Tech: Recording Help need feedback

Subject: Tech: Recording Help oldude
From: olddude
Date: 08 Dec 09 - 12:18 PM

My friends, I am trying to get the recording levels right I am working on a new CD or originals. I changed the software, switched my guitar to my Martin instead of my Alvarez, tried to reduce the reverb.   This is a new version of St. James Infirmary. I don't care about the performance could you guys that know recording tell me how to improve the production on the recording. What should I tweek ...

Thanks so much
Dan
St. James Infirmary Blues

Subject: RE: Tech: Recording Help need feedback
From: Maryrrf
Date: 08 Dec 09 - 12:53 PM

Hi Old Dude,

I think you are on the right track. I listened o St. James Infirmary and thought it was a good, clear recording. Maybe the vocals could be taken up just a little bit. I listened to some of your other recordings just to compare and St. James Infirmary has a much, much better sound. Less background hiss (I didn't detect any), and just a more natural ambience. (I thought the performance was good too!).

What recording setup are you using? I have been working with a Zoom H4 and Audacity, but I am still not satisfied with the recordings I'm getting. I know Audacity is free and you get what you pay for, but right now that's what I can afford.

Anyway I think the quality of this new recording is very good.

Subject: RE: Tech: Recording Help need feedback
From: olddude
Date: 08 Dec 09 - 01:00 PM

Mary
Thank you for the listen, trying to git it right. I am using a software called Kristal. I have an Onyx Firewire recorder with 2 phantom powered mikes.   I have been messing with mike placement and reverb levels. I don't record individual tracks separately since I keep humming and mess up the timing so I just play like I was doing a performance and hope it comes out LOL. I will try to push the vocals ahead. thanks again ..

Subject: RE: Tech: Recording Help need feedback
From: Maryrrf
Date: 08 Dec 09 - 01:04 PM

Wow you did that and didn't record the vocals separately! In that case I thought the mix was great! I think I experimented with Kristal at one point, but couldn't get it to work right. The vocal levels was a very minor point - it still sounds fine. You could probably just sing a little louder, or move a little closer to the mic.

Subject: RE: Tech: Recording Help need feedback
From: olddude
Date: 08 Dec 09 - 01:06 PM

thanks Mary, I never got the hang of recording the guitar and then sing. I still can't do that for some reason it turns out to be a disaster. So I just play .. and then cross my fingers ... I will try to push the vocal up just a bit. There is another software product called Reaper that is pretty impressive also you may want to look at

Thanks so much

Dan