Newbie - where do I start to learn how...

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Member Since: Aug 17, 2003

I'm a serious newbie to home recording. Can anyone suggest a good book or other learning guide to help me learn about the basics of sound, mixing, etc.? I seem to only be able to understand about half of the content of many of the posts on HRC due to terms/concepts I'm unfamiliar with.

What is the first area I need to understand? I've performed (piano, singing) on and off for 20 years, but have never done anything on the technical side.

Any suggestions? - Thanks

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Administrator
Since: Apr 03, 2002

Aug 21, 2003 01:06 pm

On the front page we have links to recommended reading material, there are also FAQ's and a Glossary here that should help a little bit...the glossary is slowly growing as we get time...also, page through the recording tips, there are articles out there for newbies...they may be buried back a ways, but they ARE there.

Frisco's Most Underrated
Member
Since: Jan 28, 2003

Aug 21, 2003 01:13 pm

I've also found that if you have any specific questions about recording, the folks here are really helpful, and really nice.

Bane of All Existence
Member
Since: Mar 27, 2003

Aug 21, 2003 01:19 pm

this brings up an interesting point, dB. perhaps you should consider making a separate section for new people so that they don't have to go all the way to the back of the recording tips. that seems a bit too counterintuitive to be helpful. maybe you could just flag a few articles as good for newbies, and add a 'newbies' section to the recording tips. you've done a great job with the rest of the site...i'm sure you'll figure it out.

Administrator
Since: Apr 03, 2002

Aug 21, 2003 01:35 pm

Hey, good idea Minkus. I will look into that, a simple flagging system should be simple to add...

Member
Since: Aug 17, 2003

Aug 21, 2003 03:03 pm

dB - I've been looking around this site as much as possible, and am beginning to pick up things. I've read many of the articles (not all yet) but am having trouble with the basics - or maybe it's the "big picture", putting it all together. (It's just probably me and the way I learn things - I like Big picture/concept then the details.) Sometimes I need to understand "A" before "B" makes sense.

I'm sure I'll figure it out - I was just wondering if anyone had a tip on what to learn first. I'll keep reading through those articles and tips.

I think Minkus' suggestion would be very helpful.

I just registered for HRC a few days ago and find it very helpful - literally an answer to my prayers.

Administrator
Since: Apr 03, 2002

Aug 21, 2003 03:29 pm

Glad to here you like HRC, Kathy, we have worked hard to keep it educational and fun for newbie and us recording vets.

I am going to add the "newbie listing" I like that idea, but can't say when I will get to it, most everything here can attest that I USUALLY get to little things like that pretty quickly when I get the bug in my britches.

The first thing WE need to know in order to help is how you plan to record, are you a one-man (er, woman) band or a group? How many tracks will you be recording simultaneously? How many tracks will you need at most for any song? Will use be needing or wanting MIDI?

This kinda stuff could go into your profile so we can see you goals rather than asking you every time you ask a question :-)

Member
Since: Aug 17, 2003

Aug 21, 2003 05:50 pm

I updated my profile - hopefully I included everything. Yup - I'm a "one-man band". I'll be recording (PC Based) one track at a time using my midi arranger/workstation keyboard (Yamaha PSR2000) and then vocals. Not sure on the total number of tracks, but probably 4-5 to start.

Is there one of the books on the front page that would be good for me to start with? Is there one that is written for those of us who aren't up to speed on the industry terms/jargon yet. Just wondering if you have a recommendation. I guess I hate to ask a bunch of questions and use up your time if there's a resource available - then I can bug you with the specific questions.

Hey, whenever you get the "Newbie" flag going - that's awesome.

Contributor
Since: Dec 30, 2002

Aug 21, 2003 06:07 pm

Hey Kathy,

This has probably been said already - but be sure to check out the Glossary section of HRC, it explains lots of technical jargon and will no doubt help lots - it sure is cheaper than buying a book as well! :)

As for questions, don't worry about it, that's what we are here for, helping people, like yourself out :)

jues.

Member
Since: Aug 17, 2003

Aug 21, 2003 06:19 pm

Thanks, jues. I'm blown away at how much "nicer" and helpful this place is than other forums/sites I've tried to get info. from. Hopefully, after I've become an expert :) (with help from all of you) I'll be able to pass along the favor.

Keep up the great work!

Administrator
Since: Apr 03, 2002

Aug 21, 2003 06:40 pm

For books, try "Sound Recording Advice", it's good for newbies and old-timers, rich and poor...and everyone in between "Home Recording Power!" is also quite good.

Also, it wouldn't be bad to figure out which program you want to use and get a good book specifically for it.

And if we are being too nice, well, just let us know, we'd be glad to hurl a few insults your way if it makes you more comfortable :-D hehehe

Member
Since: Aug 17, 2003

Aug 21, 2003 07:03 pm

dB- That's great - thanks!

I'll be sure to let you know if you're being too nice, but as for hurling insults at me, sorry that job is taken - I have 3 older brothers :)

Administrator
Since: Apr 03, 2002

Aug 21, 2003 07:32 pm

LOL, well, I AM an older brother...so I know all about that.

I feel for ya. :-D

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