Pillarofdusk
New member
I wasn't sure whether to post this in other sections. However, this isn't exactly a newbie question, but it sort of is, and doesn't fit in specific forum sections.
I'm ready to record my second album. Unlike my first album which was bloated and amateurish sounding, using virtual amps etc, this time I've done enough research around production and theory to understand the approach. I'm looking for as professional a sound as possible, similar to classic album releases on minor or major production labels.
The main takeaway I got from everything is that for an organic natural sound, you want to avoid multi-tracking, triggers, or other effects, and avoid clipping, using as little tracks as possible. Effects can be used later in Cubase if needed, but there should be nothing outside of the signal chain other than the amp or instrument itself. Then, there are the smaller details like the best quality cords, a hi fi system with tubes to listen back, and a reliable audio interface with little latency.
For distorted guitar, I purchased a high quality amp that uses tubes, small, but big enough to get the sweet spot of tube distortion: a 15W Orange Dark Terror and a Mesa 1 x 12 cabinet. From my research, it seems that room acoustics or environment don't matter with a distorted tube amp at such volumes, so I can record in a garage, a closet, or in the outdoors. Then, I will position a dynamic microphone (SM57) at the cone of the speaker, and experiment until I find the, 'sweet spot'. The only thing I am still wondering about is whether or not I shouldn't buy a bunch of various dynamic microphones and test them out since they might give a unique sound outside of the SM57?
Now, for both acoustic guitar and vocals, I purchased the best condenser mic I could: a Rode K2. From what I understand, for vocals, you want to deaden the sound as much as possible. So, I plan on enclosing my closet with acoustic blankets. For acoustic guitar, I will record with the K2, but go around my house and try to find the best sound.
As for bass, I have a Fender precision bass, and as far as I understand, I can just plug it into a DI box and direct into the audio interface, and there is no benefit to recording the bass through an amp. For drums, I am getting a session musician to record them in their own studio.
So, my question is... Is this the right approach? Is there any benefit for me to record in an expensive studio? If so, why? The only thing that I am stuck on DIY is engineering. I can record all of this with the best equipment, but from what I understand, the point of an engineer is to assist with automation and getting the right sounds for each part, something that can take decades to master. Is this true? Is it possible to engineer oneself? I have no problem mixing or adding effects in Cubase, but mastering or 'engineering' is outside of my knowledge base.
I'm ready to record my second album. Unlike my first album which was bloated and amateurish sounding, using virtual amps etc, this time I've done enough research around production and theory to understand the approach. I'm looking for as professional a sound as possible, similar to classic album releases on minor or major production labels.
The main takeaway I got from everything is that for an organic natural sound, you want to avoid multi-tracking, triggers, or other effects, and avoid clipping, using as little tracks as possible. Effects can be used later in Cubase if needed, but there should be nothing outside of the signal chain other than the amp or instrument itself. Then, there are the smaller details like the best quality cords, a hi fi system with tubes to listen back, and a reliable audio interface with little latency.
For distorted guitar, I purchased a high quality amp that uses tubes, small, but big enough to get the sweet spot of tube distortion: a 15W Orange Dark Terror and a Mesa 1 x 12 cabinet. From my research, it seems that room acoustics or environment don't matter with a distorted tube amp at such volumes, so I can record in a garage, a closet, or in the outdoors. Then, I will position a dynamic microphone (SM57) at the cone of the speaker, and experiment until I find the, 'sweet spot'. The only thing I am still wondering about is whether or not I shouldn't buy a bunch of various dynamic microphones and test them out since they might give a unique sound outside of the SM57?
Now, for both acoustic guitar and vocals, I purchased the best condenser mic I could: a Rode K2. From what I understand, for vocals, you want to deaden the sound as much as possible. So, I plan on enclosing my closet with acoustic blankets. For acoustic guitar, I will record with the K2, but go around my house and try to find the best sound.
As for bass, I have a Fender precision bass, and as far as I understand, I can just plug it into a DI box and direct into the audio interface, and there is no benefit to recording the bass through an amp. For drums, I am getting a session musician to record them in their own studio.
So, my question is... Is this the right approach? Is there any benefit for me to record in an expensive studio? If so, why? The only thing that I am stuck on DIY is engineering. I can record all of this with the best equipment, but from what I understand, the point of an engineer is to assist with automation and getting the right sounds for each part, something that can take decades to master. Is this true? Is it possible to engineer oneself? I have no problem mixing or adding effects in Cubase, but mastering or 'engineering' is outside of my knowledge base.