Archive for December, 2008

Truths

Sunday, December 21st, 2008
Ludwigs*

1968 Ludwig Kit mic'd for session

Here are a few things I have learned in my 35+ years of doing this…

  1. It’s the singer’s band. It doesn’t really matter if you own the PA, it’s the singer’s band.
  2. Sometimes you’re the pigeon, sometimes you’re the statue.
  3. In the studio, sometimes smaller is bigger.
  4. An engineer (or producer) will bring the same organizational skills to your session as they bring to their own life.
  5. At any given time there is a pimpled-faced thirteen year old who can play better than you.
  6. There is always a Yoko.
  7. (more…)

The Role of Mastering

Sunday, December 21st, 2008
Console

Euphonix Console

There was a time when mastering was a back-room affair. It was a thankless job and rarely credited. Heck, even the engineer and producer were rarely credited. So how did mastering become the coveted, high profile position we revere today?

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Guitar Tone

Sunday, December 21st, 2008
Dr. Z Carmen Ghia

Dr. Z Carmen Ghia

OK, if you’re a guitar player and don’t know these basics, then you deserve Amp Farm™.  This is the foundation on how to get and develop your tone.

First, always turn on the power switch and wait for about a minute before switching the standby on. This allows the tubes to heat up a little which will extend their life. Reverse the process to shut down. Never turn an amp on without a load (speakers) or you may damage the output transformer and power tubes. Always match the impedance of the amp with the speaker cabinet.

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What is a Studio?

Sunday, December 21st, 2008
Manley Microphone

Manley Reference Cardiod

“I have a studio now!” is the common cry from most folks after purchasing their recording set-up from the local Banjo Mart. Well, do you really have a studio?

For song writing demos, band demos for bookings, etc., your home set-up may be just fine. But when it comes to commercial releases, you may need some help. The marketplace today is very crowded and it takes an extraordinary record to stand out. Except for the abundantly equipped project studio, a professional studio offers the extra effort most projects need.

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