Recording Technique
It has often been said that, no matter what type of recording device you use, the sound will be no better than what you put into it. This no-brainer is often overlooked by those who think the latest recording device will transform them into a great musician.
..............................................................
Input Devices
The same is true for input devices as well as what the devices are handling. For example, a cheap microphone will not bring out the best in your vocals. Likewise, a very expensive microphone will reproduce poor musicianship very accurately!
..............................................................
Digital Processing
Forget about using digital processing to turn a bad sounding recording into a good sounding one. While it is true that some problems can be fixed in the audio lab, most recordings will sound better when the original tracks are at their best.
..............................................................
Mixing
Mixing is blending the tracks into (usually) a two-track stereo pair. This can be done on the multitrack recorder or on the computer. Once mixed, the individual levels of each track cannot be changed.
..............................................................
Mastering
Mastering refers to processing the stereo pair for the best sound. There is much folklore and many tall tales about the best mastering technique. Basically, you want the finished product to sound its best, no matter where it is played. Sometimes what sounds best on headphones can sound entirely different coming from a car stereo.
..............................................................
back to top
RECORDING GEAR
|
contribute  to this site |