Category Archives for "Recording"
- in Book Excerpt , Production , Recording by Bobby Owsinski
11 Things To Think About When Recording Background Vocals
Recording background vocals is a distinctly different process from recording solo vocals because of how they will eventually fit in the mix. That requires a different technique for both recording and production in order to get the best result. Here are 11 background vocal-related points lifted from the 5th edition of my Recording Engineer’s Handbook […]
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Get A Great Drum Sound With These 14 Sound Replacement Tips
Although you may be great at recording drums and have a great sounding studio with an excellent signal chain, the two chief variables in the recording are the drummer and his drums. No amount of technique or gear can overcome a bad sounding kit or a drummer that hits inconsistently, hence the importance of sound […]
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Here’s Why Recording Reggae In Jamaica Is Different From Anywhere Else In The World
There are a lot of musicians that think they can play reggae, but unless you’ve actually been to Jamaica and exposed to the culture, it’s usually just a hollow rendition. Although known more recently as a music publisher with his Artist First Music as well as being the former president of the American Independent Music Publishers association, my good buddy […]
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Get A Great Audience Sound With These 3 Techniques
If you’re recording a live performance, then you want to pick up some of the audience to make it sound realistic. Here are some techniques and considerations culled from the latest edition of my Recording Engineer’s Handbook. “Audience recording is both the key and the problem with live recording. It’s sometimes difficult to record the audience […]
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Distorted Guitar Guitar Editing Made Easy
I don’t know about you but I’ve always found that it’s really difficult to do precise edits on a distorted electric guitar track. Here’s a great guitar recording tip that I got from Richard Chycki, engineer for Rush, Dream Theater, Aerosmith and many more that easily solves the problem. I liked it so much I’ve used […]
Continue reading- in Book Excerpt , Production , Recording by Bobby Owsinski
Consider These Enhancement Techniques For A Better Drum Sound
Even if you are great at recording drums and have a great sounding studio with an excellent signal chain, the two chief variables in the recording are the drummer and his or her drums. No amount of technique or gear can overcome a bad sounding kit or a drummer that hits inconsistently, but these enhancement […]
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2 Techniques For Miking Bongos
While some people think of bongos as a remnant from the old beatnik days, it’s surprising how often they’re used to add movement to a track. Here are a couple of techniques from my Recording Engineer’s Handbook, along with some additional aspects of the instrument to pay attention to. Considerations Before placing the microphone, there […]
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The 5 Recording Mistakes You Don’t Want To Make
When it comes to recording, many songwriters and musicians with home studios will often throw up a mic and begin to record as soon as a signal shows up on the DAW track. That’s a great way to get your inspiration recorded without losing the idea, but unless you get lucky, it’s not the best […]
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Two Excellent Techniques To Mike A Cowbell
It’s a cliche now that a song “needs more cowbell,” but there’s nothing better if that sound works in a mix. It’s pretty easy to just use a sample where needed and be done with it, but if you’re a purest and really want to record one, here are two good ways do it. Some […]
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Studio Etiquette – How To Act At Any Session
Knowing the proper studio etiquette while recording is almost as important as doing your gig. If you make people uncomfortable or do something that’s considered out of place, chances are that you won’t be asked back. Let’s look at the way everyone expects you to act during the session with these 11 tips. Most of […]
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What To Look For When Buying Your Next Direct Box
Direct boxes are something that we use every day in recording, yet take for granted because of their simplicity. If you’re not familiar with what they do, then you might be tempted to purchase the cheapest one you find, but there’s a real difference in the sound between brands and models. This excerpt from my […]
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Want That Back In Black Guitar Sound? This Is The Secret
I’ve posted this one 4 or 5 years ago but since I’m getting questions about the AC/DC Back In Black guitar sounds again, I thought it was appropriate to repost it again. When we listen back to those great early AC/DC albums like Back In Black and Highway To Hell we think of what may be […]
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See Louis Armstrong In The Studio In 1959
Here’s a great piece of archival footage that shows the only film ever taken of the legendary Louis Armstrong in the studio. This was during the 1959 recording of the album Satchmo Plays King Oliver and it shows Armstrong and his All Stars recording the master take of “I Ain’t Got Nobody,” as well as silent footage […]
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Farewell, Al Schmitt – Thanks For The Great Interviews
If you were lucky enough to ever get to work or even hang out with legendary engineer Al Schmitt, you know how much fun he could be. Always one for a great story, Al could have you hanging on the edge of your seat with an insider’s tale that would eventually end in the room […]
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Did You Select The Right Microphone For The Job?
Home studios today are somewhat limited in gear, especially when it comes to microphone selection. That means that many of the tracks end up getting recorded by the same mic sometimes, which isn’t ideal when it comes to fitting mix elements into the mix. Choosing the right microphone for the job can be a crucial […]
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