Free home recording tips, techniques and discussion forums for multitracking, mixing and mastering in the home studio.

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Articles

Computer Based
Read about recording issues that are specific to computer-based recording studios.

Do-It-Yourself Projects
Some great projects that are easy to do and will help you save a lot of money by doing them yourself.

Effects and Signal Processing
Which effects do what and how? Find out by reading some of these article to help de-mystify these effects and signal processors.

  • A look at the audible frequency spectrum
    Jun 14, 2004
    Building on previous article, and information from other sources, I have tried to compile a more complete look at EQing the audible frequency spectrum.
  • Recording realtime effects tweaking!
    Jun 19, 2003
    Several ways to produce some excellent original source material, useful for any kind of experimental (or just mental) electronic music.
  • Types of EQ.
    Apr 06, 2003
    A description and guide to the 4 main types of EQ: Fixed, Sweepable Mid, Parametric and Graphic.
  • Making Music For The Financially Challenged
    Jan 13, 2003
    Why pay for what's out there free...and totally legal! Edition 2 - Jan 2003
  • Top Free Effects
    Oct 24, 2002
    Why pay for those delays, compressors and flangers when there's so many free out there...some of the best are here
  • DBX 386
    Oct 13, 2002
    A look into the mind of the DBX 386 compressor.
  • Amp Modeling Tech.
    Sep 07, 2002
    Amp Modeling Tech. A comparison between the top 3 selling Amp modeling systems The Johnson J-Station , The Line 6 POD2 , and The Behringer V-amp 2
  • To Compress or not to Compress?
    May 25, 2002
    A basic look at pre-recording and post-recording compression and reasons to do them
  • Stupid EQ Tricks
    Aug 09, 2001
    George Sawyer walks through some tips to getting the most from your EQ by pointing out many key frequencies that can make a dramatic impact on your sound.
  • Using Reverb
    May 14, 2001
    Reverb, an often misunderstood and under-respected effect. Learn some great tips to using it to it's fullest.
  • All Equalizers are not Created Equal
    May 14, 2001
    There are a few different types of equalizers out there, which is right for you?
  • Understanding & Using Dynamic Effects
    May 14, 2001
    Compressors, limiters and gates, and all the facts and fiction that surrounds their functions and uses.

Miking Techniques
This is a collection of articles about different types of microphones, their strengths and weaknesses, and different placement techniques to help capture the many facets of sound.

  • Miking Drums
    Aug 02, 2004
    Quick overview of how one band met the challenge of miking drums
  • The Mic Demystified: Part 1
    Jun 07, 2004
    Confused by all the different kids of microphones available to you? If so, this little intro to mics might be just what you need to clear up some of the confusion.
  • Advanced Guitar Mic'ing and Mixing
    Feb 18, 2003
    Another long guide on the art of mic'ing a guitar cab with 2 different microphones to achieve a fuller sound. Also includes tips for use on mixdown to get that "pro" sound.
  • Drum Mic'ing, and Tracking onto Digial Media
    Jan 09, 2003
    A great (and very long) resource for guidelines to getting the best drum sound you can with what you have.
  • The Microphone!
    Oct 13, 2002
    An article on Phill's recording adventures with Dub Narcotic Studio in Olympia, Washington, will appear in an upcoming issue of Tape Op.
  • Recording drums can be a pain...
    Jun 21, 2002
    But everyone's favorite Fuzzball tries to make some sense of it and explain his technique.
  • The Greatest Dynamic Microphone Ever?
    Nov 07, 2001
    George Sawyer, takes a quick look at dynamic mics, how they work and when they are useful. And, of course, adds in some personal opinions about the mics he likes best and why.
  • Dirty Little Secrets
    Aug 20, 2001
    George Sawyer takes us for a lesson in the true meaning of necessity being the mother of invention, read some off-the-wall but very effective miking tricks.
  • Misc. Instrument Miking Tips
    May 14, 2001
    Some basic tips and concepts to record any instrument that you might encounter in your recording adventures.
  • Miking Drums
    May 14, 2001
    Drums can be a challenge to mic and record, learn some techniques that can help you get a better result.
  • A Basic Look at Miking
    May 14, 2001
    Take a good look at the basic concepts of miking as it applies to any sound and/or instrument.
  • Miking and Recording Vocals
    May 14, 2001
    Recording vocal is a fine art that can challenge even an experienced engineer. Learn some techniques to get a better vocal recording.
  • Miking Basses
    May 14, 2001
    How do you get a good bass guitar sound in the studio? Learn some techniques in this article.
  • Miking Guitars
    May 14, 2001
    How do you get a good guitar sound in the studio? Learn some techniques in this article.

Mixing and Multitracking
Learn how to get the most out of your mixer and multitracker. Learn a little bit about everything from track bouncing to getting even sound levels and beyond...

  • Building and Setting Up a PA System - Part 1
    Jul 12, 2004
    Not really on topic of "Recording", but many recording artists also struggle with the issue of live sound.
  • Looking at Surround Sound
    Jan 03, 2004
    What it is, how it works and why you should care...
  • Getting Your Mix to...mix, Part One, EQ as event security.
    May 08, 2003
    The first of a series dedicated to concepts and techniques to help your mixes to find that perfect blend of clarity, punch, character and definition.
  • Mixing - part two.
    Jan 28, 2002
    The continuing journey through the wonderful world of mixing.
  • Mixing - part one.
    Dec 26, 2001
    Some techniques for getting a good final mix. Some being widely used, and some, not so much...but they work, and that's what counts.
  • Layering Sounds - Part 1
    Sep 16, 2001
    Regular contributor Paul Labarre discusses the fine art of blending instruments and sounds for unique and powerful results.
  • Recording the Rhythm Section
    May 14, 2001
    How to make recording 3 or more instruments at once and still get good sound and separation.
  • The Anatomy of a Mixer
    May 14, 2001
    Consistently a confusing piece of gear for folks new to recording and sound reinforcement, learn the basic of signal routing and paths into and out of a mixer.
  • Bouncing Tracks
    May 14, 2001
    If you are working with a four or eight track recorder, leanr how to get more out of it by bouncing tracks.
  • Using MIDI
    May 14, 2001
    How can MIDI fit into your music, and how does it benefit the home recorder with limited resources?

Music on the Internet
A collection of article about posting, streaming and marketing music on the internet.

  • Web Site Design
    Aug 10, 2004
    Theories on concepts to help you design a better web site to promote your music.
  • So, you built a web site, now what?
    May 31, 2004
    If you are going to put your music on the web, you might as well try to get the best search engine placement as possible...here are some tips to do just that.
  • Streaming RealMedia on the Internet
    Jun 22, 2002
    A brief but detailed look at streaming RealMedia form your website.
  • Dreaming of Streaming
    Mar 04, 2002
    A quick little insight into the machanics and methods of streaming before publishing your streaming media for all the public to see and hear.
  • Encoding MP3 with AudioCatalyst
    May 17, 2001
    Want to encode your own mp3's for internet distribution? Learn to get the best sound from the smallest file here.

Premastering and Mastering
Tips to give your recording that more professional, polished sound that can set you apart from many other home recording artists

  • The Joy Of Splicing Tape and Irony
    Oct 13, 2002
    I look at the evil of using tape and how to get the most out of it.
  • The Art(s) of Mastering Part 1
    Mar 17, 2002
    Take a brief, high-level look at the role of a mastering engineer, an often overlooked and misunderstood player in the production process.
  • Finishing Touches
    May 14, 2001
    Making sure all your punches are done, individual instruments are processed like you want, and getting ready to premaster.
  • Premastering
    May 14, 2001
    Getting your project mixed down and ready for mastering.

Product Reviews
Here you will read reviews, opinions and overviews of a variety of products for the home, project and/or professional studio environment. Objective third party reviews are a great way to be an informed consumer and make wise purchases for your studio.

  • Meet Juli@, the new Sound Device from ESI
    Aug 17, 2004
    Take a look at the 24-bit, 192kHz audio/MIDI interface...
  • Pro Tools Recording Guide
    Jul 05, 2004
    Reviewing a new book from Charlis River Media
  • Kinetic
    Jun 21, 2004
    Take a look at this new beat maker and production application from Cakewalk.
  • Zero X's 'BeatSlicer'
    Jun 04, 2004
    Do you make music with loops? If so, you'll likely dig BeatSlicer.
  • Pro Tools All-in-One Desk Reference for Dummies
    May 28, 2004
    A very informational reference book for Pro Tools users and for a few of their common hardware packages.
  • PowerFX Miracle Beats
    May 21, 2004
    Adding to the PowerFX Virtual Instrument collection comes Miracle Beats drum morphing looper.
  • MultitrackStudio 3.1
    May 14, 2004
    Some bug fixes, feature additions and UI updates makes this latest version of MultitrackStudio an even better bargain.
  • Guitar Pro 4
    May 07, 2004
    This is more than just a transcription and composition tool...much more. Read this review for details.
  • Cakewalk Guitar Tracks Pro Version 3
    Apr 30, 2004
    Dan (dB Masters) Ball and Paul (Noize2u) LaBarre take a peek at the latest offering from Cakewalk, Guitar Tracks Pro, their 32-track multitracking application.
  • Har-Bal 1.5 Sneak Peek
    Apr 23, 2004
    Check out the exciting new features in version 1.5...Har-Bal has come a long way.
  • Tracktion
    Apr 14, 2004
    I am taking a look at this very unique multitracking application from Raw Materials Software and distributed by Mackie.
  • n-Track Studio
    Apr 02, 2004
    Taking a look at this Audio & MIDI Digital Multitrack recorder. Reviewed by flametheband, Noize2u and dB Masters.
  • Stereocilia STX5 Speaker Isolation Stands
    Mar 25, 2004
    The under-appreciated, but highly advantageous part of a home/project studio revealed.
  • Kreative’s Kristal Audio Engine
    Mar 14, 2004
    The best free multitrack app on the market today?
  • PowerFX's SoundShuttle
    Feb 08, 2004
    This new sample and loop portal plugin from PowerFX can make you sample searching easier.
  • Project5 from Cakewalk
    Dec 17, 2003
    Lets take a quick look at the ultimate softsynth package.
  • Cakewalk SONAR 3 Producer Edition Review
    Nov 22, 2003
    Does Cakewalk have anything new to offer? Let's take a look at their latest version of Sonar...
  • MultiTrackStudio version 3.0
    Nov 21, 2003
    The newest version of MTS was released a few weeks ago. Quite the improvment.
  • Behringer UB Series Mixers
    Oct 08, 2003
    A look at the newest line of mixers from Behringer.
  • MultitrackStudio
    Sep 29, 2003
    Let's take a look at a great application for musicians on a budget...that is still very feature packed.
  • Sneak Peek at Lyricist Version 3
    Sep 15, 2003
    Virtual Studio Systems prepares the popular Lyricist for it's next update.
  • Intuitive MX
    Sep 13, 2003
    Multi-tracking on your PC with this new application could prove interesting, but the app still has room to grow.
  • Har-Bal
    Aug 20, 2003
    Har-Bal is a new application that brings the art of mastering to a visual stage, allowing you to SEE your music as well as hear it.

Songwriting
How does one write song? What order do certain taksa get done? Get here how you get the job done.

  • Music Genre and Composition theory
    Jun 28, 2004
    My points on why different music genres should be explored and why situation matters in your music
  • Toward the Musical Frontier
    Dec 28, 2003
    This article provides a method for visualizing and understanding chord progressions even when you don't have an instrument nearby.
  • Songwriting Methods
    Dec 26, 2003
    The best way to learn to write songs is by writing songs. There is no other way. But how do you get started?
  • Another Look at the Songwriting Process
    Jul 26, 2002
    This is a second article on the songwriting process. Everybody has different methods and motivations, this is typical for me...
  • My Songwriting Process
    Jul 16, 2002
    My two cents on songwriting and how I do it.

The Soapbox
Ya want to vent some frustrations or sing some praises about anything recording-related, take your turn on the soapbox.

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