My playing also suffers somewhat when I am wearing the "musician" and "engineer" hats simultaneously. It is a challenge to play with the emotion/passion that I know I am capable of, when half my brain is focused on recording.

But, with that said, I do enjoy the recording process, especially mixing and mastering. Even though my home studio remains Old School in some respects, I've significantly upgraded it in the past year and look forward to recording and releasing a quality (HulaHounds) project in 2015.

I've learned quite a bit the past several months on how to improve my recording, mixing and mastering techniques from a friend who operates a "real" pro studio. I have been fortunate to record some bass tracks for a another friend's album project there and it has been a lot of fun...no buttons to push, just 100% focus on the music.

Jack Booth
(aka WoodyJ)

The Mariners (1964-68, 1996-2005)
The Hula Hounds (1996-current)
The X-Rays (1997-2004)
The Surge! (2004, 2011-2012)
Various non-surf bands that actually made money (1978-1990)

What did I get myself into?

This is Noel. Reverb's at maximum an' I'm givin' 'er all she's got.

Last edited: Dec 13, 2014 15:49:52

Listening to some things later and (having progressed) thinking:
"AHHHH!"

When a musician or group goes back in & re-does/re-masters something everyone else thought was "very nice" - I totally get that now.
The result is satisfying but sometimes the courtship is rocky.

Wes
SoCal ex-pat with a snow shovel

DISCLAIMER: The above is opinion/suggestion only & should not be used for mission planning/navigation, tweaking of instruments, beverage selection, or wardrobe choices.

I sure am glad that I am not alone here..........

Well, except for Pollo and SPskins and a few other exceptional people not from this planet.

Ed

Traditional........speak softly and play through a big blonde amp. Did I mention that I still like big blonde amps?

I'm not a big fan of recording in the studio. I kind of like the idea, but the reality can be a tedious energy sapping experience. And it has to be perfect - you can't listen to a mistake and ignore it on a recording.

I'm always amazed how bands can create songs and whole albums in a studio. I always have a 'time is money' clock going that makes me rush everything. I think recording with a producer would make it easier - having someone tell you what's good and what's not. Doing it all yourself is hard.

Nice to see people here have a similar opinion and experience as me!

Lately I've been recording at home on a Mac and Garageband. I think the results are pretty good (compared to my 4 track tape machine!) but would it be good enough for a CD? I've been considering putting them out as MP3 downloads though...

http://thewaterboarders.bandcamp.com/

stratdancer wrote:

Now it seems much of the music is being played on earbuds or a computer.

Interesting point, along with car audio. Funny thing is, the older I get, the more I'd like to replace the capability I had back when top-notch audiophile gear was cheap during my military career. I may have to rebuild that capability with the replacement of tape with CD player. Long-term enjoyment as good or better than many instrument/amp-related acquisitions. I think the smaller systems don't convey some Showman's output transformer shaking the walls, but I could just be deaf.

Wes
SoCal ex-pat with a snow shovel

DISCLAIMER: The above is opinion/suggestion only & should not be used for mission planning/navigation, tweaking of instruments, beverage selection, or wardrobe choices.

stratdancer wrote:

You are right Badge. One of the great pleasures of listening to good music on a great system is when the sound waves hit your chest. Earbuds don't do that.

That's what live music is for!

http://thewaterboarders.bandcamp.com/

da-ron wrote:

That's what live music is for!

Gets your heart beating and if it's good, a rush of adrenalin.

The Kahuna Kings

https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Kahuna-Kings/459752090818447

https://thekahunakings.bandcamp.com/releases

da-ron wrote:

I'm not a big fan of recording in the studio. I kind of like the idea, but the reality can be a tedious energy sapping experience. And it has to be perfect - you can't listen to a mistake and ignore it on a recording.

I could prove you wrong on that one...I CAN (listen to a mistake and ignore it)!! ha ha!

I'm always amazed how bands can create songs and whole albums in a studio. I always have a 'time is money' clock going that makes me rush everything. I think recording with a producer would make it easier - having someone tell you what's good and what's not. Doing it all yourself is hard.

Our recording is DIY, so it doesn't cost money; just time. We all have day jobs, families, etc., so time is the main stress factor. When we book a day to record and have all the gear set up, we NEED to get our tunes recorded. We knocked out eight songs in a day (including a lunch break and setting up and breaking down) last time we recorded. I'm not sure I'd want to attempt that many songs on the same day again.

We are required to be our own producer, which I think actually works out pretty well since we are all our own worst critics, and we know our own limitations and abilities better than anyone else (including an outside producer). If any of us think we messed up and can do better the next take, we record the song again. Fortunately, virtual tape costs nothing and hard drive space is plentiful, so there is no need to erase a previous "take" before we do another.

Nice to see people here have a similar opinion and experience as me!

Lately I've been recording at home on a Mac and Garageband. I think the results are pretty good (compared to my 4 track tape machine!) but would it be good enough for a CD? I've been considering putting them out as MP3 downloads though...

My opinion is that if you have a good computer interface, decent mic preamp, and a reasonably good quality mic, it's easy to get professional results recording guitar and bass. Drums are a little bit more difficult and require more gear.

www.apollo4.com

Last edited: Dec 15, 2014 07:47:23

I love playing live, but recording is