Recording tips?

[just.b.cous*]

I've learned from playback that the recording sounds much (MUCH) worse than it sounded when I was making the mix. Anyone have any tips on recording? Are there any settings I can adjust (on the software or the mixer) to make it not sound so ... amateur? ... Or do I just need to really practice more? (I'm using Garageband '08 )

[Revolver]

what sort of interface/soundcard are you using?

also, above all else, no matter what type of gear you are using, ALWAYS be aware of gain staging. thats critical.

you're a mac user, look into audacity to record mixes with.

[just.b.cous*]

Originally Posted by Revolver

what sort of interface/soundcard are you using?

M-Audio Fast Track Pro

Originally Posted by Revolver

also, above all else, no matter what type of gear you are using, ALWAYS be aware of gain staging. thats critical.

gain staging? do you mean watch my levels?

Originally Posted by Revolver

you're a mac user, look into audacity to record mixes with.

ok thanks, I'll look into that. does using garageband make it difficult/impossible to get a great sounding recording?

[kir mokum]

my best sounding mixes were recorded using VHS tape.

but john's right, DACs and gain structure are vital. you want your levels to be as hot as possible without clipping until the final gain stage. a good system is set your levels to peak at -3dB (full scale) and hit record. that should accommodate for fluctuations. use -6 if you want to be super safe or if you're not super comfortable with your ability to maintain levels over the course of the mix.

also, i have a feeling you're using a mic input instead of a line input to your computer.

[kir mokum]

google:

gain structure
DACs
line level
mic level
dB full scale (dB is just a ratio. in the digital world just worry about full scale)

[just.b.cous*]

Originally Posted by kir mokum

DACs and gain structure are vital. you want your levels to be as hot as possible without clipping until the final gain stage. a good system is set your levels to peak at -3dB (full scale) and hit record. that should accommodate for fluctuations. use -6 if you want to be super safe or if you're not super comfortable with your ability to maintain levels over the course of the mix.

Ok thanks.. I've been trying to maintain my levels low thinking that it was a good thing, but now that you mentioned it, what you're saying actually makes more sense. like live.

Originally Posted by kir mokum

also, i have a feeling you're using a mic input instead of a line input to your computer.

yeah, i just checked that.. just changed it.. thanks ~

[kir mokum]

the mic/line thing will fix the problem then. mic is about -50dB and line is -10 to +4 dB so it was expecting a low signal and was getting a super hot one. hence distortion.

[Phrenetic]

record to cassette in Dolby-mode, but then record to PC without Dolby-mode. best sound ever.

use audacity

when rendering your Wav files to mp3 keep it 192kbps or above (max 320)

dont go in the red

[Phrenetic]

forgot to mention that when you record to an analog medium you cant clip unless you go past +6db. when recording digital when you clip over 0db the computer doesn't understand so it distorts.

[kir mokum]

analogue and digital use different dB systems. analogue can go much higher than +6 dB. that's called headroom.

[Phrenetic]

ok then ill just say analog is more versatile in recording than digital.

[just.b.cous*]

Thanks guys. Looks like I have a lot more learning to do, but don't get me wrong, that's a great thing! I'm definitely up to it. Gotta ask if ya wanna know. "No one's gonna hear you if you don't speak up." Right? ~
but...

Originally Posted by Phrenetic

record to cassette in Dolby-mode, but then record to PC without Dolby-mode. best sound ever.

yeah see, I may be 35 and I do remember the cassette recorder/player, but to be honest with you.. I chucked that piece of 'equipment' YEARS AGO!! ~~ How do I accomplish what you claim is ...

Originally Posted by Phrenetic

..best sound ever.

I would really like to know, since I'm not too eager to search for it (cassette-deck)..

B

[kir mokum]

Originally Posted by Phrenetic

ok then ill just say analog is more versatile in recording than digital.

not exactly true. the main difference that i think you're talking about is digital distortion v. analogue distortion. digital distortion adds harmonic and enharmonic distortion and is therefore not pleasing to the ear whereas analogue distortion adds only harmonic distortion. analogue tape also naturally compresses audio when saturated.

[Revolver]

lol.

i came up when the digital vs. an debate was in FULL swing.

ive worked on tape a few times on a old studer.

analog sounds WAAAAY fucking better in terms of pushing it hot. so much space and depth in those actual magnetic partices that are being moved essetianly by air....the ultimate in headroom.

digital is close but its STILL tinny as fuck. too clean, but that could also be a good thing.

/

[kir mokum]

i agree that analogue generally sounds better. i don't agree with phrenetic's assertions though.

[Revolver]

Originally Posted by kir mokum

i don't agree with phrenetic's assertions though.

obviously.

[kir mokum]

sometimes i think i'm clear and i'm not. other times i think i'm not clear and i am.:notrust: