Commercial sounding work

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tonyfm

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I record each instrument and vocal track, some direct to hard drive, some thru a mixer that feeds into the sound card. The problem i have is in the "enginerring" of the tracks. I cant seem to get that final commercially acctepatble sound, ie, the bass does not have that fullness to round out the bottom end, acoustic guitars dont have that full "crispness" etc. The final mixes are ok (basically) when played at lower volumes thru the computer speakers. But when I play thru home amplifier, or any other source at higher volumes, the mixes lose that "sonique" edge. Any Advice?
 
HI dude.

Welcome to our world here.

YOu have a long road ahead if you want pro results but it can be done.

First and fore most.

Get yourself some good mics and or samples if you are going that way.

The best samples you can get.

2nd You need a good mic pre. Essential

3rd you need good a/d converters for digital

4th you need to make sure that when you record the instruments that it is done to perfection.

If you follow those four steps correctly you are 80% there.

The other 20% is in the mixing and mastering.

If you dont adhere to those steps you are pissing in the wind.

Oh shit i forgot the most important thing

monitors.

Get the best monitors you can afford

and also treat your room acoustically.

Sort these things out and you will achieve your commercial sounds a lot

sooner rather than later.
 
Yeah, monitors.
Playing your mixes back through computer speakers is going ot give you a totally innacurate sound picture.

Also, the "first four points" Pingu mentioned are important- Mics, pres, and converters, although when you're starting out I wouldn't say that Pres were "essential". You mention that you've got a mixer, which will contain some pres- depending on the make and model of the mixer they may be acceptable for basic recording.


Just a quick note, if you really want help from us, it makes our life a lot easier if you let us know what gear you're using, plus a few samples (mp3s etc) of what you've got allows us to have a listen and help you through it.

Crud.
 
tonyfm said:
I record each instrument and vocal track, some direct to hard drive, some thru a mixer that feeds into the sound card. The problem i have is in the "enginerring" of the tracks. I cant seem to get that final commercially acctepatble sound, ie, the bass does not have that fullness to round out the bottom end, acoustic guitars dont have that full "crispness" etc. The final mixes are ok (basically) when played at lower volumes thru the computer speakers. But when I play thru home amplifier, or any other source at higher volumes, the mixes lose that "sonique" edge. Any Advice?
Click to expand...

You only need four things to get a professional sound:

1. Quality musicians and performers
2. Quality gear
3. Quality technique
4. Experience

If you don't have #1, the rest is only window dressing. Having the song to be recorded absolutely nailed tight before the artists even step in front of the microphones is key. Also, the better the artist, the better the tone they'll create by their performance alone. They will know how to work the gear on their end of the wires as good as the (hopefully) professional on the recording end of the wires.

An experienced engineer can do more with a Soundblaster and a '57 than a neophyte can do with a million-dollar studio. Therefore #3 can help make up for problems with #2. But even the best engineer cannot make a Soundblaster sound like a Neve.

You might be able to get away without #4 if you happen to be an autistic prodigy born to play the control room from pure instinct. Otherwise, practice and study and more practice will be required before you can dance with the big boys.

G.
 
SouthSIDE Glen said:
You only need four things to get a professional sound:

1. Quality musicians and performers
2. Quality gear
3. Quality technique
4. Experience
Click to expand...

How about adding:

5. Talent

Talent not only in the musical realm for the songwriting/arranging/performing, but also talent in the engineering realm. Experience counts for nothing without talent.
 
Theres a lot to learn dude. You cant get that "sound" you anticipate just by recording.
 
SonicAlbert said:
How about adding:

5. Talent

Talent not only in the musical realm for the songwriting/arranging/performing, but also talent in the engineering realm. Experience counts for nothing without talent.
Click to expand...
I was figuring "talent" was the main ingredient in "quality technique". But you're right, the word "talent" is a bit more to the point, I guess :).

G.
 
This thread made me laugh....the 5 points are great....unfortunately with all of those you have to start somewhere....good luck though bro!
 
SonicAlbert said:
How about adding:

5. Talent

Talent not only in the musical realm for the songwriting/arranging/performing, but also talent in the engineering realm. Experience counts for nothing without talent.
Click to expand...



I think that drives any artistic venture 10 fold. Probably just as important as knowing how to spot talented people to work with.
 
This is where paractice makes perfect...or at least better. Time doing all things...recording, and learning how to mix, will make for better music. Don't get discouraged too quickly. You will record stuff that sounds bad, and can't be fixed. You will record good stuff, and not be able to mix it properly. This happens. Eventually, you will learn some things that help make your sounds better....from playing better, to just learning some good tips on mixing the tracks.

There is plenty to read here, by many good people. Stick with it, and you will get better.
 
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