TIPS AND TECHNIQUES FOR HOME RECORDING
Whether you record on analog(tape) or digital, you can find some useful information here
First of all I can only give tips on what I know. These are just very basic tips and in no way does this site claim to have all the answers or vast amounts of information. If you are looking for more extensive info., I suggest go to the RESOURCE page. You will find links to some sites that have much more than you will find here. This site is primarily to share my experiences and knowledge. Therefore any others who would like to contribute or comment can do so by E-mailing me and I will post them. As for what I know, here is a list of some of the equipment I've used and some of what I have.
EQUIPMENT
Tascam 424
Tascam 488
PC Pentium 200, 128mb Ram, 6.2G Hard Drive, 1G Jaz, CDRom, Smart and Friendly CDR, Darla Soundcard, Soundblaster Soundcard
Software: IQS SawPlus32, Voyetra Digital Orchestrator Plus Sequencer, DSPFX VirtualPack
Proteus1, 2, Alesis D4, Quadraverb, QuadraverbGT, Mackie 1202, Midiman 4x4, Midi Drum Pads, Digitech Talker, AKG Mic., LesPaul Studio Guitar, LesPaul L6S Guitar, Peavy Bass, 2 Acoustic Guitars,and various other odds and ends.
ANALOG TIPS
- TO REDUCE NOISE(hiss)
- Try to eliminate the amount of bouncing of tracks.
- Record as hot of a signal as possible without distortion.
- The more in-line effects, the more noise.
- TO INCREASE SOUND QUALITY
- Use compression when recording tracks(though this does increase noise, use discreetly)
- Don't over EQ! If it sounds good the way it is, Leave It Alone!
- Use effects sparingly
- Practice your material! (though analog can cover up some bad performances - this is not the case when it comes to digital)
DIGITAL TIPS
- TO REDUCE NOISE(hiss)
- Since digital is noiseless, the only noise produced comes from inline equipment. Do not use analog compression or effects during recording
- Record in a quiet environment - even the hum of computers can show up on recordings
- TO INCREASE SOUND QUALITY
- Again - Don't over EQ!
- Since digital can sound stale - try using an Aural Exiter to put some warmth back
- Compress, then Maximize after mixdown
- Improve your performance - You can't hide anything on digital recordings. If it sounds bad during recording, it will sound worse after mixdown!
- Good Monitors or headphones are a must
- Listen to mixdowns on different kinds of speaker to compare (large, small, car, etc...)