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| MXL mic with pop filter |
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
The Vocal Microphone and Methods of Recording Vocals
Another important factor when recording your musical masterpiece is the type of vocal microphone you use. There are two types, Dynamic and Condenser. Dynamic mics are usually used for live performances or recording the guitars. Condenser mics are ideal for vocals because of ther sensitivity and mid to high range of sound detection. For someone on a budget the MXL 990 Condenser Microphone with Shockmount is the perfect mic especially since its only $79.99. If you think that is a lot of money than just consider the fact that most condenser mics are $149.99 and up.
Now that you know a good mic to use it would be wise to take advice on different atmospheres to record. The ideal position of a vocal recording would be in a small room with acoustic foam covering the walls to reduce the reverb which could cost arount $1,500. Since most people can't afford that, people have come up with alternatives that still have the same effect. One method would be to go in a roomy closet and, if you can, purchase a $20 Foam Mattress Topper to cover some of the walls around you. Finally if that is too much money or effort you can find the most enclosed room in your house and get a pop filter which will reduce the popping sound of the p's and t's in the song. You will place this pop filter between the singer and the microphone.
Your First Microphone
Basically your first mic will stay with you for a while so you want to make a descent choice. Now regular people may be thinking that a microphone would only be for singing, well they're wrong. Your microphone can be used for singing but also for recording the electric guitar, bass guitar or drums. It is important to take this into consideration in order to stretch your dollar. There are many types of microphones so first we're going to explain a guitar mic.
The Shure sm57 , a dynamic mic, is my preference because of its unique ability to be right up against the amplifier which is the best spot to get closest to the actual sound of the guitar. I also enjoy using it because of its ability to use it overhead on the drums and for back up vocals. This would cost about $100 which is standard even though the quality matches $150 to $200 competitors.
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| SM57 |
The Shure sm57 , a dynamic mic, is my preference because of its unique ability to be right up against the amplifier which is the best spot to get closest to the actual sound of the guitar. I also enjoy using it because of its ability to use it overhead on the drums and for back up vocals. This would cost about $100 which is standard even though the quality matches $150 to $200 competitors.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Getting Started
If you want to learn how to create a successful home studio your going to need some advice and equipment. The equipment that's required varies depending if you are a solo artist and are just doing maybe one instrument or if you are recording your four person rock band. I'm going to cover how to record with the four person rock band consisting of a guitar, bass, drums, and vocals so you can take the info that you need for maybe just a section of it. The basic equipment you'll need will be about four to six microphones and mic stands, a recording program for your computer, and a recording interface. Yes, this is all going to cost a pretty penny but once you have these materials you'll be set for a while.
In later entries I will go in depth with the brand, cost, and price of all these tools. First and foremost you should talk to your band members and make sure they are willing to split the cost with you otherwise your stuck buying everyone else equipment. You can purchase all of this at you local Sam Ash, Guitar Center, or any other music store. Also make sure you research all your stuff before you go into the store and get overwhellmed with all the choices. Quality equipment creates better music. Just don't go overboard with the cost and make sure you want to get into this hobby before going out and purchaseing everything I tell you.
In later entries I will go in depth with the brand, cost, and price of all these tools. First and foremost you should talk to your band members and make sure they are willing to split the cost with you otherwise your stuck buying everyone else equipment. You can purchase all of this at you local Sam Ash, Guitar Center, or any other music store. Also make sure you research all your stuff before you go into the store and get overwhellmed with all the choices. Quality equipment creates better music. Just don't go overboard with the cost and make sure you want to get into this hobby before going out and purchaseing everything I tell you.
Introduction to Recording
When you listen to a song on the radio or on your I-Pod do you ever wonder how they get such a good sound? How do they even record all the different instruments and combine them into one song? Well that my followers is what I'm going to explain. For the average guitar player, drummer, or singer who wants to show the world their talents but don't know how to capture their sound and broadcast it on the Internet, this is the blog for you. If you think that recording is just placing a microphone up so something and play into it, your wrong. Well, you could do that but it won't sound very good.
Recording is the process of capturing sound and encoding it into many devices where you can edit and amplify it to your preference. Now you may believe that this is no simple task. It requires acute hearing, skill, time, and most of all patience. When your sitting in your studio for hours on end editing your sound, the key is to stay focused and dedicated to your work until it meets perfection if you want to be the best. The work you publish will directly reflect you and your skill. Those big rock, rap, or R&B sounds come from quality equipment and quality editors. If you want to eventually become one of those big names in music or if you just want to impress your friends you have to definitely step up your game.
Recording is the process of capturing sound and encoding it into many devices where you can edit and amplify it to your preference. Now you may believe that this is no simple task. It requires acute hearing, skill, time, and most of all patience. When your sitting in your studio for hours on end editing your sound, the key is to stay focused and dedicated to your work until it meets perfection if you want to be the best. The work you publish will directly reflect you and your skill. Those big rock, rap, or R&B sounds come from quality equipment and quality editors. If you want to eventually become one of those big names in music or if you just want to impress your friends you have to definitely step up your game.
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