Learn Problem Areas When Equalizing Vocals Mixing the lead vocal track is often considered the most difficult part of a production. It’s usually the absolute focus of a song, and it can set the tone for the overall quality of the recording. A great vocal track can make an otherwise mediocre album pop and come to life. Conversely, a poorly-produced vocal […] Written by @recordingarts 27 March 20192 November 2022
Learn Optimizing Your Room for Pro Vocals There can be a lot of variables that shift around from session to session when it comes to pro vocal recordings. The microphone, preamp, position, and voice selection will all switch up depending on the aesthetic of the song. However, one thing stays incredibly consistent in all of these ever-changing decisions: how well the […] Written by @recordingarts 23 March 20192 November 2022
Learn Understanding Proximity Effect One of the most important skills to learn as a tracking engineer is the fine art of microphone placement. Getting a great sound takes a lot more work than just dropping a mic in a room and pointing it at what you want to record; it’s a skill you want to develop by using your […] Written by @recordingarts 20 March 201911 November 2022
Learn The Colourful World of Microphone Preamps An often overlooked consideration of a recording chain is the brand of preamplifier chosen when bringing signals up to a usable level. Some engineers spend just as much time considering this as they would which microphones to use during a recording session. It’s important to have a thorough conversation with the recording artists about the […] Written by @recordingarts 10 March 201921 October 2022
Learn Are Your Mixes Loud Enough? Do you often find yourself replaying your mixes and find them flat compared to other radio-finished songs? If this sounds familiar, then your mixes may not be loud enough. Regardless of whether your background is technical, musical or otherwise, loudness can greatly affect our perception of music due to psychoacoustic phenomena. Let’s take a look […] Written by @recordingarts 2 March 201918 November 2022
Learn Entry-Level Audio Interfaces Worth Checking Out The audio interface, a central hub of connectivity in any budding home studio, is a crucial starter piece of equipment. Investing in a quality interface will always be worth your while, but for those of you who are building your home studio on a budget, we’ve rounded up five options that you can find at […] Written by @recordingarts 25 February 201918 November 2022
Learn Cable Management for Beginners: Tips and Tricks for Your Production Stage Managing cable lines, while absolutely essential, is a step in production stage building that is often overlooked. Proper technique in cable management can enhance the appearance and safety of the event all while differentiating an amateur production stage from a professional one. Part 1: Floor Cable ManagementThere are two main forms of floor cable […] Written by @recordingarts 20 February 201921 October 2022
Learn iZotope Trash 2 Distortion Plug-In Review Almost 20 years ago today, iZotope released its renowned plug-in Trash, only to wait another 10 years before releasing the newest version, Trash 2, at the end of 2012. Why is this plug-in so recognized and used by so many engineers and sound designers? Let’s take a look. What is Trash? Trash is known for […] Written by @recordingarts 12 February 20192 November 2022
Learn Home Studio Layout: Vocal Tracking for Under $1000 Building a home studio is a common dream for any music creator or audio enthusiast. Today we will break down two typical setups that homeowners will likely have for vocal tracking, all while working within a $1000 budget. Part I: Layout and Acoustic Treatment The two scenarios we will analyze are: A room that […] Written by @recordingarts 7 February 20192 November 2022
Learn Entry-Level Microphones for Your Home Studio One of the most cherished pieces of gear that a recording artist can own is the sensory piece of hardware that connects reality to the electrical and digital realm: the microphone. Like most audio hardware and instruments, each make and model has its own flavour, so that leaves a recording artist with tough decisions […] Written by @recordingarts 5 February 201911 November 2022
