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Hey everyone i am a 16 year old from Ohio and me and my band recently recorded our first album using N-Track Studio. We are pleased with the result, but we know it could be better. Do you have any tips for a beginner on basic good recording? Things like mic posistions, inexpensive gear, tracks, all that stuff is helpful. Thanks!

Comments

tripnek Tue, 05/18/2004 - 12:23

The best advise I can give is: Read then Experiment, Read then Experiment, Read then Experiment, Read then Experiment, Read then Experiment, Read then Experiment, Read then Experiment, Read then Experiment.

Seriously, there is so much good information out there for free it is unbelievable. You just have to keep in mind that there are just as many ways to do things as there are people doing it. Learn the concepts and theories then figure out the best ways for YOU to accomplish the tasks at hand. And it never hurts to learn several ways to do each thing because every situation is different. One method may work better this time and not the next.

Also keep in mind that in Forums and some low budget websites, you will find seasoned pro's that have been making records for many years, but you will also find hacks that spend far more time posting on forums than actually recording. These guys have very little clue what they are talking about. There are enough people in this forum that know what they are doing to somewhat keep these guys in check, but I have been on other forums where these hacks are actually moderators. Go figure. One more reason to read from as many difference sources as you can just for comparison.

Here is a good place to start:

http://www.theprojectstudiohandbook.com/articles7.htm

I would suggest starting with the "Microphones" category, then on to "Instruments" then "compression" then "EQ" then ect........

Google searches are great also:

http://

http://

http://

Inexpensive gear:

My number one rule: Don't buy Behringer gear no matter how great a deal it looks. You will regret it.

Learn to be an eBay Guru. Great buys on eBay for anyone with a little patience. I have bought 85% percent of my gear on eBay and here are a few simple rules that have kept me from getting screwed.
1. Make sure the seller has at least 95% positive feed back rating and always check out the negatives if they have any just to see what the problem was. Use you good judgment here. I really try to find those 100% feedback sellers.
2. Make sure the seller has completed at least 30 transactions.
3. Always pay with PAYPAL so you have some recourse if things go wrong. Sellers tend to be more cooperative if they think you will turn them in to PAYPAL.
4. Always email the seller and ask any questions you have before bidding.
5. Always ask for a shipping quote before bidding if the seller has not posted shipping charges. And always make sure the package is insured.
6. Last but not least: Have patients. You have a section in "my eBay" where you can save searches and auctions to your home page. So search for what you want and check it every day till you get the price and condition you want on the gear your looking for.

That should be a good start. Have fun!

PS: I'm in Ohio also. In what city do you live?

anonymous Thu, 05/20/2004 - 08:23

I too also agree that there is TONS of information out there.. for free. Its really amazing how much information is on these internet message boards. They are extreemly useful. They serve as encyclopedias, dictionaries, books, product reviews.... just about anything you can think of. There usually information on any topic/item youre looking for. Just do a quick search and be on your way. Take advantage of the advice on these boards but be weary also. Take what you read with a grain of salt. You will find that some things that people say serve to be true, other times, not.

Oh, and im from Ohio three. Im at school in Chicago but my family lives in the suburbs of Cleveland. Ill be heading back on the 28th to a basement full of gear that i miss oh so dear... :-) Take care.