Recording Tips and Tricks
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recording.shtml | Updated: 07-May-2009 - 13:12
Recording Resources
- Books and Software
- Recording Gear and Software Companies
- Instrument Recording Tips
- Recording and Show Tips
- Recording a Guitar, Bass and Drums Trio
- Recording Acoustic Guitar
Loops
Guitars for Interfacing to Computers
Microphones
- Manufacture, Links & Information
- Audio-Technica
- Nady Systems
- Blue Microphones
- RØDE Microphones
- Royer Labs
- Samson
- Shure Microphones & Audio Electronics
One Mic Recording & Performance
QuicK Links
- Apple Hot Deals on Audio/MIDI
- Recording on Shoestring Budget - [ link ]
- MIDI Guitar - [ link ]
- Harmony Central Recording Links
- Yahoo - Recording
- Recording Electric Guitars at Home by Ken Hamberg - B&H Photo Video
Recording Studios
This is the start of listings of recording studios that I recommend to fellow musicians or have been recommend to use by fellow musicians
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Sibelius
Sibelius is the notation software that I use for all Curt Sheller Publications.
Having tried to learn Finale when it was Finale 2004. I found the learning curve a little steep. Sibelius was a lot easier to learn and use right out of the box.
| Sibelius Professional Edition Sibelius Music Notation Software. Software. CD-ROM only. Size 14x9.25 inches. Published by Sibelius. (631221) | 
| Sibelius G7 - Kontakt Edition The Fastest, Easiest Way to Create, Playback and Post Tab. Software. CD-ROM only. Size 7x10 inches. Published by Sibelius. (631243) |
Recording Gear and Software Companies
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Links
Info
Released with much fanfare in January of 1984, the Macintosh was the first affordable computer to include a Graphical User Interface. It was built around the new Motorola 68000 chip, which was significantly faster than previous processors, running at 8 MHz. The Mac came in a small beige case with a black and white monitor built in. It came with a keyboard and mouse, and had a floppy drive that took 400k 3.5" disks--the first personal computer to do so. It originally sold for $2,495.
Text courtesy www.apple-history.com
Everything done on a Macintosh computers.
Site is even hosted on mac by
MacHighway.
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Links
Audacity, not only is it easy to use, but it's free.
(Mac & Cross-platform) The Free, Cross-Platform Sound
Editor
Audacity is free, open source software for recording and
editing sounds. It is available for Mac OS X, Microsoft Windows,
GNU/Linux, and other operating systems.
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Links
MicroTrack II, a handheld 24/96 digital audio recorder
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The redesigned MicroTrack II brings even more professional features to the original high-fidelity mobile digital recorder that’s been embraced by audio and film professionals worldwide. With an extended input gain range, analog input limiter, 48V phantom power, faster file transfer rate, seamless recording of files beyond 2GB in size and other enhancements, MicroTrack II delivers the highest quality mobile recording experience available today. Simply record WAV (BWF) and MP3 files to CompactFlash or Microdrives through balanced line inputs or built-in microphone preamps—then drag and drop recordings to your computer via high-speed USB 2.0 for immediate editing or Web posting. MicroTrack II is perfect for a wide variety of applications including field recording, capturing live shows, songwriting, education and more.
Info
(from their site) M-Audio, a business unit of Avid Technology, Inc, is a leading provider of creative tools for computer-centric musicians and audio professionals. Founded in 1988, the Company now has independent offices in the US, Canada, UK, Germany, France and Japan. M-Audio is the driving force in the industry empowering musicians to create, perform and record with complete mobile hardware/software solutions that have forever changed when, where and how music is made.
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PreSonus Audio Electronics, Inc.
7257 Florida Blvd
Baton Rouge, LA 70806
Phone: 225-216-7887
Toll Free: 800-750-0323
Fax: 225-926-8347
Links
Info
(from their site) Founded in 1995, PreSonus Audio Electronics has become known for delivering professional quality audio products at affordable prices to audio professionals, musicians and hobbyists around the world. The PreSonus staff in the sales, engineering, and customer service departments all have years of experience in professional audio as musicians and sound engineers which brings passion for music-making to every facet of the company. PreSonus’ founder and President Jim Odom is credited with two RIAA Certified Gold Records, one Certified Platinum Record along with two Ampex Golden Reel Awards as a musician/producer/engineer.
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Loops
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Beta Monkey Music
CT
Toll Free (US): 1.877.DRUM.LOOP
1.203.734.7069 (business office)
1.203.231.3783 (studio line - good for after-hours)
Big Fish Audio
29033 Avenue Sherman, Building 201
Valencia, California
91355 USA
USA Toll-Free Number (800) 717-3474
USA Phone Number (661) 295-0761
USA Fax Number (661) 295-8612
Links
Info
(from their site) Since 1986, Big Fish Audio has consistently produced the highest quality sample libraries available. Over the years, our sounds have been featured in hundreds of charting songs and top film and television soundtracks. We are the largest distributor of sample libraries in the world, and we create the most up-to-date loop and virtual instruments libraries using our extensive recording facilities and team of producers. As when you hire a musician or engineer in the studio, experience is vital.
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bandmateloops
SonicEmulations, Inc.
P.O. Box 945
Mohegan Lake, NY 10547
tel: 914.736.1393
fax: 914.736.3710
Links
Info
(from their site) SonicEmulations was launched in 2000 with a simple goal in mind: To create world-class audio content in the new digital age. At that time, the existing content providers (in the view of this company) were continuing to create content without adequately considering the applications required. Audio content in the past was considered both a novelty and a luxury. However, the digital age has created new demands for audio content that is both creative and applicable. In short, novelty has given way to purpose. Luxury has now become necessity. From this perspective, SonicEmulations takes a solutions approach by creating audio content for technology, wherever it may be effectively applied.
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Instrument Recording Tips
Flute
- Blowin' in the Wind, Recording the Flute in Your Home Studio. Recording Magazine Article, by David Summer
- Tips for recording flute by Royce Radcliffe
- Mic and tips for recording flute forum.recordingreview.com
Ocarina
- Recording Ocarina.
The Mountain Ocarinas Forum (www.OcarinaBoard.com) has information on recording the ocarina.
The Ocarina is a flute like instrument so a lot of the same issues that area associated with recording the flute and other wind instruments apply.
Guitar
- Recording Guitar Right here on CurtSheller.com
Ukulele
- Recording Ukulele Right here on CurtSheller.com
Site, Magazines with Tips and Online Resources
Recording
Music Maker Publications
5408 Idylwild Trail
Boulder, Colorado 80301
USA
Phone: 303-516-9118
Links
Listing Info
( from listing's site ) - Recording Magazine is a monthly magazine published in the United States, available by subscription and distribution throughout North America. You can find the magazine in major bookstores like Barnes & Noble and Borders, college and university bookstores, as well as music retailers like Guitar Center and Sam Ash.
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Recording and Show Tips
A banjo tip: Many guitar parts call for dixie banjo or uke. I carry a dixie banjo tuned like the top four of a guitar. If you can't or don't, the out-of-phase in-between-pickup strat sound strummed the right way through a very clean amp will knock the socks off the part. - Michael L Kankiewicz (michaelk@buffalo.edu)
One Mic Performance & Recording: using one mic for performance and recording. This a great setup for an acoustic performance. link
Recording a Guitar, Bass and Drums Trio
I just go to a quality studio till I can afford my own home studio.
Here are some links for recording solo acoustic guitar and ukulele.
Looking to add recording capability to my home studio. Jimmy Bruno just recently released a solo CD available through Mel Bay Records recorded in his home studio using Macintosh (G5) and various other goodies.
Recording Acoustic Guitar
Here are some tips and tricks for recording acoustic guitar I've picked up from research
See Recording Gear section above for companies that I have gotten reccommendations and information on.
Guitars
Guitars for Interfacing to Computers using MIDI, USB, etc… You can trigger any sound with a MIDI control whether it is a keyboard or guitar.
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Brian Moore Guitars
iGuitar, Inc.
290 Main Street - Suite #3
Cold Spring, NY 10516
Phone 845-809-5347
Fax 845-808-5348
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Links
- www.fender.com
- Fender Ukuleles
- WidipediA: Leo Fender
- WidipediA: Fender
Harmony-Central user reviews: Fender
Info
A tried and true Fender Twin Reverb will always work. It's one of the amps one will always find in a studio and can rent when on the road. Learn to how to dial in your sound from a Twin.
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Godin Guitars
19420 Avenue Clark-Graham
Baie d'Urfé, Quebec H9X 3R8, Canada
Phone: 514-457-7977
Fax: 514-457-5774
Line 6
Line 6, Inc.
26580 Agoura Road
Calabasas, CA 91302-1921
Main Phone#: (818) 575-3600
Main Fax#: (818) 575-3601
International
4 Sopwith Way
Drayton Fields Industrial Estate
Daventry, Northamptonshire
United Kingdom, NN118PB
Telefon: +44 (0) 1327 302 700
Fax: +44 (0) 1327 302 702
Links
Info
LINE 6 — Modeling Pioneers
Most non-musicians are likely unaware that the past fifty years of guitar amplifier technology has had a more significant impact on the history of rock music than the electric guitar itself. Each individual amp and effect design was created to distort and color the guitar signal in a different way, contributing significantly to why the guitar sounds of the Beatles were so different from Jimi Hendrix or Pink Floyd. Both the subtle and overt differences between the many types (and even specific serial numbers) of amps and effects, became cherished tonal signatures that were sought after for the particular sonic mood that they might inspire.
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Microphones Manufactures
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Links
Info
Music Recording Recommendations
AT2020
Cardioid Condenser Microphone
MSRP US$169.00
Audio-Technica’s stringent quality and consistency standards set the AT2020
apart from other mics in its class. Its low-mass diaphragm is custom-engineered for extended frequency response and superior transient response. With rugged construction for durable performance, the microphone offers a wide dynamic range and handles high SPLs with ease. The AT2020: the new standard for affordable side-address studio condensers.
The classic edition of the legendary AT4033 microphone, the side-address
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Blue Microphones
5706 Corsa Avenue, Suite 102
Westlake Village, CA 91362-4057
Phone:
Toll Free: 818-879-5200
Fax General): 818- 879-7258
Fax (Sales): 818-879-7259
Links
Listing Info
( from listing's site )
Snowball
- www.bluemic.com
- Podcasting 101
Nice video on Poscasting
A USB mic that’s not only easy to use, but sounds as good on your desktop as it does in a professional recording studio. Meet the Snowball; the world's first professional USB mic.
Whether you’re recording a guitar at your kitchen table or a complete band in the studio, the Snowball can capture it with detail unheard of before in a USB mic.
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Links
Listing Info
( from listing's site ) - John Nady, an electronics engineer/musician and founder/CEO of Nady Systems, was the first to tackle the complex issue of noise reduction in wireless microphones. In the early ‘70’s, he succeeded in developing and patenting a companding process for wireless which continues to set the industry standard for clear, natural sound. Nady’s original marketing was strictly in music and pro audio, and by 1985, 80% of the world’s top performing acts were using Nady wireless. In 1987, Nady introduced the legendary — and very affordable — 101/201 Series, opening the world of wireless to virtually everyone. Nady is also widely credited with having developed the world’s first In-ear Monitor system (1978), as well as the first PLL synthesized UHF wireless, the UHF-950 (1991).
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RØDE Microphones
RODE MICROPHONES, LLC
P.O. Box 4189
Santa Barbara, CA 93140-4189
Ph: 805-566-7777
Fax: 805-566-0071
INTERNATIONAL
RØDE MICROPHONES (AUSTRALIA)
107 Carnarvon Street
Silverwater, N.S.W. 2128
Tel +61 2 9648 5855
Fax +61 2 9648 2455
Links
Info
NT1-A - “Why Pay Less”
The Worlds Quietest Studio Condenser Microphone.
The RØDE NT1-A. Winner of the Electronic Musician 2004 Editors Choice Award and the world’s quietest studio condenser microphone. This redesigned version of RØDE’s classic NT-1 has only 5 dBA of self-noise.
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Links
Listing Info
( from listing's site ) - Royer Labs was formed in 1998 to bring David Royer's unique, modern ribbon microphone designs to the world. When we first opened our doors, ribbon mics had been largely forgotten, but the R-121 and SF-12 quickly captured the imagination of recording enthusiasts around the world. This new generation of ribbon microphones proved to be a perfect match to the rise in popularity of digital recording, as engineers rediscovered their warmth, analog feel and smooth sound. Today, Royers are found in studios and on live stages around the world.
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Shure Microphones & Audio Electronics
Shure Incorporated
5800 West Touhy Avenue
Niles, IL 60714-4608
Phone: +1(847) 600-2000
Toll Free: (U.S. only) +1(800) 25-SHURE
Fax: +1(847) 600-1212
Links
- www.shure.com
- WidipediA: Shure SM57
The Shure SM57 is a common professional low impedance cardioid dynamic microphone in live sound reinforcement and studio recording applications. It is a popular choice among live users due to its sturdy construction. It is often used on instruments that produce high sound pressure levels, such as the snare drum and other percussion, electric guitar amplifier, and even vocals. Introduced in 1967, the SM57 remains one of the best selling microphones in the world today. The SM stands for Studio Microphone.
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Links
Listing Info
( from listing's site ) - Samson began 26 years ago as an audio technology company designing wireless microphone systems. Today, we are an industry leader with three distinct brands: Samson, Hartke and Zoom. Over 350 products designed and distributed by Samson are sold in 106 countries throughout the world.
Home Recording Recommendations
C01U - USB Studio Condenser Microphone
The C01U USB Studio Condenser Mic is the first affordable studio condenser mic with a USB interface.
For the first time ever, musicians who record music on computers have a simple, affordable way to capture high-quality vocal and acoustic instrument performances.
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Additional Resources & Links
- NEW Microphones 101: A Beginner’s Guide to Macs and Mics - link
One Mic Recording & Performance
One Mic Stand
Here is a link to an article on titled One Mic Stand from musician Del Rey's web site.
Here are links to the microphones mentioned in the article and good for the one mic texhnique:
- Rode NT1-A
- Audio-Technica AT4033 - This is the mic used by the Boulder Acoustic Society
You Control Your Sound
With a single mic setup you are your own sound man. You mix your own sound. You are not at the mercy of some random sound guy not familiar with your music. You simply control your sound by your proximity to the mic on stage. Louder, move in. Quieter, move out.
I saw the Boulder Acoustic Society perform at the the 2007 New York Uke Fest using this set up and the sound was great. The where pros at moving in and out to control the sound.
Recording Studios
Radioactive Productions
Daoud Shaw
Philadelphia, PA
Phone-Fax: 215 483 0723
eMail: daoud@radoactiveproductions.com
Links
Info
I recorded my Midnight at the Jazz Cafe at Radioactive Productions and Daoud played drums on it as well.
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Links
Info
(from their site) - The facility was designed and built from the ground up, and is constantly undergoing updates and changes. Change is good!
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Thanks for visiting and checking out my site!
Content is always being added and updated. So check-in often. Curt Sheller
MAY 2009 Now accepting selected advertising.
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All orders purchased here at CurtSheller.com, JazzGuitarResources.com, UkuleleChords.net and UkuleleForGuitarPlayers.com are processed using a secure shopping cart system and shipped within 48 hours USPS. Allow 7 to 10 business days for delivery. It is not our intention to profit from shipping and handling charges. The rates are an average cost, and intended to cover expenses only. Please do not ask how long it will takes to get your order. All US orders are shipped USPS Priority Mail® or USPS First-Class Mail® (under 1lb) and delivery dates are not predictable. I do not check on an order not received until three weeks have elapsed since it was shipped. Three weeks is not how long it takes to get your order. Rather, it is how long it takes to convince us that something is wrong. Some orders are returned by the USPS and we have to wait to see if that has happened before any action is taken. Thanks, Curt Sheller Publications. 