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General Recording Information | Vocals | Music (Layering Instruments)



This page contains basic information relating to recording music and songs at home.  I have drawn from my studio recording history and home recording experience to make this page available for those interested in the challenging and very rewarding pursuit of recording music.

 



General Recording Equipment
The quality of the recording depends a lot on the equipment you use to record.  I use a FA66 music interface (a device that is like a sound card) that connects to a computer to record my easy listening music.  Software is required to take the sound information to store on the computer that can be later edited.  It's important to get familiar with your software - I use Magix Music Studio 10 Deluxe because it has great features, is cost effective and is easy to use.  Music is created by me laying one track at a time using this method.

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Vocals
Vocals are always recorded after the music is finalised.  Most important you need to be relaxed and use good posture.  A studio microphone is desirable but not essential, however you only get out what you put in and depending on what you put it in with!  I use an ADK Vienna LE, a Chinese microphone that is relatively inexpensive and has great reviews (studio microphone).  I was very impressed with the quality and so was my country music singer, and legendary guitarist Johnny Kaye who runs his own recording studio.  Positioning of your microphone is also important - you should be about 15-30cm from the microphone and you should use a pop filter on your microphone stand to get rid of harsh sounds.

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Layering Instruments
Always begin with the drum beat (if you can) I use a drum machine (ZOOM RT-223) and it's been really good, great samples and features.  Easy enough to use as well.  Be sure the tempo (timing) is right as this is basis of your music.  Next add in the rhythm guitar (you should have at least two to give the music a fuller sound).  The next layer most often added is bass guitar that goes with the drums to 'drive' the song.  Next any other instruments should be added to your easy listening music - piano, fiddle etc.  Another key ingredient is having a melody (notes played to enhance the music and singing).  Vocals are added after the music is finalised.

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Other tips you'd like to add or you have a comment.  Click here to email country music singer Brett Butler so he can add these to the site.