Help for a Rookie in Home Recording

[jcsanchez]

Hello, everybody. I joined this forum a few days ago and I am thrilled to learn as much as I can about home recording.
I really need some help: I bought a Tascam Neo 2488, and I started recording using my Yamaha MM8.What I have so far recorded sounds ok, but....
1-Can someone explain what a vocal compressor do on the effects?
2-Any suggestions in order to avoid having the P's and B's sounding too hard on the condenser mic?
3-Where can I find a good tutorial for Cubase I5? (this software came with the Yamaha, but I have no clue how to use it).
Any help will be appreciated. I know some questions might have a little of "duh" on it, but I really want to learn and I do not have anyone to lean to for this.
Thanks.

 

[diggy_dude]

A compressor reduces the difference between the loudest and softest parts of a track.

Use a pop screen over the mic to reduce the impact of plosives.

 

[rfahey86]

Use the search tool at the top of the page and that should answer most of your questions. As for the Cubase tutorial, there are many free ones online (I think the Steinberg website has some too), or you could sign up for lynda.com as well. The pro tools tutorials on that site are awesome.

 

[Armistice]

You can also move your head slightly to one side to avoid the major blast of air from plosives... and you can also learn to pronounce Bs and Ps without as much air. Combine all three with a decent pop filter and you're good.

You'll get people tell you they've never used a pop filter...

Fixing things at the source is always the first thing to do, if possible.

 

[arcadeko]

You can also move your head slightly to one side to avoid the major blast of air from plosives... and you can also learn to pronounce Bs and Ps without as much air. Combine all three with a decent pop filter and you're good.

You'll get people tell you they've never used a pop filter...

Fixing things at the source is always the first thing to do, if possible.

Or you can do what I do and only write songs with no "P"s or "B"s in them

 

[Armistice]

Or you can do what I do and only write songs with no "P"s or "B"s in them

Ha...

I can see you'd do a ripping version of Peter Piper...

I actually really enjoy extending the sibilance on Ss when I'm doing gigs.... a similar annoyance when you're recording, but it does get people's attention!

 

[jcsanchez]

Thanks, Everybody!!

Thanks to all that have responded... Will follow advice and let you know how it goes...

 

[mainekick]

compress means the volume difference.