Effects, EQ, & Mixdown Question.....

[timandjes]

Ok..After taking the advise of many of you, I'm getting much better results in my final mixdown, (In my oppinion... Some of you pro's would probably still put my skills on your prayer list.. Here's a few more questions:
1. With my Tascam 414 MKII, I should assign the effects I want at the time I record each track, right? Otherwise, if I assign an effect @ mixdown, the same effect gets added to the whole mix. 2. I should record each track dry, no eq... But if I need to bounce multiple tracks onto a vacant track to free up some space, should I have set eq on the individual tracks? If not, I'll have to assign all instruments bounced together the same eq settings right?
3. How do I get my monitor speakers playing as I listen to tracks, and overdub additional tracks? I'm only getting sound out of my headphones until Mixdown. At mixdown, my monitor speakers finally start playing...

[The Green Hornet]

Yo TimandJester:

For sure I'm not a PRO but will try and give you some help.

If you only have one effects sends on your recorder, then you can only used one effects box. Most add effects when mixing. But, for a vocalist, it is always good to have the effects in the cans -- it gives the singer a feeling of power -- however, the effect is not recorded.

EQ? Use as little as needed. If you start messing with EQ on a vocal and over do it, you will probably not get as good a result as if you use EQ sparingly, depending on your rig and experience.

You can use your cans to track stuff but remember what you hear in the cans is almost always good -- but you need the monitors to listen as you set the faders for the mix and make "eq" adjustments. I used to raise the eq a bit on the high for drums to bring out the cymbals -- I guess I like cymbals.

You should be able to hear your monitors if they are connected to an amp while you are tracking. I use an integrated amp, stereo type, but it has a "straight through" switch which cuts out any coloration that might come from the amp itself. I usually don't use the monitors until I'm ready to mix the tracks.

If you can avoid bouncing tracks, you will probably get a better product in the end but if all you have is four tracks, you may have to bounce. Maybe you can try a four track recording once and see if you get "better" stuff in the mix?

Hope this helps you.
Green Hornet