Newbie question on recording keys

  • Thread starter Thread starter famous beagle
  • Start date Start date
famous beagle

famous beagle

Well-known member
Hey guys,

I'm a singer/songwriter/guitarist with moderate keyboard skills. I just acquired an EMU Vintage Keys sound module and would like to start adding some keyboard sounds to my recordings (organs, rhodes, etc.) I've got a midi controller as well.

I've got a lot of recording experience with guitars and vox, but just about zero experience recording keys. Are there any tricks to it, or do I just simply plug it line in and go? I'll be recording on a Yamaha AW16G. Are there any tricks that people use to make them sound more "alive," or ... whatever? Like I said, I have no experience recording keys, so I just don't know.

Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.
 
I like recording my synth mic'ed through a guitar amp.. just so you get the natural compression from the speaker and it basically just makes it sound grittier, which is always awesome.

If I'm going for an ultra-clean sound I'll just plug in a vst synth and record it via midi... but rarely do I not want a dirty, gritty, analogue synth sound.
 
You can do that (If you don't mind Losing half of your frequency range). It is definitely a cool effect for lead sounds. For more Orchestral or natural type sounds, I usually go direct into the mixer, or mic a dedicated Keyboard amp system (I use a pair of Peavey KB/A 300's). As far as getting an "Alive sound", obviously depends on a quality patch first off, but also depends on the performance. Thoroughly understanding the instrument you are trying to emulate, and how to properly mimic the playing style of the original is the real key here (i.e. playing strictly within the range of the original instrument, emulating performance, and not exceeding the original instruments capabilities...i.e. a flute can't play 4 notes at once, etc.).
 
ah, i think that's why our opinions differ.. i only use synths for lead and klockwerk bass kind of sounds, which i feel sound better with some grit. I'll agree that if you're doing strings or something or that sort, you're better off with a full-range speaker, or going direct into the mixer.
 
I think Atterion's point about frequency response is a bit more subtle. Plugging a low-impedence synth output into a high-impedence guitar amp input is definitely going to carve a big range of frequencies out of the preamp stage. The power amp and speaker are almost irrelevant by the time the sound gets to them.

Nonetheless, if the sound is good, it's good! :D Rock on.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top