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[/]Well this is really my first mix using overdubs. I got the Tascam Us-1800 in the mail last week and sat down and did this recording. This was a rushed recording due to the time that everything got started and the use of electric guitar. But this was really my first time doing a lot of different things in this recording. This was a really quick mix I did and I am planning on doing some more recording later this week. I have done a lot of research and now I am trying to gain more and more experience.

Gear used
Interface-Tascam-Us1800
Mics-
2 cheaper mxl mics
SM57 clone?
Shure e609

http://www.youtube…"]I Wish You'd Stay-Ted Henley and Zach Hall - YouTube[/]="http://www.youtube…"]I Wish You'd Stay-Ted Henley and Zach Hall - YouTube[/]

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Comments

audiokid Tue, 01/15/2013 - 10:46

Welcome thenley89,

I can clearly hear you love music and have a lot of passion invested here!

Considering the gear you are working with, and the room you used to record this song in, you have done a great job. To help you improve in the actual sound quality of your recording(s) now, you'll need to improve the room acoustics a lot or find a new location. There is a lot of wall sound. It sounds like you are in an empty room that is painted with really shiny cold blue paint on the walls, no carpet and smooth ceilings. Its very reflective sounding.

The point is, I'm hearing a lot of room reflections ( comb filtering, ringing and standing waves) which is not desirable in a record. Look for a better location to record in and you will get better results.

Visit http://realtraps.com
Visit : http://www.puremix.net

thenley89 Tue, 01/15/2013 - 15:14

I really appreciate the detailed feedback! I did definitely pick up on the comb filtering. I just didn't know what was causing it or how to approach correcting it.

I will definitely look into the links posted! I am new actually recording, but I have been lurking forums for a few years because I love music and it really fascinates me.

I feel like I may have gone to heavy on the reverb. The room I am recording in is my basement which is a pretty big open room. However it is carpeted, 7 foot ceilings, and wood paneling for the walls. I just feel like from what I have read it is a disaster acoustically. But for now I have to make the best of it.

And I also must give credit to my brother for the song.

thenley89 Wed, 01/16/2013 - 22:29

My second try. I tried uploading it but the file size said it was limited to 2mb,

I laid off the reverb more on this one. I couldn't really find a way to address the comb filtering because I believe the cause was the mics. But I will definitely look out for it in the future!
[MEDIA=soundcloud]thetimhenley/wish-youd-stay

jackmeriustack… Thu, 01/17/2013 - 21:04

big improvement on the second try. Way to go man. If I could offer 1 trick to making your music sound better I would tell you this (it has nothing to do with your gear):

The 3 T's
Tempo: play with different bpm's to find the perfect tempo, then lock it in.
Tone: Pick tones that compliment. In multi track recording it is easy to play your music in the same tonnal frequencies, then you get all kinds of coupling and canceling going on, then it sounds kind of muddy. Picking good sounding tones that could be played in different registers of the instruments will help bring seperation.
Timing: To me this is the most important thing and in these days of DAW's the easiest way to make your songs sound pro. After you have picked your tempo then make a click track and insert it on Track 1. Then practice, play, and record your instrument passes to that click track. Even if you are not that great of a player you can still acheive a good timming because you can move your out of time sections around. Make sure all your guitar strums are located on one of the click beats that you see in your editor. BTW: you should at least set your click to a 1/8 interval. If you are way off on your timing then you will want to practice until you at least can get it close.

After that try to mix your tracks dry or at least without ITB EFX. Really use your ears to dial in complete track seperation. Create a mono mix that blends nicely together but when you listen to it make sure you can hear every articulation of every track. Then go back in and add your EFX as you would add butter to your corn, you know it's to much when you loose the articulation value (clarity). There are a 1,000 other tips and tricks to digest but these will radically improve your Sound. Remember LESS is MORE but SUM is AWESOME. :-)

take care and keep up the good work.

jt

thenley89 Thu, 01/17/2013 - 21:28

I appreciate the tips! But I will definitely use a click track next time. I am also going to plan more and try and do all of the tracks individually. I didn't play any instruments on this recording but I am looking into getting a headphone amp so the person playing can hear along with me while tracking.

Here is a mix it tried using automation on. Making progress still I hope!

[MEDIA=soundcloud]thetimhenley/wish-youd-stay-newmix-theodore