Classes

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rose62

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I'm just starting out doing some home recording. I've got a Focusrite 2i4, Reaper loaded to a Lenovo laptop, 57 and 58 mics, a Casio MIDI keyboard and a bunch of guitars and amps. My question is whether it would be beneficial to take some classes on the fundamentals of recording? Every post that I read is chocked full of terms that I don't understand or am unable to put in context. It's like trying to learn Japanese by buying a Japanese dictionary.
 
IMO, I would get a good recording book. I used one for a class I taught at the library a "Recording for Dummies" book. I know that is a good basic book and really helps cut through the jargon. Others may have different recommendations.

Then learn to track. Understand getting levels, sounds, and the right tones. Experiment with mic placements, until you are hearing a pretty good sound without touching it. Don't concern yourself with levels other than not clipping. Once you have those two fundamentals understood, then you are ready to start the mixing work and doing the rest.

I learned here, on this board how important tracking is and I would have to say those folks are right. When tracking, you don't have to worry that much about sound treatment, if it sounds good in the recording, then it sounds good. After knowing what you are going for, then tracking room treatment will be important.

Mixing room treatment is an art unto itself. I wouldn't jump on that one too quick, it is a difficult subject and you will get to it soon enough. But for starting out, that would be my recommended approach.
 
I agree with the above. Approach learning in the same order you would record a song: Tracking, then mixing. You'll pick things up just by reading posts on the forum. There are plenty of good books too.
 
Every class you need is on YouTube.

While this is true, there are so many bad ones, a good source to start out is really needed. So much bad information on youtube, just need to be careful.

OP, as stated, before going off too far into the weeds, when in doubt, ask here.
 
Every class you need is on YouTube.

While this is true, there are so many bad ones, a good source to start out is really needed. So much bad information on youtube, just need to be careful.

OP, as stated, before going off too far into the weeds, when in doubt, ask here.

I agree with both of these. There's a wealth of information out there for free. Just be careful to find a reputable source.
There will be websites out there with jargon busters and glossaries and for anything else, just ask us. ;)
 
Hi Rose 62,
All good advice. Yours is a common situation these days, When I grew up (in 71st year) every tenth kid had a tape recorder and yup, I was one of the ten. Mine was a pretty crap Philips with 4" reels but I palled up with a guy who had a frekin FERROGRAPH, a Grampian DP4 mic and a pair of AKG k50 headphones! So from a young teenager I got the recording and audio bug.

All hobbies and pastimes have jargon. Photography, especially when it was wet, is riddled with obtuse words. I dare say skiers have a language all their own?

I always tell newbs, learn a LITTLE electronics, just Ohms Law. Buy a cheap test meter (to check batteries and cables if nothing else!) learn the decibabble in as much as it applies to recording.

Always here as mentioned.

Dave.
 
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