Hi I'm new. [ some questions on my system ]

[guitaristk]

Hey everyone. My name's kneil and I've inherited a makeshift recording studio from my brother. It consists on a compressor microphone, an M box and Sonar Producer.

But I really don't know what to do with it. I can record with it, but the quality of the recordings are just not up to par. I'm not sure what settings to use or how to edit recordings so if I do something wrong I have to do the recording all over again.

So, what can I do? What books should I read and do you guys have any tips? I would really appreciate anything you guys can share with me.

 

[The Green Hornet]

Yo string-strummer:]

You can go to a junior college and take an electronic music course for only a few pezzutos. [Any larger college will also work.]

After the course, you will have knowledge of using some type of system to record sounds and this will be your stepping stone to move on to another course, or other venues of instruction.

You might also sell all the gear you mentioned and buy a PC based system or a SIAB.

Keep strumming.

Green Hornet

 

[Kevin Deschwazi]

Read the manual!

You know how to get a track down so from there just concentrate on specific things you want to do and look it up in the manual. If you don't get much joy there try searching/asking on forums such as this one. Specific questions will more likely get good answers.

It's highly unlikely that you'll ever need to use all of the features of a piece of software like sonar so don't approach it by thinking that you've got to suss it all out straight away. Just do it bit by bit and before long you'll know what you need to know.

I found the best way to learn how to record was read, do, read, do, read, do, read, do, read, do, etc. You need to soak up quite a bit of knowledge and you need to be putting it into practice at the same time.

Also bear in mind that much of what makes a good sounding recording goes on before you start recording. You could be the world authority on how to use Sonar but if you've got naff sounding instruments in a shitty sounding room it's not going to be much good.

Good luck!

(p.s. you probably mean 'condensor' mic rather than 'compressor' mic).

 

[guitaristk]

haha. Yes. I meant condenser mic. lol. goes to show you how inexperienced I am.

Well, thank you guys for your insight, but the thing is I don't have any manuals. My brother died in '05 and I really don't know where any of the manuals are.

I also inherited a guitar, and to be honest I can improve my playing.

What books do you think I should read? So far I'm looking up tim crich's "recording tips for engineers" I skimmed through it at a store, have you heard of it? Would you suggest it?

 

[Kevin Deschwazi]

I like The mixing engineer's handbook and sound on sound do some good guides too. I haven't heard of the book you mentioned.

And you might find this useful:

http://www.amazon.com/Focal-Easy-Guide-Cakewalk-Sonar/dp/0240519752

And of course there's a ton of info on the web:

http://www.theprojectstudiohandbook.com/directory.htm

 

[Dani Pace]

There is a good possibility that you can download the manuals for the gear if you search hard enough. Search by brand, model, year (if you know it,) serial number and any other info you may have. Many will download in PDF which you can save for future referance or can be added to "favorites" so you don't use space on your hard drive. As already mentioned, learn to solve one thing at a time. As you learn more about your gear you will be able to produce better quality recordings. "Home Recording For Dummies" should be required reading for anyone just starting out, so go ahead and spend a few bucks for a copy. When you hit a snag, come back here and ask about it, be as specific as possible for the best responses. Relax, take your time, enjoy... and oh yeah, welcome to the (often frustrating) world of home recording.

 

[guitaristk]

Thank you all so much for advice!