andrewjbryson
Hi Gang
I have been recording on my PC since I was a foetus...
Everything I mention here is applied to my style (Instumental/Experimental Rock)
just personal preference and not neccasarly the correct way to do it.
I encourage people to question and even disagree with certain techniques etc....
Another thing, All programs I mention below , I recommend to purchase the full original software packages. Piracy (especially audio software piracy)
is slowing down the progress of Audio Software development as a whole...
First of all you will need a decent soundcard and at least 1 GB or RAM on ure PC
Cubase SX3 (Awesome program, easy interface, unlimited tools available)
Reason (Great for adding bass, drums , extras and whatever you need)
I start out by writing chords .... Simple verses, Choruses but I try to make the progressions interesting.
For recording Rhythm guitar (dont use a lot of GAIN) this is important!!!
Too much Gain on the rhythm guitar dominates the mix and there's no space for
the Lead Guitar...
Lets say were using 2 different pre-amps (Rectifier and a Soldano)
Make sure your Gain is sitting under 65 (out of 100 percent)
I prefer using 2 rhythm tracks (of the same riff/ chords)
(2 takes , but I try to play them as close/accurate as possible)
Doubling up tracks and PANNING them left and right creates magic!
It sounds FATTER, it sounds fuller and re-enforces the idea,
with just the right amount of suttle differences to work harmonically....
Even better.....
Make your left track a DI out recording(or line out from your pedal/amp to ure soundcard)
right track - SM57 / Rode NT2 infront of your amp
you are now getting the bright, rich highs' from the amp
combined with your strong ,darker signal from the line
Messing around with microphone placement is a great way to understand your
mic's polar pattern for one, and to capture your amp at its best...
If you are using a multi polar pattern microphone, set it to Cardiod (Heart Shaped)
Although Omni Direction could also produce a more ambient/ environmental tone.
For Lead Guitar Tone, I like to pump the mids (75 %) , low (50%) , high (60%)
Once again , it all depends on ure EQ and pickups you using.....
For instumental rock the Lead guitar should be the Focus (substantially louder than the rhytm guitars)
it should be isolated in the mix (stand out)
I like to add a tapped delay set to the tempo of the song.
The delay helps isolate the LEAD and produces some pretty cool overtones , especially at fast legato runs...
If I have 2 identical LEAD GUITAR channels , i will add 15% reverb send , to the 1 channel
this creates a wierd but cool stereo space for the SOLO, and once again isolates it a bit better...
Well im pretty tired of typing now
Stay tuned for more next time....
AJB
