Anyone in Miami willing to advise newbie on recording techniques?

[Irygirl]

Hey everyone:
I was wondering if there was anyone who lives in Miami. I am eager to get together with musicians and music hobbyists to learn some new techniques. I am fairly new to the recording scene. I've managed to do my own multitrack recordings, but I'd like to get better and I have not been able to find a place that actually teaches the art of recording here in Miami. I've read all kinds of posts but unfortunately, im still not familiar with the vocabulary. Thanks for any tips.

Iry

[JerryD]

Shana on this BBS is from Miami. Very good.

[Buffalo Bob]

I'm in Miami. Glad to help if I can. What kind of music are you doing?

Bob

[Irygirl]

Hey Bob:

Thanks for your reply. I mostly work on pop music and also some spanish/bolero style of music. I like all genres, but for myself I focus on pop, but I've also arranged music for my fathers band and they sing spanish boleros. I realize you may or may not be interested in this kind of music, but my main interest is to get better at recording. I currently own a Roland XP-30 synthesizer and I play and record all the tracks on my Tascam 4 track recorder. I really want to upgrade to something digital with more tracks but im not sure what to get. I would also like to learn more about mixing. I started recording about 1 year ago, but I feel that I have lots to learn when it comes to recording techniques. If you can offer any tips or would like to meet and share your knowledge, that would be cool.

Thanks!
Iry

[Buffalo Bob]

There are a lot more qualified people on this board to suggest what recorder you get. I'm still on a 4-track Yamaha MD4, but I'm not trying to produce salable product. I'm just making rough demos to send to a pro demo studio in Nashville. My wife and I are both writers, and I started out years ago on the Original Portastudio (Tascam 144), the moved to the MD4 when they first came out.
Now there are so many choices it's mind-boggling! You have to ask yourself...how many tracks do I need? If you go with one of the workstations like the Roland, you can get up to 16 tracks without bouncing. If you go computer, the tracks are virtually unlimited. I like to have a mixer/contral surface, so if I could I'd get the Akai 16 track. Plus, it's portable- you could record your dad's band live with it.
As for learning the recording process, the "bible" to me is Peter McIan's "Musician's Guide To Home Recording", available through the bookstore on this site. It explains every aspect of home recording, and will give you the information you need to make great recordings. It will also teach you about mic placement, effects, mixing, everything.
As for finding a place in Miami that teaches recording, I don't know of any either. There are mail order schools, but save your money- teach yourself!


Bob

[PeteAnon]

I second that one... the best way to learn is to teach yourself. You may want to look into an entry level digital multitracker. Not sure what your budget is, or what your needs are in terms of tracks, inputs, etc. This board is great for research on what to buy. Once you get a basic set-up, start recording, post up your mp3's in the "mp3 clinic" forum and off you go!

Pete

[Wallycleaver]

I disagree. Learning by yourself is tough. I get some gear and go hang out places. Call studios and see if you can hang out. Practice alot at home, but just chill with others and you'll learn much more, and you'll won't be discouraged when you don't know the answers, you'll have some one show you things.