All Questions
5
votes
8answers
336 views
5
votes
4answers
519 views
How do I make something sound “cloudy” as though my ears are plugged using Ableton Live?
I'm working on a song that I'd like to have drums similar to Radiohead's "Pulk/Pull Revolving Doors." I love the way the bass kick sounds like it's cloudy, as though I were hearing it through plugged ...
5
votes
2answers
297 views
How to judge preamp and A/D quality on a USB audio interface?
I'm looking for an audio interface for casual recording. There are things it's easy to tell from specs -- number of channels, connectors, phantom power, etc. -- but I don't know any way to tell if an ...
5
votes
4answers
262 views
Uses for Ring Mod
I'm very much into processing of my sound sources (synths, vocals, samples, etc.) to add interest to tracks with uncommon sounds, and like to use effects in ways they weren't really designed for.
...
5
votes
4answers
116 views
How can I make a section in a song sound like it's coming from an AM radio?
I am working on a project in Logic Pro, and for part of my song, I want to make it sound like an AM radio is playing a segment from a talk show reporting on a sport event. What effects can I apply to ...
5
votes
3answers
177 views
Live rock band having issues with vocals being buried
We are an independent touring band that has been having issues with the vocals being lost in the mix. Our singer is constantly told that she's being drowned out by the band. The band consists of a ...
5
votes
3answers
103 views
How to stay objective after viewing your edit hundreds of times?
When I start editting something I'm very sharp about cuts that does or doesn't work. But as I go through the process, in which I watch the sequence hundreds of times, I get used to it, and becomes a ...
5
votes
3answers
279 views
How to avoid clipping when explicitly adding audio tracks?
When two or more audio tracks are simply "added" together, they may peak at the same time, causing the resulting "sum" track to be clipped. I am looking for an algorithm or technique to bring the ...
5
votes
3answers
492 views
Is there any Windows, Mac, or Unix software similar to LSDJ for writing “chiptunes”?
I am aware of LSDJ and have tried to use it via various GameBoy emulators, but I find the interface to be incredibly clunky and am wondering if anyone has seen a suite of software that takes better ...
5
votes
2answers
183 views
Which effects should I place on return tracks?
What are the accepted practices/rules about putting effects on return tracks?
I tend to stick time-based effects (reverb, delay) on a return, and keep other effects (chorus, phaser, waveshaper etc.) ...
5
votes
2answers
115 views
Is there a significant difference in sound quality between 1/4" jacks and three pronged XLR inputs for microphones?
I have a mixer that has 4 microphone channels. Each one has both a 1/4" jack input, and a three pronged input (XLR). I can choose one or the other for connecting my microphone.
I am about to buy ...
5
votes
3answers
254 views
What are some good accessories for a DSLR video recording setup?
I have a DSLR that I've started using for video recording and I'd like to buy some accessories for shooting video. I know this could be subjective, but it doesn't have to be. I am looking for ...
5
votes
1answer
505 views
How can I multitrack record my band practices?
I would like to start recording my band practices. Current configuration is bass, guitar, and drums. I would like to record individual tracks to my computer so that we can add other parts, work on ...
5
votes
5answers
464 views
How can I make an actor cry?
In a film I am making I need and actor to start crying, but I cant think of how I am going to do that without actually making them sad.
One thing I have heard is that there are eye drops you can ...
5
votes
2answers
654 views
Meaning of Feat. | Pres. | Vs. | &
Looking at my music collection, I just wonder... what do these mean:
Author Z feat. Author W (featuring)
Author X pres. Author Y (presents)
Author Y vs. Author Q (versus)
Author A & Author B ...
5
votes
3answers
174 views
How can I cut out a particular instrument in the same pitch range as other instruments I don't want to cut?
I'm remixing two songs, and their drum patterns are somewhat incompatible so I'm try to cut out the drums in one of them. The problem is that the non-bass drums are at the same pitch as some of the ...
5
votes
3answers
90 views
“Extreme” EQ curves
Is it bad to use EQs to an "extreme" extent? I use that word because of what my friend said about the settings of an EQ on a song we were helping a mix and master. He had something like this, but more ...
5
votes
1answer
84 views
Are there any drawbacks when recording instruments out of order according to the preferred method?
I've heard some standard approaches on the sequence of instruments to record first, but my personal preference interferes with the norm.
The classical method is to record drums first, then bass, then ...
5
votes
2answers
110 views
What happens when you save a MP3 with a higher quaility?
When a lossy audio track (of unknown quality) is imported into software and and saved as a (possibly) higher quaility after editing, what happens?
Obviously I know it can't have any more 'quality' ...
5
votes
2answers
244 views
Why does higher quality audio have lower volume?
Anecdotally I've noticed that higher quality videos, whether be a 1080p HD video on the TV or a BluRay rip on a computer, the volume seems to be lower than a standard quality video. I've noticed this ...
5
votes
3answers
4k views
How do I write up a shot list?
I am writing a script for a short movie. How do I write a shooting script? Is it needed? What is the difference between a script and a shooting script?
5
votes
1answer
374 views
What are those switches on my microphone, having something to do with directions?
My microphone (M-audio Solaris) has this switch with 3 different pictures/diagrams (it's not volume, neither lowcut). I think it has something to do with directions from where the microphone records ...
5
votes
2answers
2k views
What do I need to make reasonable quality amateur recordings of vocals/piano to put on Youtube?
I have been recording myself playing piano and posting to Youtube, just so friends can take a look at how my progress is with the instrument for the most part, but also to post tutorials for some ...
5
votes
3answers
142 views
Individual performing complete band performance (eg rock) by sequentially recording each instrument
Can a single person record a rock song on their own?
Here is how I imagine it: A musician records one instrument (e.g. bass), then has the recording played and mixed with the sound of the next ...
5
votes
2answers
1k views
How do I mic a violin?
I have a Royer R-122 ribbon. My wife is a violinist, and I would love some tips on how to properly mike her violin for recording and mixing. I understand that ribbons are a little picky, so I would ...
5
votes
6answers
517 views
What key features should I look for when purchasing a mic for podcasting?
I'm looking to set up a podcast, and want to get started with the right equipment. My problem is I have no idea what I'm looking for in a mic, and what other things I need to record good quality ...
5
votes
2answers
909 views
What the difference between the types of dithering algorithms in Logic Pro?
I understand what the dithering process does, but I'm not clear what the difference is between the different types available when you are bouncing a project for export.
5
votes
3answers
70 views
Can someone explain 'phase' and related terminology in audio production?
I've looked a lot of places for info about this, and I've never found anything that was clear and satisfactory.
I've been working with various DAW software for awhile and I always run into 'invert ...
5
votes
2answers
147 views
How to improve live sound within poor stage layout?
A local venue has live music for rock bands, but the sound is very muddy and unclear.
I think a lot of the sound problems are due to the position of the stage, which is push back into the wall, like ...
5
votes
2answers
142 views
How do I generate a chord (one bit)?
for a project, I am trying to generate a sound by directly accessing a loudspeaker.
I can send a one-bit signal to the speaker and I know how to generate simple sounds by controlling the frequency ...
5
votes
3answers
200 views
I'm not happy with Final Cut Pro (X). What are my options?
I'm a editor who has been editing with Final Cut Pro for the last couple of years and I'm not impressed with the new Final Cut Pro X. I'm interested in looking for another NLE, such as Avid or ...
5
votes
2answers
11k views
6 ohm speakers and 8 ohm receiver
I have a Sony Receiver STR-710 and by specification it's 8 ohm only and output power 6 x 100 Watts . I'm wondering should I buy two pairs of Yamaha NS-777 speakers which are 6 ohm 100/250 Watts.
Will ...
5
votes
3answers
308 views
Filter applause from videos
I asked this question before on stackoverflow ( http://stackoverflow.com/questions/5299338/filter-applause-from-videos ) and got the hint to ask it here:
I am currently watching a video from
...
5
votes
4answers
632 views
How do I make my guitar sound as smooth as possible?
I am doing a guitar track that I want to put a reverse reverb effect on. In order to do this I record the guitar, put heavy reverb on it, bounce, reverse, put heavy reverb on that, then bounce and ...
5
votes
2answers
3k views
How can I get good reverb with audacity?
I am looking for a simple way to get reverb from audacity - similar to a guitar amp that just has a knob from 1 to 10. Is GVerb the correct effect to use for this? It looks too complicated and sounds ...
5
votes
2answers
341 views
Podcast recording tips
What would be the best affordable setup for recording a 3-4 person podcast all in one room?
I think my main problems are with the hardware...
I've tried a few things: using a condenser (Samson C01U ...
5
votes
2answers
1k views
Rendering vs. recording in ableton live?
In Ableton Live, it seems like I get better (clearer, louder, better dynamics) results when I route and record my master track to an audio track instead of using the "render-to-disk" function.
Has ...
5
votes
3answers
248 views
What's the difference between dynamic and condensor microphones?
When someone talks about a dynamic or condenser microphone, what do they mean?
How do these classes microphones differ, and are they used for different things?
Are there any more subdivisions of ...
5
votes
1answer
157 views
Is it wrong to use compression on the master bus?
I've read some pretty conflicting statements about what people should or shouldn't do when it comes to putting effects on the master bus. In general, what I always do is put on a compressor but have ...
5
votes
1answer
133 views
What equipment do I need to be able to produce 'HD quality' videos?
For starters, please forgive me if this question is very amateurish - if they sound that way, that's because I am an amateur.
I would like to start shooting some webisodes in my garage and want to ...
5
votes
1answer
182 views
Reproducing a reverb/echo
This question is pretty specific so i'm not sure if this question will be appreciated or not, apologies if not.
Let's start with a little background:
I'm trying to record my voice and and using ...
5
votes
1answer
376 views
How to Change Pitch Bend in MIDI?
I use Kontakt 4 to play a guitar on my keyboard on my song. So, naturally I use MIDI. I've recorded the whole song a couple of times and it's perfect except for one movement with the pitchbend knob on ...
5
votes
1answer
652 views
Will a magnetically shielded studio monitor mess up my hard drive?
This may be a noob question and if it is, bear with me. :)
I've got a pair of M-Audio Studiophile AV-40s that I'm wanting to put on my desk. The product description on Musician's Friend says...
...
5
votes
4answers
247 views
Online Collaboration Sites
Does anyone have any recommendations for online collaboration sites, to cover both the creative and production side of songwriting, using native DAW files?
I'm interested in asynchronous (rather ...
5
votes
1answer
121 views
Recommendations for good “bad monitors”?
To make sure the songs still sound OK on crap systems like small radios and computer speakers I've been listening to recordings through my computers speakers, a surprisingly good value €50 Creative ...
5
votes
1answer
153 views
Keeping multitrack files online
I'm in the middle or recording an album, and my bandmate is in the next county. I'm currently using box.net to share mixes with him, but I have no easy way of sharing the multitrack files.
I've got ...
5
votes
3answers
58 views
Side chaining noise gate
I'm trying to understand side chains and I think I have figured out a useful situation where to use it, ideally I'd like some one to confirm if this an appropriate use or at least, I've understood the ...
5
votes
3answers
64 views
Proper way to wear Grado headphones?
I recently bought the Grado Prestige Series RS2i after having only used in-ear Shure's. I love the sound, really love them, but find that after about an hour they start to hurt my ears, probably ...
5
votes
3answers
185 views
Looking for an 80's VHS effect!
I'm looking for a way to turn an HD video clip into 80's style VHS low-quality.
Here is an example of the look I'm desperately looking for:
...
5
votes
3answers
76 views
What video editing software allows for easy alignment of visual transitions with the soundtrack?
When editing video projects, I always try to align the transitions between cuts with the music. The timing of how fast the transitions happen and exactly when they appear should often be made to ...
