance. Here are some tips for recording classical guitar that will help you capture the full breadth of the instruments range.
Following up on our last post on the basic technical rules of vocal recording, here are three basics for getting the best performance from your singer. A better performance makes for a better recording and, ultimately, a better mix and master. Stick to these principles and you’ll be on the right track to getting a great sound.