Wat Am I Missing?

[rnb259]

Now as a newbie to recording i do notice the one thing that we all do when we first start recording, The Sound of It. Now Im a Cool Edit Pro user and and have been told i could use my program to mix and master my own recordings but the sound quality i get isn't that of a retail recording i would buy. So my question is, is there some type of equipment that i need to do this better, is it the mic im using, could it be im compressing too much or can i do it all on Cool Edit Pro and just haven't found the right settings. Im posting this here because it is a mixing and mastering question so please don't get hung up on the cool edit part, i just want some help.

Thanks For the Time

 

[HangDawg]

Yes, you are compressing too much

 

[rnb259]

How much is to much with cool edit, or better yet (so i don't get off of the forum topic) how much compression is a good amount when dealing with vocals, does it depend on the sound obtained from the recording or is there some type of preset?

 

[Blue Bear Sound]

Mixing Article --> Mixing 101

 

[HangDawg]

Hmmmm I try to be funny for a change and I don't even get a chuckle.

Must have went ZOOOM, right over you heads.

 

[rnb259]

No, i got you, i was just in the cool edit forum asking the same question just looking for cool edit specifics. LOL

Thanks though, i never thought it would be th compression

 

[vestast]

Now as a newbie to recording i do notice the one thing that we all do when we first start recording, The Sound of It. Now Im a Cool Edit Pro user and and have been told i could use my program to mix and master my own recordings but the sound quality i get isn't that of a retail recording i would buy. So my question is, is there some type of equipment that i need to do this better, is it the mic im using, could it be im compressing too much or can i do it all on Cool Edit Pro and just haven't found the right settings. Im posting this here because it is a mixing and mastering question so please don't get hung up on the cool edit part, i just want some help.

Thanks For the Time

There could be lots of reasons why you don't think your sound is up to par. For example what are you monitoring through, what type of sound card are you using, and how good is the room that you are using ?

As you stated your a newbie and all things come with experience and patience. I've only been at this for 3 yrs, but when I go back and listen to recordings I've done 3 yrs ago compared to recordings I've done last month, there is a huge difference in quality. Not that I'm anywhere near where I'd like to be, but at least I can hear progress in my recordings..

It sure becomes an obsession quickly

 

[rnb259]

Thanks, that acyually gives me hope in wat im trying to accomplish, its nice to hear some inspiration now and then wen everything just isn't working right.

Thanks Ya'll

 

[Robert D]

Hawg Dawg - Chuckle Chuckle

rnb - You have to list all your equipment if you want to know if it's your equipment. The likely answer is, yes, it's your mic, it's your preamps, it's your converters, etc..... but that's just the beginning.

When starting out with this home recording quest, you can no more expect your first efforts to sound like a commercial release than you can expect to go down to the local art store, buy an artist starter kit, and immediatly paint like the masters, while building a rocket in your backyard to take you to mars. This is both an art, and a science. You have much to learn, both in your knowledge and skillset as an audio engineer, and in the selection and aquisition of your tools, and finally, how to apply it all into the art of sound.
Put lower expectations on your results for now, and higher expectations on yourself to read, read, read, experiment, discuss, upgrade, listen, analyze, emulate, understand, expand, repeat until it starts to sound sweet. Love the learning and you will learn the craft.

Peace, RD

 

[rnb259]

That was so thought provoking

It actually made me want to write a song. Thank you very much for the inspiration, you have no idea wat those words really do mean to me. I will keep on reading, learning, practicing, and asking questions untili feel i can be considered the best at wat i want to do. I'll always remember this post, trust me.

Thank you

 

[ALaz502]

Yep, there's a lot of awesome posts on this site, written by some knowledgable people.

If I were you dude, I'd just go to the last page on every forum and start working your way up reading as much as you possibly can.

I learned more doing that than I possibly could have going to school...that's for sure.

Read everything on this forum, the computer recording forum, microphone forum, the rack, guitar and bass, hell...ALL OF THEM will teach you a lot.

 

[chessrock]

You have a great attitude about this, RNB259.

If you ever have any questions or are in need of help, feel free to PM me, and I'll be happy to offer any advice I might be able to give.

 

[vestast]

This is a great example of how great this BBS can be. rnb259 asked a question, got some sincere answers, and gave a sincere response.
There are way too many people that come in here and get upset when they get answers that they don't want to hear, or when asnwers are not "sugar coated".

Can you feel the love ?