Modern Recording Techniques

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As the most popular and authoritative guide to recording Modern Recording Techniques provides everything you need to master the tools and day to day practice of music recording and production.

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Q: I'm thinking of attending XXX school in blah blah. It seems to be a well rounded and well equipped school, but is not listed on this site. Does anyone have any insight they can share about this school?

A: We are always looking to improve and refine our database of schools. If you find a school that has an audio program that is not listed in our database, let us know! To answer your question, we have not attended every school listed in our database. Your best bet is to post on the forum here and on other sites that are frequented by audio professionals. It is a known fact that audio engineers are opinionated sons of bitches, so most will gladly offer an opinion of a graduate of any school, especially if they are exceptionally good or bad.

Q: I just got Cakewalk 2004 Xl Home Edition and I have a SoundMAX digital integrated soundcard. I would like to hook up my Korg Triton to my PC with Windows XP. I have all the necessary MIDI cables and a Midiman 1x1. How come I can't hear any of the sounds coming from my Triton on my PC while running Cakewalk? Am I doing something wrong? Any help will be dandy.

A: This kind of question comes up all the time. Unfortunately, there are so many variables involved that you are better served by calling your local pro audio dealer to have someone troubleshoot your problem. Call the manufacturer of your product and ask for technical support. Call the place you purchased the equipment from to see if they can help. Usually it is something simple, but problems like these are easier dealt with in person than in web forums.

Q: Well, it seems I have tried every idea for micing and EQ and just about every other aspect of recording, but I can't seem to liven up my mix and make it more full and bright. I bounce down my session to a MP3, but I never seem to get the sound I hear when I listen to my CDs. What do I need to do?

A: The CDs you buy in the store have been mastered by a professional mastering engineer. I would suggest calling one in your local area and allow them to analyze your mixes. This is another case that is better dealt with in person. This is the audio profession, and we need to hear the problem before it can be solved. To understand the mastering process, try reading "Mastering Audio -- The Art and the Science" by Bob Katz (Focal Press).

Q: Hello. I have a home digital recording studio and am interested in recording a small children's choir (not a live performance). My question is twofold:
1) How many microphones will I need for, say, 10-12 children?
2) I want to pre-record the piano and guitar parts and have them playing in the background as the children sing, but I know that will be picked up by the microphones. Does that tend to be a problem? I cannot afford to have each kid plugged into a headset! Is that how it is usually done?
Please help this beginner at recording to make something great!

A: A re-read of chapter 4 on microphone techniques will help answer your question. I will also suggest reading "The Microphone Book" by John Eargle (Focal Press). My personal opinion is to mic the group in stereo with two mics in an x/y pattern and move the kids around to mix to taste. Have a conductor that is listening to the backing tracks, or record the piano live with the children. Bleed is a good thing.

Q: Do any of you guys have any tips on getting my stuff heard? I've been passing around my music for so many years; I'm fed up. I just checked out that new program Inside Sessions and it's actually pretty informative. I bought the Music Business session, and I got to hear like secrets from Glen Ballad, A & R's, and a bunch of artists that discuss how they got in the business and what it takes to succeed. I would most definitely recommend it to any up-and-coming producer. Now that I have shared a secret with you guys, what can ya'll tell me about the game?

A: It depends on what you're going for. Do you want to be famous, or do you want to just make a living? I've been an engineer for 20 years and my career is just starting to take off. I don't know what my ultimate goal is, but it's a very long road. I have recorded numerous bands that really deserve to be heard, and if they are heard, people will like them, but I can't make it happen. There is just too many people making too much music that the consumer doesn't know what to think.
When you break it all down, you either enjoy making music and you will continue doing that, or you're doing it for the wrong reasons. If you do what you love, the money will trickle in. It boils down to confidence in your ability and a faith in the universe.

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