Getting the best Sound

  • Thread starter Thread starter GreggS
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GreggS

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Hey folks! I'm an old hand as a singer/songwriter with credits, etc., but new to home recording. I got an MR8 to "catch fresh ideas" and need some help to get the best I can out of it. I have the MR8, M-Audio Duo Buddy pre amp, 2 Behringer B2 Condenser mics, Pro-Tracks 9 on my computer...How do I put all that together for the best accoustic guitar & vocal recordings. If I need additional equipment like mixers, etc., let me know.Thanks, Gregg
 
Sounds like your pretty much all set. If digital recording is new to you, make sure you keep your input levels just below the top 0db line. Digital clipping is nothing like analogue distortion... Also, the 128mb card may be limited in terms of overall time, but if you're just doing vocals and guitar you'll be fine.

I own the VF160, not the MR8, but there should be some MR8 owners responding soon...
 
recording

record through mic, into mixer into mr8, set up proper gain structure on mixer, then keep mr8 trim just below clipping record your tracks, move to pc using .wav manager from fostex, import .wav files, mix, mix down to single mono 16 bit 441 file, import to mr8 as go by for new tracks, repeat as nessacary
 
The only other thing I can think that has not been mentioned is pc specs. I'd hate to transfer tracks to my pc and then it keep crashing because of insufficient memory and such. You might have this licked though. If your software will accept them two of the best tools that I've found (and they are free) is endorphin (soft knee compressor). It is a VST plugin that can be downloaded from here: www.digitalfishphones.com. The other is a great "finishing" reverb called anwida reverb light. You can get it here: www.anwida.com . It is a DirectX plugin.
 
Getting the best sound

Billisa, Dave in Toledo, kdgospel: Thanks for the input...I was (still am) looking for a bit more specific info regarding mic placement (recording vocals & acoustic guitar)...should I add a mixer like an Alesis 8fx or some such? Would a "tube type" preamp add substantially to the overall sound quality? And 1 correction: I have Power Tracks 9 (not pro tracks). Digital recording is new to me (in the past I have waited until I had enough new material to warrant and went to "the studio", I'm hoping with the new digital equipment available to save myself a step and a few coins. Thanks again for allowing me to pick a little brain. GreggS
 
mr8

a mixer is needed, the preamps on the mr8 are not strong enoughand you get some eq control with the mixer

go to audiominds.com there are some good tutorials about mic placement

for acoustic, i use a sm57 on the neck of the guitar, another by the soundhole, and a condensor in the center of the room, run into the mixer, do a few takes to adjust the mix of the three mics, then record to the mr8,
 
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compression

i have personally found endouphin to be harsh sounding, many people think the classic compressor, and the classic limiter to have a more professional sound

there flanger eq and delay are great too

kjaerhusaudio.com/classic-series.php
 
mixer

also if you use a mixer you shouldnt need a seperate pre amp, the preamp in the mixer is fine, and you get no eq control with just a streight preamp
 
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