So, there are two major subjects thats I'm trying to wrap my brain around. In this case (as it very well may be in general) they are closely related:
Signal path, especially related to FX's (pre-fade & post-fade)
Using a noise-gate for optimum recording
A little back story: we have a recording set-up. We will only be using it to record vocal via overdub. All of our instrumentation is digital, or synth; we make hip-hop & dancehall. We have a moderately quiet space in which to record, but there can sometimes be noise issues. We are ok with that. We arent trying to get a Grammy, but we do want music we can enjoy listening to; we likely wont sell anything, but we want the option.
That being said, we have an MXL770 cardioid, a mic thing, an IO2 Express, and Adobe Audition. After trial and error with gain control (hardware & software), I've come up with a few ideas, but...well here we go:
I want to use a noise gate to get less of the lower db ambiance recorded. I figured that this would go on an aux send pre-fade. But trying to figure out where in the signal path to place such an FX (or FX's & EQ's in general), I realized that I didnt understand enough about how a signal path works to use it correctly. I also wanted to set up a seperate mix for artist monitoring, so they have something nice to listen to as they record, but (again) where do I place the FX? on the bus? on the send? both? Pre- or Post-fade?
For artist monitoring, Im thinking I should add a compressor to up the vocals initially, a little reverb, and add a noise gate for ambiance elimination. The real reason this becomes a bit confusing is because I figured that the major steps Im missing between setting up the studio equipment and hitting the record button is setting up levels, and organizing my DAW's workspace (by setting up some tracks, buses and sends; and creating a proper monitor mix for my artist—something I plan to make a template/preset for once i figure out everything I want/need).
Lastly, I couldnt find a proper place for these questions:
I read that any level monitoring in a DAW is effective post-fade, so if your interface lacks direct monitoring, the level is automatically set via the interface. In my case, the direct monito stopped working, so I assumed that I could just monitor everything via my DAW. Is my assumption wrong?
I also want to be clear on how to set up the signal flow such that the monitoring will include FX/EQ that will not be included in the actual recording.
I mean, Ive been an artist for a while. Im trying to take the artist hat off, and put on a brand new engineering hat. So, what I mean is, engineers arent typically starting with an empty daw, then adding each track one-at-a-time as you record. They have something they do to set up—some prep work—and get levels, and prepare something for the artist. I just dont know what all that is, yet.
Any suggestions? Thnx in advance
Signal path, especially related to FX's (pre-fade & post-fade)
Using a noise-gate for optimum recording
A little back story: we have a recording set-up. We will only be using it to record vocal via overdub. All of our instrumentation is digital, or synth; we make hip-hop & dancehall. We have a moderately quiet space in which to record, but there can sometimes be noise issues. We are ok with that. We arent trying to get a Grammy, but we do want music we can enjoy listening to; we likely wont sell anything, but we want the option.
That being said, we have an MXL770 cardioid, a mic thing, an IO2 Express, and Adobe Audition. After trial and error with gain control (hardware & software), I've come up with a few ideas, but...well here we go:
I want to use a noise gate to get less of the lower db ambiance recorded. I figured that this would go on an aux send pre-fade. But trying to figure out where in the signal path to place such an FX (or FX's & EQ's in general), I realized that I didnt understand enough about how a signal path works to use it correctly. I also wanted to set up a seperate mix for artist monitoring, so they have something nice to listen to as they record, but (again) where do I place the FX? on the bus? on the send? both? Pre- or Post-fade?
For artist monitoring, Im thinking I should add a compressor to up the vocals initially, a little reverb, and add a noise gate for ambiance elimination. The real reason this becomes a bit confusing is because I figured that the major steps Im missing between setting up the studio equipment and hitting the record button is setting up levels, and organizing my DAW's workspace (by setting up some tracks, buses and sends; and creating a proper monitor mix for my artist—something I plan to make a template/preset for once i figure out everything I want/need).
Lastly, I couldnt find a proper place for these questions:
I read that any level monitoring in a DAW is effective post-fade, so if your interface lacks direct monitoring, the level is automatically set via the interface. In my case, the direct monito stopped working, so I assumed that I could just monitor everything via my DAW. Is my assumption wrong?
I also want to be clear on how to set up the signal flow such that the monitoring will include FX/EQ that will not be included in the actual recording.
I mean, Ive been an artist for a while. Im trying to take the artist hat off, and put on a brand new engineering hat. So, what I mean is, engineers arent typically starting with an empty daw, then adding each track one-at-a-time as you record. They have something they do to set up—some prep work—and get levels, and prepare something for the artist. I just dont know what all that is, yet.
Any suggestions? Thnx in advance
