EQ can add a lot to your mix if it’s used correctly, which in many cases is synonymous with ‘sparingly’. Knowing where to cut frequencies and where to boost them for different parts of your mix can make a huge difference in your final product. For example, your rhythm section may sound muddy, but the cause may actually be extra bulk on the low end of the other instruments.
You can read the full article about some EQ fixes for your rhythm section here: http://www.prosoundweb.com/article/in_the_studio_rhythm_section_mix_banance_tips/P2/
Recording Tips and Techniques
Avoid Some Room Noise With DIY Filter
Room noise is one of the many frustrations that come with home recording.
Computers, neighbors, and even just less-than-great acoustics in the room you’re recording in can all show up on your raw track.
There are pre-made attachments for your mic that can filter out some of the higher end noise, but why not save your money for something else?
These foam DIY reflection filters don’t make a huge difference, but for the low cost of materials, the subtle improvement is worthwhile.
For information about how to build a DIY reflection filter, and some before and after audio examples, read here: Pro Sound Web post on reflection filter
You May Never Be Great
Audio recording and other creative endeavors are difficult to transition from good to great. If you hope to see a career-changing amount of success, you’ll need to be great. It can be frustrating to work for years on improving your recording and mixing skills but still not be completely satisfied with your productions. This developmental phase takes time, and plenty of it. Many people give up after a long string of “okay” productions, or maybe after feeling like their skills are not improving. The only thing for certain is that by giving up, you change “may never be great” to “will never be great”.
You can read more on this topic here: http://therecordingrevolution.com/2013/01/14/why-most-people-will-never-be-good-at-recording/
Drum Mic Placement
Microphone placement for a drum set can be approached with one of two main strategies. First, treat the drum set as a single instrument and use only a few mics to capture the sound. Or, mic each drum separately, treating it as it like an individual instrument.While both approaches have their strengths, it can quickly seem like a choice between simplicity (small number of mics) and total control of your recording (a mic for each drum).
For information about the pros and cons of each option, read the full article here: http://www.prosoundweb.com/article/from_simple_to_complex_the_wide_world_of_drum_microphone_techniques/
Cable Choices To Improve Signal Quality
Ground loops and other artifacts in your sound can be frustrating to troubleshoot. A cable that’s kinked just-so, or maybe just a little temperamental. Before you replace a worn out cable with the cheapest thing at the store, be sure to research your options. Upgrading to a cable with braided shielding instead of the traditional spun shielding can help prevent interference making its way to your audio output.
You can read more here: http://www.prosoundweb.com/article/church_sound_files_unbalanced_versus_balanced_signal_lines/