Reference Cd For Tracking

[Drummerbones]

We all use reference CDs to mix, why not (to a certain degree) to track? From time to time, I find I haven't tracked a part correctly and thus have to over-EQ it in the mix which sucks. So here's my thought:

I want to compile a collection of samples, various kick drums, snares, guitars, basses, male and female vocals etc.

Then when I'm uncertain while tracking, I can compare my input signal with a simmilar sample using a spectrum analyzer. I realize that this would just be a VERY BASIC starting point as every part needs it's own characteristics for each individual song, and EVERYTHING IS SUBJECTIVE. I KNOW!!!!

That being said, what do ya think? Anybody know where I can find a collection of instrument and vocal samples? Any CD's, downloads, websites you could recommend? I did a search and didn't come up with much.

Okay, let the tomato throwing begin!!

[shackrock]

well...i often listen to, for example, WEEZER dist. guitars on certain blue album songs. and try to match that tone and dist. and thickness while tracking my dist. guitars....

however, if you are using SAMPLES as a reference to record more samples...why not just USE the samples that rule? HA! Why make more oft he same sounding samples? hahahaha.
that is..if i understand you correctly even...

[Drummerbones]

By samples, I wasn't refering to Acid Loops or other sample programs to use as tracking. I want to record live takes with reals drums, guitars, bass etc. but have samples that are sonically "correct" to compare my tracks to so I don't track parts incorrectly. Basically the same thing as when you listen to a reference CD while mixing a song, I want reference instruments while tracking to compare to.

So once again, anybody know where I could find what I'm looking for? Thanks!

[Cyrokk]

I reference cd's at tracking as well as mixing, particularly for drums and guitars.

But I don't know of any place that has samples of "ideal" sounds. I would think that even if such a thing existed, it would be useful in a very limited way, since the sonics of every song is different and dependent entirely on the composition and the interaction of other instruments.

I don't see why you couldn't compile your own sample of sounds you consider ideal. Simply list as many songs you can think of that you feel have the ideal instrumental sound, and record snippets into your pc or recorder. Typically when I want to nail a particular sound, I record the song I am emulating followed by a rough demo of the song I am working on. After my ears are conditioned to the first song, I am instantly ready to compare to the second.

Cy

[bucchild]

I used to work at Sam Ash in the drum department. Yamaha has a CD that they gave away to compare the different sounds of woods used to make the drums....it was very involved. It had individual hits of each drum made of each wood for comparison.....and then had couple of tracks where the kit was recorded with a song....I'm sure you could somehow get it from yamaha, and it sounds like that's what you're looking for....try to contact yamaha about it, and I'll check back to see if you had any luck....