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Showing episodes and shows of
Vadim Kharaz
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DIY Recording Guys
A Personal Note from Vadim
More episodes en route. But first I need more coffee...
2022-02-28
06 min
DIY Recording Guys
89: How to Use Reference Tracks
Reference tracks. The internet forums are full of wisdom regarding using references (whether to or not, when, how, etc.,). References play an important part in the workflows of both Ben and Vadim - throughout the ENTIRE audio production process from ideas to final master. They've picked some of their favorite tips and best practices and share them on this episode. In this episode you will learn:How to use references to aid your song-writing and producing processCompelling reasons to use referencesHow to use references during recording to help choose tonesWhat makes a good reference (it...
2022-02-03
1h 00
DIY Recording Guys
88: 2021 Belated Year End Review
Well. Another year has come and gone. In many way, nothing has changed. The pandemic is still here and we're still trying to get even better vocal takes. Still, we've learned many important lessons, uncovered new challenges for the coming year and bought one or two things we shouldn't have. Hear all about it on this episode and, from everyone at DIYRG, we wish you a happy and healthy new year and success in all of your recording and non-recording ventures. Where to Find the GuysFree DIY Recording eBook: https://www.how...
2022-01-26
57 min
DIY Recording Guys
87: How to Use Guitar Pedals as Outboard Gear
Want to try mixing with outboard gear but don't have any? Sure you do! Every guitar pedal can be used as outboard gear for awesomely creative results. In this episode you will learn:What people mean when they say "outboard gear"...and why you actually probably have some - even if you thought you didn'tWhy you may want to try using outboard gear if you never haveSeveral ways to use pedals as outboard gear - even WITHOUT a reamp box!Creative ideas to try using this techniqueWhy the internet is wrong when it tells you you C...
2022-01-12
28 min
DIY Recording Guys
86: How to Set Up A Mixing Room
The room where you mix your music is a sacred space. A temple to your craft. It wants to be honest. It needs to be pleasant to spend long periods of time. On this episode you will get a solid, start-to-finish strategy for setting up (or refining) your mixing space. You will learn:How to select a roomHow to choose a listening position in that roomHow to set up your speakersWhere to focus your acoustic treatment effortsHow to deal with pesky acoustics problemsWhat a "good" room measurement will look likeAnd more!Resources we me...
2022-01-05
1h 04
DIY Recording Guys
85: Analyzing Stems (Mixed vs. As-Recorded)
It can be really difficult to isolate a specific instrument from a finished mix...and that's kind of the point! A mix is like a stew, it should taste like a stew - not like a bunch of individual ingredients. Wouldn't it be cool if you could isolate individual instruments of a finished mix and hear what they sound like solo'd? We thought so too! That's what we do in this episode. You will learn:How to decide between double tracking and quad trackingHow mixed drums sound and what big changes are made to the kick a...
2021-12-06
51 min
DIY Recording Guys
84: Our Favorite Audio Tools
Plugins, microphones, outboard gear. These are the tools of our trade. If you fancy yourself a craftsman, then you probably love tools of your craft. You probably watch videos and get served ads. You probably pay attention to what others are using. You've also probably amassed a hefty collection yourself! We know we have. On this week's episode we do some soul searching on why we love some tools and why our relationship with others didn't quite pan out. You will learn:How to categorize and think about tools you already have or...
2021-11-17
55 min
DIY Recording Guys
83: The "Day Two" Recording Hack for a Better Mix
Before the days of DIY, recording music could be a more intense process. Bands were prepared to spend weeks or even months in a studio trying different instruments, different amps, different mic techniques, different arrangements, etc., - all before ever hitting RECORD. Mixing, on the other hand, was more about achieving balance between those carefully produced tracks. Today, it's the exact opposite. We tend to throw together pristine digital recordings as quickly as possible and the QUICKLY move onto the sexy mixing phase. ...but what if there was a hybrid approach that could be...
2021-10-31
40 min
DIY Recording Guys
82: Music Theory 201 - Modes and Moods
If you've just been sticking to open guitar chords and pentatonic scales then you're cooking with salt and pepper. What if you had a whole arsenal of spices to work with? Sure you might make some weird meals at first but you'd probably also make some pretty memorable ones - and over time, you'd learn when to use (and not use) certain spices. Hint: NEVER use star anise. That stuff will ruin anything. In the last episode Ben gave us a high level overview and what's included in this monster we call "music theory". This ti...
2021-10-16
51 min
DIY Recording Guys
81: Music Theory 101 - Tempo, Meter and Key
Many of us had unpleasant run-ins with music theory through involuntary music lessons as kids but is it actually useful as a studio tool? Maybe. Sometimes. It's a tool that can help you out of arrangement and production jams. Stuck trying to figure out which chord to play next in a progression? Need to get a bassline that will work with your vocal melody? Theory can help. In this episode, Ben takes us through the three basic elements of music theory: Tempo, Meter and Key. You will learn:Why theory is becoming more and mo...
2021-09-25
38 min
DIY Recording Guys
80: What is it about that classic gear? (Louder Than Liftoff)
Neve. SSL. API. 1176. LA2A. Pultec. We've all heard these names. We've all seen the countless plug-ins that emulate them. How did these names become so coveted in the recording world? Is there really an audible difference or is it all clever marketing? These are just some of the questions we had for gear lover/designer/inventor Brad McGowan of Louder Than Liftoff. Louder Than Liftoff is a company that asked the question: "What is it about classic gear that people ACTUALLY want?". They then went ahead and designed a bunch of gear that gives yo...
2021-09-10
56 min
DIY Recording Guys
79: What's in Your Templates and Why?
You know the feeling once you've felt it: that dragging in the back of your head when you just can't believe you have to set up the routing on all of those guitar tracks AGAIN. Didn't you just to do this for the last session? Can't you just jump right into the fun part? When you feel that dread of session setup tedium, what you're actually discovering is an opportunity to improve your workflow with templates. But that's not all! For an unlimited time only, there are lots of different uses for templates that will make your l...
2021-08-31
51 min
DIY Recording Guys
78: Sampling and the Worst Beat in Recording History
Sampling offers a ton of creative opportunities. We all know about downloadable samples that you can use to build out productions but literally anything you record can become a sample library. And any sample library can be an instrument that you can play using a MIDI controller. The possibilities are endless - which means results can vary. On this episode, you will learn:What "sampling" meansHow to avoid getting into trouble when using itHow to create original sample librariesHow to use sample libraries to create a one-of-a-kind virtual instrument that you can play using a MIDI c...
2021-08-16
28 min
DIY Recording Guys
77: Song Production Breakdown and Analysis
One the key pieces of a successful production is maintaining the listener's attention effectively. There are many ways to do this - some subtle and others through a bit of gamesmanship and shock value - but if your production doesn't manage transitions effectively, you are guaranteed to lose the listener at some point. They won't know exactly WHY something isn't but they'll just feel like they're not into the song. The analog Ben used is when you're watching a movie and somethings looks blatantly CGI. You immediately get pulled out of the trance eve...
2021-08-06
53 min
DIY Recording Guys
76: Drum and Drummer (Real Drums vs Programmed Drums)
Programmed drums have come a LONG way in the last decade. We use them all the time in our productions and they sound great but how do they hold up when compared to a live drummer?And, even if the live drummer is better, are the workflow hassles of setting up a kit and mics, having the drummer learn the part, being nice to the drummer, and then editing the drums on the back end worth it? Find out on this week's episode. You will learn:Why virtual instrument drums offer unparalleled fl...
2021-07-30
46 min
DIY Recording Guys
75: Revisions_R2_FINAL
Revisions are perfectly natural. They're what happens when two people love a piece of music very much but don't completely agree on how it should sound when finished. These waters can be stressful to navigate. Do you push back on comments? Do you shrug and accept any feedback you're given? How do you communicate your opinion effectively, tactfully and while strengthening the relationship instead of hurting it. And guess what? These are waters you have to navigate even if you're completely DIY. You of Tomorrow will not agree with You of Yesterday. Don't panic! We're he...
2021-07-22
34 min
DIY Recording Guys
74: Recording Acoustic Guitar
The acoustic guitar! There are MANY ways to record this beautiful instrument - all perfectly usable. But which one is the right sound for YOUR project? This episode will point you firmly in the right direction. You will learn: How different parts of the acoustic guitar sound when you point microphones at themHow to get a great stereo sound out of a single performance using either an XY pair or a mid-side techniqueHow to get a natural brightness without using any EQHow to get more or less room soundThe difference between a listener's perspective and a pl...
2021-07-08
52 min
DIY Recording Guys
73: DIY Mastering Field Guide
We would all love to be able to send our songs to a professional mastering engineer but sometimes a DIY master is appropriate. Maybe you're on a budget. Maybe you're just fleshing out a demo. Maybe you're DIY to your core and this is the only option you'll accept. Navigating the world of mastering can be tricky. On this episode we take you through a quick but effective process for DIY mastering that will get your songs ready for distribution. You will learn:How to know when you're done with mixing and ready to start masteringThe s...
2021-07-01
1h 04
DIY Recording Guys
72: Mastering Ruined Your Mix? Also Templates. And Patch Bays.
Where in the world was Ben? He took his new wife to the lava tubes! Where no one will ever find your body.Also, the guys talk about using templates, patch bays, re-amping acoustic instruments, how to test new gear and plugins, mastering, and more!Sorry for the poorer than usual sound quality. We're still having some issues with our recording software :(Where to Find the GuysFree DIY Recording eBook: https://www.howtorecordyourband.comVadim's Studio Site - Get your FREE test mix today! - https://www.calmfrogrecording.com...
2021-06-23
46 min
DIY Recording Guys
71: Back to Basics: Stereo Width
We often want that big, wide stereo sound. It's immersive. It's massive. It's what we hear in our head when we think about what our song should sound like. But what in the world is stereo width and how do you control it? What if you only have a mono source to work with? Can you still get that source to sound wide? Of course you can! You're an audio wizard, aren't you?!On this episode you will learn:What stereo is and why it actually has something to do with phase as...
2021-06-14
33 min
DIY Recording Guys
70: Back to Basics: Plugins!
Ah plugins. Ubiquitous in he advertising feeds of all DIY music producers. These little bits of software seem to do magical things to audio and there's so many of them! What are they? How do you use them? Got any sweet tips? You know we do!On this episode, you will learn:A bit about the history of pluginsAbout different plugin formatsPlugin versions vs. standalone versions of softwareHow emulations of classic hardware were developed and why plugins have gotten SO MUCH better of the last couple of yearsWhen to use (and when to avoid) presetsAbout some...
2021-05-31
39 min
DIY Recording Guys
69: Recording Brass Instruments (Eric Skazzini - Voodoo Glow Skulls)
Ah the sound of REAL brass in a recording. It's a beautiful thing but how in the world do you record these loud beasts?Today, we're talking to Eric Skazzini - who plays tenor sax in the timeless ska punk band Voodoo Glow Skulls - about how he was able to track killer sax tracks for the latest Voodoo record in his spare bedroom. You will learn:Basics of mic selection and placementWhy a second mic in the right spot on a sax can add a TON of magic intimacy to a performanceWhy recording more parts...
2021-05-25
57 min
DIY Recording Guys
68: Reverb, EQ, Stereo and Other Boozy Q&A
This week, the guys have a few drinks and answer solicited and unsolicited questions. You will learn:What are the most important things when trying to run a studioA simple way to understand and start using EQRecording in different spaces and why natural room reverb can be a good or horrible thingThe tell-tale signs of a "home-made" productionWhy you can't really get massive stereo guitars with pedalsGetting started with your microphone lockerAnd more!Where to Find the GuysFree DIY Recording eBook: https://www.howtorecordyourband.comVadim's Studio Site - Get your FREE t...
2021-05-10
56 min
DIY Recording Guys
67: Getting the Absolute Most out of Your Guitar Recordings
If you enjoy our podcast, please leave a quick rating. It only takes a minute and it means the world to us.OK, we've talked about recording guitar and bass DIs a LOT. Is this episode any different? Yes! There are ALWAYS more things to test within your signal chain. On this episode Vadim takes you through his latest guitar DI recording experiments. He tried four different tests:Old strings vs new stringsHi-Z input on his interface vs. connecting through the Little Labs STD Cable ExtenderWith and without engaging a compressor built into his p...
2021-05-03
49 min
DIY Recording Guys
66: Dynamics Part 2: How to Use a Compressor (and Why!)
Sweet sweet compression. Everyone loves it, but when should you actually be using it? And if you do decide to use it, how should you go about setting a compressor up? Good questions! That's what we're talking about today. On this episode you will learn:About the 4 major controls you will see on most compressors and what each of them doesAbout why a compressor is really just a friendly, mix assistant robotHow to "listen" for compression (including examples)Some common use cases for compressorsWhat questions you should ask yourself before reaching for that compressorTips an...
2021-04-28
1h 01
DIY Recording Guys
65: Dynamics Pt 1: What are "Dynamics" and Why Do We Care?
If you enjoy our podcast, please leave a quick rating. It only takes a minute and it means the world to us.It's sexy. It's mysterious. It's the subject of a million nerdy blog posts. It's compression!Compression is probably the subject of the most "Top 10 Tricks" videos on the internet (unverified, wild-ass claim) but to really understand and get something out of all of these videos, we first need to understand the concept of "dynamics". In this episode, the guys lay down the foundation of knowledge on dynamics that will make future d...
2021-04-19
44 min
DIY Recording Guys
64: DI Deep Dive and Shootout
If you enjoy our podcast, please leave a quick rating. It only takes a minute and it means the world to us.You probably have that one friend that swears by a piece of gear they saw in a video online. Ben has a friend like who made statement to the tune of: "you can only get great guitar tone by recording a signal through a good DI box". Of course, the guys were skeptical. Is this true? Can you not get an equally great tone just plugging your guitar directly into the Hi-Z input o...
2021-04-12
47 min
DIY Recording Guys
63: Tips for Writing Better Lyrics (and Better Songs!)
If you enjoy our podcast, please leave a quick rating. It only takes a minute and it means the world to us.Writing a song is hard. If you've ever tried it, you already know this! You need so many pieces to "solve the full puzzle" of creating a song and, in most genres, the lyrics and the melody are the biggest pieces of that puzzle. Because of this, they're often the hardest parts to write but they also offer the biggest opportunity to make a song "yours". One of a kind. Something on...
2021-04-05
1h 01
DIY Recording Guys
Bonus: Review of Flare Audio Ear Inserts
On Episode 62, Ben and Vadim spoke to Davies Roberts of Flare Audio about trusting what you hear and sound as an irritant. On this bonus episode, the guys review some Flare Audio passive ear inserts. If you're interested in Flare Audio products and would like to support the DIY Recording Guys podcast, please shop using our affiliate link:https://www.flareaudio.com?sca_ref=676476.z8WJgmm5He
2021-03-26
32 min
DIY Recording Guys
62: Can You Trust What You're Hearing? (Davies Roberts - Flare Audio)
If you're interested in Flare Audio products and would like to support the DIY Recording Guys podcast, please shop using our affiliate link:https://www.flareaudio.com?sca_ref=676476.z8WJgmm5HeEvery now and then you'll hear a song or a sound that makes you back into a corner and clench your fists - at least figuratively. It's happened to both Ben and Vadim with certain cymbal sounds on albums, the occasional synth solo and even day-to-day sounds like talking to someone on speaker phone. What is it about these sounds that causes s...
2021-03-22
1h 18
DIY Recording Guys
61: Back to Basics - The DAW and What Features to Learn Next
If you enjoy our podcast, please leave a quick rating. It only takes a minute and it means the world to us.Do you remember how you picked your first DAW? For most of us, it's something we just fell into. Maybe a DAW came with your interface. Maybe you had a version a friend gave you when you were 15 and now you're just "used to it". The good news is that it doesn't much matter what DAW you're using. The important part is to understand it well enough to make it a us...
2021-03-16
1h 01
DIY Recording Guys
60: The Sound of Different Guitar Brands
If you enjoy our podcast, please leave a quick rating. It only takes a minute and it means the world to us.Ever wonder about the tonal difference between a Les Paul and Telecaster? Sure, these guitars LOOK different. You may even associate them with very different types of bands or genres but do they SOUND different? Guitars are expensive and most of us only own a choice few. Fortunately, on today's episode, we get to play through some samples created by listener John Connor (thank you!) and finally compare some of the classic household n...
2021-03-08
37 min
DIY Recording Guys
59: Should You DIY Mix Your Next Album? Maybe.
If you enjoy our podcast, please leave a quick rating. It only takes a minute and it means the world to us. DIY recording means doing EVERYTHING yourself, right? You write write the song, you record the song, you mix the song, you master the song, you release the song, you promote the song, you play the song live. You're DIY and you're proud about it. Is that always the best way to get from Point A to Point B though? Are there times when getting a bit of help is appropriate? Maybe. Maybe not.
2021-03-01
39 min
DIY Recording Guys
58: The Guitar Tone Lexicon - Describing What You Hear
If you enjoy our podcast, please leave a quick rating. It only takes a minute and it means the world to us. Communicating about guitar tone (whether with your bandmates, your producer or even yourself) can be difficult. We've all heard terms like "crunchy", "warm", "beefy", "nasally" but what do these terms mean? Are they part of a common guitar language that we can use to communicate to each other or are they purely subjective? Can we really train our ears to distinguish between these concepts? Have no fear. On this episode the guys talk ab...
2021-02-22
1h 08
DIY Recording Guys
57: DIY Building a Studio Computer (Should you? And How)
If you enjoy our podcast, please leave a quick rating. It only takes a minute and it means the world to us. Audio production software moves faster and does more amazing things every year. As it does, it becomes hungrier for processor power and memory. If your old computer is struggling to keep up with your sessions and you're finding yourself constantly looking for workarounds to workflow inefficiencies, it may be time to upgrade. Ben recently reached this threshold and has been spending months researching, buying, building and setting up his new studio computer - an...
2021-02-15
1h 09
DIY Recording Guys
56: The Zen of Troubleshooting (Our Favorite Tips and Tricks)
If you enjoy our podcast, please leave a quick rating. It only takes a minute and it means the world to us. DIY Recording enthusiasts typically don't have a ton of time on their hands. We're busy! And studio time is precious. Often we only get an hour or two a day (or maybe even a week) to spend working on music in the studio and any time we spend in the studio NOT working on music can be incredibly frustrating. Maybe you planned to finally wrap up some vocals on that one song only to find t...
2021-02-09
1h 00
DIY Recording Guys
55: Vocal Production Tips and Tricks (Brandon Tomei)
If you enjoy our podcast, please leave a quick rating. It only takes a minute and it means the world to us. In more genres than not, vocals are THE thing. The bread and butter. The enchilada. The rug that ties the room together. Nailing the vocal production can elevate a good song to greatness. Miss the mark on vocal production and even a great song will likely fail to capture people's attentions. Luckily, the guys and Brandon Tomei are here to help! On this episode you will learn:How to arrange a v...
2021-02-02
1h 07
DIY Recording Guys
54: What Latency is and How to Deal with it
If you enjoy our podcast, please leave a quick rating. It only takes a minute and it means the world to us. We've all had the frustrating experience of being unable to record because of the slight delay between when play (or sing) a note and when we hear it back in our monitoring system. To make matters worse, sometimes it seems like the problem is worse than others! What's going on?This is called latency and it's a reality in most studios - even professional studios. The good news is there are several ways t...
2021-01-25
1h 13
DIY Recording Guys
53: Writing and Arranging for a Whole Band (Josh Doran)
If you enjoy our podcast, please leave a quick rating. It only takes a minute and it means the world to us. Way before you hit record and start committing those final noises to your hard drive, you need to arrange the "pieces" of a song. This can be daunting - especially when we're talking about arranging music for a whole band's-worth of musicians and a whole album's-worth of music!How do you go about arranging music for a whole band, writing meaningful lyrics and composing moving vocal melodies that you'll be able to sing? H...
2021-01-18
44 min
DIY Recording Guys
52: Back to Basics: Anatomy of an Interface
If you enjoy our podcast, please leave a quick rating. It only takes a minute and it means the world to us. The audio interface is kind of like the Grand Central stations of the typical DIY recording studio. All of the audio coming into and out of the computer needs to go through the interface. It's an absolutely critical piece of a home recording studio but how well do you actually know your interface? Are there any features on it that you just ignore or aren't sure exactly what to do with? On this "ba...
2020-12-28
55 min
DIY Recording Guys
51: Critical Listening - Possibly the Most Critical Producer Skill
If you enjoy our podcast, please leave a quick rating. It only takes a minute and it means the world to us. Have you ever played one of your productions for a friend or family member to get some critical feedback only to find out that they're not really sure what you're looking for? It's probably because they haven't been training themselves in the art (and science!) of critical listening. When YOU listen to music with a critical ear, you're listening for something different than the casual listener - even if you don't realize it.
2020-12-21
1h 06
DIY Recording Guys
50: Staying Healthy in the Studio (Rusty Osborne)
If you enjoy our podcast, please leave a quick rating. It only takes a minute and it means the world to us. Staying healthy in the studio may not be something you're thinking about regularly. Yet it's hard to think of something more important than your physical and mental health. Without either of these, how will you keep doing this? How will you get better? How will you reach your goals? On this week's episode our guest is Rusty Osborne. Rusty is a veteran musician who was headed down an unhealthy path. Through research and tr...
2020-12-14
1h 10
DIY Recording Guys
49: Our Top 5 Recording Myths Busted in 2020
If you enjoy our podcast, please leave a quick rating. It only takes a minute and it means the world to us. Everyone has that list in their head. The list of the recording rules that "everyone" knows. The Recording Commandments. Of course, both recording technology and our own skill levels are constantly evolving. Therefore, it's good to periodically question the "list in our head". What techniques are worth another look? What preconceived notions were wrong to begin with? What "common sense" stuff can sometimes be thrown to the wind? On this episode Ben...
2020-12-07
56 min
DIY Recording Guys
48: What is Phase (and How to Deal With it)
If you enjoy our podcast, please leave a quick rating. It only takes a minute and it means the world to us. Have you ever tried recording something using two microphones? Occasionally you'll find that the sound of each microphone sounds good alone but that the tone changes when they're combined. Where did the low end go? Why does it sound so thin? If you've run into this, you may have stumbled onto the infamous "out of phase" issue. Don't worry! In this episode, Vadim and Ben explain the concept of phas...
2020-11-30
1h 12
DIY Recording Guys
47: So You Want to Produce Music for a Living?
If you enjoy our podcast, please leave a quick rating. It only takes a minute and it means the world to us. If you've been at recording for a while, you may find yourself thinking "I wonder if I can do this for money? Wouldn't that be fun?"This is pretty much what happened to Vadim and Ben. The road they've been on from DIY musician to trying to earn a living in the studio hasn't been easy but it's been full of learning, fun and the occasional surprise. On this episode they talk about t...
2020-11-23
1h 02
DIY Recording Guys
46: How Loud Should My Songs Be?
If you enjoy our podcast, please leave a quick rating. It only takes a minute and it means the world to us. Have you ever had one of your songs randomly come up on a playlist immediately after a commercial release and wondered, "why is it so quiet...and thin?" This can be a frustrating experience. It can leave you thinking that you just don't have the tools or the knowledge to get a "professional" sounding record. While there are, of course, many factors that go into the quality of a finished production, "lou...
2020-11-16
1h 04
DIY Recording Guys
45: How to Consistently Finish More Songs and Level Up Your Skills
If you enjoy our podcast, please leave a quick rating. It only takes a minute and it means the world to us. How many unfinished songs are floating around in your notebooks, on your cell phone, on your computer hard drive and in that big noggin of yours? The truth is, all of us have a ton of ideas that we were once excited about, started developing and left unfinished. We all have excuses. Lack of time, lack of collaborators, "shiny object syndrome", etc., Finishing musical projects is tough. Only people who have tried can RE...
2020-11-09
36 min
DIY Recording Guys
44: Comparing Different Mastering Options
If you enjoy our podcast, please leave a quick rating. It only takes a minute and it means the world to us. You've probably heard about online services that do mastering by algorithm. A number of different ones have popped up over the years. How do these services stack up to a professional master? Can an algorithm REALLY give you a professional quality master? What about DIY mastering? Can the algorithm beat that? On this episode, Vadim and Ben explore all of these options. They each took 3 mixes, had them mastered each of the...
2020-11-02
1h 17
DIY Recording Guys
43: Math Rock and the Role of the Music Blog (Nikk Hunter - Fecking Bahamas)
If you enjoy our podcast, please leave a quick rating. It only takes a minute and it means the world to us. What if there were people out there actively looking for artists like you in hopes of writing about your upcoming release and exploring the story behind your music? These people are called journalists. Ever hear of them? And some of them do exactly this. For music blogs. On this episode, Vadim interviews Nikk Hunter of Fecking Bahamas - his personal favorite math rock blog. Then, in the second part of t...
2020-10-26
1h 06
DIY Recording Guys
42: How to Make MIDI Sound Real
If you enjoy our podcast, please leave a quick rating. It only takes a minute and it means the world to us. Have you ever heard a cheesy drum part or a wonky, thin piano and thought "Wow. That's MIDI. It sounds awful"! The truth is that you've you also heard (without realizing it) hundreds of MIDI-driven instruments on recordings without ever realizing that it wasn't the real thing. Many of our preconceived notions about what MIDI is and isn't are wrong. As we discussed in Episode 20, MIDI is really your studio BFF. You...
2020-10-19
1h 05
DIY Recording Guys
41: The Different Roles in a Recording Project
If you enjoy our podcast, please leave a quick rating. It only takes a minute and it means the world to us. Have you ever thought "oh, this song will take me 2 hours to complete" only to find that you're still working through details a week (or a year!) later? There is a LOT to do to get an idea into a finished song. Who will write the lyrics? Do we need a guitar part in the bridge? How will we record the drums? Who will edit vocals? Will we outsource mixing or DIY? A...
2020-10-12
44 min
DIY Recording Guys
40: What You Should Know about Live Streaming (Leonard Patterson)
If you enjoy our podcast, please leave a quick rating. It only takes a minute and it means the world to us. You've probably noticed an uptick in live streaming since the pandemic pumped the brakes on the live show industry. In the early days of the pandemic live streaming was a free-for-all. Now that some of the dust has settled a few things have become clear. 1) Live streaming is here to stay - even when live shows return. 2) Live streaming is one of the best (and most fun) ways to en...
2020-10-05
1h 05
DIY Recording Guys
39: What is Impedance? The For Dummies by Dummies Episode
If you enjoy our podcast, please leave a quick rating. It only takes a minute and it means the world to us. Have you ever wondered why you can't just plug your guitar directly into a mixing board? Or why everyone says you're supposed to match the "ohms" of your amp to the ohms of your speaker cabinet? Or why your guitar sounds so small through a cable that's 100 feet long? In this episode, Vadim and Ben talk about impedance - which is at the heart of the questions above. You will learn,The fi...
2020-09-28
45 min
DIY Recording Guys
38: DIY Recording Equipment and "The Deal" with Analog Gear
If you enjoy our podcast, please leave a quick rating. It only takes a minute and it means the world to us. If you've been digging around the internet in search of recording tips, tricks and wisdom, you've certainly run across the "analog controversy". It is, of course, as silly as most internet controversies. That said, you may have awoken in the middle of the night, sitting at your computer with a shopping cart full of exotic analog gear. In a cold sweat, and without sudden movements, you swiftly close your browser but the thought remains: "what i...
2020-09-21
54 min
DIY Recording Guys
37: Strategies for Recording Multiple Sources Simultaneously
If you enjoy our podcast, please leave a quick rating. It only takes a minute and it means the world to us. There are many ways to get a multi-track recording. You can build your song part by part to get the cleanest and tightest possible recordings but is this ALWAYS the best approach? Spoiler alert: it's not! In this episode you will learn:Pros and cons of different multi-tracking techniques (3 techniques are covered)How to get complex recordings with minimal interface inputsStrategies for maintaining a live feel or organic rhythmic performance while still al...
2020-09-14
1h 01
DIY Recording Guys
36: Music Marketing and Why You're Doing It Wrong (Musician Indie Coalition)
If you enjoy our podcast, please leave a quick rating. It only takes a minute and it means the world to us. How many times have seen this? You're scrolling through social media and you see a post from somebody saying that their "album is finally out" and asking you to listen to it. Do you actually take the time to go listen to their album? If not, how come? Here's the worst part: how many times have YOU tried to use the same strategy with your releases? You've worked hard. You...
2020-09-07
1h 16
DIY Recording Guys
Instagram Live Replay (26-Aug-2020)
In this Instagram Live replay, we discuss:What is a good DI signal chain? The XY-cardioid mic placement technique.Programming MIDI drums tips and tricks.What pieces of analog gear we have and our general thoughts on analogue versus digital gear.LinksVadim's free DIY Recording eBookDIY Recording Facebook CommunityVadim's Studio SiteBenjamin's Studio Site
2020-09-02
55 min
DIY Recording Guys
35: Recording Bass Part 2: Capturing the Perfect Bass Tone
If you enjoy our podcast, please leave a quick rating. It only takes a minute and it means the world to us. Last week, Ben took us on a journey of bass tone discovery. We looked at many of the components that go into a final bass tone and talked about the parameters we can play with to affect our tone. This week we dive deep into the various recording techniques and how they affect our tone. We also talk about a methodical approach for testing a mult-speaker and multi-mic setup to ensure you're capturing th...
2020-08-31
1h 06
DIY Recording Guys
34: Recording Bass Part 1: The Bass Tone Deep Dive
If you enjoy our podcast, please leave a quick rating. It only takes a minute and it means the world to us. Are you a bass player? Did you feel neglected over the last two weeks when Vadim did nothing but talk about recording heavy guitars? Fear not! Ben is here to save the day with part 1 of our mini-series on recording bass. In this episode Ben does a magnificent deep dive into the world of factors that affect bass tone. In this episode, you will learn:Why technique is even...
2020-08-24
1h 04
DIY Recording Guys
33: Heavy Guitars Part 2: Recording Heavy Tones
If you enjoy our podcast, please leave a quick rating. It only takes a minute and it means the world to us. In last week's episode, we talked about the Guitar Tone Pyramid and how to use it dial in heavy tones without losing your mind in the process. This week, let's talk about how to record those bad-ass tones. If you're happy with the sound coming out of your amp, it doesn't mean you'll automatically get a great sounding finished recording. Although almost at the top of our tone pyramid, mic technique is still a...
2020-08-17
46 min
DIY Recording Guys
32: Heavy Guitars Part 1: Dialing in Heavy Tone from Scratch
If you enjoy our podcast, please leave a quick rating. It only takes a minute and it means the world to us. Has this ever happened to you? You decide to dial in a tone with your existing setup or with a new piece of gear you just got. You spend hours tweaking pedals, amp settings, mic placements, guitar settings, etc., only to find out that you were happier with your starting point tone than you are with where you ended up! Frustrated, you put the guitar back in its case and go fix a sandwich. Good o...
2020-08-10
58 min
DIY Recording Guys
31: How (and Why) to Care for Your Stringed Instruments (Joe Golden)
If you enjoy our podcast, please leave a quick rating. It only takes a minute and it means the world to us. Take a look at that guitar/bass/fiddle/violin/cello sitting in your bedroom. When was the last time you told it you loved it? The truth is, most of us probably don't show our instruments the care that they deserve. Not only can this be problematic for getting the best tone and performance on your recordings, but it's also a disservice to future generations because many of the tone-woods used in our instruments are e...
2020-08-03
1h 02
DIY Recording Guys
30: How to Optimize Your Current Computer for Recording
If you enjoy our podcast, please leave a quick rating. It only takes a minute and it means the world to us. In this episode the guys talk about computer optimization techniques. You will learn about:RAM recap and when it may be time to add more RAM to your rigWhy your computer may be running a bunch of background tasks and programs that chew up horsepower - and how to stop it!How to make sure you are using the right ports for the right jobsPowered vs non-powered USB hubs. What's the difference? Wh...
2020-07-27
44 min
DIY Recording Guys
29: Want Songwriting Superpowers? A Little Theory Will Help (Samori Coles)
If you enjoy our podcast, please leave a quick rating. It only takes a minute and it means the world to us. Music theory. Did you cringe when you read that? We often associate music theory with tedious piano lessons, classical music, or reading sheet music. It can be all of those things but it doesn't have to be any of them! It turns out that knowing a little bit of theory can be a bit of a superpower for a songwriter - and music reading is not even required!In this episode, Vadim talks t...
2020-07-20
1h 04
DIY Recording Guys
28: Proper Gain Staging to Get the Sound You Want
If you enjoy our podcast, please leave a quick rating. It only takes a minute and it means the world to us. You've probably heard the term "gain staging" thrown around but how well do you REALLY understand what it means? Is it actually important for DIY recording or is it one of those esoteric recording concepts debated by nerds (like us) but that you can skip? The answer to the second question is a definite "Yes. It's actually important". The good news, this week we will demystify the concept for you so that you can gain s...
2020-07-13
54 min
DIY Recording Guys
27: Acoustics 201: Recording Room Acoustics on a Budget (Jesco Lohan)
If you enjoy our podcast, please leave a quick rating. It only takes a minute and it means the world to us. In this Acoustics 201 episode, we talk to Jesco Lohan of Acoustics Insider about getting recording room acoustics right on a budget. Jesco is a platinum award winning mix engineer and acoustician based out of Berlin, Germany. Jesco has created a FREE pdf guide just for our community. You can download it here: 5 Steps To Recording Room Acoustics On A BudgetIn this episode, you will learn:How to know when it's time...
2020-07-06
1h 10
DIY Recording Guys
Bonus: Q&A with Jesco Lohan of Acoustics Insider
If you enjoy our podcast, please leave a quick rating. It only takes a minute and it means the world to us. In this bonus episode to episode 27, Jesco answers questions from the DIY Recording Guys Facebook community. Jesco has created a FREE pdf guide just for our community. You can download it here: 5 Steps To Recording Room Acoustics On A BudgetLinksWhere to Find JescoWebsite - https://www.acousticsinsider.com/Free PDF "5 Steps To Recording Room Acoustics On A Budget"Acoustics Insider YouTube Channel
2020-07-06
33 min
DIY Recording Guys
26: How to Not Screw Up Your Next Release (Kareem Guy)
If you enjoy our podcast, please leave a quick rating. It only takes a minute and it means the world to us. Kareem Guy started Keyz to the Game to help independent artists be smarter about the business side of their craft. On this episode you will learn:Why you need to start preparing for music release even before you press recordPerforming Rights Organizations (PROs) - What are they, why are they important, and how to get registeredWhat is a split sheet and why you definitely need to consider one before a releaseDo you ne...
2020-06-29
1h 04
DIY Recording Guys
Bonus: Heavy Metal in Outer Space and Other Tales (K Enagonio)
We normally don't include outtakes but these were too good to pass up. LinksWhere to Find KWebsite: https://www.justtheletterk.com/Music (Chasing Satellites): https://chasingsatellitesmusic.bandcamp.com/Music (Matriarchs): https://matriarchs.bandcamp.com/Instagram: http://instagram.com/kenagonioYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/justtheletterkFreelancing podcast (Project Freelance): https://open.spotify.com/show/0hnPaJUv5gCjPeOHaZG1rwUrban exploring adventures: https://www.justtheletterk.com/notracersWhere to Find the GuysVadim's free DIY Recording eBookDIY Recording Facebook CommunityVadim's Studio Site
2020-06-22
17 min
DIY Recording Guys
25: Sustainability through Freelancing (K Enagonio)
If you enjoy our podcast, please leave a quick rating. It only takes a minute and it means the world to us. K Enagonio is a freelance photographer and videographer, vocalist for hardcore bands Chasing Satellites and Matriarchs, vlogger, podcaster, explorer, and writer. She has toured and traveled extensively in these capacities and has some amazing stories. She is also a DIY musician! In this episode you will learn how K:Was able to move from humble photography gigs into touring and working with some of her favorite artistsHow photo and video wor...
2020-06-22
1h 02
DIY Recording Guys
24: What is an MP3? (And Tales of Other Audio Formats)
If you enjoy our podcast, please leave a quick rating. It only takes a minute and it means the world to us. We've all heard of and used MP3s. But what ARE they and why have them become so ubiquitous? And, if they're so great, why don't we use them in ALL of our studio applications? In this episode you will learn:The difference between compressed and lossless audio formatsWhy MP3s are so popular in the age of streamingWhy we may need to be a little careful about using them in the st...
2020-06-15
48 min
DIY Recording Guys
Facebook Live #3 Replay
In this Facebook Live replay, we answer community questions on:Setting up and using a MIDI trigger.General microphones to get when building a recording studio.Our thoughts on using room correction software.The state of streaming music services (What's working and what isn't).LinksVadim's free DIY Recording eBookDIY Recording Facebook CommunityVadim's Studio SiteBenjamin's Studio Site
2020-06-11
1h 09
DIY Recording Guys
23: All About Mastering 101
If you enjoy our podcast, please leave a quick rating. It only takes a minute and it means the world to us. Mastering can be a bit of a mystery. What is it? Do you need it? Can you DIY? In this episode you will:Learn what mastering isUnderstand what it can do for your mix (and what it can't do)Learn about some of the common processes used during masteringHear examples unmastered and mastered songs back to backLearn about some strategies for DIY mastering that can help your songs competeLinksVa...
2020-06-08
56 min
DIY Recording Guys
22: Acoustics 101: You Need to Get This Right
If you enjoy our podcast, please leave a quick rating. It only takes a minute and it means the world to us. Acoustics are arguably more important than gear - both for recording and mixing. Have you paid enough attention to it? In this episode you will learn:The basics of sound. How does sound move through a room? How do different frequencies behave differently? What are "acoustics" and how do they affect your DIY Recording result?Vadim's awesome story - barely related to recording at allWhat you can do assess your roomWhat you can...
2020-06-01
55 min
DIY Recording Guys
21: Must-Have Recording Accessories for Under $50
If you enjoy our podcast, please leave a quick rating. It only takes a minute and it means the world to us. The guys love gear, sure, but some of the most useful (and most used!) gear in their studios is also some of the cheapest. In this episode, they compare their lists as two frugal friends would.In this episode you will learn:Hacks for controlling the devices that make your studio more comfortableA producer's secret weapon for creating energy in a track as if from thin airWhich accessories will push your microphones' c...
2020-05-25
50 min
DIY Recording Guys
20: What MIDI is and Why it's Your New BFF
If you enjoy our podcast, please leave a quick rating. It only takes a minute and it means the world to us. In this episode you will learn:The basics: what MIDI is (and what it isn't)A useful analogy for thinking about MIDIWhat information is contained in a MIDI fileWhat a MIDI controller isDifferent ways to create and edit a MIDI fileDifferent applications for MIDISome workflow best practices for working with MIDITips on humanizing a MIDI performanceThe Hey Jude Music BoxA Nintendo controller as a MIDI controllerLinksV...
2020-05-18
1h 03
DIY Recording Guys
Facebook Live #2 Replay
In this Facebook Live replay, we answer community questions on:Loudness and whether your songs will "suffer" from not being loud enoughLatency and how to combat it when recordingBuffer sizes. What are they and how do you set them? Recording high gain ampsSelecting songs to put on an EPRecording drumsLinksVadim's free DIY Recording eBookDIY Recording Facebook CommunityVadim's Studio SiteBenjamin's Studio Site
2020-05-16
51 min
DIY Recording Guys
19: What is a "Good" Mix and What Can it Do for "Great" Stems
If you enjoy our podcast, please leave a quick rating. It only takes a minute and it means the world to us. LEWITT microphones did a mix challenge featuring artist AVEC. The 8 stems from the session were made publicly available. In this episode, Ben and Vadim listen to and discuss these excellent stems as well as each other's mixes and how they compared to the official mix. You will:Get to hear raw, well-recorded stems and how they were recorded (as well as what's so good about them)Hear an explanation of what makes a...
2020-05-11
1h 19
DIY Recording Guys
18: How (And Why) to Treat Your Band as a Business (James Cross)
If you enjoy our podcast, please leave a quick rating. It only takes a minute and it means the world to us. On this episode: - Should EVERY artist treat their band like a business? - Why SHOULD musicians care about treating their craft more like a business?- What does a band business partnership look like and what are the different roles band members can play? - When is the right time to consider drafting up a business partnership for your band? - What are the revenue streams for bands in 2020 (b...
2020-05-04
1h 23
DIY Recording Guys
17: Perfect Vocals Academy (John Burke)
If you enjoy our podcast, please leave a quick rating. It only takes a minute and it means the world to us. John Burke has made a career out of making vocals in various genres sound awesome and he's recently started Perfect Vocals Academy to help DIY recording enthusiasts up their vocal recording game. In this episode Vadim talks to John about a LOT of vocal production techniques, including:Choosing gear quickly on the day of the sessionRiding the preamp as a technique for managing dynamic vocals during recordingWhy a low signal level can ac...
2020-04-27
1h 02
DIY Recording Guys
Facebook Live #1 Replay
Our first ever Facebook live event! Thanks to everyone who joined and asked questions. Be sure to join us next time, we'd love to hear from you. Email your questions to DIYRecordingGuys@gmail.comLinksGIK Acoustics' awesome video on how to use Room EQ Wizard to do basic room acoustic testingVadim's free DIY Recording eBookDIY Recording Facebook CommunityVadim's Studio SiteBenjamin's Studio Site
2020-04-25
53 min
DIY Recording Guys
16: Why NOW is a Great Time to Record Music and How to Focus Yourself
If you enjoy our podcast, please leave a quick rating. It only takes a minute and it means the world to us. In this episode:Vadim carelessly drops a few spoilers on 90s and 00s pop cultureHow Vadim and Ben are dealing with quarantineReasons why now may be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to level up your recording gameHow to decide which ideas to work on and focus your time and energyHow to make something intimidating (like recording an EP!) seem totally manageableWhy the act of FINISHING a recording project leads to a step change in skillThe guys l...
2020-04-20
43 min
DIY Recording Guys
15: Chasing Tone and Recording Guitar (Cameron Davidson)
If you enjoy our podcast, please leave a quick rating. It only takes a minute and it means the world to us. Check out the new Countdown from Ten album On the Instability of Air Other Links:Vadim's free DIY Recording eBookDIY Recording Facebook CommunityVadim's Studio SiteBenjamin's Studio Site
2020-04-13
1h 03
DIY Recording Guys
14: Optimizing Remote Music Collaborations
If you enjoy our podcast, please leave a quick rating. It only takes a minute and it means the world to us. 1:00 - How the guys are dealing with the quarantine4:00 - Tip 1: Agree on session parameters on advance10:10 - Tip 2: Mind stereo vs. mono12:30 - Tip 3: Build everything around a click track and tempo map17:00 - Tip 4: Export consolidated clips/stems20:00 - Tip 5: Take advantage of free cloud-share services for transferring files21:00 - Tip 6: Be meticulous and consistent with your file naming conventions24:00 - Tip 7: Take advantage of video...
2020-04-09
39 min
DIY Recording Guys
13: Dialing in Guitar and Bass Tone
If you enjoy our podcast, please leave a quick rating. It only takes a minute and it means the world to us. 1:00 - The guys' secrets for dealing with quarantine4:00 - Where the guys' tone-chasing journery began10:30 - The degrees of freedom in building a guitar tone and why it can seem so challenging13:00 - Guitar picks16:40 - Guitar types21:30 - Strings27:00 - Pickups36:00 - Where the guys' Pyramid Rule finally breaks down37:00 - Amps43:00 - Speakers and Speaker Cabinets45:00 - Strategies for selecting gear50:00...
2020-04-06
1h 16
DIY Recording Guys
12: How to Record with the Final Product in Mind
If you enjoy our podcast, please leave a quick rating. It only takes a minute and it means the world to us. 0:40 - Ben's new car2:40 - Vadim's first car - it wasn't cool....or WAS it?4:00 - Vadim's escape from the studio - to the mountains!9:00 - When your tones aren't cooperating14:00 - The risks with recording DI tones15:30 - How your drum selection decisions affect tone and your end product21:00 - Where to start when picking tones for your song25:00 - The uncanny humility of the bass player
2020-03-30
54 min
DIY Recording Guys
11: Prepare Like a Pro - Maximizing Productivity and Fun
If you enjoy our podcast, please leave a quick rating. It only takes a minute and it means the world to us. 4:00 - Preparing for the day of the session from the artist's perspective14:00 - Vadim admits to a rare studio mistake!18:00 - Tips for choosing the right engineer for your project (hint: these are also tips for being a good DIY engineer)25:00 - Instrument preparation26:00 - A point of contention! How often should you change your strings?32:00 - We're talking to you, vocalists. No fettucine alfredo before the session!34:30...
2020-03-23
57 min
DIY Recording Guys
10: Recording and Editing Drums (Eddie Vessey)
If you enjoy our podcast, please leave a quick rating. It only takes a minute and it means the world to us. 01:30 - Meet Eddie Vessey!08:22 - The real reason that Ben got into recording13:15 - Preparing for a drum recording session18:30 - Mic setup20:00 - Some ideas for managing room acoustics24:00 - The importance of room mics and using a mono room mic33:00 - Our first ever PSA37:00 - What are "microphone phase problems" and how do you deal with them44:00 - What is a "good" drum performance
2020-03-16
1h 19
DIY Recording Guys
9: What in the World is Bitrate and Why Should You Care?
If you enjoy our podcast, please leave a quick rating. It only takes a minute and it means the world to us. 0:30 - Getting less awkward on the intro...one week at a time0:50 - Ben's surprise bachelor party6:45 - Vadim explains bit rate as clearly as he can. Really. He did his best.10:30 - Noise floor explained12:00 - Dynamic range explained12:50 - Head room explained16:00 - The Redbook audio standard23:00 - How high should your preamp levels be set?35:00 - When clipping is NOT the end of the...
2020-03-09
1h 14
DIY Recording Guys
8: How to Record Awesome Vocals Every Time
If you enjoy our podcast, please leave a quick rating. It only takes a minute and it means the world to us. 0:38 - Vadim reaches gear equilibrium01:48 - Ben will not let Vadim off the hook that easily5:00 - Band's awesome band (Nephele) has an exciting announcement7:40 - Ben's plans for St. Patrick's Day attire11:10 - The vocal signal chain revisited. Where does the signal go?15:30 - It starts with the vocalist. How to maximize the volca peformance. 22:25 - The secret tea that will improve your vocals23:00 - How to...
2020-03-02
1h 12
DIY Recording Guys
Bonus: Choosing the Right Vocal Microphone
If you enjoy our podcast, please leave a quick rating. It only takes a minute and it means the world to us. LinksVadim's free DIY Recording eBookDIY Recording Facebook CommunityVadim's Studio SiteBenjamin's Studio Site
2020-03-02
14 min
DIY Recording Guys
7: How to Maximize the Power of Your Song Before Hitting Record
If you enjoy our podcast, please leave a quick rating. It only takes a minute and it means the world to us. 3:40 - Teenage Vadim doesn't need this episode6:08 - The 5 Fundamental parts of a song9:00 - How Ben and Vadim cheated their way through their early music education13:00 - How to get power into your arrangments17:40 - Tips for coming up with melodies20:20 - You can never have enough vocal harmonies22:00 - Instruments and the frequency spectrum25:00 - Finally. A Spinal Tap reference28:40 - Finally. A Lord of...
2020-02-24
1h 00
DIY Recording Guys
Bonus: THE Number One Trick for Getting Huge Pop Vocals
If you enjoy our podcast, please leave a quick rating. It only takes a minute and it means the world to us. Find out how understanding metal will improve the quality of your pop vocals in this super secret bonus episodeLinksVadim's free DIY Recording eBookDIY Recording Facebook CommunityVadim's Studio SiteBenjamin's Studio Site
2020-02-24
11 min
DIY Recording Guys
6: How to Maximize the Efficiency of Your Sessions
If you enjoy our podcast, please leave a quick rating. It only takes a minute and it means the world to us. 0:40 - Vadim's metal last name revealed1:10 - Vadim's metal snake lips4:10 - How Ben Prepares for a band session13:30 - Setting up your DAW in advance and using session templates15:30 - The importance of clear labeling 20:30 - How to get your mix engineer to love you21:30 - Tracking strategy and punching in26:00 - Strategies for tracking vocals31:00 - How to get the tightest rhythmic performance possible. Should...
2020-02-17
57 min
DIY Recording Guys
Bonus: The $1000 Studio Rig Challenge
If you enjoy our podcast, please leave a quick rating. It only takes a minute and it means the world to us. 2:00 - Ben's $1k rig14:05 - Vadim's $1k rig22:50 - A brief discussion on the Dream Rig. Vadim is not impressed with Ben's frugality. LinksVadim's free DIY Recording eBookDIY Recording Facebook CommunityVadim's Studio SiteBenjamin's Studio Site
2020-02-10
26 min
DIY Recording Guys
5: Should You REALLY DIY Record Your Next Release?
If you enjoy our podcast, please leave a quick rating. It only takes a minute and it means the world to us. 1:05 - The guys briefly consider becoming a gamer drama podcast4:20 - Ben joins an awesome band!5:25 - Vadim's guitar problem7:45 - Your only two resources: Time and Money9:45 - Recording: DIY Studio vs Commercial Studio16:30 - DIY Mixing - Vadim confuses Ben but they eventually figure it out22:49 - Spooky stuff is happening in Ben's house while we're recording26:40 - More spooky stuff...LinksVadim's...
2020-02-10
29 min
DIY Recording Guys
4: What Gear You Need for Recording - Part 2
If you enjoy our podcast, please leave a quick rating. It only takes a minute and it means the world to us. 2:30 - Choosing your microphones6:00 - Do NOT do this to your microphone9:00 - The secret behind Vadim's emotional recordings13:50 - Cables17:45 - Monitors and headphones22:30 - Closed back vs Open back headphones27:00 - Benjamin's headphone strategy is on fleek28:30 - Virtual instruments and amp emulator awareness35:00 - Ben's studio has literally been struck by lightning. Vadim is in biblical awe. 36:00 - Cloud back-up38:45 - Why...
2020-02-03
43 min
DIY Recording Guys
3: What Gear You Need for Recording - Part 1
If you enjoy our podcast, please leave a quick rating. It only takes a minute and it means the world to us. 0:26 - Ben is confused after a long day2:00 - Choosing your recording computer9:15 - HDD vs SSD16:45 - Recommendations on RAM, processor and memory17:50 - The dreaded and outdated Mac vs PC debate19:50 - The audio interface24:50 - The digital protocol of your interface30:00 - Interface recommendations40:30 - The Digital Audio WorkstationLinksVadim's free DIY Recording eBookDIY Recording Facebook Community...
2020-01-27
46 min
DIY Recording Guys
2: The Digital Recording Signal Chain and Gear Overview
If you enjoy our podcast, please leave a quick rating. It only takes a minute and it means the world to us. 1:20 The guys discuss the irony of a narrowly avoided production disaster while recording episode 14:55 The guys get philosophical and wax poetic for just a minut5:39 The digital recording signal chain from the perspective of a vocal11:35 Digital signal processing. What is it and why do we care? 18:00 Digital vs Analog22:00 Gear shootouts. A nice time waster. 26:00 An overview of the gear used in a modern digital recording setup30:00 Vadim ma...
2020-01-20
46 min
DIY Recording Guys
1: Meet the DIY Recording Guys
If you enjoy our podcast, please leave a quick rating. It only takes a minute and it means the world to us. In this episode:Vadim's nervous. It's his first podcast. Ben reassures him that it will be as terrible as he fears [0:40]What this podcast is about: helping musicians get better DIY recordings [2:17]Benjamin's story: Drummer Turned Bassist Goes Full DIY Rock-Star [7:48]Vadim accidentally insults all recording engineers everywhere [38:00]Vadim's story: Prog Guitarist Makes Terrible Album in 2008 - Spends Next Decade Understanding Why [38:25]Why recording in your rehearsal space is a great idea [46:50]The guys p...
2020-01-13
54 min