I specialize in Macintosh recording systems on OS X & am well versed in most of the available software titles relative to the platform. I can answer most questions about home recording in general such as: Mic placement, recording/mixing/mastering techniques, control room set up, acoustics & acoustical treatment & choosing the right equipment for specific recording applications. I do not answer PC related questions, or questions pertaining CD/DVD copying or ripping.
Experience:
I am a professional recording/performing artist & producer/engineer with 29 years experience in performance & writing, & 21 years experience producing & recording music.
Education/Credentials Musician's Professional Workshop Scholarship (CHOM FM)
Vanier College (Classical Music - Guitar)
Herzing Institute (Micro-Computer Electronics)
Have taken numerous online courses in recording/engineering
I use Pro Tools LE 7.4 with an Mbox 2 interface/preamp on a ST-55 mic on vocals and a MXL ribbon for acoustic guitar. I have the Waves Native Power Pack for plugs.
1) From start to finish, what would you do to record and mix a clear, full, rich recording? Settings? Plugs? No plugs? Etc.
2) It seems that any time I import my recordings into the Master Fader to raise the volume and add some fulness (S1, L1 plugs, etc.) process the vocals get muffled/muddy and buried, but the guitar is fine. This comes out when I bounce and then put on a cd. Of course, when I don't master/fade it and leave it in the mix and bounce it, the vocals are a little clearer, but the recording is flat.
Help! What can I do to max out my tools?
Finally: I realize that I can only do what I can with the tools I currently have (please give me advice above before you answer this one). However, I am willing to buy hardware: better preamp, compressor, etc. My question for this part is:
a) will all this hardware work with my computer Pro Tools LE 7.4?
a1) if So, what do I need to buy to make this go and produce something of releasable quality?
b) if not, what do I need to do I need to buy to produce something of releasable quality at minimal prices and name brands, etc?
Help.
Thanks, Jason
Answer Hey Hank, First, if you can lay down the tracks individually, you'll get much better separation & any effect you add will only affect the sound of the track in question. (Whereas if you record guitars & vocals at the same time, you will have vocals bleeding into the guitar mic & guitar bleeding into the vocal mic.) This would in turn cause phasing issues that would rob the recording of impact & clarity & would also cause whatever effects you apply to one track to color the other. Sometimes people do want to record live though, in which case you'll have to make compromises which will in my opinion be made up for by capturing the live spirit & feel of the performance. In such a case, the first & most important thing (Actually the most important in any recording situation in my opinion) is the room you're recording in. If the room sounds like shit, then so will your recording. No matter what. You need a decent sized room that is not to bare or too cluttered that has just the right amount of live/dead sound to it. Living rooms usually work well cuz of the sofas, carpet, curtains etc. lots of odd angles & surfaces reflect, diffuse & absorb the sound. Next, the sound of the instrument. Same rule applies: Shit in=Shit out. So be really picky. Try playing in several different spots in the room & see how it sounds. Get someone else in there with you too so you can hear their opinion as well. Once you've found a potential spot, then comes mic selection. In your case, there's not too much to choose from, so it makes your job a little easier. Try both mics on guitars & vocals. try also using just one mic for both instruments. See if you have a definite preference. If you do, then use the mic you prefer. Once you've done a few test recordings to see which mic you like the most, try using mic placement to get as close as you can to the natural sound you're looking for. If you can record & not end up having to use EQ to "fix it in the mix", you'll be much happier. It will usually take 3 to 4 hours to find the right mojo in a new room, but once you've found the right spot, getting te sound you want will be a snap the next time around. Also try different rooms for different types of effects. Once you're done tracking & ready to mix, a little bit of compression should be all you need. I use Universal Audio's UAD1 Cards for comps & effects, cuz I like the vintage/retro sound. I use LA2A's on vox, guitars & other acoustic instruments, 1176 on Bass & on drums I alternate between the LA2A or the 1176 depending on the feel of the tune. (LA2A's a bit warmer, 1176 is a bit more in your face & focussed) This is also only for the style of music that I like to record. (Blues, Jazz, Classic Rock, Funk, Folk - Old school shit) If I were recording metal I'd probably use the 1176 straight across. I also add a buss master comp just to sort of bring the mix together a bit better to get an idea of how it will sound to someone who's going to be mastering. If it's getting sent out to a proper mastering facility, I take all master buss FX off before final mixdown.If I'm mastering, I do my best not to squash too hard, keep good dynamics & consistent volume & sonic spectrum. I don't ever try to compete in the "volume wars" going on nowadays cuz most commercial cuts sound like shit in my ears & everything is in clipping but there's no tubes!!! yech. Anyways, that's pretty much it, any effect I add after that is strictly "artistic embellishment" or "Ear Candy" if you will. The song should stand on its own without the effects, the effects should never pull attention away from the song (ESPECIALLY the vocal or main melody) which means that they should be mixed in to the point that you only notice they were there in the first place if you were to take them out of the mix. But the effects should also take the song to the next level & make it better than what it was before. The only other thing I can tell you that is also very important is don't over-produce. Breathing room in a tune is just as important as ear candy (More in my opinion) So I hope all this helps somewhat, again this is only what has served me in my own quest for sonic enlightenment, so whatever doesn't work for you, throw out & try something new! (I've thrown out most of what other people have taught me in favor of my own approach & as a result, my recordings have their own unique character to them that you don't see too much nowadays in the cookie cutter era of ours. The most important thing at the end of the day is that you are happy & satisfied with the work you've done, so don't stop searching till you find what you're looking for. If you have any other questions, just drop me a line.
Peace - J.
