Home Recording for Musicians

, by Unknown

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ISBN: 9780825615009 | 0825615003
Cover: Paperback
Copyright: 1/1/1996

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The definitive book on understanding, and using, today's recording technology. Whether amateur or professional, you will find that this book is packed with useful tips on every aspect of recording, from the initial purchase of your gear to mixing and assembling a master tape or CD.

Foreword

(4)

Preface to the First Edition

(1)

Preface to the Second Edition

(1)

A Note about the First Few Chapters

(1)

Important Note: Book Support

(6)

The Very Basics

(10)

The Nature of Sound

(4)

Real World Signals

(1)

What Is an Audio Spectrum, Anyway?

(3)

Distortion

(1)

An Overview of the Recording Process

(1)

Recording System Basics

(2)

Analog Recording

(13)

About Transducers

(1)

Loudspeaker Basics

(1)

Microphone Basics

(1)

The Tale of the Tape

(1)

The Record Head

(1)

The Playback Head

(1)

The Erase Head

(1)

The Tape Transport

(2)

Connections

(1)

Analog Recording Electronics

(1)

The Playback Electronics

(1)

The VU Meter

(2)

Getting the Signal onto Tape

(1)

About Track Width

(2)

Synchronized Overdubbing

(1)

Tape Recorder Switches

(1)

Cassette Multitracks

(1)

About Analog Tape

(1)

The Bottom Line on Analog

(1)

Digital Recording

(21)

Digital Recording Theory

(3)

The Evolution of Digital Audio Recording

(1)

Digital Tape Transports

(1)

Making Connections

(1)

VU Meters and Digital Audio

(1)

Level Matching and Standardization

(1)

Digital Deck Switches

(1)

About Digital Tape

(1)

Hard Disk Recording

(1)

Hard Disk Benefits

(1)

Hard Disk System Types

(1)

Digital Audio File Formats

(1)

Digital Audio Editing Techniques

(1)

Views

(1)

Pencil Pushing

(2)

Cut, Copy, Paste

(2)

Destructive versus Nondestructive Editing

(1)

Mix

(1)

Normalization

(1)

Fade In and Out

(1)

Reverse

(1)

Change Gain

(1)

Digital Signal Processing

(2)

Transposition & EQ

(1)

Other Digital Audio Goodies

(2)

Meet the Learning Curve

(1)

Does HDR Obsolete Digital Tape?

(1)

Living with Digital Recording

(1)

MIDI Recording

(24)

The Birth of MIDI

(1)

MIDI Connections

(2)

Channels and Modes

(1)

Multiport Interfaces

(1)

Recording Using MIDI Sequencers

(2)

Using Sequencers with Other Recorders

(1)

``Daisy-Chaining'' MIDI Thru Connections

(1)

Daisy Chain Limitations

(1)

The Nuts and Bolts of MIDI Messages

(1)

Voice Messages

(2)

Mode Messages

(1)

System-Wide Messages

(1)

System Common Messages

(1)

System Real Time Messages

(1)

System Exclusive Messages

(1)

MIDI Extensions

(1)

Sequencer Editing Options

(1)

Windows with a View

(1)

Tracks versus Channels

(1)

Cut & Paste

(2)

Record Filter

(1)

Quantization

(1)

Controller Processing

(1)

Duration and Legato

(1)

Logical (Conditional) Editing

(1)

Tempo Changes

(2)

Slide Data

(1)

Insert/Delete Measure(s)

(1)

Delete Data

(1)

Thin data

(1)

Humanize

(1)

Transpose

(1)

Chase Controllers

(1)

Autolocation and Finding Places

(1)

Special Record Modes

(1)

MIDI Mixing Sliders

(1)

Recording Program Changes on a Track

(1)

Recording Sys Ex

(2)

Selecting and Purchasing Your Studio Gear

(8)

The Cassette Multitrack

(1)

What to Look For in a Multitrack Cassette Recorder

(1)

Analog Reel-to-Reel Multitrack

(1)

What to Look For in a Multitrack Reel-to-Reel Recorder

(1)

Budget Digital Multitrack Tape

(1)

What to Look For in an MDM

(1)

Budget Multitrack Hard Disk Recording

(1)

What to Look For in a Multitrack Hard Disk Recorder

(1)

DAT/VHS Hi-Fi Recorder

(1)

What to Look For in a DAT Deck

(1)

Two-Track Cassette Deck

(1)

What to Look For in a Two-Track Cassette Deck

(1)

MIDI Sequencer

(1)

What to Look For in a Computer-Based MIDI Sequencer

(1)

Integrated MIDI Sequencer/Hard Disk Recorder

(1)

What to Look For in a MIDI Sequencer/Hard Disk Recorder

(1)

MiniDisc and Digital Compact Cassette

(1)

What to Look For with DCC and MiniDisc

(1)

PC Computer Sound Cards

(1)

What to Look For in a PC Sound Card

(1)

And Now, a Warning ...

(1)

Buying the Gear for Your Studio

(2)

Creating the Home Studio Environment

(7)

The Room(s)

(1)

Separate Control Room and Studio

(1)

Having the Studio in Its Own Room

(2)

Carving a Studio Out of a Room

(1)

The Studio in a Closet

(1)

Other Noise Considerations

(1)

Studio Layout

(2)

Furniture Time

(1)

One Step of Planning Saves Two of Execution ...

(1)

Electricity and Wiring

(7)

Electrical Basics

(1)

Balancing AC Lines

(1)

Getting Wired

(1)

Safety Devices

(1)

Cleaning the AC Line

(1)

RFI/EMI Filters

(1)

Surge/Spike Suppressers

(1)

Isolation Transformers

(1)

Line Regulators

(1)

Uninterruptible Power Supply

(1)

If You're Building a Studio ...

(1)

Ground Loops: Problems and Solutions

(1)

Outlets and Wire Routing

(1)

Routing AC Lines

(1)

Routing Other Cables

(1)

Cables and Patching

100

(2)

Monitoring Speakers

102

(3)

Monitor Speakers (And Headphones)

102

(1)

Headphones for Cueing

103

(1)

Room Tuning

104

(1)

Getting Rid of Resonances

104

(1)

Microphones

105

(12)

Impedance

105

(5)

The Different Types of Microphones

110

(1)

Dynamic Microphones

110

(1)

Condenser/Electret Microphones

111

(1)

Ribbon Microphones

112

(1)

PZM Microphones

112

(1)

Microphone Directionality

113

(1)

Recording with Microphones

113

(1)

The Proximity Effect

113

(1)

The Inverse Square Law

114

(1)

Popping and Wind Noises

114

(1)

Phasing Problems

114

(1)

Mounting Microphones

115

(1)

Using Your Mic's Little Switches

115

(1)

Microphone Tips

115

(2)

The Mixer

117

(21)

A Simple Mixer That Becomes Complex

117

(1)

Getting on the Bus

118

(3)

Using Auxiliary (Aux) Buses with Effects

121

(1)

Input Modules: The Mixer's Signal Conditioners

122

(1)

Input Connectors

123

(1)

Input Select Switch

123

(1)

Polarity Switch

123

(1)

Microphone Preamp

123

(1)

Insert Jacks

124

(1)

Direct-to-Tape or Multitrack Jacks

125

(1)

Equalization

125

(1)

Passive Equalizers

126

(1)

Active Equalizer Types

126

(2)

Real World Equalizer Types

128

(1)

The Parametric Equalizer

129

(1)

The Graphic Equalizer

129

(1)

Cutting versus Boosting

129

(1)

EQ: Making the Right Judgment Calls

130

(1)

Bus Access Control

131

(1)

Bus Access---Patch Bay Style

131

(1)

Bus Access---Normalized

131

(2)

Monitor Mix Controls

133

(1)

Master Output Controls

134

(1)

Split versus Inline Configurations

134

(1)

Digital Control, Automation, and Recall

134

(1)

Other Features

134

(1)

About Distributed Mixing

135

(1)

Real World Example

135

(1)

Mixdown Time

136

(1)

Pushing the Envelope ...

137

(1)

Studio Accessories

138

(3)

Analog Recording Accessories

140

(1)

Signal Processors

141

(13)

Compressor/Limiters

141

(1)

Compressor Basics

142

(1)

Compressor Types: Thumbnail Descriptions

143

(1)

Setup and Avoiding Mistakes

144

(1)

Reverberation and Gated Reverberation

144

(1)

Typical Reverb Unit Parameters

145

(1)

Time Delay: Flanging, Chorus, Echo

146

(1)

Understanding Time Delay

146

(1)

The Time-Shift Spectrum

147

(1)

Typical Time Delay Parameters

148

(2)

Time Delay Tips

150

(1)

Relating Echo Times to Song Tempos

151

(1)

Speaker Emulator

151

(1)

Multieffects Devices

152

(1)

Exciters

152

(1)

Noise Gates as Effects

152

(1)

MIDI and Signal Processors

152

(1)

Are Effects ``Gimmicks''?

152

(2)

Noise Reduction Techniques

154

(7)

Analog Recording and Noise Reduction

154

(1)

Manual Noise Reduction

155

(1)

The Noise Gate

155

(2)

Noise Reduction Through Equalization

157

(1)

Commercial Noise Reduction Systems

157

(1)

The dbx System

157

(1)

Does Noise Reduction Interfere with the Sound?

158

(1)

Digital Recording and Noise Reduction

158

(1)

Mixers

158

(1)

Guitars

159

(1)

Synthesizers

159

(1)

Signal Processors

160

(1)

Using Hard Disk Editing

160

(1)

Understanding Synchronization

161

(8)

Synchronization Applications

161

(1)

Synchronization Basics

161

(1)

Audio Sync Signals

162

(1)

MIDI Sync

162

(1)

Start, Stop, and Continue

162

(1)

Song Position Pointer Messages

163

(1)

Song Select Messages

163

(1)

MIDI Synchronization in Action

163

(1)

Advanced Tape Synchronization

163

(1)

Song Pointer Tape Sync

164

(1)

SMPTE-to-MIDI Conversion

165

(1)

MIDI Time Code (MTC)

166

(1)

Machine-to-Machine Sync with SMPTE

166

(1)

Timing ``Slop''

167

(1)

Digital Audio Clock Sync

167

(1)

Feedback Loops

168

(1)

Computers and the Studio

169

(6)

Computer Basics

169

(1)

Hardware versus Software

169

(1)

Peripherals

169

(1)

Understanding Memory

169

(1)

About Interfaces

170

(1)

Function Keys

170

(1)

Sequenced Instructions

170

(1)

The Concept of ``Entering''

170

(1)

Power and Other Considerations

170

(1)

Computer Applications

170

(1)

Computer Peripherals

171

(1)

Mass Storage

171

(1)

MIDI Interface

172

(1)

Digital Audio Boards

172

(1)

CD-ROMS

172

(1)

Modems

172

(1)

MIDI Operating Systems

173

(1)

SCSI and the Studio

173

(1)

Backing Up Is Hard (but Necessary) to Do

173

(1)

Incremental Backup Programs

174

(1)

Data Compression

174

(1)

Backing Up MIDI Data

174

(1)

In Case of Disaster ...

174

(1)

Studio Construction Set: Which Gear Is Right for You?

175

(5)

The Cast of Characters

175

(1)

The Recorder

175

(1)

Mastering Deck

176

(1)

The Mixing Console

177

(1)

Sequencers

177

(1)

Sound Generators

178

(1)

Computers

178

(1)

Signal Processors

178

(1)

Accessories

179

(1)

Preparing for the Session

180

(6)

Setting Up

180

(1)

Clean Your Machine

180

(1)

Warm Up Your Machines

180

(1)

Thread Reel-to-Reel Tape

180

(1)

Routing Wires

181

(1)

Setting Up Baffles and Getting the Equipment Ready

181

(1)

Zeroing Levels with Analog Tape

181

(1)

Zeroing Levels with Digital Recording

182

(1)

Check Over Your Mixer

183

(1)

Recording Direct

183

(1)

Resolving the ``Going Direct versus Miking an Amplifier'' Controversy

183

(1)

Setting Levels

183

(1)

Logbooks

184

(1)

Tuning and Identifying

185

(1)

The Click Track

185

(1)

Recording Techniques

186

(18)

Cheapo Cheapo Techniques: The $30 Cassette Recorder

186

(1)

Better Live Recordings

187

(1)

How to Generate Overdubs without a Multitrack Recorder

188

(1)

The Workstation/DAT Connection

188

(1)

Bouncing Your Way to Digital Multitracking

189

(1)

Squeezing More Tracks out of Multitrack Recorders

190

(1)

Premixing

190

(1)

Example: Premixing for Four-Track Cassette Decks

190

(1)

The Two-to-Two Bounce for Four-Track Cassette Decks

191

(1)

Recording Along with a Premix

191

(1)

Using an Additional Machine for Stereo

192

(1)

More Life for Analog

192

(1)

MDM Bouncing

192

(1)

Using Multitrack Recorders with MIDI Sequencers

193

(1)

Using Multitrack Tape Recorders with Hard Disk Recorders

193

(1)

``Infinite'' Layering

193

(1)

Track Strategies

194

(1)

Typical Eight-Track Hookups

194

(1)

A Real World Example: Mixing in the Solo Studio

195

(1)

Inputs

195

(1)

Outputs

195

(1)

Recording Basic Tracks

195

(1)

Recording Overdubs

196

(1)

Premixing and Bouncing

196

(1)

The Big Caution

197

(1)

Multiple Modular Digital Multitrack (MDM) Applications

197

(1)

Synchronizing Multiple MDMs

197

(1)

Simplified Backup

197

(1)

``Megatracking''

197

(1)

Easy Collaboration

197

(1)

Other MDM Applications

198

(1)

Combined Multitrack/Mastering Deck + Pseudo-Automated Mixdown!

198

(1)

Digital Audio Archiving

198

(1)

Live Recording

198

(1)

Special Effects

198

(1)

Punching In

198

(1)

Crossfading

199

(1)

Backwards Effects

199

(1)

Preverb

200

(1)

Echo

200

(2)

Variable Speed Effects

202

(1)

Double-Tracking

202

(1)

True Stories of an Encouraging Nature

202

(2)

Automation

204

(10)

Automated Transport Functions

204

(1)

Rewind to Cue

204

(1)

Autolocation

204

(1)

Autoplay

204

(1)

Automated Punching

204

(1)

Punch-In/Punch-Out Remote

205

(1)

MIDI Machine Control

205

(1)

Automated Mixing

205

(1)

Automated Mixing with Moving Faders

205

(1)

Traditional Automated Mixing without Moving Faders

205

(1)

Automated Mixing with Software Faders

205

(1)

Automated Mixing Limitations

206

(1)

Mixing with MIDI

206

(1)

MIDI Automation Messages

206

(1)

About Program Changes

207

(1)

Automated Program Changes

207

(1)

Program Change Problems

207

(1)

Continuous Controllers

207

(1)

MIDI Data Generators

208

(1)

The Numbers Game

209

(1)

Other Control Messages

209

(1)

MIDI Controller Limitations

209

(2)

Automating Prerecorded Tracks with MIDI

211

(1)

A Practical Example: MIDI-Automated Vocal Mixdown

212

(2)

The Art of Mixing

214

(9)

Mixdown Machine Options

214

(1)

The Slippery Nature of Sound

214

(1)

Proper Monitoring Levels

215

(1)

The Gear: Keep It Clean

215

(1)

The Arrangement

215

(1)

Mixing: The Twelve-Step Program

216

(1)

Mental Preparation

216

(1)

Review the Tracks

216

(1)

Put On Headphones and Listen for Glitches

216

(1)

Optimize Any MIDI Sound Generators Being Sequenced

217

(1)

Set Up a Relative Level Balance Between the Tracks

217

(1)

Adjust Equalization (EQ)

217

(1)

Add Any Essential Signal Processing

218

(1)

Create a Stereo Soundstage

218

(1)

Make Any Final Changes in the Arrangement

218

(1)

The Audio Architect

218

(1)

Tweak, Tweak, and Retweak

218

(1)

Check Your Mix Over Different Systems

219

(1)

And Now, for Those Who Don't Like Automation

219

(1)

Fadeouts

219

(1)

Mixing to a Variable-Speed Tape Recorder

220

(1)

Role-Playing: Producer, Engineer, Musician

220

(1)

Producer

220

(1)

Engineer

221

(1)

Musician

221

(1)

Feel versus Perfection

221

(1)

The Performer as Listener

222

(1)

Assembly and Mastering

223

(9)

Mastering Basics

223

(1)

At the Mastering House

223

(1)

Digital Mastering

223

(1)

Mastering the Hard (Disk) Way

224

(1)

The Digital Tape or Multitrack HDR Connection

224

(1)

Mastering, Step-by-Step

224

(1)

Assembling a Master Analog Tape

225

(1)

Making a Good Splice

225

(2)

Making Splices within a Tune

227

(1)

Splicing Between Tunes

227

(1)

Assembling Disparate Tunes into a Master Tape

227

(2)

Level-Balancing, Fades, and Other Processing

229

(1)

Mastering to Recordable CDs (CD-R)

229

(1)

Single Session versus Multisession

229

(1)

Stand Alone versus Computer Peripheral

229

(1)

The Aesthetics of Assembling

229

(1)

How to Make Duplicators Love You

230

(1)

Tips for DAT

230

(1)

Tips for Analog Tape

231

(1)

Media Requirements

231

(1)

Troubleshooting

232

(14)

Preventive Maintenance: General Tips

232

(1)

Treat Your Machines Kindly

232

(1)

Burn In Your Gear

232

(1)

Use Dust Covers

232

(1)

Follow All Alignment/Maintenance Procedures

232

(1)

Reduce Static Electricity

232

(1)

Work Switches and Controls Periodically

232

(1)

Avoid Dust

233

(1)

Read the Manual!

233

(1)

Check Your Wiring

233

(1)

Temperature Extremes Are the Enemy

233

(1)

Fan and Filter

234

(1)

Surge Protection and Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS)

234

(1)

No Smoking!

234

(1)

Never Touch Cable Pins

234

(1)

Avoid Turning Gear On and Off in Quick Succession

234

(1)

What to Do When Good Gear Goes Bad

234

(1)

Maintaining Digital Recorders

234

(1)

Head Cleaning Cassette

234

(1)

Minimizing Head Wear

235

(1)

Removing Tapes before Power-Down

235

(1)

Backing Up Digital Tapes

235

(1)

The Dual Backup System

235

(1)

Cleaning Digital Deck Heads

235

(1)

Manual Head Cleaning

235

(1)

Checking the Capstan and Pinch Roller

236

(1)

Maintaining Hard Disk Recorders

236

(1)

Hard Disk Optimization Software

236

(1)

Hard Disk Backup

237

(1)

Maintaining Analog Recorders

237

(1)

Cleaning the Tape Heads

238

(1)

Demagnetizing the Heads

238

(1)

Lubrication

239

(1)

Replacing Heads

239

(1)

Aligning Heads

239

(1)

Maintaining Magnetic Media

240

(1)

Preparing a Tape for Storage

240

(1)

Rules of Successful Troubleshooting

240

(1)

Troubleshooting Techniques That Don't Void the Warranty

241

(1)

Isolating Problems in MIDI Systems

241

(1)

The First Line of Defense: the On-Off Switch

241

(1)

The Importance of Resetting

241

(1)

Exterminating Bugs

241

(1)

Troubleshooting Techniques for the Adventurous

241

(1)

Shake, Rattle, and Roll

241

(1)

Checking Internal Batteries

241

(1)

Dealing with Fuses

242

(1)

Checking IC Socket Seating

242

(1)

Socket Cleaning

242

(1)

Checking for Loose or Bent Jacks

242

(1)

Fixing Intermittent Controls

242

(1)

Connector Jiggling and Contact Cleaning

243

(1)

Updating Digital Devices

243

(2)

Be Prepared

243

(1)

Locate the Chip to Be Replaced

243

(1)

Write Down the Chip Orientation

243

(1)

Computer-Specific Preventive Maintenance

244

(1)

Discharge Yourself of Static Electricity

244

(1)

Remove the Old Chip(s)

244

(1)

Insert the New Chip(s)

245

(1)

Push Down Gently on the Chip

245

(1)

Double-Check the Chip Orientation against Your Original Drawing

245

(1)

Reinitialize the Device

245

(1)

Return the Old Chip

245

(1)

A Final Note about Maintenance

245

(1)

Appendix: Relating the dB to Voltage and Power Ratios

246

(1)

About the Author

247

(1)

Index

248

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Home Recording for Musicians

Summary

Table of Contents

Supplemental Materials