The Self-Recording Band

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

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Gain staging is one of the most overlooked topics and, when done wrong, most common problems in DIY productions.

People either don't fully understand it, think it's boring, or underestimate the dramatic consequences for the sound of their records.

The problem is that much of the information on the internet about gain staging is misleading, confusing and mostly black or white. That's why we're telling you the truth about it, why it is so important to pay attention to it and why it's all about intentionality, rather than aiming for "correct" or "healthy" levels.

In order to be intentional about your gain staging, you need some basic knowledge and understanding of how different levels at different stages affect your audio. It's not complicated, though. Once you put in the time and understand the principles behind it, it will all make sense to you quickly. And from that moment on, you will never have to guess about the right levels going in and out of your gear, or wonder why something sounds bad when there seems to be nothing obviously wrong.

Join us as we help you understand the principles behind and the benefits of proper, intentional gain staging.

For full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/36

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

Download the Essential DIY-Recording Gear Guide here:
https://theselfrecordingband.com/gearguide

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

Many people think of drum overheads as “cymbal mics” - but they are (or can be) much more than that.

Overheads are super important for the overall drum sound and if you are not aware of their impact on the drum tone, depth, width and stereo image, you might choose the wrong approach for the result and vibe you’re going for.

In this episode you'll discover:

• the differences between overheads and cymbal spot mics
• what overheads can do for your drum sound other than pick up cymbals
• examples of different approaches and overhead setups for different scenarios
• the mindset and strategy behind choosing and placing drum overheads with the mix in mind

Listen now and up your drum production game big time by using your drum overheads' full potential - no matter if you're recording acoustic drums or using programmed MIDI drums.

For full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/35

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

Download the Essential DIY-Recording Gear Guide here:
https://theselfrecordingband.com/gearguide

Join the free "The Self-Recording Band" Facebook community:
theselfrecordingband.com/community

„Should I Record Flat And Dry Tracks Or Compress And EQ On The Way In?“

This is a very common and valid question and we're not sure if it can ever be answered completely. But we definitely have an opinion on it and we are going deep into the topic in this episode. 

We explain: 

• what it actually means to "EQ and compress on the way in"
• if and when we think it is a good idea to process the signal before it gets recorded
• the differences between analog processing and committing plugins
• what tools to use
• if and when it makes sense to invest in EQs, compressors, other outboard gear or plugins
• which questions you should ask yourself in order to find out what's right in your situation
• the advantages and downsides of the different approaches

And finally, we'll talk about some example scenarios to show you our thought process behind those decisions.

Listen now, so you can save yourself some money, invest wisely, make confident decisions, create exciting art and choose your approach strategically, rather than just hoping for the best.

For full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/34

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

Join the free "The Self-Recording Band" Facebook community:
theselfrecordingband.com/community

There are a lot of different ways to capture a bass guitar and to dial in a great bass tone. And there are a ton of options to choose from when it comes to gear.

"Do I need an amp? If so, tube, solid state, class d? Which cab? Which mic? Preamps, pedals? Is a DI enough? DI box or DI out of amp? And most importantly: Why all of that? What exactly happens to my bass signals in the mix? How do I make sure I get my dream tone in the end?"

Don't worry, we got you!

In this episode we break down the different methods of capturing a bass guitar, our favorite approaches for different scenarios, the gear we use to get the tones we want and the "why" behind all those decisions.

Join us for another deep dive into the dark, muddy waters of bass guitar land.

For full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/33

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

Join the free "The Self-Recording Band" Facebook community:
theselfrecordingband.com/community

"I've tried using amp sims but they just don't sound like the real thing."

Is this you? Do you feel like amp sims are great for writing, but you'd always choose a "real" amp for your actual record? If only you had access to a couple of great amps, cabs and mics... If only recording these real amps was as quick and convenient as recording a DI into plugin... If only amp sims would sound as good as the real thing...

Good news: They do! Not the same, but just as good.

As always, it's not about the gear you use, it's about the sound in your head, your vision, your creativity. And there are always multiple different ways and different tools to get there.

When it comes to guitar tone, modern amp sims (virtual guitar amp plugins or Kemper profiles) can definitely get you there. That being said, we can see why you are feeling like they're lacking. There are reasons many people seem to love analog gear (and specifically analog guitar amps) more than their digital counterparts. But luckily, there are ways to make them work just as well as the classic amps we all love.

In this episode we're discussing what it actually is that makes an amp sound great and "real", then we're talking about if, where and why amp sims might be lacking and finally, we're giving actionable advice on how to make them work on a professional, exciting record.

Don't let your lack of gear hold you back!

For full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/32

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

Join the free "The Self-Recording Band" Facebook community:
theselfrecordingband.com/community

Do you know the feeling when the chorus kicks in and you're like "YES, HOLY SH*T, THIS IS HUGE!"? Goosebumps, emotions, energy, excitement - it's just a perfect moment that immediately makes you love the song and want to sing along.

A great vocal production and arrangement can create that feeling and make a chorus really stand out. It can turn it into the catchy, memorable highlight of the song.

If you don't put enough thought into this, you really miss out on the biggest opportunity to catch the listener and make the song sound and feel like a hit! A great vocal melody and lyrics obviously help, but in most cases it's just not enough.

The chorus needs to POP and deliver the message and emotion of the song in the best possible way! 

Join us as we're breaking down 5 vocal arrangement and production tricks that you can implement right away to create songs that stick and make your listeners lose it, as soon as the chorus kicks in!

For full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/31

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

Join the free "The Self-Recording Band" Facebook community:
theselfrecordingband.com/community

This is probably the most asked question of all. It's also one of the most important ones and, unfortunately, quite difficult to answer.

What we consider a "good sound" or "great production" is highly subjective and even if you look at more objective criteria, it takes quite some experience to be able to listen for the right things and make informed decisions.

Nevertheless, we sat down and tried to tackle the question in the simplest and most helpful way possible.

We took a look at our own favorite productions and analysed what we liked about them and why. We also wrote down what we're typically aiming for when producing or mixing music ourselves, depending on the genre, of course.

That said, with "production" we mean the whole thing: Recording, editing, mixing, mastering. So we're looking at the final thing, dissect it and find out what makes it awesome. So that you know what to listen for and where you are standing compared to a great sounding, finished record. No matter where you are in the process

Then we made a list of the most important, overall things, explained why these are so important, and threw in some advice on how to achieve those.

And finally, we went into the specifics and details that are easier and quicker to apply.

Let us know what you love about your favorite songs and productions!

For full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/30

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

Join the free "The Self-Recording Band" Facebook community:
theselfrecordingband.com/community

We got a well thought-out, long email from one of our email subscribers, asking a great question:

"How Do You Develop A Unique Drum Sound?"

This one got us thinking, because it's such an important question to ask. Not just "how do you record drums" or "how do you make drums sound good" but "how do make them UNIQUE".

We don't want to sound like everyone else and the records we love most have exactly that: Unique sounds.

So we did our best to answer this question and took a deep dive into what makes a unique drum sound, how to define a vision in your head and finally all the different ways to make that vision a reality.

For full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/29

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

Join the free "The Self-Recording Band" Facebook community:
theselfrecordingband.com/community

In order to stay motivated and keep pushing your project forward, you need to track your progress. You need know where you are, what you've already accomplished, what's ahead and what to do next.

Every second spent thinking about those things before you can be creative again and move on with the project is a minute wasted. And, more importantly, mental energy wasted that you could have used to work on your music.

Add to that, that we are incredibly forgetful creatures who get distracted easily and you'll quickly realize that there's no way around tracking your progress properly, if you want a completed project, well thought-out songs, an inspiring, detailed production and happy bandmates.

Join us as we discuss the mindset, strategy, tactics and tools we use to manage our studio projects and let us give you some ideas and practical advice on how to implement a seamless system for your band.

For full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/28

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

Join the free "The Self-Recording Band" Facebook community:
theselfrecordingband.com/community

Are you the type of person who loves the technical aspect of recording? Are you fascinated by gear and all the cool things you can do with it? Do you have high standards and a clear vision of what the performances should be like? Are you willing to spend hours to get the perfect take or refine a tone? Are your bandmates joking about how obsessive you are while tracking? Or, even worse, are they annoyed by your approach and your obsessive ways? I mean, it's clearly their fault, right? They just don't understand how important this all is.

Well, think twice. Recording music and making records should be fun and lead to an exciting result, not a perfect one. You can hear it if it was a pain to create and that is not good. Yes, there are technical details to take care of and non-creative steps in the process. And yes, you need to take it seriously and put in a lot of effort. But while working with countless artists over the years we found ourselves in many situations where we needed to help the band get back on track, prevent damage to the relationships within the band and make sure they still had the goal and big picture in mind.

We've seen relationships being destroyed, bands breaking up and records turning out uninspired or never getting finished at all, because of one or multiple bandmembers being  overly obsessive while tracking, being too hard on themselves and their bandmates and, while having great intentions, ultimately putting the whole project at risk.

That's why we felt the need to make this episode to help you finish your projects, get exciting results, strengthen your relationships within the band and, most importantly, have fun while you're doing it.

For full show notes go to: theselfrecordingband.com/27

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]