This is the place for stupid questions?

[dogwreck]

I record my bluegrass band all at the same time on one track, becuase interface only has 2 inputs, gonna upgrade soon to Presonus 10x10 fire wire. Ok my question is could I duplicate each track for each instrument and each vocal then EQ them appropriatly so they fit in the mix. I just read an article of how you should notch one track in EQ where another track should be spiked in there prespective ranges so they fit with each other and not compete for the same frequency and sound muddy. I am very new to home recording but its a lot of fun. I ususally record the whole band with 2 180 degree condenser mics 1 pointing up and the other down on top of each other, then the band comes in and out ,thats the way lots of bluegrass bands perform live. Anyone with any better setup with the 2 mics,or EQ tips, I am all ears. Thanks for a great Program like Reaper and a great forum.

 

[KineticSound]

You might get stupid responses, too...

I just read an article of how you should notch one track in EQ where another track should be spiked in there prespective ranges so they fit with each other and not compete for the same frequency and sound muddy.

Yes and no. Your first goal should be to utilize eq to help each instrument sound its best. Then, yes, you can utilize eq as a tool to, say, remove some harmonic bass frequencies from an acoustic guitar that's getting lost along with the double bass.

My advice would be to expirament with subtractive eq first. In other words, rather than "spiking" a frequency on an instrument, cut the offending or harmonic frequencies. Very few acoustic instruments sound very good when you crank a high-mid, but most can benefit from some low-end rolloff and/or a gentle high shelf around 10kHtz.

I ususally record the whole band with 2 180 degree condenser mics 1 pointing up and the other down on top of each other, then the band comes in and out ,thats the way lots of bluegrass bands perform live. Anyone with any better setup with the 2 mics,or EQ tips, I am all ears.

X/Y stereo micing. Very common. If you like the sound, stick with it. However, with a 10-input interface, you'd have the option of mic'ing each instrument individually (which, unfortunately would mean more mic's and possibly more noise in the recordings). Individual mic'ing would make eq and individual edits easier, but could have the aforementioned after-effect of more noise. Up to you, but it sounds like the current technique is working.

For what it's worth, if you continue to use a 2-mic x/y setup, a 10-input interface is overkill. You'd still be recording to a single stereo track unless you use more mic's to close-mic each instrument.

 

[dogwreck]

subtractive EQ........hmmmmm................I will study that more because somtimes I over do EQ then it just sounds all distorted. Thanks for some great Advice.