Hi Steve, Thanks for the email about the “Yes We Can” videos on YouTube.  They were very educational.  Everyone involved in the production did a great job. I wanted to ask you a few questions about some of my observations: 1.      I noticed you started out recording vocals with an SM7 then later […]

Greetings Wise One: Have you ever used the Glyn John's method of recording drums?  I've been trying to use it.  It seems simple but there seems to be real problems with phase coherence, in particular if you are recording in a small space. IF you have ver used it, does one place one overhead directly […]

So if I'm recording with the Blumlein set up, do I need to set the pans to the hard right and left and switch the polarities like you do with the mid-side technique or is it something different? The Blumlein technique only requires two figure of eight pattern microphones, placed as close together as possible […]

I've been experimenting with the  mid-side (MS) recording method. So I understand how to do it.  When I look at the phase relationship of the three signals on a spectral form (in Ozone 3), the signal is out of phase. When I hit the mono activator just the middle mic is remaining.  Should the overall […]

I have a question regarding order of effects on the stereo output channel. I have Ozone 3 which is a "mastering" plug in. It contains a graphic EQ, some compressors, reverb, etc. I also have a separate compressor which I like to use to add a little kick to the mix and even out the […]

First a thanks.  I wrote you a few months back about a good "all-around" mic.  Among many suggestions, you mentioned that AT4050.  I did some additional research and decided to try that mic.  I really like it -sweet tone, easy to use, somewhat affordable. Next a question about micing a guitar amp.  Do you have […]

I`m using a Rode NTK with Focusrite RED 7 pre.The vocals sound harsh and after cutting  4K and above the vocals sound lifeless/muddy with the mid frequencies 400 to 1500hz accentuated.Is this because of cutting the hi mid or because the room accentuates these frequencies? What can I do to solve the problem? The first […]

One of the problems with recording technology today is that you can have pretty much unlimited audio and MIDI tracks. Today's computers and hard drives are more than fast enough to easily handle 100 audio tracks or more, and virtually unlimited MIDI tracks, all at the same time. The problem with that is that many […]

A collection of random recording tips to make your songs sound better. You must remember that in recording, the sound quality is only going to be as good as the weakest link in your recording chain. To improve your sound quality, start at the source. If the source itself doesn't sound good, then no amount […]

Often on newgroups or forums, people will ask how to achieve a certain vocal sound.  The following is my reply to one such post where someone was looking to achieve that contemporary up front, in your face sound, that is also wide (stereo) sounding and has some depth to it. Although trying to make the […]