Recording and Mixing Advice

  • Thread starter Thread starter mikey_45
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Thanks for the comments Middleman. The compression sound is probably from an Alesis Nanocompressor, which I used for all this stuff since it was recorded at 16 bits. Have learned a bit since then - the next one will go at 24 bits without analog compression (am debating on the sample rate, lots of controversy there). The guitar is, in fact, a 6 string, a Guild D-50, purchased by me in 1970. I went to the music store to buy a Martin Dreadnaught, and the store owner let me play the Guild first - love at first sight. Have always loved the bright sound of that guitar (though I did go back later and buy a Martin O-18 as well). Used it through a Zoom 504 Pedal, though I'll tame it a bit on the next CD. Have also learned a bit about SM-58 sounds and what can and cannot be EQ'd out. Am looking forward to getting the C-1 from Studiocat the end of this month.

Bruce, got your email, thanks as always for the honest critique. Hopefully, you noticed a difference in mix and EQ technique, as well as mic placement on this one. Will put the sample back on my web site this evening. Am ready to put the finishing touches on it and launch it now, without fear of look-alike syndrome. Thanks again.


Mike Norman
http://www.rmnorman.com
 
You know Blue Bear, your in your face attitude has such a warming effect and encourages others to want to offer up knowledge and experience.

That said, perhaps I should have used the term "flattened sound" vs. compressed. Sorry to tread on your sensitive interpretation of terminology.
 
I call it like I see (read) it... hopefully, people will KNOW about what they're posting instead of only what they think they know....

As far as my attitude - at least I'm consistent. There's an excellent quote from the R.A.P. faq that you should remember:

Q1.9 - Hey, I posted a simple question, and some jerk gave me a rude answer! What gives?
...to quote Harvey Gerst "Which would you choose; someone with a 50/50 smattering of knowledge and very polite, or 97% accuracy and blunt?

Don't be so sensitive.......


Bruce
 
A couple lessons (IMHO)

Guess I'll do what I said to myself I wouldn't, and throw in a couple of pennies. Music is a hobby for me (an increasingly lucrative one, but still a hobby). Am a test pilot and researcher in my day job, a 20+ year fighter pilot in the Navy, and have a doctorate in Aerospace Engineering. I have dealt, IMHO, with some of the brightest folk in my field, and have been priviledged to contribute to it (just as I'm sure many here have equivalent credentials in music). Two things I have learned, pertinent to the last couple of posts:

1) If someone is, or may be, more knowledgeable than you are (even in a small set of subject matter), and you want to glean that knowledge from them, don't let mannerisms get in the way. Listen to what they are saying. You can learn from the gruffest...

2) Some of the toughest lessons I've ever learned - the kind where you abandon lifelong beliefs and the light bulb turns on, have come from students and neophites who I have assumed didn't know what they were talking about. Until I really listened to what they meant in the question.

I agree that it's a tad frustrating to hear authoratatively stated opinion that might be wrong. But I submit that that situation is preferable to someone who might teach me something I don't know, but is silent, being afraid to speak for the risk of ridicule. Anyway, back to musical surgery...
 
Bruce and Wes,

A postscript - my C1 arrived today, and I practiced with it tonight. Fairly interesting how much difference a good mic can make in one's sound. I didn't realize I was shouting in the SM-58 to overcome the bassy sound. In the C1, I feel like I have much more control over the soft and loud passages, and the sound is natural and clear, without straining. Just wanted to thank you for the impetus to change horses, didn't realize how tired the old one was getting. May have to get another one - one for gigs, one for recording. Will try it out on stage Tuesday night. Thanks again.

Mike
 
Because it feeds back easily the C-1 isn't much of a live mic, the AKG C1000s is really good though.
 
Hmmmm....played live with it last night. Wow, what a difference in the sound. Never realized how muffled the sound from the SM-58 was. There is a slight tendency to feedback, as you mentioned, though I wouldn't say it was bad enough to call the mic not much of a live mic (at least for me). Was just careful how I placed the moniter and the mains, and it was fine all night. I actually think it changed the way I was singing - since I could hear so much of the sound of my voice without shouting, it made it easier to control it.
 
i know that this board isn't the place for it . . .

but i'd be interested in hearing a little more about your piloting adventures. you could email me if you'd like. :) if not, that's cool. thanks!

astro1derboy@hotmail.com
 
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