A couple questions lingering

  • Thread starter Thread starter NewJerseyLen
  • Start date Start date
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NewJerseyLen

New member
Hi, I am the newest of the newbies to this discussion forum...
I have been reading for a while, and i have begun to compile my
equipment based around what i have read on here. But I have a few
questions concerning what else I may possibly need.

First off,
Home brew computer w/ 700 mhz celeron, 384 ram
I am using Cakewalk pro 8
Lexicon core-2 with upgrade card
Montego II card
Mackie 1403 VLZ pro board
a couple sm 58's and a few AT mic's

I am recording my band (hardcore/metal),
and I was wondering if there is anything else
you guys may think I might need.

I figure i will bounce the tracks out via the Lexicon core-2
to a CD-R through the mixing board to set all the levels to my
liking. If there is a better way to do this I am looking for all
help. Keep in mind this is for a decent demo, we aren't looking
for a completely pro sound.

Thanks!
 
I am still wondering what the big deal over monitors are.....

I have been to a modest studio where the guy had some monitors on the wall.
Don't get me wrong, I understand that they are important, but I don't understand why.
What is it about monitors that make them better then a set of regular speakers. I know that monitors are "near field", which means you should set them in a equalilatteral triangle for a good sound... Anyhow, I couldn't really hear the difference between the set of speakers on the wall @ the studio, and the set of EoSone $1800 a pair loud speakers I have for my stereo @ home. Anyhow, If you could explain a little on the subject i'd appreciate it....

Otherwise, my set up is passable for my bands plans?
Should I be using a compressor?
maybe an equalizer??

Thanks
 
Good monitors, unlike speakers designed for home stereo listening, have a un-hyped, neutral but accurate sound that tells you what's really going on in a mix as apposed to "more bass" and "more treble" that's designed into many home stereo speakers. On the other hand, if you know your speakers and listening enviroment extremly well you can mix on anything. It's just harder to do.
As far as compression goes, it's your friend when used properly. The EQ, IMHO, I'd stay away rom.:D
 
Thanks TrackRat.... I appreciate the help...
I think I know my listening environment....
I'll drop the sub and seriously pay strict attention.

Anyhow, Is my computer/Board/Lexicon core 2 set up desireable,
or is it not gonna work well? I haven't set it all up yet, so there
are no preliminary tests...

I was recording thru an old 4 track and my montego card, which worked fairly well.. But i figured i ought to upgrade to something usefull to do a full demo.

Also if I bounce the tracks back through the board to mix them down onto a cd-r player, is that a good plan, or should I be mixing them within the program? I am new to this please remember....

Thanks for any help someone can give me!
Len
 
Ideally you want to keep the A->D, D->A conversions to an absolute minimum. Therefore, once you've captured the music digitally in Cake you should leave it in the digital state. Mix in CW and export to .wav files and record your CD directly from the computer.
 
If you mix within the DAW software itself you'll be able to use the plug-ins provided with the software. It will give you a chance to decide on which effects you want to use. A little compression in a mix can really warm up the sound but too much will destroy it (pumping, squashing dynamic range).

EQ can be used to emphasize different instrument within different freq ranges in the mix. In most applications it's used only to fix problems. Lay down a clean track, with proper mic placement, and you should be able to get away with EQ.

Steve
 
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