how do u guys get such a pro sound?

  • Thread starter Thread starter DFMJoe
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DFMJoe

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I've only had the mr8 for like 2 days, but after recording with it.. i can't get my stuff to sound as pro as some of u guys. I was wondering how u get it to sound as pro as u do. Take into account I'm using all live instruments, and such. I'm gonna try to post a song tonight to get some opinions.
 
The "PRO" sound comes from experimentation. You can not learn how to make a perfect recording in 2 days. Sorry. You may have the equipment, but learning the ropes will take time.
You must take your time and try everything within your power to make each track sound good. It is a learning journey. I can suggest how to get that sound, but in the end it is experience that makes the difference............
Good Luck!
 
My Opinion

What I do, is record each track dry as anything, DO NOT USE BUILT IN EFFECTS AT ALL!
Then do everything on the PC. A slower PC will not help at all. CPU does make a difference!
Also I had gotten Cool Edit Pro
This is what I like to use, You can do anything at all to the tracks, then get them all together!
Sounds good.
I know I have added some extra un-needed effects to my recordings but Hey! It is all in fun.
www.pc-medix.org
 
I've been recording for 3 1/2 years and i'm just now starting to get a sound that i like and everybodyelse likes. To take your time. have fun with it. Don't get mad when something sounds like crap. just try and try again. if you want it you shall get it!

use pre-amps and compressers :D

Zeke
 
Practice your ass off as you read, read, read any forums here that apply to your equipment, then experiment...............2-3 years should do it man. Solid recording technique comes as soon as you've paid your dues and made many trips to the shed...
Good luck in all your future endeavors!

peace,
flat-9
 
Re: My Opinion

mak1965 said:
What I do, is record each track dry as anything, DO NOT USE BUILT IN EFFECTS AT ALL!
Then do everything on the PC. A slower PC will not help at all. CPU does make a difference!
Also I had gotten Cool Edit Pro
This is what I like to use, You can do anything at all to the tracks, then get them all together!
Sounds good.
I know I have added some extra un-needed effects to my recordings but Hey! It is all in fun.
www.pc-medix.org
Click to expand...

Mak,
This probably does not apply to guitar players, but I know you sing (and do a good job singing) and I know that you are probably like I am and like to have some effects on your vocals when you record (it seems to help me sing better). If you record your tracks on the MR-8 and don't do a mixdown, just transfer each track onto your pc the effects will not be there. I use n-track and that's how I do it. This way you can have those effects on your vocals coming through the phones but the tracks you transfer are dry.
 
Don't be sorry. I just wanted to make sure that you knew how to do that. I'm supposing that the same thing will work in Cool Edit?
 
I forgot something for Joe.
I think that "pro" sound comes from experience, but when you get your computer up and running be sure to get endorphin from www.digitalfishphones.com. It will help in getting that sound you are looking for.
 
Read everything you can get your hands on, use as little effects as you can stand, and record, record, record. There is no substitute for hands on experience. Figure out what kind of sound you want, and figure out how to do it on your budget.
Don't just do one recording of a song, finish it up, listen objectivly, and then, do that song all over again.
Learn from everything you do, write stuff down, good and bad. When something really works well, figure out why it worked, when something really sucks, figure out why as well.
Keep your levels as hot as you can without overloading, and always remember to have fun, and try as hard as possible to sound like yourself, not anyone else. Because if all you wanted to do was sound like someone else, why bother, you can already buy their stuff.
 
Sound Checks

In the recording of a song...I know that 35-45 % of the time is taken up on checking my sound...
I will record segments of the song...samples; and play them back until I get the right sound....then I undo to save memory space.
I lay two tracks at a time too...I know that sounds funny, but I am more comfortable doing it that way. Later on when I want to get a better quality sound I will do the same sound checking and then lay each track Normal Room, Flat...keep my recording specs in my notes and take days and days to complete just one song. For the time being, I am just laying stuff down for copyright so, I could give a damn.
Hope this helps.

Try to invest also in a GOOD condenser mic...at the right volume, you can hear a pin drop....HOPE you have phantom power.
Depending on if whether or not you have a internal guitar mic or a saddle pick-up you will have a different sound.
For instance, my Taylor will pick up my friggin body rubbing against it...so I blend more towards the saddle pick-up (but not all the way), so if you want that kind of sound you'll know what to do. If you've got an electric, you won't have that problem, the only thing you would have to focus on then is keeping your licks clean (along with having some musical talent).

Btw, I have noticed that the Fostex tends to mis-lead the monitor into thinking that the voice is powerful enough to hear and understand!!! UNTIL you burn your CD and pop it into your friggin Stereo. Beware of the drowning voice syndrome. Crank up your VOX track...don't be shy.
 
Re: Sound Checks

bdbdbucksKID said:
the only thing you would have to focus on then is keeping your licks clean (along with having some musical talent).
Click to expand...
Which is another reason why I love the MR 8, I can just sit in front of it, use the internal mic, and practice the stuff over and over, without a lot of hassels, until I get the chops down.
 
I hear ya

I'm sold on Fostex and I haven't even used any other machine. I am just blown away at the affordable price too. I have a VF80 and I am just thrilled I can take MY burned CD's to a friends house and not even worry about picking up a guitar....ahhh rest.
 
In addition to everything already mentioned, remember that part of the "Pro" sound is the song itself, ie arrangement, form, musicianship and importantly, timing.

Also, the source you are recording should already be at a "Pro" sound level before a mic is stuck in front of it. Just some more thoughts....

:)
 
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