Feb 25, 2008 10:41 am Oh and I use ASIO drivers, I did use WDM but ran into latency issues which drove me crazy for awhile...and Sonar 6 producer.
New member, LOTS of questions!
Posted on Feb 25, 2008 10:37 am
Herlihey
Member Since: Feb 25, 2008
Hello HRC...thanks for having me!
Ok. where to start. I have been a musician for some years, and have done alot of home recording. I use a Creative Audigy ZS Platinum with the live drive (1/4 inch input) and Sonar 6.
I have been looking at a few of the posts, noticing that people use compressors etc for mastering. I have yet to do that ever. I guess my mastering is done just adjusting levels etc. but I do notice that some recordings are low in final volume, compared to commercially bought CD's.
I am going to go ahead and tell you the steps I go through when recording a song, I would LOVE some input because I have just kind of self-taught myself over the years.
step 1 - record drum track, using built-in metronome from sonar listening on headphones. I have APEX drum mic set, that goes into a Yorkville MP8 mixer then line out to my computer.
For the drums, I recently found that applying reverb makes a huge difference in quality, and i usually clone the track 3-4 times, setting different EQ's on each track (i.e. more bass on one, more treble on another)
step 2 - instruments. I dont' really have any big issues with instruments, pretty much just leave them raw maybe EQ them sometimes. Usually clone the guitar track to have 2 on there and bass it depends. Anything else I should do or know?
Step 3 - vocals. Usually add a little bit of reverb, thats about it. Clone them 2-3 times. no big issues with that.
step 4 - mix. When I say mix, i mean set the levels on each track until my brain starts to hurt, and I can't tell what sounds good anymore! Its like smelling different cologne's. After awhile I find it to be pointless.
step 5 - export as WAV, then encode with cwenc.
Thats the jist of it. I know thats alot to take in, but I thought I'd throw it out there. I just want to know if there is a simple, fundamental thing I might be lacking, a process etc.
Thanks in advance
[ Back to Top ]
Feb 25, 2008 10:41 am Oh and I use ASIO drivers, I did use WDM but ran into latency issues which drove me crazy for awhile...and Sonar 6 producer.
Feb 25, 2008 11:18 am Hey Herlihey,
first off, I have the same gear. Actually I don't have the MP8 anymore but I am very familiar with it.
1) You will have to dive into the depths of compression to get your volumes up to that of commercial releases.
2) Your brain is starting to hurt because of listening fatigue. Take a break and come back to it later with fresh ears.
hmm, not sure what else to say. Seems like you are on track to me.
Feb 25, 2008 11:30 am heh, yeah thats about the only way to do it...take a break come back the next day.
As for compression, I actually was reading up here and just used the "normalize" option a few minutes ago. I found it did work quite well, I just highlighted all tracks and went through it. Does that do the same thing? (normalize/compression) With compression, what do you suggest? Do i apply it to each track as a rule of thumb, or do certain tracks usually not need? What is the actual outcome of compression?
You have the same gear, eh? It has worked great for me for a few years now. Solid product. (creative audigy)
Feb 25, 2008 11:52 am i found some info on compression in another thread...great!
|
Related Forum Topics: |
If you would like to participate in the forum discussions, feel free to register for your free membership.