Recording Tips and Techniques

Multiband Compression In 3 Ways

September 28, 2016 by Elaine Sy Leave a Comment

Compression is one of the tools used by sound engineers in many various ways during a recording. Sometimes, though, we need more control over SPECIFIC audio frequencies. That’s when we use the multiband compression.
A multiband compressor is a collection of several individual compressors put together in one single unit. The frequency range is divided up so that each compressor only affects that range.
In the article below are three cool things you can do with multiband compression:

Controlling pop vocal tone
Thick and punchy, but still “sustainy” and level bass
Managing the top end (high frequencies)

Find out more here: https://theproaudiofiles.com/multiband-compression-in-a-mix/

Neutrino – A Free Spectral Shaping Plug-In From Izotope

September 27, 2016 by Elaine Sy Leave a Comment

Matt Hines, product manager for iZotope, discusses Neutrino with Sweetwater’s Mitch Gallagher. Hines describes Neutrino as a “mix sweetener.” It is a subtle way to add a little more kick to your tracks.

So what is it?

Neutrino is a free plug-in you can download at https://www.izotope.com/en/products/mix/neutrino.html It’s a “Spectral Shaping” plug-in created to add fine details and touch-ups to your tracks.
Neutrino is intended to be added to multiple tracks (or busses) and not across the master mix track. The idea is that the subtle processing shapes and lightly evens out certain things on an individual track. Then the results will add up across all tracks to elevate your total mix to a higher quality.
Hines shows Gallagher how easy it is to download and use.
Watch more here: http://www.sweetwater.com/insync/izotope-neutrino-plug-in-overview/

One Hack To Lessen Your Recording Time

September 26, 2016 by Elaine Sy Leave a Comment

Probably the biggest hindrance for one having a home studio to record and release music to their heart’s desire is TIME. Now if you were told that with one simple hack you can produce all the music that you want in less time without compromising the quality of your work.

“The Parkinsons Law states that work expands so as to fill the time available for completion.”

This statement simply it takes as much time as you give your project to do your project. How much time are you actually willing to give to do or complete a project. Focus is the key.

Recording The Lead Vocal

September 18, 2016 by Ken Leave a Comment

The lead vocal is usually the central focal-point of a recording, especially when you’re talking about singer/songwriter type songs where the arrangement is pretty intimate. Besides the voice, you may have a piano or an acoustic guitar and nothing else. So it’s really important to get the best vocal sound you can.

Part of that equation is the microphone. For example, the most common advice is to use a large diaphragm condenser microphone like the Rode NT2-A or the Audio-Technica AT2035. But sometimes a mic that sounds good on one person’s voice will not sound great on someone else. You often have to find the right mic for the right person.
There are other considerations as well. This article addresses issues such as who will do the singing (if you’re a better songwriter than singer then it might not be you!), what recording space will be used to track the singer, and how to best monitor the session. Check it out here:
http://www.recordingmag.com/resources/resourceDetail/247.html

Pro Tools First 12 – A Graphically Enhanced Manual

September 10, 2016 by Ken Leave a Comment

Pro Tools First is the free version of the industry standard Pro Tools, which is now in its 12th version. I recently read an interesting manual for Pro Tools First 12 – something called a “graphically enhanced manual (GEM)” from author Edgar Rothermich: “Pro Tools 12 | First: How It Works.”
Rothermich describes the GEM as “a new type of manual – the visual approach.” He has a dozen+ other manuals available at his site here: http://www.dingdingmusic.com/DingDing/Manuals.html for other audio recording programs such as Logic Pro, GarageBand, Ableton Live, and Final Cut Pro.
This manual is definitely different from other “manuals.” Not only is it comprehensive – comprising information not just about Pro Tools, but about the entire scope of audio recording, beginning in the first section, called “Prior Knowledge,” and continuing throughout the detailed explanations and how-tos in the rest of the book.
As is intended, the experience of learning is enhanced by the many pictures, diagrams and color-coded instructions and explanations.
If you are struggling with Pro Tools First, or simply need some clarification, definitely check out Pro Tools 12 | First: How It Works here.