Studio Solutions 97
The Big ’80s Snare Sound
Although the 1980s have come and gone, the impact the decade left on studio techniques (and snare sounds) still lives on today. Yes, some studio tricks from that era can be quite over-the-top, but if you’ve never indulged yourself in how they’re done, you might be missing out on a broad palette of sounds. In […]
Preparing for Your Next Recording Session
Alongside writing and touring, recording is an extremely important part of the working musician’s trifecta. Walking into a well-equipped, professional recording studio is an inspiring feeling, so it’s important to be prepared to efficiently capture that inspiration. Generally speaking, studio time doesn’t come cheap. Whether you’ve saved up for an allotted amount of time in […]
How to Trade In Your Old 600 MHz Wireless Microphone Systems
If you use wireless microphones or wireless personal monitor systems in the United States, you should be aware of the 600 MHz wireless spectrum auction. In spring 2017, the FCC reallocated the 600 MHz frequency band (614 – 698 MHz) for wireless broadband use. This reallocation means that operating wireless microphones or personal monitor systems […]
Using Dynamic Microphones for Recording Vocals
For many of us, the age-old picture of a recording studio likely includes the large console with motorized faders, bass traps and sound diffusion panels mounted on the walls, and of course a large diaphragm condenser microphone equipped with pop filter. Though this isn’t a misrepresentation by any means, it muddies the waters in what […]
Play Guitar Through Your DAW
If you’re a beginning guitarist, you’ll quickly find that playing through a real amp is exhilarating, but can also be frustrating, especially if you have neighbors close by. There’s almost nothing like the sound of a real guitar amp, but digital options have come a long way in the last decade. Playing guitar through a […]
Understanding Peak, Continuous, RMS, and Program Power Ratings for Speakers
When you’re shopping for loudspeakers, you’ll see manufacturers using many different terms and numbers to describe their power handling, or wattage. Read on for help demystifying peak, continuous, RMS and program power ratings! Peak Power Ratings A speaker’s peak power rating is the maximum wattage that its voice coil can handle in very short, occasional […]
Mixing Stereo Guitar Tracks
If you’re a solo artist looking for more bite on guitar tracks for your studio album, or in a multi-guitarist band trying to figure out a good balance when tracking, here are a few basic tips for hitting the studio to record and mix your stereo guitar tracks. Start at Tracking Arguably, the biggest mistake […]
Using Two Microphones to Record Electric Guitar
Using two or more microphones when recording electric guitars is a great way to expand your tonal options during the final mixdown. Different microphones impart their own personality on your guitar’s sound and using more than one can help bring out tones that you wouldn’t be able to do with just a single mic. For […]
A Guitarist’s Guide to Thick Studio Tone
As the only guitarist in a three-piece band, I sometimes struggle with maintaining a full, thick tone. I’ve compensated by adapting my playing style to be a hybrid of rhythm and lead at all times, and choosing my amps, cabs and effects wisely in live settings. When my band hits the studio, it’s a slightly […]
