DIY Recording Guys

Download the free Rights and Royalties eBook here:https://www.kharazmusic.productions/rights-and-royaltiesVadim's website: https://www.kharazmusic.productions/

We've had an absolute blast making this podcast. It's given us ample opportunity to learn. To teach. To meet new people around the world. Now it's time move on....but not before we reminisce and, of course, share some favorite tips and tricks. Where to Find the GuysFree DIY Recording eBook: https://www.howtorecordyourband.comVadim's Studio Site - Get your FREE test mix today! - https://www.calmfrogrecording.comBenjamin's Studio Site - https://www.dreamloudstudio.comLeave a rating. Be a friend - http://www.getpodcast.reviews/id/1494761702Book a free coaching call: https://calendly.com/diyrg/diyrg45

Ever wish you could just use your OWN drum kit sounds in a VI or sampler like Slate Trigger?Ben did. On this episode he talks about how to do it and what he learned.Where to Find the GuysFree DIY Recording eBook: https://www.howtorecordyourband.comVadim's Studio Site - Get your FREE test mix today! - https://www.calmfrogrecording.comBenjamin's Studio Site - https://www.dreamloudstudio.comLeave a rating. Be a friend - http://www.getpodcast.reviews/id/1494761702Book a free coaching call: https://calendly.com/diyrg/diyrg45

After more than a decade of using Pro Tools, Vadim has switched to Reaper as his DAW. At the time of this recording he'd had less than 2 weeks and only 1 mix under his belt but the impact was clear: Reaper was going to be his new DAW for the next decade. On this episode you'll learn: Why Vadim finally decided to try another DAW 10 of the features that caught his attention in the first 10 days of use How Reaper stacks up to Pro Tools and Studio One Considerations for whether YOU should switch DAWs Where to Find the GuysFree DIY Recording eBook: https://www.howtorecordyourband.comVadim's Studio Site - Get your FREE test mix today! - https://www.calmfrogrecording.comBenjamin's Studio Site - https://www.dreamloudstudio.comLeave a rating. Be a friend - http://www.getpodcast.reviews/id/1494761702Book a free coaching call: https://calendly.com/diyrg/diyrg45

Conventional advice on compression often boils down to: "don't squash the life out of your tracks with over-compression" and "buy THIS plug-in because it adds that extra special sweet saucy goodness to your tracks!"But why ARE we actually compressing our tracks? The truth is, many DIY productions actually suffer from under-compression and it's because 1: compression is hard to hear so people don't trust themselves with it and 2: we lose track of the WHY...as in why are we compressing? In this episode Vadim breaks down arguably the two most important reasons to apply compression to your tracks and the practical ways to employ them in your workflow. You will learn: Three common reasons compression is used and why the first two are the most important and often least-talked about How to set up a static mix and what "flags" to look for that hint at compression being a solution Why applying compression before you even start mixing can make the process easier (and more fun) OK. OK. Some fun, sexy tips on what compressors do what and when to reach for them Where to Find the GuysFree DIY Recording eBook: https://www.howtorecordyourband.comVadim's Studio Site - Get your FREE test mix today! - https://www.calmfrogrecording.comBenjamin's Studio Site - https://www.dreamloudstudio.comLeave a rating. Be a friend - http://www.getpodcast.reviews/id/1494761702Book a free coaching call: https://calendly.com/diyrg/diyrg45

Reverb can seem simple...it's just a washy effect, right? Sure. It could be that but it's also so much more. From being your "backwards/forwards" lever, to creating texture, to adding thickness, to creating an illusion of space, reverb ends up being one of the most important parts of a well-crafted production. Oh. And there's like a dozen different kinds. But don't worry! On this episode, we'll help you navigate this complicated landscape. On this episode you will learn: About the different kinds of reverb and why the sound different form one another 5 different reasons to reach for a reverb plug-in in a mix Workflow best-practices (and why some of them are over-rated) Key reverb parameters, what they do and how to set them Where to Find the GuysFree DIY Recording eBook: https://www.howtorecordyourband.comVadim's Studio Site - Get your FREE test mix today! - https://www.calmfrogrecording.comBenjamin's Studio Site - https://www.dreamloudstudio.comLeave a rating. Be a friend - http://www.getpodcast.reviews/id/1494761702

Sometimes you hear a song that sounds so huge your jaw drops. How did they do that? The answer is almost always: layers. And while all of this is more art than science, there are a few guidelines to keep in mind when building layers that will help your quest. On this episode you will learn What different elements can be layered for impact. These include frequency, harmonic content, stereo field, front/back depth field Why keeping things simple is important When to copy/paste MIDI performances for layers vs when to record live Examples of different ways to use layers effectively Why layers are not only the key to impact and size but also to originality And more! Where to Find the GuysFree DIY Recording eBook: https://www.howtorecordyourband.comVadim's Studio Site - Get your FREE test mix today! - https://www.calmfrogrecording.comBenjamin's Studio Site - https://www.dreamloudstudio.comLeave a rating. Be a friend - http://www.getpodcast.reviews/id/1494761702

OK. It's not the most sexy part of producing music but it's one of the most important. There's an amazing thing that happens when you've finished editing the tracks in a song and hit play for the first time: it starts to sound like a SONG. Even before compression, before EQ, before that sexy saturation trick you learned from Johnny Lots-o-Grammys, things will start to sound GOOD after some proper editing. And this feels amazing and helps you build momentum going into a mix. On this episode, you will learn:  Why editing is as ethical as putting on a nice outfit for a job interview Why editing, while tedious, can actually be a huge time saver The different types of edits pretty much every production can use The difference between slip editing and time-warp editing (hint: both are incredibly useful) Different types of cross-fades and how to use them effectively  Tips for editing vocals - like what to do about all those harsh s sounds piling up.  How to get rid of the little rip or warble that happens sometimes when two clips are overlapping How to use "masking" to determine where to put edit points.  And more! Where to Find the GuysFree DIY Recording eBook: https://www.howtorecordyourband.comVadim's Studio Site - Get your FREE test mix today! - https://www.calmfrogrecording.comBenjamin's Studio Site - https://www.dreamloudstudio.comLeave a rating. Be a friend - http://www.getpodcast.reviews/id/1494761702

Critical listening is the ultimate skill of the recording enthusiast and headphones are the tool we trust most to enable this skill. Why? Well, because most of us are not working in ideal spaces and it's much easier to get an objective (and affordable) perspective in headphones. But what kind of headphones should we use? The answer depends in large part on application - although some designs do tend to serve us better than others. If you asked me 4 months ago, I would have told you to stay away from ear bud designs in the studio. The sound quality out of those things just tends to be too poor for a studio reference tool (thought they're obviously great for jogging, traveling, etc.,). However, today, our friends at Flare Audio have developed a new ear bud called the E Prototype which has completely blown me away. In the first part of this episode, Vadim chats with Davies Roberts of Flare Audio about the problem with traditional headphone designs and how they were able to overcome them with the E Prototypes. In the second part Vadim talks about some best practices and tips and tricks for working in headphones in YOUR studio. If you're interested in the E Prototypes, buy them through our affiliate link:https://www.flareaudio.com/products/e-prototype?sca_ref=676476.z8WJgmm5HeWhere to Find the GuysFree DIY Recording eBook: https://www.howtorecordyourband.comVadim's Studio Site - Get your FREE test mix today! - https://www.calmfrogrecording.comBenjamin's Studio Site - https://www.dreamloudstudio.comLeave a rating. Be a friend - http://www.getpodcast.reviews/id/1494761702

More episodes en route. But first I need more coffee...

Reference tracks. The internet forums are full of wisdom regarding using references (whether to or not, when, how, etc.,). References play an important part in the workflows of both Ben and Vadim - throughout the ENTIRE audio production process from ideas to final master. They've picked some of their favorite tips and best practices and share them on this episode. In this episode you will learn: How to use references to aid your song-writing and producing process Compelling reasons to use references How to use references during recording to help choose tones What makes a good reference (it's more than just "a song you like") How to use references during mixing - including workflow tips down to the mechanics of pulling songs into your session Additional hidden benefits of having a comprehensive list of reference tracks A list of some of our favorite reference tracks in various genres And more! Where to Find the GuysFree DIY Recording eBook: https://www.howtorecordyourband.comVadim's Studio Site - Get your FREE test mix today! - https://www.calmfrogrecording.comBenjamin's Studio Site - https://www.dreamloudstudio.comLeave a rating. Be a friend - http://www.getpodcast.reviews/id/1494761702

Well. Another year has come and gone. In many way, nothing has changed. The pandemic is still here and we're still trying to get even better vocal takes. Still, we've learned many important lessons, uncovered new challenges for the coming year and bought one or two things we shouldn't have. Hear all about it on this episode and, from everyone at DIYRG, we wish you a happy and healthy new year and success in all of your recording and non-recording ventures. Where to Find the GuysFree DIY Recording eBook: https://www.howtorecordyourband.comVadim's Studio Site - Get your FREE test mix today! - https://www.calmfrogrecording.comBenjamin's Studio Site - https://www.dreamloudstudio.comLeave a rating. Be a friend - http://www.getpodcast.reviews/id/1494761702

Want to try mixing with outboard gear but don't have any? Sure you do! Every guitar pedal can be used as outboard gear for awesomely creative results. In this episode you will learn: What people mean when they say "outboard gear"...and why you actually probably have some - even if you thought you didn't Why you may want to try using outboard gear if you never have Several ways to use pedals as outboard gear - even WITHOUT a reamp box! Creative ideas to try using this technique Why the internet is wrong when it tells you you CAN'T use outboard gear with a 2 channel interface (you actually can!) Where to Find the GuysFree DIY Recording eBook: https://www.howtorecordyourband.comVadim's Studio Site - Get your FREE test mix today! - https://www.calmfrogrecording.comBenjamin's Studio Site - https://www.dreamloudstudio.comLeave a rating. Be a friend - http://www.getpodcast.reviews/id/1494761702

The room where you mix your music is a sacred space. A temple to your craft. It wants to be honest. It needs to be pleasant to spend long periods of time. On this episode you will get a solid, start-to-finish strategy for setting up (or refining) your mixing space. You will learn: How to select a room How to choose a listening position in that room How to set up your speakers Where to focus your acoustic treatment efforts How to deal with pesky acoustics problems What a "good" room measurement will look like And more! Resources we mention: Room layout tool: https://roomplanner.com/ Room mode calculator: https://amcoustics.com/tools/amroc Jesco's Bass Hunter Technique: https://www.acousticsinsider.com/fixing-low-end-without-knowing-acoustics/ Low Frequency Sine Sweeps: https://cambridge-mt.com/ms/ch3/ Room EQ Wizard: https://www.roomeqwizard.com/ Where to Find the GuysFree DIY Recording eBook: https://www.howtorecordyourband.comVadim's Studio Site - Get your FREE test mix today! - https://www.calmfrogrecording.comBenjamin's Studio Site - https://www.dreamloudstudio.comLeave a rating. Be a friend - http://www.getpodcast.reviews/id/1494761702

It can be really difficult to isolate a specific instrument from a finished mix...and that's kind of the point! A mix is like a stew, it should taste like a stew - not like a bunch of individual ingredients. Wouldn't it be cool if you could isolate individual instruments of a finished mix and hear what they sound like solo'd? We thought so too! That's what we do in this episode. You will learn: How to decide between double tracking and quad tracking How mixed drums sound and what big changes are made to the kick and snare How to get wider, thicker, more interesting vocal mixes How additional layers can help "fill in the cracks" of a mix What unmixed vs mixed stems sound like Artist: Dan Casagrande - Fading AwayWhere to Find the GuysFree DIY Recording eBook: https://www.howtorecordyourband.comVadim's Studio Site - Get your FREE test mix today! - https://www.calmfrogrecording.comBenjamin's Studio Site - https://www.dreamloudstudio.comLeave a rating. Be a friend - http://www.getpodcast.reviews/id/1494761702

Plugins, microphones, outboard gear. These are the tools of our trade. If you fancy yourself a craftsman, then you probably love tools of your craft. You probably watch videos and get served ads. You probably pay attention to what others are using. You've also probably amassed a hefty collection yourself! We know we have. On this week's episode we do some soul searching on why we love some tools and why our relationship with others didn't quite pan out. You will learn: How to categorize and think about tools you already have or are considering getting Good and bad reasons to consider new tools How to make sure you're reaching for the "right" tool for a given a job Why you may want to avoid "Swiss Army Knife" tools What are some of the key tools that Ben and Vadim love in their studios Questions to ask yourself when considering new tools Where to Find the GuysFree DIY Recording eBook: https://www.howtorecordyourband.comVadim's Studio Site - Get your FREE test mix today! - https://www.calmfrogrecording.comBenjamin's Studio Site - https://www.dreamloudstudio.comLeave a rating. Be a friend - http://www.getpodcast.reviews/id/1494761702

Before the days of DIY, recording music could be a more intense process. Bands were prepared to spend weeks or even months in a studio trying different instruments, different amps, different mic techniques, different arrangements, etc., - all before ever hitting RECORD. Mixing, on the other hand, was more about achieving balance between those carefully produced tracks. Today, it's the exact opposite. We tend to throw together pristine digital recordings as quickly as possible and the QUICKLY move onto the sexy mixing phase. ...but what if there was a hybrid approach that could be more fun and get you a more satisfying result? In this episode, you will learn: How the process of making records has evolved (and three reasons why) An alternative approach and it's possible advantages A recent case study from Vadim's studio and what he learned Tips for employing the "day two" method in your own work process The key mindset shift that is required for this process to work - it's an easy one. Where to Find the GuysFree DIY Recording eBook: https://www.howtorecordyourband.comVadim's Studio Site - Get your FREE test mix today! - https://www.calmfrogrecording.comBenjamin's Studio Site - https://www.dreamloudstudio.comLeave a rating. Be a friend - http://www.getpodcast.reviews/id/1494761702

If you've just been sticking to open guitar chords and pentatonic scales then you're cooking with salt and pepper. What if you had a whole arsenal of spices to work with? Sure you might make some weird meals at first but you'd probably also make some pretty memorable ones - and over time, you'd learn when to use (and not use) certain spices. Hint: NEVER use star anise. That stuff will ruin anything. In the last episode Ben gave us a high level overview and what's included in this monster we call "music theory". This time, he pulls out his guitar and talks about specific modes, scales and paths from note to note which allow us (as songwriters and performers) to change the mood or character of a composition or performance. You will learn: What the difference is between a major scale and a minor scale and how to convert one to the other.  Some helpful memory techniques for distinguishing intervals (these even work for the relatively tone deaf) What the different modes within a key are and some helpful memory joggers from pop culture Ways for guitarists and bassists to use modes Chord notations. How to interpret what you see in chord charts and why you don't need memorization to figure out what to p lay The secret behind why power chords and pentatonic scales are always safe bets to get you out of jams (like salt and pepper in cooking) Where to Find the GuysFree DIY Recording eBook: https://www.howtorecordyourband.comVadim's Studio Site - Get your FREE test mix today! - https://www.calmfrogrecording.comBenjamin's Studio Site - https://www.dreamloudstudio.comLeave a rating. Be a friend - http://www.getpodcast.reviews/id/1494761702

Many of us had unpleasant run-ins with music theory through involuntary music lessons as kids but is it actually useful as a studio tool? Maybe. Sometimes. It's a tool that can help you out of arrangement and production jams. Stuck trying to figure out which chord to play next in a progression? Need to get a bassline that will work with your vocal melody? Theory can help. In this episode, Ben takes us through the three basic elements of music theory: Tempo, Meter and Key. You will learn: Why theory is becoming more and more important for the DIY bedroom producer The definition of music theory - and why Vadim disagrees with it How tempo relates to meter How common meters dictate "feels" in Western music  How to use meters to create unique arrangements - and some famous examples The basics of keys and how they subdivide the 12 notes in music and allow the creation of a "mood" The circle of fifths finally explained in a way that even Vadim can understand and how to use it to help you determine what key a piece of music is in Where to Find the GuysFree DIY Recording eBook: https://www.howtorecordyourband.comVadim's Studio Site - Get your FREE test mix today! - https://www.calmfrogrecording.comBenjamin's Studio Site - https://www.dreamloudstudio.comLeave a rating. Be a friend - http://www.getpodcast.reviews/id/1494761702

Neve. SSL. API. 1176. LA2A. Pultec. We've all heard these names. We've all seen the countless plug-ins that emulate them. How did these names become so coveted in the recording world? Is there really an audible difference or is it all clever marketing? These are just some of the questions we had for gear lover/designer/inventor Brad McGowan of Louder Than Liftoff. Louder Than Liftoff is a company that asked the question: "What is it about classic gear that people ACTUALLY want?". They then went ahead and designed a bunch of gear that gives you classic goodness for a modern workflow. On this episode, you will learn: About Brad's own journey in learning to "hear" the difference between pieces of classic gear What is it that we're actually finding pleasing about analog gear and analog gear emulations The "Four T's of Tone" - Tubes, Transformers, Transistors and Tape How gear is designed and tuned Why you have to push gear and plugins to understand them Where to start if you're interested in experimenting with some analog gear And more! Where to Find Brad and Louder Than Liftoffhttps://store.louderthanliftoff.com/https://www.instagram.com/louderthanliftoff/Where to Find the GuysFree DIY Recording eBook: https://www.howtorecordyourband.comVadim's Studio Site - Get your FREE test mix today! - https://www.calmfrogrecording.comBenjamin's Studio Site - https://www.dreamloudstudio.comLeave a rating. Be a friend - http://www.getpodcast.reviews/id/1494761702

You know the feeling once you've felt it: that dragging in the back of your head when you just can't believe you have to set up the routing on all of those guitar tracks AGAIN. Didn't you just to do this for the last session? Can't you just jump right into the fun part? When you feel that dread of session setup tedium, what you're actually discovering is an opportunity to improve your workflow with templates. But that's not all! For an unlimited time only, there are lots of different uses for templates that will make your life easier and your music production process more fun. In this episode, you'll learn: About the various types of templates available to us in the studio What makes a template file type unique Various ways to use template files How to use a templated process without even creating a template file How to identify opportunities for templatization  The limits of templates The reasons people often fail at using templates Various tips and tricks from the guys' own templates Where to Find the GuysFree DIY Recording eBook: https://www.howtorecordyourband.comVadim's Studio Site - Get your FREE test mix today! - https://www.calmfrogrecording.comBenjamin's Studio Site - https://www.dreamloudstudio.comLeave a rating. Be a friend - http://www.getpodcast.reviews/id/1494761702

Sampling offers a ton of creative opportunities. We all know about downloadable samples that you can use to build out productions but literally anything you record can become a sample library. And any sample library can be an instrument that you can play using a MIDI controller. The possibilities are endless - which means results can vary. On this episode, you will learn: What "sampling" means How to avoid getting into trouble when using it How to create original sample libraries How to use sample libraries to create a one-of-a-kind virtual instrument that you can play using a MIDI controller Some cool ideas for sample sources How all of this information and knowledge can still get you the worst beat in recording history Where to Find the GuysFree DIY Recording eBook: https://www.howtorecordyourband.comVadim's Studio Site - Get your FREE test mix today! - https://www.calmfrogrecording.comBenjamin's Studio Site - https://www.dreamloudstudio.comLeave a rating. Be a friend - http://www.getpodcast.reviews/id/1494761702

One the key pieces of a successful production is maintaining the listener's attention effectively. There are many ways to do this - some subtle and others through a bit of gamesmanship and shock value - but if your production doesn't manage transitions effectively, you are guaranteed to lose the listener at some point. They won't know exactly WHY something isn't but they'll just feel like they're not into the song. The analog Ben used is when you're watching a movie and somethings looks blatantly CGI. You immediately get pulled out of the trance even though you may not be able to pinpoint why it looks fake. The good news is, we're here to help you navigate these waters!On this episode you will learn: Tips and tracks for spicing up transitions Tips and tricks for working with samples and still making your production unique Ideas for getting creative with song structure Ideas for changing the energy level through replacing elements like the snare, or the bass How to anchor in the melody of a busy synth section Tips and tracks for making vocals pop and accentuating certain lines And more! Today's song is brought to you courtesy of musical artist Anna Navarre and the wonderful production chops of our own Benjamin Hull from Dream Loud Studio.Where to Find the GuysFree DIY Recording eBook: https://www.howtorecordyourband.comVadim's Studio Site - Get your FREE test mix today! - https://www.calmfrogrecording.comBenjamin's Studio Site - https://www.dreamloudstudio.comLeave a rating. Be a friend - http://www.getpodcast.reviews/id/1494761702

Programmed drums have come a LONG way in the last decade. We use them all the time in our productions and they sound great but how do they hold up when compared to a live drummer?And, even if the live drummer is better, are the workflow hassles of setting up a kit and mics, having the drummer learn the part, being nice to the drummer, and then editing the drums on the back end worth it? Find out on this week's episode. You will learn: Why virtual instrument drums offer unparalleled flexibility Why a real drummer can change the energy of your production (for better or worse) A few ways to get programmed drums to sound a little more real Some challenges, tips and tricks associated with editing live drums Tips for minimizing mic bleed when recording a kit Tips for making a live kit sound even larger life Why a hybrid set up (using a live kit and reinforcing it with samples) might be a good option And more! Where to Find the GuysFree DIY Recording eBook: https://www.howtorecordyourband.comVadim's Studio Site - Get your FREE test mix today! - https://www.calmfrogrecording.comBenjamin's Studio Site - https://www.dreamloudstudio.comLeave a rating. Be a friend - http://www.getpodcast.reviews/id/1494761702

Revisions are perfectly natural. They're what happens when two people love a piece of music very much but don't completely agree on how it should sound when finished. These waters can be stressful to navigate. Do you push back on comments? Do you shrug and accept any feedback you're given? How do you communicate your opinion effectively, tactfully and while strengthening the relationship instead of hurting it. And guess what? These are waters you have to navigate even if you're completely DIY. You of Tomorrow will not agree with You of Yesterday. Don't panic! We're here to help. On this episode, you will learn: Best practices for record keeping when it comes to revisions Red flags in the revision process and how to navigate them When and how to communicate your opinion - both requesting changes having changes requested in your work How to build consensus Strategies for maximizing efficiency and minimizing the number of revisions required Why you shouldn't worry about taking things a bit personally. This stuff can be tough to hear and EVERYONE goes through the same emotions. That's why music is fun :) Where to Find the GuysFree DIY Recording eBook: https://www.howtorecordyourband.comVadim's Studio Site - Get your FREE test mix today! - https://www.calmfrogrecording.comBenjamin's Studio Site - https://www.dreamloudstudio.comLeave a rating. Be a friend - http://www.getpodcast.reviews/id/1494761702

The acoustic guitar! There are MANY ways to record this beautiful instrument - all perfectly usable. But which one is the right sound for YOUR project? This episode will point you firmly in the right direction. You will learn:  How different parts of the acoustic guitar sound when you point microphones at them How to get a great stereo sound out of a single performance using either an XY pair or a mid-side technique How to get a natural brightness without using any EQ How to get more or less room sound The difference between a listener's perspective and a player's perspective Some pitfalls of recording acoustic guitars and what to watch out for How to approach recording differently in a case where the acoustic guitar is the feature instrument vs where it is a background instrument Where to Find the GuysFree DIY Recording eBook: https://www.howtorecordyourband.comVadim's Studio Site - Get your FREE test mix today! - https://www.calmfrogrecording.comBenjamin's Studio Site - https://www.dreamloudstudio.comLeave a rating. Be a friend - http://www.getpodcast.reviews/id/1494761702

We would all love to be able to send our songs to a professional mastering engineer but sometimes a DIY master is appropriate. Maybe you're on a budget. Maybe you're just fleshing out a demo. Maybe you're DIY to your core and this is the only option you'll accept. Navigating the world of mastering can be tricky. On this episode we take you through a quick but effective process for DIY mastering that will get your songs ready for distribution. You will learn: How to know when you're done with mixing and ready to start mastering The step by step process for doing a DIY master with confidence Some sweet tips and tricks from the guys' arsenals This week's DIY showcase is Vin Violet and their wonderful song Pink Sea Grass. Check them out here: https://www.instagram.com/vinviolet_official/Where to Find the GuysFree DIY Recording eBook: https://www.howtorecordyourband.comVadim's Studio Site - Get your FREE test mix today! - https://www.calmfrogrecording.comBenjamin's Studio Site - https://www.dreamloudstudio.comLeave a rating. Be a friend - http://www.getpodcast.reviews/id/1494761702

Where in the world was Ben? He took his new wife to the lava tubes! Where no one will ever find your body.Also, the guys talk about using templates, patch bays, re-amping acoustic instruments, how to test new gear and plugins, mastering, and more!Sorry for the poorer than usual sound quality. We're still having some issues with our recording software :(Where to Find the GuysFree DIY Recording eBook: https://www.howtorecordyourband.comVadim's Studio Site - Get your FREE test mix today! - https://www.calmfrogrecording.comBenjamin's Studio Site - https://www.dreamloudstudio.comLeave a rating. Be a friend - http://www.getpodcast.reviews/id/1494761702

We often want that big, wide stereo sound. It's immersive. It's massive. It's what we hear in our head when we think about what our song should sound like. But what in the world is stereo width and how do you control it? What if you only have a mono source to work with? Can you still get that source to sound wide? Of course you can! You're an audio wizard, aren't you?!On this episode you will learn: What stereo is and why it actually has something to do with phase as well as volume How your brain perceives sound spatially both in the real world and in headphones Why a mono source sounds like it's coming from a single place How to use delays, reverbs and modulation effects to get stereo width The pitfalls of using stereo tricks and how to minimize their effects What the Haas effect is and how to live with it The undisputed best way to achieve stereo width in a recording Other tricks for getting an even wider sound Some free plugins that will help you on your journey Where to Find the GuysFree DIY Recording eBook: https://www.howtorecordyourband.comVadim's Studio Site - Get your FREE test mix today! - https://www.calmfrogrecording.comBenjamin's Studio Site - https://www.dreamloudstudio.comLeave a rating. Be a friend - http://www.getpodcast.reviews/id/1494761702

Ah plugins. Ubiquitous in he advertising feeds of all DIY music producers. These little bits of software seem to do magical things to audio and there's so many of them! What are they? How do you use them? Got any sweet tips? You know we do!On this episode, you will learn: A bit about the history of plugins About different plugin formats Plugin versions vs. standalone versions of software How emulations of classic hardware were developed and why plugins have gotten SO MUCH better of the last couple of years When to use (and when to avoid) presets About some cool free plugins that Vadim uses Why always trying to push plugins hard can lead you to develop your unique sound When to buy plugins and, more importantly, when to avoid buying plugins And more! Where to Find the GuysFree DIY Recording eBook: https://www.howtorecordyourband.comVadim's Studio Site - Get your FREE test mix today! - https://www.calmfrogrecording.comBenjamin's Studio Site - https://www.dreamloudstudio.comLeave a rating. Be a friend - http://www.getpodcast.reviews/id/1494761702

Ah the sound of REAL brass in a recording. It's a beautiful thing but how in the world do you record these loud beasts?Today, we're talking to Eric Skazzini - who plays tenor sax in the timeless ska punk band Voodoo Glow Skulls - about how he was able to track killer sax tracks for the latest Voodoo record in his spare bedroom. You will learn: Basics of mic selection and placement Why a second mic in the right spot on a sax can add a TON of magic intimacy to a performance Why recording more parts than you think necessary can be a magic bullet for a busy mix (and which parts to record) How to produce better sounding horns using virtual instruments How a successful band wrote and recorded an entire album during a pandemic (and why so can you!) Tricks for miking horns live (and why it's a bit different than recording) Why saxophone may be nerdier than trombone but why it's also sexier And more! Check out Eric's chops in the Voodoo Glow Skulls:Livin' the Apocalpyse Music Video: https://youtu.be/zhLERVQNwYEVoodoo Glow Skulls: https://www.voodooglowskullsofficial.com/Where to Find the GuysFree DIY Recording eBook: https://www.howtorecordyourband.comVadim's Studio Site - Get your FREE test mix today! - https://www.calmfrogrecording.comBenjamin's Studio Site - https://www.dreamloudstudio.comLeave a rating. Be a friend - http://www.getpodcast.reviews/id/1494761702

This week, the guys have a few drinks and answer solicited and unsolicited questions. You will learn: What are the most important things when trying to run a studio A simple way to understand and start using EQ Recording in different spaces and why natural room reverb can be a good or horrible thing The tell-tale signs of a "home-made" production Why you can't really get massive stereo guitars with pedals Getting started with your microphone locker And more! Where to Find the GuysFree DIY Recording eBook: https://www.howtorecordyourband.comVadim's Studio Site - Get your FREE test mix today! - https://www.calmfrogrecording.comBenjamin's Studio Site - https://www.dreamloudstudio.comLeave a rating. Be a friend - http://www.getpodcast.reviews/id/1494761702

The guys listen to and talk about Vadim's latest guitar DI signal chain adventures. Some of these tests really surprised us.

The guys continue their discussion on dynamics - focusing on why you may want to use compression on a source and how to go about setting one up

The guys talk about audio dynamics and the common tools used to control them (compressors, expanders, limiters, etc.,) - including why and when we may care about dynamics

The guys talk about different types of DIs, their different use cases, and why certain DIs may have have a positive effect on your tone....or will they?

The guys talk to R&B singer/songwriter Sayana about writing better lyrics, managing song ideas and how to craft songs that connect with people

The guys talk about their experiences using the Flare Audio Calmer, EARHD 90 and EARHD 360 products.

The guys chat with the founder of Flare Audio about resonances in speakers, headphones and in our actual ears that negatively affect how we perceive sound and music.

The guys go back to the basics and talk about the functionalities common to all Digital Audio Workstations and which ones to focus on learning first to improve your recording experience. Plus, a new DIY showcase!

The guys play (and discuss) audio samples of the same riff, played through the same signal chain but on different guitar brands. These samples are courtesy of podcast listener John Connor.

The guys discuss the benefits and pitfalls of mixing your own productions. Also, learn about the legend of the actual frog that was the inspiration behind Vadim's studio name.

The guys talk about how to describe a guitar tone by giving meaning to (and playing examples of) the often vague descriptions we've all scratched our heads about.

The guys talk about Ben's recent experience completing a DIY computer build for his studio - including when it's time to upgrade, why you may want to consider DIY and how to go about it.

The guys talk about strategies for troubleshooting recording issues and provide some of their favorite go-to debugging techniques - including pre-recording, during recording and during post-production.

The guys talk to multi-instrumentalist, producer, podcaster Brandon Tomei about all things related vocal production. Get some tips, tricks and cheats in this one!

The guys talk about latency: what causes it, why it's problematic, how much is acceptable and how to deal with it in your studio.

The guys chat with Josh Doran about arranging music for a band, writing meaningful lyrics, producing demos and then translating those demos into recordings that you can be proud of sharing with the world.

The guys explore all of the jacks, knobs, toggles, and switches of the typical audio interface and discuss some common mistakes and misconceptions.

The guys talk about one of the most important skills a recording enthusiast can develop: critical listening - and how to develop it and apply it to your own productions

The guys talk to musician health coach Rusty Osborne about the health risks that creep on musicians and recording enthusiasts and how to treat your body to ensure both longevity and optimal performance at your craft.