How to actually start production?

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harsh_dpskarnal said:
What is Basically Multitracking?
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Multitracking is the recording of multiple tracks. They don't all have to be done at the same time {overdubbing is a major part of multitracking} but unless it's a single input interface, I'd say most recording machines will allow you to record at least two things at the same time. The machine Jimmy mentioned lets you do 8, I think.
Jaynm is right, you don't really need a mixer in the way you are thinking of it. It's usually those who really know what they're doing that might use mixers and probably most that use computers don't use them, certainly on this site.
A word of advice, whenever you see a term you don't understand like "Multitracking", which is the way virtually all recording takes place, look it up online and try to to grasp some understanding of it, then from there, any questions that arise, ask them.
By the way, where are you based ?
 
grimtraveller said:
I wonder about all that, you know. I'd be surprised if many of us had any real comprehension of the hard slog required before we got into recording. I didn't. It was something that presented itself gradually and cumulatively and because I really wanted to record, however difficult the stages got, I persevered.
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I didn't mean that upon first consideration it was instantly clear what was going to be needed....but back in the '70s any thought of having a recording studio WAS instantly perceived as a major hurdle for someone wanting to do it at "home".
Maybe it was BECAUSE of the fact that back then, there wasn't stuff all around us we could buy/afford or just order online or walk into a music store to buy. Back then, music stores sold instruments, gear for live use, and provided lessons....there was no "recording" section where you could go and check out home studio gear.
There were no magazines discussing recording on a home-rec level...and of course...no Internet. Just the fact that information was not easy to come buy made it clear that it was going to be a big mountain to climb, and it would require a lot of research and work before getting to the "let's make a record" step.
I spent a bunch of time in the library looking for books on the subject of recording, and then combing through any trade rags that were available (most were geared for existing industry people, not home-rec types), and I did a bunch of research before buying anything for recording purposes...but then, we also had a lot of band gear at the time, and our own rehearsal space...so it provided a decent transition and some entry level gear for me to get things going with.

I think it is because of all that...back then you did immediately comprehend that it was going to be a big effort (at least it seemed that way to me). Even when the 4-track pro-sumer tape decks came on the scene and I got one of them...it was pretty obvious that recording was complicated and required a lot more than simply a "gee whiz, I think I want to put out an album" kind of thought. :)

I do feel that these days because home recording is all around us and everything *appears* to be easily accessible....people get the impression that it's simple and easy for anyone to churn out albums.
 
Grimtraveller
Sir we sre based from India.Sure sir I will first go around the net and then come here for the next times.
What now we are gonna do is buy an interface instead of the usb mixer.
Connect our mics and instruments to the interface and record it using the usb input(we may have a pc with firewire in next few months but currently we dont own one with firewire) and sync it with a software. Cubase is a good option? Then record it. The Multitracking would help us in many ways . Such as if we recorded the song and our vocals just don't seem to be proper , we won't need to record whole thing again. Just delete the existing vocals track and replace with a new freshly recorded one!

Can this same recording procedure be carried out using fl studio (producer edition)?
Its quite complicated process to find anything for fl studio.
 
Ok, what are you using for a computer. And I mean precisely the specifications. This is very important, as you may be very limited if it does not have the power to record efficiently.

Next, are you able to purchase Tascam products for a decent price in India? Again, I would recommend the US1800 for your purpose. It has 10 preamps actually, and the ability to record 16 separate tracks into your DAW. It comes with Cubase LE6, which is just a version of the full program, minus the full capabilities, that we don't really need to go into just yet. Quite capable of basic recording though. Less than $300 in the US.

FL Studio Producer is definitely not the DAW for recording instruments. Not the real ones that you mic anyway. It is more designed for beat creation. Trust me, I hear my son incessantly creating them all day...

Just to be clear and minimal, a mixer is basically a analog device that 'mixes' multiple tracks into less tracks. For multitracking, you really need an interface to get the individual tracks sent to your DAW (software). There is a mixer (software) within each DAW, that will allow you to mix the tracks to a final stereo output. A hardware mixer will typically do this on the way to your DAW, leaving you no ability to make the changes you spoke of previously.

Mics>Interface inputs (preamps)>DAW. The number of inputs on an interface=the amount of tracks that can be recorded individually. Ignore the specs that speak of outputs. That is output from the DAW, not the amount of tracks it can record. From there you can control every aspect of each recorded track individually, within the software.

Mics>Mixer>Daw. Only two tracks to mess with. Not much versatility there.

Forget that you ever heard that you need a mixer (hardware). You can mix within your DAW's software.
 
Dude, thanks for the PM, but you've got enough here to get you started. Listen to what these guys tell you and you'll be fine. I've got nothing to add.
 
miroslav said:
I think it is because of all that...back then you did immediately comprehend that it was going to be a big effort (at least it seemed that way to me). Even when the 4-track pro-sumer tape decks came on the scene and I got one of them...it was pretty obvious that recording was complicated and required a lot more than simply a "gee whiz, I think I want to put out an album" kind of thought. :)

I do feel that these days because home recording is all around us and everything *appears* to be easily accessible....people get the impression that it's simple and easy for anyone to churn out albums.
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Some good points in there, none of which I disagree with. It's a hard balance, trying to encourage someone to learn the process while not stamping on their intentions. I do think that the ease of access to recording gear is both a blessing and a curse but which and for whom is generally hard to gauge.
In a way though, it's analogous to the proliferation of bands that appeared as kids in the 50s, then the 60s then the 70s. Thousands were in bands when rock'n'roll first hit the UK but only a relative handful made it as recording artists in the 60s. Eventually, most of the cream does rise to the top. I'm always running into old guys and women that were in bands or were actors or whatever "back in the day" who are now receptionists, security guards and accountants !
That's kind of what I wondered had changed in essence.
 
1)We have many PC's with us. 1 desktop quite old but works fast (actually it can run my intense visual studio also easily , games like half life etc. work efficiently) 2 laptops (1 with dual core processor and 1 gb ram and other with core 2 duo processor with 2 gb ram) .
I just noticed that the desktop had a firewire connection too which i hadn't noticed till now (actually never needed it). We have much hard drive space also... The desktop is having windows 7 ultimate 64 bit and in laptops we have one with 32 bit and one with 64 bit.

2) Yes i can get TASCAM products with me through my relatives who actually reside in US.
What i will do is order from amazon and ship to their address and they will post them from there to here !

I can get it from amazon or something at a decent rate . The TASCAM US1800 seems to be the best option for us!

Ya I have left the thought of the Mixers now!

The option for the DAW will be the Reaper only as told by Mr. Jimmy before. Or we will wait till we collect some money and buy a better one!
Thank You Everyone for your support!
 
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Man!
It is an immense pleasure to have a discussion with you people who are so much experienced!
 
Something that kind of got overlooked....

Not sure how things go in India, but in the US and most other western countries, you can't copyright a band name or a logo. If you want to claim ownership you would have to register it as a trademark. Maybe things are different in India, but again, you'll have to do your research.

Don't steal software. There are plenty of low cost or free alternatives that will get you going. For DAW's, most interfaces will come with a 'Lite' version of a popular program like Cubase. So when shopping for interfaces also be looking at what software comes with it.

Most Lite versions are pretty capable. They have enough functionality to get you going and learning how to record and mix. For FREE!!!
 
The Tascam 1800m is the best choice for price vs product and for the amount of I/O your getting Jimmy gave great advice on this one prolly even $150 refurbished.2 :thumbs up: :thumbs up: for jimmy on this one

DAW, Reaper (thx to jimmy) is a good choice and for the last time it is and has a mixer. Multi-tracking is not about having a mixer get that out of your head NO MIXER unless your planning on buying a bunch of expensive OB gear. (cables & patch bays)

Couple more good mics maybe some good drums mic's and thas it. Maybe a solid Pre Amp

Jimmy I think you up for the nobel peace prize.
 
Hey guys
Its time since i posted here .....
I was since then summing up total costs of equipments etc.
WOoohh!
It takes around $1500 for us to get our album made....
The most costly is an arranger keyboard for me. Can anyone please suggest me a good arranger keyboard? Around $1000 or less?
Next , are we going to get some results?
You know it would be painfull to see if we spent fortune on our band and no value came out!
I have seen that many digital distributors are out there. But haven't found any person using them and wanted feedback.
Anyone using digital distributors here? Like Tunecore , CdBaby etc....
Which is better in them all?
Would it be really that tough to get our music sold?
I have planned a way to get customers. What we would be doing is we would be making covers of most famous songs around the globe to get views on YouTube (I think its best place to get ourself seen) , and from there in descriptions we will highlight our album's name and link to buy it!
Thats a good idea? What do you all think?
 
harsh_dpskarnal said:
Hey guys
Its time since i posted here .....
I was since then summing up total costs of equipments etc.
WOoohh!
It takes around $1500 for us to get our album made....
The most costly is an arranger keyboard for me. Can anyone please suggest me a good arranger keyboard? Around $1000 or less?
Next , are we going to get some results?
You know it would be painfull to see if we spent fortune on our band and no value came out!
I have seen that many digital distributors are out there. But haven't found any person using them and wanted feedback.
Anyone using digital distributors here? Like Tunecore , CdBaby etc....
Which is better in them all?
Would it be really that tough to get our music sold?
I have planned a way to get customers. What we would be doing is we would be making covers of most famous songs around the globe to get views on YouTube (I think its best place to get ourself seen) , and from there in descriptions we will highlight our album's name and link to buy it!
Thats a good idea? What do you all think?
Click to expand...
I hope you don't take this the wrong way, but I'll give you my opinion.

First of all, do you play music for the love of playing music? I ask because you seem obsessed with "selling" your music, getting "customers", and making money. I think you should first worry about making good music and loving what you do.

The reason I say this is because, honestly, if you're expecting to make money from your music, you're going to be sadly disappointed. If it were as easy as any beginner being able to make a CD and then make lots of money, then more people would be getting rich. You better be doing it more for the love of music than the love of money.

Second of all, judging by your questions, you're trying to run before you can walk. You have very limited knowledge of the recording process and what it takes to get anywhere close to a "pro" product. Nothing wrong with that, but it also brings along with it the naievite of thinking you're going to sell lots of music and make a lot of money.

My advice: Slow down, enjoy making music, and forget about getting rich because it will not happen.
 
hmm
I know its quite hard to get my music sold and its even hard to make music especially when i am too small!
NO chance of me not loving music.......
I am learning music since my kindergarten and its in my blood!
I absolutely appreciate your opinion sir.
But i read an article on the net that says that a successful artist is a person who is actually able to get in the market.
I DO NOT want to prove anything here.
I just got my inspiration from Alex Goot. He started his music on YouTube and i Still wonder how his video song got a million views?
Anyways what i want to become is a successful artist!
Thank You very kindly sir for your opinion.
I think i need some marketing techniques though which i have found after searching on the net!
Most widely used is the Social Networking , but besides it what else do i need to do?
 
harsh_dpskarnal said:
I DO NOT want to prove anything here.
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That's good!

harsh_dpskarnal said:
Anyways what i want to become is a successful artist!
Click to expand...

Oh, so you do want to prove something!

Hmmm . . . you need to ask yourself whether you want to be a musician or whether you want to be famous.

If you want to be a successful artist, you start by becoming a good musician: developing your skills and your musical credibility.
 
People think "multitracking" solves all their recording problems,it doesn't.

There are acoustic problems like spill and if you isolate the instruments/performers sufficiently well you then need a headphone foldback system (and everyone in the band will want a slightly different mix!) . For sure you can DI some things, keys, guitars, basses but then your monitoring/"linking" problems are multiplied! The musicianship needed to play to previous or click tracks is also quite considerable.

Litmus test: Set up a phone/MP3 recorder (better hire a recorder such as the Zoom) about 5mtrs from the band in a rehearsal room or wherever and then listen critically to the results.NOT on headphones! Put it thru as good a hi fi system as you can find. Is the band "tight" (I do not mean in the Victorian sense of the phrase!)? Can you hear something at least of each instrument or is the sound just awash with drums or smoking lead guitar? Are the vocals clear and punchy? Can you make out the lyrics?

If you tried this recording technique on a really good jazz ensemble, Mozart quartet or a professional "big band" the results would be good enough to send in as a demo, because they are all CRACK (pun intended!) muscians!

Dave.
 
Ahan !
If the option is between my music and my being famous , there is no doubt i'd go for music.
Me and one of my friend used to rock our school with our music. But unfortunately his parents changed his school.
No problem for us! We were good friends and used to meet (we actually lived near to each other). And one day he asked me if I could make a melody and i was surprised by his question. And then i tried and i spoke a few words with some melody and i got a line!
From that moment i got to know that I could write songs and from there only our band started!
Now we have many people requesting to have them in our band but How MUCH can we accept?
Still (moving to my point) Wish we could get that high to make ourselves the Best band of the world!
I have been practicing a LOT daily (like 2 to 3 hrs) and my keyboard and guitar are like on tips. Now with practice what i do is hang my guitar and sit on keys and sing along. So i play keys and in between i switch to my guitar to play some pieces and its really awesome to do so.
Same is the case with other members. Actually we both are the former players and singers rest all are for some choruses and special parts only.
Now I will practice more after your reply!
YES I WANT TO BE SOMETHING (i.e.) a BIG Singer!
Then after practice will come here again for marketing!
 
And i will also consider your views sir Dave.
It would be great if i took someones help in this.
A person from the city studio would be enough to guide me!
 
hey guys once again....
so i am here with a small query. Today i went to my music teacher (guru!) to ask about the octapad he has. I told him about the band and album stuff.... He said it would be a little cheaper for us to purchase a sampler as compared to a drum kit or an electronic pad like he has.
Just curious to know how a sampler works. I dont have even a pinch experience in sampling. I searched a bit for an hour and found that sampling was done using a software (i saw the ableton live being used) .
I found that novation launchpad is there at amazon at an amazing price. Is it the same kinda device?
I am really sorry i could not do more research.....
and i found that it is not actually a drum kit or a pad. It is used to only trigger beats. So it is done using ableton live. Have no experience in it , so could anyone tell how it is used?
Do u put kit in pc and play it using a sampler?
or a sampler has kits in it which produce beats upon pressing the buttons?
Please be patient and tell me how this thing is done.......
 
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