Cassette Recording

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ksounds

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Well here's another one done on the 246.

This one is a little a little somber. It's about someone who has found themselves at a place in their lives where everything has come completely undone for them in the worst kind of way. Not autobiographical at all, just something to write about. Done on cassette and mastered in ozone.

I still don't think I've mastered the 246, or the art of engineering for that matter (o.k. so throw singing and guitar playing in there too) and believe that it's capable of better fidelity than what I'm presenting, but I'm learning and more importantly writing, and I'm having fun doing it. This may not be your cup of tea, but if you have something constructive to say about the recording or performance, let me know. I'm eager to keep learning and making better recordings. It's the one called "can't be this way"

http://www.soundclick.com/bands/pagemusic.cfm?bandID=351160
 
I liked it. The acoustic sounds nice. What mic's and pre's did you use?

The sustaining electric guitar line is a little too loud at times, imho. The bass is recorded well, fits nicely.

I want to comment on the vocals, but I'm not sure how to go about it. They are very personal, I know. If you are after a tremulous quality, you nailed it. I think the "oooooo-ooo's" towards the end there need a little more conviction, a little more from the gut to fill them out. Or maybe just some reverb? (I'm very much learning too here.lol) Otherwise, nice job!
 
I liked it. The acoustic sounds nice. What mic's and pre's did you use?

The sustaining electric guitar line is a little too loud at times, imho. The bass is recorded well, fits nicely.

I want to comment on the vocals, but I'm not sure how to go about it. They are very personal, I know. If you are after a tremulous quality, you nailed it. I think the "oooooo-ooo's" towards the end there need a little more conviction, a little more from the gut to fill them out. Or maybe just some reverb? (I'm very much learning too here.lol) Otherwise, nice job!
Click to expand...

Thanks for the comments soo far guys.
Shred,
I'm using the built in pre's on the 246 with an Oktava mk-012 for the guitar and an mk-219 for the vocals, both modified by oktavamod. I really like the sound of these mics. I have them powered with external phantom power supplies.

I'm still working on my singing skills. The vocals aren't too personal, I just tried to do a good job writing them from a unique perspective. I appreciate the feedback though.
 
Wow! Yeah, the reverb really opened it up. With a sparse arrangement like that, it really makes the parts sound like people playing in the same room together. Really fills out nicely. That said, the oooooh-oooohs get a little pitchy, otherwise very nice job!
 
Sounds great. The atmosphere of the song reminds me a little of Al Stewart, (who I like alot actually) but yours is without the lisp. :D
 
Thanks. Yeah...the reverb definitely gives it a retro feel, but I also think the analog format help capture that vibe (even though you are listening to an mp3). It's funny, I'm a little older (33) and the music I grew up with and love was recorded on analog format, which is why I've always been drawn to audio tape, and even on cassettes you get a bit of the ol' analog mojo. The bass really sticks to the cassette tape in that retro kind of way. If anyone is interested, that's an Lexicon LXP-1 being used for the reverb (dark plate with an extended decay), and an LXP-5 for the delays. Used an old Seagull Model 6 for the acoustic guitar.
 
ksounds: Your cut reminds me of a couple of songs from McCartney's Chaos and Creation album. I love your sound and, if I may be perfectly blunt, I think "Can't be this way" is your best cut, by far, from a technical and performace level. This is the tops, well done!!:):)

I honestly love BOTH versions of the same song. It's like it came straight out of the classic 70's cuts. Nice.:)

BTW, I love the LXP-1 / 5 effects and the delay is cool as hell. You should try to put a real groovy 60's spin on that delay patch in some other songs.

You're coming ever so close to a full out pro recording. I'm dead serious. Keep perfecting your skills. Whatever you're doing, keep it going. You're on the right track [pardon the pun].:D;)
 
Thanks for the your time guys. I appreciate the feedback.

ksounds: Your cut reminds me of a couple of songs from McCartney's Chaos and Creation album.
Click to expand...
Now THAT is a killer sounding album! I really like that album alot. One of his best solo records for sure.
Cjacek, I feel you man. The LXP units are capable of some pretty good effects. Because I'm limiting my songs to 4 tracks, I will be relying more on these little bad boys to bring an extra element of dimension to the songs. Both you and shed (you on the last one and shed on this one) suggested bringing the reverb out a bit more on these tracks, and I think I prefer the second mix on this one because of it. I've set my goals on putting together an e.p. and this is the first cut I think will make it on the final product as it more clearly represents the type of music I'm into. Thanks for the support Daniel. Hopefully they will keep getting better. I'm really liking the results I'm getting so far, but you are right, I think this one is the best overall.
 
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