As we are releasing an EP, recording will be an important part of this project, and it’s something that I’m not too confident in. So I am reading an article to give me some tips.
Don’t overcomplicate anything, keep it simple. In playing, producing and in everything and playing too much or adding too many effects will make it sound messy. This also links into just adding in effects for the sake of it. Only add in effects, EQ, compression because you want to and know it will sound good. Also don’t put it in stereo just because, only do it if you know it will work well.
If you are happy with the mix of a song, commit to it as if you keep trying to make a song perfect you’ll never finish it.
When recording, only plug in the instruments and things you are using for that recording. Also make sure the instruments are in tune, or the vocalist is warmed up.
Sometimes using DIY to make it sound better, such as using duvets and blankets to reduce echo.
Monitoring is key, as your ears are the best way to find out what sounds good and doesn’t. As well as your eyes.
Adjust expectations, don’t expect to be able to do loads and have the best song in the world. Also decide on decisions there and then as if you leave it in the air, you will never do it.
Label everything, physical and digital. So you don’t get lost with what is what.
Save your files, constantly so you don’t lose anything, And back them up.
The best thing to do is to record the “Rhythm Section” first, which is the bass and drums if the song has both these instruments in. You can either record them separately or at the same time. If the song has no bass or drums, it is usually an acoustic guitar that keeps the rhythm. The reason you usually record these first is because the rest of the band follows these instruments usually, so it makes sense to record them first.
The next step is to record the other parts of the song. Such as guitar, piano, synth, vocals. You also usually record what is most dominant in the song first. So piano, guitar and vocals are normally at the forefront of the song, so they should be recorded first.
The best way to record electric guitar is to plug it into a direct box, then it gives it goes on to the DAW. t sounds clean and raw as it has no effects on it. You can add the effects in production. You can also just put a mic near the guitar and that will record it if it is plugged in correctly. However the direct box will usually have a better sound. To record bass it is the same, however if you are using the mic method, then you need a special bass mic. To record keyboards, you could use a midi keyboard which is already plugged in onto the DAW. If you want to record an actual keyboard, you just use a direct box.
To record drum, you need many mics or different parts of the drum kit. A bass mic for the bass drum, dynamic mics for the snare and toms, a diaphragm condenser mic for the hi hat and 2 condenser mics for the cymbals.