The Self-Recording Band

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Benedikt's voice on this episode has been recorded with the Antelope Axino Synergy Core
--

In this episode we’re showing you what to look for in a vocal mic and how to find the right mic for your room and voice.

Picking the right mic is crucial because if you choose the wrong one, it’s very hard (if not impossible) to make it sound great in the mix. We’re explaining the reasons for this and give you examples of the most common problems.

Things we cover in the episode:

• Make sure the mic is not too sibilant/bright. When in doubt, darker is better. 
• Know your room and avoid condensers if you’re in an untreated or bad sounding room (most rooms).
• Learn about pickup patterns and choose a mic with the right pattern for your situation. In most cases: Cardiod. 
• Know your genre and think about the sound you’re going for. Bright? Dark? Polished? Airy? Gritty? Distorted? Modern? Vintage? Do some research on classic mics and popular choices for certain styles.
• You’ll find that a lot of the classic options are super expensive. Resist the temptation to by a cheap knock-off or cheap condensers in general, with only a few exceptions. If you can afford the high-end mics, perfect! If not, save up or get a good dynamic mic. There are some good affordable condensers, but you really have to do some research and pick one that matches your voice. So be careful.
• For many people using a dynamic vocal mic is actually a really great idea! Especially in heavier genres and in a DIY recording setup at home.
• If you can, try a few options before you buy one. Every voice is different. And every room, too.

Here are 3 reason why we often recommend good dynamic vocal mics to self-recording bands:

1. Value for money. Good dynamic mics, like a Shure SM7B, a Røde Procaster, an Aston Stealth, an Electro Voice RE20, etc. typically sound better than condensers in the same price range. If you go with a condenser, you’ll probably have to invest a little more.
   
   
2. Most rooms are problematic, especially if you record at home or in the jam space, you'll probably have to make the most out of a less-than-ideal acoustic situation. Dynamics are much better for this, as they are far less sensitive and don’t capture as much of the room sound and noise as condensers do.
   
   
3. Aggressive vocals are typically a good fit for dynamics because of the "gritty" midrange character and smooth top end of those mics. Condensers can sound a little too detailed for this, sometimes a little harsh, sibilant or brittle and some lack the punch and grit in the mids. Not true for every vocalist and every mic, but for many of them, especially with budget condensers.

At the end of the day, you'll have to try and find out what works best with your voice, your style of music and in your room. Just don't think you have to use a condenser, even if that's what you see in most studio pictures. 

Google "records made with an SM7" and you'll probably feel a lot more comfortable about using a dynamic mic. 

For full show notes go to: https://theselfrecordingband.com/125

Send us Fan Mail

If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: [email protected]

Download the free Ultimate 10 Step Guide To Successful DIY-Recording here: https://theselfrecordingband.com/10stepguide

BOOK A FREE IN-DEPTH 1-ON-1 FEEDBACK CALL WITH BENEDIKT:
https://theselfrecordingband.com/call

Join the free Facebook Group ("The Self-Recording Band Community"):
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Benedikt's voice on this episode has been recorded with the Antelope Axino Synergy Core
--

Multiband compression is very powerful, but also pretty dangerous. Most of the time you don’t need it and you definitely shouldn’t be using it on everything. But once you understand it, you have a great tool at your disposal that does things, other tools just can’t do. 

Multiband compression is also one of the most popular topics people ask us about. For some reason a lot of beginner engineers and mixers think it’s a magic bullet or the secret to pro mixes. That is not true. In fact, every pro mixer we know uses it only on a few things (if at all) and only in very intentional, specific ways. 

So let’s talk about when and how we like to use it and what some typical use cases look like for many mixers.

For full show notes go to: https://theselfrecordingband.com/124

If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail

If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: [email protected]

Download the free Frequency Chart Cheat-Sheet here: https://theselfrecordingband.com/frequencychart

BOOK A FREE IN-DEPTH 1-ON-1 FEEDBACK CALL WITH BENEDIKT:
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Join the free Facebook Group ("The Self-Recording Band Community"):
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Benedikt's voice on this episode has been recorded with the Antelope Axino Synergy Core
--

It doesn’t matter what your guitar (or any instrument) sounds like on its own, it’s about whether or not it serves the song and fits into the perfect mix for the tune.

But when we talk to artists about their sonic vision for the project, so many people mention the guitar tone they like, or how they love or hate bright guitars, scooped midrange, or a dark, “full” sound.

While personal preference is obviously a thing and very important, many people completely ignore the fact, that the tone has to work within the context of the mix and the arrangement.

And sometimes this means that what they think would be a great guitar tone, ends up being a very bad choice for the project.

So Iet’s discuss how to actually figure out a great tone that also fits in!


We're approaching this from three different angles:

1. Song (intention, message, vibe)
2. Arrangement
3. Mix

1 & 2 have a lot to do with writing and arranging with the final sound in mind, as well as understanding the importance of choosing the right instruments, key, tuning, etc.

All 3 have a lot to do with understanding the frequency spectrum. Understanding where each instrument typically lives, where the typical problems are and how each part of the spectrum “feels”.


And of course we're doing a deep dive and we're giving you a detailed explanation of what we mean here:

1. Does the tone create the intended feeling? Does it cause the right emotional reaction?
   
2. Does the tone play well with the other elements in your arrangement? What’s the purpose of the instrument or part and does the tone help achieve that?
   
3. Will the tone work in the mix? How well do the different sounds interact? Are there overlaps or gaps in the frequency spectrum? If so, are they intentional? Where should the bass be taking over the low end? Where should the cymbals be taking over the top end? Where will the vocals fit in? How much treatment will be necessary in order for it to sit well? Where can the guitar itself cut through and really shine?


And finally, we're discussing our individual "tone-hunt" processes that help us get the right tones quickly and consistently.

For full show notes go to: https://theselfrecordingband.com/123

If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail

If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: [email protected]

Download the free Ultimate 10 Step Guide To Successful DIY-Recording here: https://theselfrecordingband.com/10stepguide

BOOK A FREE IN-DEPTH 1-ON-1 FEEDBACK CALL WITH BENEDIKT:
https://theselfrecordingband.com/call

Join the free Facebook Group ("The Self-Recording Band Community"):
https://theselfrecordingband.com/community

Benedikt's voice on this episode has been recorded with the Antelope Axino Synergy Core
--

Out-of-tune vocals, guitars, bass or really any instrument are super common in amateur productions. It's a dead give away. 

Often it's subtle, sometimes it's so bad that it makes the song really hard to listen to. In many cases it can't be fixed by simply editing and tuning in the DAW. And even if it can be fixed, the results are going to be much better if you can get it right at the source!
 
That's why we decided to make this episode for and show you how to make sure your source tracks are in tune, so you won’t run into problems in the editing and mixing phase.

The reality is: 

People send us out-of-tune tracks all the time and no matter what we do in the mix, they will never sit right and sound great. Even if it’s subtle it can be a distraction, hurt the overall quality of the mix and make everything sound amateur.

We don't want your songs to have these kind of problems, so here are 10 hacks for you to avoid it all in the first place!

For full show notes go to: https://theselfrecordingband.com/122

If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail

If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: [email protected]

Download the free Ultimate 10 Step Guide To Successful DIY-Recording here: https://theselfrecordingband.com/10stepguide

BOOK A FREE IN-DEPTH 1-ON-1 FEEDBACK CALL WITH BENEDIKT:
https://theselfrecordingband.com/call

Join the free Facebook Group ("The Self-Recording Band Community"):
https://theselfrecordingband.com/community

Benedikt's voice on this episode has been recorded with the Antelope Axino Synergy Core
--

Benedikt heard indie-pop producer Mark Eckert talk about this in an Instagram video and thought it’s a really cool and important thing to talk about. 

Here's why:

A lot of people don’t know what they should write about or get stuck in the same topics over and over again. Many try to force ideas or try to force a switch in their style or genre, because they feel like they have to reinvent themselves and their sound. 

We think authentic art is what resonates with people and that is always art that comes from your personal experiences, from how you see the world, from speaking your truth. 

These are some of the actionable things we talk about on this episode:

• If you’re an introvert, leave your comfort zone and connect with people (nice side effect will be connections, collaborations, unexpected opportunities, etc.)
• Switch it up - As much as we love routines, if you find yourself doing the same things over and over in your life, maybe it’s time to change things, do something spontaneous or replace old habits with new ones
• Find a hobby that both helps you clear your mind and challenges you physically and/or emotionally/mentally. For us this is running.
• Find a good balance, don’t work on music all the time (Mark Eckert had some great examples there)
• Pay attention, be mindful. There’s so much to discover, so many interesting things happening around us every day that we don’t even recognize. It could be nature, people, conversations, politics, society, relationships, or our own emotions. Try practicing paying attention to those things and reflecting back on your days and you’ll find plenty of inspiring things to write about.
• Pay less attention to other creators and artists and don’t compare yourself constantly. You want to avoid being in a bubble and automatically copying what others do. Your life should be the inspiration, not theirs.
• Use music that you love not just to compare yourself against it but to form a new version of that combining the different influences + your own personal experiences. Pay attention to how the music makes you feel, figure out what you actually like about it, experience the music.
• Forced and trained creativity is something we believe in: Setting songwriting challenges with certain constraints like time, or only being able to use 3 chords, or forcing yourself to start with a certain instrument, etc. We think that continued work on this creates a more “fit” creativity that's able to overcome not feeling inspired. 
• Read.

For full show notes go to: https://theselfrecordingband.com/121

If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail

If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: [email protected]

Download the free Ultimate 10 Step Guide To Successful DIY-Recording here: https://theselfrecordingband.com/10stepguide

BOOK A FREE IN-DEPTH 1-ON-1 FEEDBACK CALL WITH BENEDIKT:
https://theselfrecordingband.com/call

Join the free Facebook Group ("The Self-Recording Band Community"):
https://theselfrecordingband.com/community

Benedikt's voice on this episode has been recorded with the Antelope Axino Synergy Core
--

Last week we explained the concept of mixing into a mix bus chain and how to get the most from applying mix bus processing. This week we’re giving you examples and walking you through our own mix bus chains, as well as the thought processes behind them.

We’re mixing into these chains for good reasons and have made some mistakes / not so great decisions before we arrived at the chains that we use now. We want to help you avoid those same mistakes, give you some inspiration for starting points and share exactly why we use what we use today.

We're sharing the exact plugins/tools we use, the order we use them in and how we use them, depending in the mix we’re working on.

For full show notes go to: https://theselfrecordingband.com/120

If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail

If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: [email protected]

Download the free Ultimate 10 Step Guide To Successful DIY-Recording here: https://theselfrecordingband.com/10stepguide

BOOK A FREE IN-DEPTH 1-ON-1 FEEDBACK CALL WITH BENEDIKT:
https://theselfrecordingband.com/call

Join the free Facebook Group ("The Self-Recording Band Community"):
https://theselfrecordingband.com/community

Benedikt's voice on this episode has been recorded with the Antelope Axino Synergy Core
--

On this episode we explain the concept of a mix bus chain, tell you why we use one and compare mixing into a mix bus chain vs applying mix bus processing at the end of the mixing process.

Here's why you should care:

You don’t have to use mix bus processing, but if you choose to (and most people do), there’s a right and a wrong way to do it.

If done wrong, you can completely mess up your balance, destroy everything you’ve worked hard for in your mix, or make it very hard for you to make good decision throughout the process.

If done right, however, it can save you time, create the perfect energy for the song, glue everything together and assist you in your mixing decisions.

This is what we cover on the show:

• What does a typical mix bus chain look like? 
• What’s the difference to mastering? Is there any? 
• Mixing into the chain vs applying it afterwards
• What are some starting points you should try on your mix bus?
• How to use mix bus processing properly and get the most benefit from it
• What to avoid

For full show notes go to: https://theselfrecordingband.com/119

If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail

If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: [email protected]

Download the free Ultimate 10 Step Guide To Successful DIY-Recording here: https://theselfrecordingband.com/10stepguide

BOOK A FREE IN-DEPTH 1-ON-1 FEEDBACK CALL WITH BENEDIKT:
https://theselfrecordingband.com/call

Join the free Facebook Group ("The Self-Recording Band Community"):
https://theselfrecordingband.com/community

Benedikt's voice on this episode has been recorded with the Antelope Axino Synergy Core
--

My guest on this episode is Trevor Reilly, the guitar player, (co-)producer/recording engineer and main songwriter in the band A Wilhelm Scream.

I got to nerd out with Trevor on my other show, the Outback Recordings Podcast. We were talking about recording, building a studio, songwriting and all those things that I love to talk about. So I just had to share it with you here! :)

We're also discussing their new record "Lose Your Delusion" and Trevor is sharing lots of cool stories, behind the scenes insights and and details about the making of this record.

He talks about how they've built their own studio to make this record, their songwriting process, his writing and production philosophies, the history of the band, the story and message behind "Lose Your Delusion", their friendship and how they manage to stay focussed and organized during the process of making a great (DIY-)record without real deadlines and time pressure.

So without further ado, here's my conversation with Trevor Reilly for you!

Enjoy!

Benedikt

For full show notes go to: https://theselfrecordingband.com/118

If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail

If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: [email protected]

Download the free Mic Placement Cheat Sheet here (just scroll down on the main homepage): https://theselfrecordingband.com

BOOK A FREE IN-DEPTH 1-ON-1 FEEDBACK CALL WITH BENEDIKT:
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Join the free Facebook Group ("The Self-Recording Band Community"):
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Benedikt's voice on this episode has been recorded with the Antelope Axino Synergy Core
--


Find the sweet spot in no time!

It all starts at the source. So put your microphones in the right place quickly, easily and with confidence, using this mic placement quick start guide.

Yes, it pays off to move mics around and experiment until you find the right balance. I'd suggest you always do that because even small mic placement changes just make such a big difference. 

But what if you don't even know where to start? What if you want to capture an idea quickly and need something really fast that just works?

These tips serve as great starting points to get you there so much faster. You'll find a great spot and angle in no time and if you want to refine it more, you can always take it from there. 

For full show notes go to: https://theselfrecordingband.com/117

If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail

If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: [email protected]

Download the free Ultimate 10 Step Guide To Successful DIY-Recording here: https://theselfrecordingband.com/10stepguide

BOOK A FREE IN-DEPTH 1-ON-1 FEEDBACK CALL WITH BENEDIKT:
https://theselfrecordingband.com/call

Join the free Facebook Group ("The Self-Recording Band Community"):
https://theselfrecordingband.com/community

Benedikt's voice on this episode has been recorded with the Antelope Axino Synergy Core
--

We have both worked with many people who know a lot. Like a LOT. Often more than we do (and we're obsessed with learning). Yet their records still don’t sound great. Let’s explore the reasons for this.

Because here's the thing:

We don’t want you to be held back by something that could be a huge advantage. Of course knowledge is important, but for some people it can be detrimental to their success as an engineer/producer, especially when combined with a certain mindset.

Here are some examples of that (we discuss those on the episode): 

• learning all sorts of crazy drum production techniques but ignoring the much more important basics 
• Knowing about a certain technique but not being aware that it's the wrong solution for the job 
• Obsessing over technical flaws in a track can get in the way of choosing an emotional home run
• Developing knowledge and technical skill but not developing taste, vision and the ability to serve the song

Here's how to avoid or overcome this problem:

• Be teachable and seek advice from people who have done it - that’s actually better than knowing a lot without having real experience
• Always be open to new ideas - there’s almost never a black/white, right/wrong. It’s mostly grey. 
• Don’t forget that producing and even engineering/mixing is at least as much art as it is science.
• Keep in mind that when a problem is technically solved, it doesn’t automatically mean it sounds great
• Use your knowledge as a flexible toolbox, not as a strict set of rules you always follow
• Don’t be afraid to take risks, use new approaches, mix without meters, whatever makes you leave your comfort zone
• People don’t like know-it-alls - If you want to collaborate with others, keep that in mind
• Proof of all that: A degree or any formal/theoretical type of education means nothing in this industry. It’s all about what comes out of the speakers and whether or not it makes people feel something. 
• And just as important: The biggest opportunities always present themselves to the people who are willing to constantly learn and adapt and who also have the necessary people skills (being kind, open to ideas and critical feedback, etc.) - not the ones who start with the most theoretical or technical knowledge

For full show notes go to: https://theselfrecordingband.com/116

If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail

If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: [email protected]