The How to Home Recording Studio - A Pro Quality Home Recording Doesn't Have to Be Rocket Science

Let's define the title of this article, The How to Home Recording Studio, and how you can realistically achieve the commonly shared dream of all aspiring recording artists: Affordable, professional recording at home and in a way that does not require an engineering degree. In other words, how to record songs simply, cheaply and sound great.

With that in mind, bare with me because it is very important you read and understand the simple, but vital Golden Rules of recording professional quality sound at home. Then, this article's goal of being part of the solution and not the problem, can be successful. Ready?

The How to Home Recording Studio: Top 2 Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is it even possible to make professional sounding recordings at home?

The answer is most definitely, "Yes," and most experts would agree with that, at least in theory. But, ask these same experts whether it's possible to make great sounding records at home without mortgaging your home to do it! This is where the controversy starts and the usefulness of most expert opinion ends. The unfortunate thing is that the variety of opinion and the volume that these opinions are offered, saps the budding dreams and confidence of songwriters and aspiring recording artists.

Q: Ok, then how can I record professional sound at home without spending a fortune?

If you remember nothing else, remember this: Sound actually requires just a few basic ingredients to be in place, and then recording professional sound simply and affordably, becomes a very real possibility for everyone.That goes for beginners too. But how?

You see, sound requires a simple pathway to follow, free of obstructions, on its journey to our recording software. Without this pathway in place, sound is extremely prone to injury, and therefore, sudden loss of quality and fidelity.

Most home recording studio enthusiasts, by not understanding sound's simple needs, create a pathway that mortally injures their source sound. It is already thin, distorted and amateurish, before it even arrives to the recording software.

The How to Home Recording Studio - Top 3 ingredients for successful home recording

• Choosing the correct, simple, affordable and effective external input device (i/o box.) Do NOT use a built-in computer sound card. Do not give in to the temptation to make your source sound travel through multiple effects units before reaching your recording software.

NOTE: Simple to do, incredible textures can be created within the recording software. I'll talk about this more in subsequent articles. For now, keep the sound clean going in. Trust me, the gains in sound quality will reward your patience regarding laying on the effects too soon in the process.

• Know the "sweet spot" when setting your input volume to capture and retain healthy sound. Too quiet and the sound is thin and without body. Too loud and digital distortion rears its ugly head.
• Easy to use recording software. Do not sabotage your ambitions and creativity by creating a home recording set up with a steep learning curve. Simply put, it just isn't necessary.

The How to Home Recording Studio - Now that we've stripped down the process, we're absolutely golden going forward

The simple pieces we discussed above are the backbone and perfect foundation of all great recordings. As is so often true, less is more. Recording professional quality sound in the home recording studio, the power, clarity and beauty you dream of lies in a simple, perfect method.

In the next article, we'll talk about some specific home recording tips.

I invite you to continue this article for more great tips on The How To Home Recording Studio including my free home studio recording lessons and the exact home recording blueprint method I use to record songs and music for movies, TV, cd release, licensing etc.

Warner/Chappell, Hi Bias, Audio Socket and LoudThud recording artist, songwriter and producer, Owen Critchley has been writing, recording and releasing music for over 15 years For more information about Owen and his home recording tips, and how to be successful in the new music business, visit http://recordinghomestudio.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4099943

How to Soundproof a Studio - Cheap Tricks From a Hit Making Home Recording Studio

You see, soundproofing a home studio is just one more way our home recording studio can become a money-pit that recording studio equipment manufacturers work hard to encourage. You can see why. They know that "where there is great interest and big dreams, there is money to be made."

How to soundproof a studio at home - Why is it necessary?

Our goal is to dampen and absorb sound and randomize the shape and surroundings of the recording home studio environment. In other words, if you are recording at home, you're probably setting up in a bedroom, the living room, or recording in the garage. The square corners and hard walls and floor surfaces in our homes create the problem of sound ricocheting and bouncing all over the place and messing up our ability to accurately listen to, judge, and ultimately mix our recordings.

How to soundproof a studio - Walls

This is a method I use myself and it is a dirt cheap way of soundproofing for studio walls and floors at home.

I actually discovered the perfect acoustic material for soundproofing my home studio by accident. I was in the hardware store and I happened to see these foam tile-type exercise mats. These foam, two foot squares, each fit together like jigsaw puzzle pieces. This enables you to put them together in any shape or size needed.

To soundproof walls in your studio, simply drive very small brass nails through the mat (like those found in picture hanging kits) to attach them to the wall. We want to be able to re-position the foam tiles as needed, so we do not want to glue the foam tiles to the wall. There is no need to mess up the walls with glues or adhesives.

Don't forget to soundproof the mic stand

I use a single foam tile under my microphone stand to insulate resonance from the floor that can travel up the mic stand. It works like a charm and does not cost much at all. Surprisingly, these exercise matts actually look really cool on the walls of the studio.

Effective household materials for soundproofing studio floors

• Wall to wall carpet (often ugly, but effective)
• Multiple shapes and sizes of area rugs. Nowadays you can get inexpensive fake oriental area rugs or modern designer knock-offs that create a nice vibe and do the job of dampening and absorbing sound reflection off the floor.
• Foam exercise tiles as described above. You could potentially tile your whole home studio floor with these snap together foam tiles.

Tip for buying soundproofing for a home studio: Instead of getting these mats in the home gym section of your sports store, the identical product is available even cheaper in the tool section of the hardware store, but they market them as mechanics mats. In a followup to this article we'll talk about how to make a wickedly effective vocal recording booth in seconds... AND it will cost almost nothing.

I invite you to continue this article to see pictures showing how to soundproof a studio. Make sure to sign up for my free home studio recording lessons and the exact home recording blueprint method I use to record songs and music for movies, TV, cd release, licensing etc. It's all part of my book, "Easy Home Recording Blueprint." I think you'll see that when you're ready to take your music passion and make it a career, "The Blueprint" will make everything clear.

Warner/Chappell, Hi Bias, Audio Socket and LoudThud recording artist, songwriter and producer, Owen Critchley has been writing, recording and releasing music for over 15 years. For more information about Owen and his home recording tips, and how to be successful in the new music business, visit http://recordinghomestudio.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4130954

How to Record on GarageBand - Top 5 Tips to Get Professional Sound With Free Recording Software

Somewhere along the line, while I was involved in creating an easier home recording system for aspiring recording artists and musicians, I realized that learning how to record on GarageBand not only simplifies the home recording process, but surprisingly, GarageBand showed itself to be a powerful tool in the creative process. In other words, GarageBand becomes an actual songwriting tool.

I understand if the connection between song recording software and song creation isn't immediately apparent. However, the effect of GarageBand on my own career, more than validates this statement.

What is GarageBand?

GarageBand is software for multitrack audio recording. When first released, GarageBand seemed like beginner recording software. However, under the radar, GarageBand has proven itself by profoundly revolutionizing music creation and therefore the business of making music itself.

How to Record on GarageBand - First Steps on the Path to Pro Quality Sound

I recognize that the first meeting between person and software, is the most delicate and tenuous point in the entire relationship. It determines in large part whether the relationship continues or ends before it even gets started. With that in mind let's answer the most basic questions about how to record on GarageBand.

Q: How do I get a sound I play to show up and record in GarageBand?

A: A sound from an instrument or voice that originates in the "real world" (instruments, voice, etc), must be converted to a digital signal that is suitable for the digital world of recording software. Your computer has a built in analog to digital sound converter, allowing you to "plug in and play" directly into the computer. However, for truly high quality sound reproduction, an external hardware converter should be used. (Also known as an I/O box.)

Q: What do I have to know about I/O hardware?

A: External I/O hardware normally attaches to your computer via USB or Firewire cable. Once plugged into your computer's USB or Firewire input, simply set your computer's audio preferences to allow the I/O hardware to handle all incoming and outgoing audio. This will bypass the computer's built-in sound card, thus giving you professional quality analog to digital sound conversion. Do not use the computer's built in sound card if you hope to make professional quality recordings at home.

Q: I have opened GarageBand. What do I do next?

A: The true beauty of GarageBand is that from this point on everything is, and remains, very simple. Go to the upper menu in GarageBand and choose "Create New Track." Each track has a channel which you set to receive a Mono or Stereo signal. If you are simply plugging in a single mic or instrument, the channel should be set to Mono. Click the record button and begin playing or singing. This is your "source sound" and it will show up on the track you created in GarageBand. To add an additional layer or instrument, repeat the process beginning with "create new track." This is the essence of "multi-track" recording.

Q: What if I'm not using a Mac? Can you tell me how to get GarageBand on Windows?

A: GarageBand, so far, is not available for PC. However there is simple multi-track recording software available that is very similar to GarageBand for PC.

Q: So that's how to record on GarageBand. Is it really possible to make professional sounding recordings with GarageBand?

A: The answer is yes. GarageBand provides an elegant and cooperative environment for creating great recordings. However, from this point on you must deepen your understanding of how to capture sound properly and clearly. This is as much the case with all other digital recording software.

In a subsequent article I'll talk about

• home recording tips and tricks
• laying perfect tracks
• more about how to record in GarageBand or any recording software for that matter
• how to edit GarageBand waveforms and "regions."

I invite you to continue this article for more great tips on how to record on Garageband. I am now offering free home studio recording lessons and the exact home recording blueprint method I use to record songs and music for movies, TV, CD release, licensing etc. I have tried to create, what I believe is the simplest and clearest guide available for easily making truly professional sounding recordings at home. Read reviews of recordings made using my methods from some of the best ears in the music business.

Warner/Chappell, Hi Bias, Audio Socket and LoudThud recording artist, songwriter and producer, Owen Critchley has been writing, recording and releasing music for over 15 years. For more information about Owen and his home recording tips, and how to be successful in the new music business, visit http://recordinghomestudio.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4144073

Making a demo CD - Recognizing the obstacles before we start recording

Somewhere along the line, it became the norm for a musician to shoulder a bigger load than anyone else in the creative arts. It seems that not only are musicians and songwriters expected to create their music, but are also expected to create the promotional machine, distribution channels and a "ready for market" product. All this, just to have their music heard. Well, because this reality isn't about to change any time soon, we have to take steps to ensure that having the best recordings of our music doesn't mean that we go bankrupt before our goals can even take root.

Making a demo recording - 4 golden rules before we begin demo recording

We're going to have to look at these burdens and turn them into opportunities. We'll do this by living by 4 golden rules of demo recording that we will carve in stone.
These rules will read as follows:

1. We accept that it is necessary to have high quality recordings of our songs, however, we refuse to spend destructive amounts of money when making a demo cd or a self-distributed recording.
2. We do not accept that the higher the cost of recording translates into higher sound quality. This is false, and we furthermore resolve to prove it by recording high quality recordings affordably.
3. We instead resolve to operate under the assumption that sound requires only a few important pieces to be in place to be recorded effectively. This realization opens the door to making demo recordings affordably in a simple home studio
4. We recognize that only by understanding how to record our songs well and affordably, can we achieve a career as a recording artist.

Making a demo - how to keep the sound quality up and keep the costs down

The simple truth that has been buried under a mountain of high tech recording equipment is this: Sound actually requires very little to be recorded effectively. If our song is full of color and meaning before we start recording a demo, then there is no need for expensive studio equipment. We are then left with the simple, and what should always be enjoyable, process of recording and "capturing" our song.

When we have honed and truly finished a song during the writing phase, we immediately find and greatly benefit from the fact that effective and powerful recording can be done at home. A good song simply doesn't require that we use an expensive recording studio we can't afford or buy tons of music studio equipment.

In the next part of this topic on recording demos, we will look at how to make a demo that stands out from the crowd.

Part 2 of this article can be found here: Making a Demo. I invite you to sign up free to receive my free home studio recording lessons and the Easy Home Recording Blueprint method I use to record songs and music for movies, TV, cd release, licensing etc.

(New "Blueprint Artists" can also pick up a free copy of my "Blueprint to Getting Heard by Thousands.")

Warner/Chappell, Hi Bias, Audio Socket and LoudThud recording artist, songwriter and producer, Owen Critchley has been writing, recording and releasing music for over 15 years For more information about Owen and his home recording tips, and how to be successful in the new music business, visit http://recordinghomestudio.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4258420

Learn to Produce Music - Approaching Music Production Like the Greats

What is a music producer really? Judging from the typical discussion out there, you would think that he or she is primarily a technical professional. Like a NASA flight engineer or an electrical contractor.

The truth is that great producers don't dream at night of circuit boards and the latest studio equipment. Great music producers spend their time building and nurturing an intimate relationship with sound and the almost mystical way that different combinations of sound stimulate and play on our emotions in ways that words alone cannot.

That said, the sounds we use as accompaniment for a song, should be chosen to serve the words and meaning of a song. The sounds, instrumentation, tempo, rhythm etc serve as inflection and expression.

Think of it this way: Imagine that someone is telling you something very meaningful. First picture them telling you this important thing in the voice of The Terminator or an automated telephone operator. Then picture them telling you this important thing with a tremble in their voice and a tear on their cheek. You see, it's the inflection and accompaniment that make the words either profound or empty.

So, to learn to produce music like the great producers, you first have to learn to truly understand the mood, meaning and emotion of a song or piece of music. In other words, make sure you understand what you are going to say before you say it.

When you do understand the meaning and intent of a song that you are going to produce, the actual production of the piece becomes a much simpler, more enjoyable and much more rewarding task. Why?

If you take the time to understand the intent and meaning of a song or piece of music, the choices of instrumentation become obvious. Instead of facing infinite choices of sounds to support the song's emotional flow and meaning, you instead are able to narrow down the choices to a few logical possibilities.

Learn to Produce Music - A Producer's Practical Examples

Let's imagine a hypothetical song. Let's say this song has a quiet section and the lyric is telling you that a character in the song is about to make a huge and perhaps dramatic decision. Let's say the main instrumentation is a piano or acoustic guitar during this section.

Instead of facing a thousand instrumentation choices in this scenario, because you understand the drama and importance of the lyric, you might settle on a single low bell sound to support the piano or guitar, as if it is being struck with a felt covered mallet.

Suddenly the drama and profound emotion of this section's lyric is made apparent to the listener and the all important "emotional response" from him or her is achieved.

Let's look at an entirely different kind of song. Imagine an upbeat house music style and imagine the lyric is simply about the joy of getting off work to go party the night away. Instead of a wall of sound from start to finish, you want an effective and memorable set of sounds that appear for crucial moments in the groove, to set the song apart from the pack.

So, in this case instead of typical back up vocals for the big chorus, you might decide to have the sound of a chanting soccer crowd to accompany the lead vocal. This drives home the joy and excitement of the moment and sweeps the listener up in the chaos and electricity as the song describes the night that is unfolding.

Imagination first, recording second

You see, as you learn to produce music, it's important to always keep your creative imagination as your first priority. Anyone can learn to record music effectively and use the tools of the trade, but those who go on to be great producers are the ones who use sound to tell a story.

Learn the language and emotional power of sound and the whole world will listen.

I will continue this series of articles about becoming a music producer. Next time we will look at the actual recording process. We will look at surprisingly simple ways to record audio clearly and beautifully. We'll find out how to record easily using very little recording equipment, while still capturing the meaning and mood of our songs.

I invite you to find out more as you learn to produce music. I invite you to take advantage of my free home recording lessons and find out the astonishingly simple Home Recording Blueprint method I use to record songs and music for movies, TV, CD release, licensing etc.

Warner/Chappell, Hi Bias, Audio Socket and LoudThud recording artist, songwriter and producer, Owen Critchley has been writing, recording and releasing music for over 15 years. For more information about Owen and his home recording tips, and how to be successful in the new music business, visit http://recordinghomestudio.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4329137

What is audio multitrack recording?

The process of recording multitrack audio is the separation of our music into pieces (bass, drums, vocal, instrument etc,) so we may individually alter, manipulate and control each part's sound, volume and placement in a finished mix.

Recording on multiple tracks used to be achieved mechanically, by recording on 1" and 2" tape which was "striped" into sixteen or twenty four separate "tracks."

Modern multitrack recording is achieved in the digital and virtual environment of recording software.

Recording multitrack audio - There are only 3 goals that matter

1. Clear sound
2. Easy to use tools and recording software
3. Affordability

Everyone guesses the first of these goals, but amazingly, they often are stumped as they try to express what the next two goals of an indie recording musician should be.

I suppose it isn't surprising because musicians are conditioned to assume that high quality home recording requires complicated and pricey studio equipment. In other words, instead of first learning about sound and what it takes to record it effectively, they invest money first and assume they will be saved by their machines.

If musicians and aspiring recording artists knew how simple the requirements are to record professional sound, they would realize great sound is achievable with much less financial burden.

Recording multitrack at home - How to take control of your recording future

We use multitrack recording to give us increased control of our music. It is therefore ironic that we are actually less in control if we don't know how to use our own recording software and equipment.

The solution for taking control of the recording process is obvious, but mostly overlooked. The answer is that we must lessen the learning curve by using less multitrack digital recording equipment and our goal has to be ease of use. The fact is, we have to consistently produce high quality recordings on demand, over the long term. Therefore, aspiring recording artists must not cripple themselves financially in the short term.

Recording multitrack sound at home professionally, simply and cheaply

Recording professional quality records at home is more than possible, it should be expected. The simple fact is, absolutely any multitrack recording software that is available is more than capable of handling the task of release-quality recording.

The key is to give the multitrack software what it most needs:

• Professional quality sound
• High quality "capture"
• Good quality input
• Good quality output

These are the 4 pillars of a great multitrack recording. The good news, is that we can achieve each item cheaply and very little technical knowledge.

Let's define how we will achieve each item:

High quality sound:

High quality sound broadly refers to supplying good performances, on good quality acoustic or electric instruments, or good quality electronic instruments or devices, or some combination of the above. In other words, well played with no buzzing, clicking and hissing.

• Can we achieve this affordably and simply? Yes.

High quality capture

High quality "capture" refers to using a good quality microphone for voice and acoustic instruments and good quality cables for connecting electric and electronic instruments and devices. In other words, avoiding early loss of quality and injury to the source sound due to poor quality mics and insecure cables.

• Can we achieve this affordably and simply? Yes. Cables are inexpensive and there are very good mics available that are affordable.

High quality input

High quality input when multitrack digital recording, refers to using a high quality in-out device, also known as a digital audio interface. The first step to having high quality input is to avoid using your computer's built in sound card for recording purposes.

Simple to use, professional quality external audio interfaces, are available. Their sole purpose is to provide a high quality path for your sounds from the outside of your computer to the inside of your computer without degrading the sound's quality.

Can we achieve this affordably and simply? Yes.

High quality output

Although our audio in-out device is also supplying the output signal, our ability to actually hear our well recorded sound is dependent on our speakers (monitors.)

There are excellent home recording studio monitors available, but this is one area where we will have to make a moderate investment to achieve professional recordings at home.

Tip: Powered studio monitors (with built in power amps) are a good choice and save the expense of separate power amps and also make good use of limited space in most home studios.

Conclusion of part one.

In the continuation of this article on recording multitrack audio at home, we'll look at manipulating our various sounds in actual multitrack digital recording software.

I invite you to continue to Part 2 of this article on recording multitrack audio at home. I invite you to sign up for 6 free home studio recording lessons based on the Easy Home Recording Blueprint method that I use to record songs and music for movies, TV, cd release, licensing etc.

Warner/Chappell, Hi Bias, Audio Socket and LoudThud recording artist, songwriter and producer, Owen Critchley has been writing, recording and releasing music for over 15 years. For more information about Owen and his home recording tips, and how to be successful in the new music business, visit http://recordinghomestudio.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4393839

The Cell Ring Tone You Hear - Just one of a thousand opportunities in the new music business

Let's face it, the days of hoping for a big record company contract are over for independent musicians. That ship has sailed. If you are still hoping to board that boat, you're in for a long wait.

The responsibility for forging a career and a living now falls to the musician him, or herself. The opportunities currently are limited only by one's imagination. Many of these opportunities are entirely new ways to earn.

One opportunity that is now starting to mature and become a viable choice for indie musicians and music producers, is the cell ring tone market. As with home computing, cell phones have become much more powerful with vastly bigger memories than just a few years ago.

The new, more powerful cell phones, are catering to a world market hungry for entertaining content on their personal digital devices. For the musician, that means demand for music, and that means earning potential.

The Cell Ring Tone - Once a low-fi novelty, now a hi-fi and serious business

Viral, word of mouth and forwarded entertainment has become the norm in a musician's promotion strategy. It can also be said that no musician's strategy is complete if they aren't providing musical content to the cellphone and personal digital device market.

Tiny boutique cellphone apps providers are now signing major partnerships with entertainment corporations as well as licensing deals with musicians big and small in order to keep up with the approaching tidal wave of demand for more and varied audio-visual phone based entertainment.

In other words, people want more stuff for their phones and they want it now.

Make your own downloadable ring tone online

Musicians and fans have the same choice for creating ring tones.

• Using audio recording software to custom edit a ringtone snippet from an existing song

Online ringtone providers with web based editing tools available to members. (These same ring tone providers act as vendor and provide shopping cart capabilities for musicians in return for a percentage of ring tone sales income.)

Message to indie musicians from your immediate future: "Ask not for whom the cell ring tone tolls. It tolls for thee..."

If you are a musician, the fact is, you are very rapidly going to have to find effective and economical ways to record and produce, market, and sell your music yourself. It may seem daunting, but for those who embrace the challenge, the opportunities are huge and unlimited.

In a future article we'll talk about some simple audio editing tips and tricks for creating your own ring tones.

If you are an unsigned musician and home recording artist, or know someone who is, I invite you to find out more about taking advantage of the cell ring tone market and other new music opportunities in part 2 of this article. When you visit, sign up for my free home recording lessons and the Easy Home Recording Blueprint method I use to record songs and music for movies, TV, cd release, licensing etc.

Warner/Chappell, Hi Bias, Audio Socket and LoudThud recording artist, songwriter and producer, Owen Critchley has been writing, recording and releasing music for over 15 years. For more information about Owen and his home recording tips, and how to be successful in the new music business, visit http://recordinghomestudio.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4422216