Any bands/bassists here do their own recording/mixing? Question for you?

Fassa Albrecht · #1 02-14-2009, 12:51 PM

This is going to seem like a clear-cut 'yes' but if you read the post...

Anyway, I have been offered Cubase software and also some instruction on it.
I'm tempted to learn it but I have some reservations about learning a difficult pro-standard piece of software, particularly as it seems excessive for what I would personally like to do.

I'm also unsure about this in terms of professionalism too. If I am making an album, is it better to go to a pro-studio where the sound engineers do this day-in, day-out and get a pro-level sounding CD, or would it be a safer and much personalised idea to do it ourselves?

Kenji · #2 02-14-2009, 12:58 PM

I learned cubase fairly easy and quickly its not that hard of a program. And on the studio, go ahead if you have the money for it, the results will probably be better but like i said $$$$

jazzbo58 · #3 02-14-2009, 01:14 PM

I work out a lot of the preproduction on my home studio(24 track DAW). Such as working out parts, number of tracks needed etc. I would definitely go to a pro studio to record, mix & master. Good luck with whatever road you go down!

Cheers,
Jim

ultrabass6 · #4 02-14-2009, 01:25 PM

We got a Presonus Firestudio which is a digital interface that lets you record 8 tracks simutaniously and converts into a digital signal. You can then put those tracks into any program you want. The easiest program that still lets you add effects and do mixing is GarageBand (Mixcraft for Windows). You can learn this program in about 10 minutes but of course mastering it takes a lifetime. It is a fun way to get into it. Mixing and mastering takes a pro to get pro results but an amatuer and get really good results. We record and mix down all or our live shows but for an album (cd's I mean) I would definetly use a pro.

Stumbo · #5 02-14-2009, 01:52 PM

Learning software is one thing, getting the mics and all the other equipment together for recording is another.

For starters, I would keep it simple and inexpensive. Anything else will cost bunches of time and money.

Here's a few TB links that may enlighten you.

best free recording software Cheap but good recording software

The Big Free Music Related Software Thread Free music software thread

Zoom h2 Recording your rehearsals/practice/gigs

Stumbo · #6 02-14-2009, 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ultrabass6

We got a Presonus Firestudio which is a digital interface that lets you record 8 tracks simutaniously....GarageBand

From what I've seen, the 8 channel mixer runs about $1,000 and GarageBand runs a few hundred.

Nick Kay · #7 02-14-2009, 01:57 PM

Learning something new is rarely, if ever, a bad idea. Nothing wrong with more education, especially if you don't have to pay for it.

On the DIY vs. professional issue... A lot of albums have the drums tracked in a big studio's "A" room, everything else cut and mixed at a project studio (with an awesome front-end, just not the huge overhead involved in a big studio), and mastering done at a big-name mastering house. You probably wouldn't want to do everything yourself, since you're obviously not going to be as well-versed in the art as a professional engineer or producer. But the more you know, the more hands-on you can be in the process.

ultrabass6 · #8 02-14-2009, 02:00 PM

Presonus Firestudio is $500 and GarageBand is $65

ColdSteelRain · #9 02-14-2009, 03:19 PM

It'll cost you less to have pros do a CD.

You can get good results with a home studio and just a couple thousand $ in gear, but it'll take you a few years experience to get to a decent level of quality in your ability to record and mix, much less master.

If you're interested in doing your own demos, You-Tube, etc., go for it, but realize you'll put in as much money and effort as learning to play a new instrument.

FenderP · #10 02-14-2009, 11:36 PM

A big part of going into the studio is you are not wearing a zillion hats. Don't get me wrong, I love to record, use equipment, but like others have posted, it's much cheaper to go into a studio to do a serious project. If you're just recording some quick demos for Myspace or to get out there, it's one thing if time is of the essence.

At the end of the day you arguably want to worry more about your performances, and assuming you find a studio with an engineer you trust, let them worry about capturing it.

It will help if you or someone else in the band has a clue when you walk in the studio to be involved in the process.

I have generally recorded at aroung $50/hr. Basic tracking if you guys are good should probably cost you in the area of $1000 at that rate, figure at least half to equal that for mixing, and then mastering.

Yes, you can get equipment for that price, but if you're learning it as you are recording, is it the right thing to do for that project?

Jehos · #11 02-17-2009, 08:02 AM

If you haven't figured it out from the posts above, buy recording gear and do it yourself *only if* you want to learn how to record. Otherwise it makes more sense to go to the studio.

I personally enjoy learning to record and I'm setting up a decent little home studio. For the money I've spent so far, we could have cut 1 or maybe 2 full CDs at a local studio.

starvingbassist · #12 02-17-2009, 11:52 AM

I would take the program and use for preproduction or getting down song ideas. that's what my band has been doing so every one knows exactly what they are doing so there is no wasting of time and money in the studio. also you can make everyone really tight together by making them practice what songs they will be tracking and make sure to push for perfection, it will help in the long run. it is a really good tool for sitting back listening to all the parts and structure of the song and fixing things that don't work. it will make you a better player/song writer overall