Yeah, says the guy with $150,000 of equipment sitting behind him. These people are so full of shit. They have no clue what working with a budget looks like. I agree with the saying btw, but the hypocrisy is cringeworthy.
Obviously he didn't start with all those gear either. I think the point here is that if you're creative and musically inclined, you can get away with starting on a ~500$ budget and grow with time. However, if you suck, you'll still suck on the $150k gear.
@@GreyMatterPlatter You must have missed the part where he said he started with nothing but a tape recorder and his parents' sound system. You can start with just a cheap $100 refurbished laptop. Then you can install a free DAW like Audacity or LMMS. Skipping the audio interface, you can use a $30 prepaid smart phone as a field microphone, and a $1 pair of ear buds as your monitor. You've got an entire setup for under $150. Creativity trumps budget. Every. Single. Time.
Missing, but super important for the home studio... 6: a good chair. It's easy to overlook, but you're sitting on that thing for hours, get one that gives good back support. It doesn't have to be expensive, but not all chairs are created equally and one cheap chair might last you years, while another will literally ruin your back over just a few months.
Haha! You are so right, it really makes a difference and actually makes you more compelled to sit for long periods of time; when you're listening back to mixes in particular.
This is so refreshing to see a real professional not raving on about super high end gear as the only way to go. It makes me (and a lot of other home guys) feel validated that we can make good recordings and that we should spend time crafting skills rather than buying equipment!
Hi +Andrew Harrison Thanks very much for your great comment I really appreciate it! Absolutely!! The best albums ever were made on 2 or 4 tracks! Creativity is KING!! The song is KING! Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren
The amount of not just pros but legendary producers and engineers that say “you can do a lot with a little” vs the ones that say “I can’t take you seriously unless you use the best gear” is now high enough that it has finally overtaken any fears I have of not being considered professional without “the right gear”. I figured you’d also be in this camp and very refreshing to hear. Thank you!
Ooh, I forgot to mention something. I love your greeting on every one of your videos. I know it seems trivial, but the initial energy people give off in a video can really make or break the success of it. You exude a very friendly vibe. And just so you know, I am in fact having a marvelous day.
Every single DAW out there these days has the ability to create great sounding mixes/songs. Choose the one that works the best for you, that meets your workflow in the way that allows you to be the most creative and productive. The most important factor is as Warren mentioned: regardless of which DAW you use, get to know it COMPLETELY. Become so familiar with it, that you can do things in it by second nature, without having to think about it. There is nothing that will zap your creativity more, than having to step outside of the creative zone in order to figure out why something isn’t happening, working, or to figure out how to do something you want to do. The longer you take trying to figure out things like inputs, routing, assignments, midi, editing, etc, the harder it is to get back into that creative zone where you left off. In the hierarchy of importance, knowing your DAW inside and out will be one of the most important things you can ever do. FWIW
I started in 2003 with all anolog. I quickly realized back then that this can be done on a computer. I swapped everything for Reason 2.5. I still don't know jack squat. I can't play an instrument, but I made some cool "play around while I learn" music. Its actually so non-musical, but a lesson learned, "Don't doubt what you can or can't do." And certainly don't spend what you don't have to spend. Save your money. Get a system you design, and accept pointers. I have a laptop, desktop, old monitors, 2 five year old midi controllers, a dj controller, a sub woofer, small pa mixer, interface, and usb mic. Its a dream come true personally, because @54yrs old, I can still do what I want, when I want, for whomever it pleases. I repeat 54 and still dreaming of scoring with a hit record, JUST ONE SONG. It will happen, I believe in myself that much after working ratty jobs, longevity on 1 job, having no job, baby sitting jobs. I should give up right? Nah, U 1st. I'm still at it for the right people to appreciate. KnoWareMan says so!
Good Lord, Warren- a well balanced and dispassionate discourse on what to get! I hope you have an idea of how refreshing this is. No holy wars- wow. Truly a fantastic video.
Hi +Marc Miller Thanks very much for your great comment I really appreciate it! Glad to be able to help! Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren
He’s not kidding about Hifi speakers .. when I was a kid I had my Mom’s Sanyo hifi speakers hooked up to my 12 channel Peavey mixer/amp .. hooked my Minimoog synth up .. dialed in a fat square wave patch and hit a low note .. and the right speaker literally caught on fire 😳
Thats a good point. And often confused by the control speaker buyer. Most professional brands. JBL, Westlake Urei, Tannoy etc, have a certain purpose built durability built into them. Something that can survive 14 hr days sometimes at concert levels, and live to work the next day.
In the 80s, I knackered my brothers fancy Wharfedale speakers by plugging my new fancy active guitar into his HiFi. He was extremely magnanimous about it, luckily😀
about to start my home recording in kenya and i think your say "creativity" means alot . was so down due to expenses but i think am good now thanks warren
Hi +shiro mj kenya Thanks very much for your kind words I really appreciate it! So happy to be able to help!! Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren
Hi +shiro mj kenya Please share this video and get that positive energy going! Great to give back! Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren
Warren, this is such a great video and I love your "creativity trumps budget every time." I can't think of a more valuable message to send aspiring recording artists.
I really love how encouraging you are in your videos. A lot of people out there spend their time discouraging people from getting into music... at any stage of a creative process (composing, recording, performing, jamming, whatever). Music enriches lives and no one should be pushed away from it.
Thanks Ian Bowen what wonderfully kind words! Yes I agree this is a beautiful life we live in music! Thanks for commenting I really appreciate it! Have a marvelous time recording Many Thanks Warren
Wow I love how you explain using your parents "HIFI" and a "2 track recorder" to record, and then play your "2 track" back and "Over Dub" In other words "re record your first "2 track" while, "lets say recording a vocal at the same time" onto another "2 Track recorder" That's the way us poor, broke "garage bands" recorded ourselves in the 70's and 80's. I had 6 "duel cassette recorders" daisy chained together and we would record "dub after dub" and then start over. When all was said and done, there was so much tape hiss and saturation you couldn't really hear the music but, through mom's HIFI it sounded great and we, (as kids) thought we would be "ROCK STARS". I am almost 60 years old now and, "no rock star" but, I have always loved recording and mixing "MUSIC" and I continue to do so today as a "Hobby". I love your videos, they are very informative BUT, I NEVER "BLOWED UP MY MOMS HIFI"
I've been dabbling around recording at home for about 25 years, just as a hobby. I've only just found your channel, and learnt more in one week than I have those 25 years. Suddenly, I have got a really good acoustic sound, with my cheap Jim Deacon Nashville tuned adding the shine, and reverb panned.
Ditto - The Best advice - straight shooting - Honest talk - Why did it take me so long to find your videos! Thank you - you are helping a lot of creative folk who may have held back because of financial constraints - Good on you!!!
Hi +Yisrael Bisman Yes!! Thanks very much for your kind words I really appreciate it! Yes gear dogma can really hold us all back!! Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren
Thank you Warren. I wrote down what you spoke to and went down to my local music store and after buying ("according to your conversation") I left there spending $478.00 I got headphones (Maranz closed ear), condenser mic (M1 usb mic ART) and stand, with pop filter, Focusrite 2i2 usb box, and cables. I already had the computer and DAW (Reaper) just learning that program this month. I now have the basic tools to begin my very own adventure, thanx for helping me get my head out of the soul destroying "I don't have expensive tools and therefore can not create!" cheers
Hey Warren! How are you? I am doing Marvelously well. I just walked down this little memory lane and watch all these! Fun times! I actualy recomended this particular one to my wife who is shoping for her own little home set up. I hope you are doing Marvelously well my old friend! Be well.
I really appreciate your words about creativity. So many guys think that they always need the newest and best gear and by buying that they think their music or mix will be better. Wrong! It´s the same with musicians. A new synth doesn´t make you a better keyboardist. But practicing does. That´s what I always tell my students on workshop although Yamaha, Roland & Co. are not very comfortable with that ....
He is absolutely right.. I started with a fast trak pro, a Samson cl7, senn hd208, and a keystation 61.. by the time I learnt how to use it properly and got to know my daw, I had collected enough funds for better stuff. Slowly and steadily I built it starting with good monitors.. and today I wouldn't change any decision.
Absolutely. Applies to live sound too. I've been to events where the kit used is "the best of the best with honours sir" and the sound really wasn't great...also experienced the opposite with budget kit....
You are great Mr. Warren. You r telling all the things from all of your heart and giving all the things with love and not even keeping any single word and idea with you. great teacher. smiles all the time. you r giving the bottom and every single piece of Audio engineering. love you sir and i salute you. thumbs up,. have a marvelous time
"Creativity will always trump equipment and budget". Encouraging words. Thanks for the video. I'd been out of the recording loop for a few years since my mac laptop died. However, I have since replaced it with a desktop Mac, which I use for recording music now. Pro Tools finally made it possible to subscribe monthly to use it, instead of having to fork out nearly a grand for the software. It makes it easier for me, to pay the monthly subscription. Here goes, to try and make a studio quality recording on a low budget.
Just to echoing what Andrew Harrison said, it is great to hear a professional say it's not about the budget. It is validation to hear you say that. Thank you for your awesome videos!
I just found this video whilst researching Focusright Scarlett, which I am about to buy. I found it very informative and encouraging, with some happy memories of my Tascam 244 thrown in. Thanks mate!
Warren, thank you for taking the time out to share your experiences and your advice on home studio components. I have been searching the web for advice and have spent countless hours listening to others speak about their systems. In 12 minuets you focused the whole theory of home studio recording into a no nonsense approach for people starting out like me. I cannot wait to begin my studio build; looking forward to viewing more videos from you!!Bill
Hi John, thanks ever so much for your kind words! I am so glad to be able to help!! Best of luck with your studio build! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing many thanks Warren
Eye opening ! Thank You so much. 55 year old Guitarist thats done with bands (for the most part) and I know nothing about recording ,mixing, editing,etc. I'm not knowledgable with computers but determined to learn. I've been playing Guitar and Bass for 40 years and I like to think that I am pretty creative with writing, but very intimidated by tech. I have been slowly buying things for a desk top studio.I have a small Alesis Multimix8 USB FX mixer, great Presonus 8" speaker pair & a matching 8" Woofer, a Focusrite Scarlette 2i2 2nd Gen. and the IK Multimedia AXE I/O w/Amplitude4 MAX which has a lot of Amps ,FX, Compressors and other recording gear and I guess I need a MIDI controller keyboard to use it and I'll be ready right ? I am definitely on a very tight budget and you really gave me some motivation that I can do this. Will the tools I mentioned work together ? I have several great amps,FX. and Guitars. I really want to get cracking. I do have a Mac Pro 15 inch. that is older but upgraded. Do I need another computer like a desk top as I can get Mac stuff thats been refurbished at a really good price from a shop in town ? Thank You. If anyone can answer,I would appreciate it. Peace-
Hi Warren, I forgot, I have seen things like the Zoom H4n portable 4 track portable recorder and thought of getting one to record my practice and jamming to save ideas for recording. They have really good quality. Would you think that is a good Idea or a waste of cash ? I can transfer parts to my interface and is it difficult or possible ? Thanks. I really need help. I don't know anyone that can help me. I'm a bit of a recluse lol. Seriously.
You sir are ahead of most. I know there's a generation gap which you are facing with tech. But just don't be afraid of messing things up on a computer. : ) I wish the best for your journey and hope you have made a distance in a year now : )
Love this talk, great nuggets of gold within it. It brings me back to my own experiences along the way. And you're right, creativity trumps budget every time. The story of your parent's stereo really struck a bell with me. The first band I was in, I was the keyboardist and for lack of budget I took my parent's stereo and speakers, and used them. And as you experienced yourself, low and behold at some point the volume exceeded a certain level and the cone went out, and never came back. And likewise, I started with 2 cassette recorders for my studio. Then went to 1 cassette and one reel-to-reel. Then I acquired a used Tascam 4 track mixer/recorder. Then 8 tracks, 16 tracks, and then went to my first digital studio which was made by a french company called Guillemot. Then Cakewalk, then Protools, and finally Logic Pro. Switched between PC and Mac multiple times. Went low and high budget. But through out the process, creativity and determination were the key to producing good sound.
this video is a must-see for people starting out recording; excellent advice and clear information. Thanks Warren, for making this effort... inspiring, to say the least!
This is exactly what ive been saying for years myself, you dont need to have this and that expensive gear, even the cheapest gear these days can make quality recordings. Im about your age Warren and even though im not a pro at recording i have had some similar background like having a 4 track tape portastudio and such, compared to the things i had in those days pretty much anything these days are amazing, its a great time to be recording and producing music. This is an important video, people may not listen that much to me, but having you as a pro speaking of the same things is great and i hope people will listen and record their music instead of thinking that they cant since they havent got expensive gear.
Warren, you completely and totally rock! I have learned a bunch from your videos over the past couple of weeks since discovering your channel. And, all I can say is: Thank you! Cheers!
You are extremely helpful, thank you. You provide clear, unbiased, and experienced guidance that I knew I could trust, the moment I finished watching a first video on your channel. I have subscribed and look forward to all of your future videos!
Great Tips Warren, Thank you. For DAW, I have tried many DAWs from those you mentioned in the video but now I end up with Reaper. Because Reaper can eat all kind of plug-ins from AU, VST3 to RTAS and run under MACOSX or Windows, which gives me many flexibility, and you can tweak if you want. I choose Mac because mac wont give me lots of noise and the software installation is very easy, mostly no driver needed. Less virus of course, specially when dealing with friend's thumb drive :). For interface, I got my Phonic Helixboard - cost me under $1000 - that gives me 16 channel recording simultaneously for live recording thru firewire/USB. Pity they discontinue it and replace it with an expensive digital series. A pair Yamaha HS 8 for monitor and a second hand Shure KSM 44A Microphone :). As you said, the most expensive tool is creativity. Keep Rockin' !!!
For a fairly inexpensive interface that can do more look at the Behringer XAir 18 not only is it a 18x18 interface it's a full fledged digital mixer! I use mine as a recording interface in my home studio and to mix live music!
I just found this vid...5/18/2016.......just want to say thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience. Gave it a thumbs up and I subscribed. You are VERY much appreciated Warren.
Most large studios now use PT and Logic. Rap/Hip Hop/EDM studios/artist.. most use Ableton. The rest are really bedroom DAW's but a good place to start. The DAW you know best, is the one you will swear is the best. Personally I really don't care. I wish I knew them all. It's all just ones and zeros. (but... a proprietary software/hardware match will be more efficient and stable). Getting a great performance is by far most important. Really comprehending how a plugin (or outboard gear) works to shape the sound is much more important than what plugin you have. High quality studio monitors/headphones are very very important. Cheap monitors = quick ear fatigue that will eventually lead to hearing loss. Most people are obsessive. They should take breaks, but they don't. And everything sounds better louder.
good show! i have 2 signs in my studio: 1. WWGMD (What Would George Martin Do) and more importantly: 2. If it must be done a certain way, we don't do it that way here. It's about the ear, not the gear. it's refreshing to hear advice from someone that shares the same values. thanks for being so positive. more people need to hear this type of input instead of: you really need a U76 before you can be serious.
Oh man! Wish I'd seen this earlier about the right computer for recording. All's I have is this really old Studer J37 reel to reel I found in my parents basement. I dusted it off, plugged it in. At least it works.
You're one of a kind, and a wealth of information, Warren. I'm glad that you're so passionate about sharing your endless/priceless knowledge. You teach in such a casual way that's a huge benefit to anyone actively listening, but also enjoyable too. Thanks, for all the videos!
I record my music with the Focusrite Scarlett Studio bundle. Very good sound quality to me on a budget. When I mix my vocals a certain way, it sounds more expensive.
***** I got an scarlett 2i4 and is a great interface, I would say is like the VW bettle of interfaces, reliable, sounds great, is portable and a tank of equipment, and I can use my analog gear like sansamp Bass driver for reamping line bass or guitar with the 3th and 4th unbalance outputs.
Diego Gutiérrez I'm happy that I've got that much out of a budget. I used to think I needed the more expensive microphones, but once I brought the bundle, it changed my mind. However, I would still get those microphones if I had the money for them and keep the Focusrite bundle.
Hi ***** yes agreed just upgrade as you can. One great condenser will cover most situations and upgrading your interface will help a lot too. But the most important thing is the creativity, great songs with great parts are key! Have a marvelous time recording, many thanks Warren
"Creativity always trumps budget" - Very true saying, and I think it really does reinforce the point to get to know your DAW and equipment firsthand; even an unlimited gear-haven record studio is rendered worthless if you don't know the flavors of candy you have to pull from, how to utilize them, and have a clearish idea of where you want to go.
I'm totally with you Warren. I am about to embark on a four song EP with a buddy of mine. I have a good computer and Logic Pro 9 but beyond that, I am working with pretty much bottom of the barrel gear price-wise. I have a $120 MAudio interface, an SM-57 and some very prosaic instruments and amps. Nothing to write home about to be certain. I am even forced to mix in headphones presently, and the entire thing will be recorded in my bedroom, my closet and my bathroom (aka my control room, my vocal booth and my amp room - Hahaha!) That said, just in the demos that I have recorded/mixed for this project as we build the tunes and arrangements, I can already tell that with the recording/mixing experience I have gained from kind individuals like you on the Net, the EP is going to sound great when it's done. Will it be top artist album quality? No, of course not. Will it be professional, punchy and totally fun to listen to when I'm done with it? You bet your ass it will! Thanks for all of the inspiration man! You have no idea how much these videos have helped me. :)
Wow thanks Phil Sackett I really appreciate the kind words! I wish all the best with the new recordings! Have a marvelous time recording! Many thanks Warren Huart
Back in 1986 I got married and moved into an apartment at the same time my folks were moving out and making me take my stuff with me. I traded a pearl drum set that would not fit my apartment (the one that is denim-covered... the fool I am) for a fender acoustic guitar and a Fostex x15, 4 track cassette portastudio. That week I shopped out and got one commercial that I recorded on that POS 4 track. I mixed it to a cassette boom box of the era and then took that too a friend to have it bounced to a reel to reel which was what the end-user, KROQ in Pasadena required. I got paid for the commercial and a Tascam 388 8 track (the one with the built-in mixer) and a new Atari computer with SMPTE track. I used that to score 11 soundtracks over the next year. They were all B movies mostly meant for overseas release but I made enough money to buy all the things I wanted. I gave the X-15 to some kid down the street. Start with whatever you can get and make a product. Anyone saying you need expensive tools to make something valuable either has no confidence, knowledge or talent... or believed the guy in Guitar Center that told him he needed to go in debt... and that would be the same guy selling stuff for 10 bucks an hour instead of making music! Don't be that guy. Make good music. You'll get paid for it if you make good music.
got to invest in some room treatment if you’re recording. if i was going to record vocals in a room, and i could put $300 toward studio monitors or room treatment, i’d take the latter - an ok mix of a good recording is better than a great mix of a bad recording.
What you said at the beginning of the video is so true, lots of musicians spend their time obsessively watching equipment reviews and comparissons at the point they forget about the main reason of all this, create good content.
I've been a musician for 25+yrs and just now tapping in to my own home recording. Recently picked up Presonus DAW for my laptop, the Presonus 1818VSL Audio Interface because I also want its scale-ability for recording live. Of course all other necessities like studio monitors, headphones and my PA system for live gigs. Look forward to putting this all together and your video has certainly answered several questions, thanks!
Hey Warren, you're videos are fresh and understandable. Please keep them coming!!! Although there are already a lot of sources on youtube in the same topic but please, please keep doing what you do because you're attitude and approach is very likeable. Can't wait to see some real inside tricks and advices!
Thanks milanthedrummer! I really appreciate it, yes I wanted to be able to show people what I do on a daily basis and remove the mystery and remind us all that it's just about creativity! Have a marvelous day, many thanks Warren
I love how you make the creativity point, and drive it home. Take Simon and Garfunkel's The Boxer. Imagine this scene: 3 guys standing at the top of an empty elevator shaft with a Shure mid level mic,ran to a reel to reel tape machine,and on the other end of the shaft is another guy banging on various objects til the desired crash boom sound is achieved. Listen to The Boxer,and when you get to the part after ," lie lie lie BOOM! lie lie lie lie lie lie lie...lie lie lie BOOM! Creativity right there. Great video Warren!
Hi +aneyesky Thanks very much for noticing that! It is all about the creativity!! I never knew that story! That;'s fantastic! Thanks for sharing!! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren
You hit a nugget of wisdom here that most do not realize, that is that there is a lot of equipment that although older works VERY VERY well and can be bought for almost nothing. I pick up units that came out in the 1980s and 90s that originally cost 500-1000 USD or more for about $100 bucks! The people didn't make it career wise and now are tired of storing it and do not use it anymore. Great to know what to pick up and what is a great price! When I do pick up guitar students I tell them get one of these or one of those... there is an auction on Ebay (of course only if I already have a few and am not bidding lol) for one of these right now etc etc. The trick is if you were around back then doing music, you know cause you had one or someone else did and it impressed you. I literally have a shelf in my attic just for back up gear I have bought.
Reaper is awesome and free to use. You can buy an inexpensive commercial license but to get used to the software and get up and running it's free. Awesome VST's come with it.
Hi +Ron Marshall Yes Reaper seems like an awesome DAW!! Thanks very much for your great comment I really appreciate it! Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren
I used it for a couple months, then switched to FL studio and i was really suprised at how much FL studio increases your workflow. Not saying its bad but ehh...
Hello Warren. Fantastic & really honest & down to earth advice - I am passing this info to my teenage son who is really into recording & doing very well at it. We need more people like you - the enthusiasm alone is priceless! Thanks very much & have a great new year! Mark G
Hi +Mark G Thanks very much for your great comment I really appreciate it! I'm so glad to be able to help! Happy New Year!! Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren
Your story reminds me of when I was starting out and didn't have a guitar amp. I found a way to plug a distortion pedal into a home stereo and tried it playing along with a drummer. The setup didn't last long. It fried quickly. Heh.
We have an iMac - I use a Behringer XR18 as an audio interface - Reaper as a DAW - I have a Warm Audio WA-47 clone mic. We have a small collection of various dynamic mics as well. This all sounds great when we record and we sound as good as most of the radio songs we hear.
It was so refreshing to hear you talk about budget equipment. Some of the brands you mentioned are the same brands I use in my little home studio. Thank you for your unbiased opinion and help.
Amen on the creativity. I made better stuff with limitations. Now that I have a lot more and can make the standard I want I became way more concerned with materials. Cutoff and get back to what it all means. Performance and creating is key and what its all about!
I hear this a lot. and it's so true. in fact, the best recordings I've got out there were done with a couple SM57s, a built in pro tools synth, and a partial garage sale drum kit comprised of a kick, a floor tom with a T shirt over the head, and a ribbon crasher-- it's what I had when I got back into recording and I made it work. luckily I had a great friend who was ultra lofi in his approach and a magnet for creativity - I learned so much from not worrying about what I don't have and thinking of ways I could alter what I did have ..; I started at 15 years old with the original TASCAM portaone cassette 4 track and wish I still had the last one I traded in. THANK YOU Warren!
Hi +Jim McDowell Haha yes one day! Thanks very much for your great comment I really appreciate it! Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren
This is a refreshing down to earth video amongst all the hyped opinions out there. Especially the "know your stuff" part is so true. Weither it is the software or the hardware like speakers depend on knowing what they do with the sound. Also I think its pretty impressive how you state what your preferences are without sounding like a fanboy of some brand. "I like applecomputers and protools because 99 % of the studios have them". That's so practical. No need to show off fancy equipment, just know your stuff. One thing thoug about this specific video; as a video-editor I never understand why people put in shots from a different angle of the guy talking, looking past me. Preferably even in b/w. I dont see a reason other than trying to break the static picture, but in a really ugly way. I prefer looking you in the eye. But that's just an opinion. I'm a big fan of your videos and learn a lot. My hero Bob Clearmountain was a real highlight. Cheers!
Hi Warren. first of all, I'd like to say Thankyou for both The Video AND The encouragement. I like the Title and Youre true to it. I have been using a Computer since 2000. A "PC" and Ive never used an Apple or Mac....So I have a PC. I have "low end" Guitars; $300, $500, etc. I use MAGIX for my DAW. I bought a Condensor Mic; MXL, its a V67G. From what I heard are literally a 1/10th of the cost now, which is $100. I got it from B&H Audio in NYC. Also I got a pair of M-AUDIO 40W Monitors, both The Mic & the Monitors were, upon my request, Christmas Gifts to me in 2013. I definitly do Not have a Contemporary nor traditional Voice for my vocals...in other words Im not a very good singer. However, I have let that affect my confidence in even bothering to put my vocals on my Music...(yet I want to & do like to Sing...I guess, who doesnt? right? lol) Once again; Thankyou for Sharing and caring. I appreciate it. Cheers Warren :)
Hi +Jimmy SantAngelo Great stuff! Two of my main electric guitars are Yamaha Pacificas!! I also have a 70's Yamaha and a new model Yamaha Acoustic, both if which are incredibly affordable! Thanks very much for your great comment I really appreciate it! The SONG IS KING!! Creativity rules! Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren
To further prove your point: I recently came across a Roland SRV-2000 reverb unit at a flea market for $50. Even though it is from 1984 I now pretty much use it as my go to reverb, especially long lush landscapes.
Thanks! Had some fun testing it out. Feel free to check out this what became a 7 minute ambient track/improv with the SRV on 100% wet while messing around with the MiniBrute. soundcloud.com/sebkomor/roland-srv-2000-minibrute-ambient-jam
It's so refreshing to see a video that says you don't need to spend thousands to make music - although good hardware synths and guitars, etc. still cost a fair bit here in the UK! My recording rig is probably pretty much what you discuss here. Laptop with SSD running a DAW I know very well, Alesis monitors, Roland Quad Capture audio interface and a Rode NT-1A microphone, along with a few hardware (and software) synths. As I play keys, this setup works perfectly for my musical projects. Great video as always Warren.
Hi +Defeat Wow!! Thanks for those extremely kind words!! Sounds like you have a great set up ready to make amazing music!! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren
Thanks for the vid, Warren. I agree that the Focusrite is a great interface, however I would say that it's worth getting one with at least 4 XLR inputs as a minimum (like the Scarlett 18i8 for example). When I record electric guitar I often use more than one mic on the amp plus a DI which allows me to record to separate tracks and then blend afterwards when mixing. The same goes with when I record piano... a stereo pair of condenser mics plus a room mic to capture the ambience. Thanks again!
Hi +Tim Ball Thanks very much for your great comment I really appreciate it! I do agree for Rock and Roll recording to cover drums a minimum of 4 inputs is required, but I just don't want to discourage anyone from getting stuck in and start recording!! Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren
Couldn't agree more. I've spent less than $400 (excluding the DAW) and have monitors, headphones, midi controller, audio interface and a laptop. The only thing that's held me back is time spent actually making music vs time spent looking for gear. For the last three months I've spent 3 hours every single day making music or doing something I've seen in a tutorial e.g. making a kick sound, learning a plugin inside out. I've gone from that's terrible to - ok - there's something that could be used in future. I only have a couple of completed tracks but the improvement is the key. I can't wait to see what I can do in another 12 months.
Thank you! I've been a professional musician, off and on, for 40 years and have never had a studio. I am piecing one together at the moment and combining my audio/electronic engineering degree with my music and really looking forward to having a home studio.
Hi +G “Jerry” Henrickson You're very welcome!!! Thanks very much I really appreciate it!! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren
Great tips man my top 5. 1. Get a external preamp. This changed the game for me. I bought a Manley Core channel strip and it made everything way way better. 2. Buy a great interface from the get go. I went through like 3. Till I finally bought a clarett octo pre. And settled on that. 3. Get a used engineering server off eBay and mod the piss out of it. Best decision I've made. I started with a laptop. Computer would freeze all the time. Now i run a hp z620 with NVME hard drive and a ssd hybrid backup drive. I literally can throw anything at it without it even blinking. Its also extremely quiet so I can track vocals in the same room. 4. Mic. A great condenser is very important. The problem is finding the right one. I started with an SM58, Then a rode NT1, then the rode K2. The K2 is better than my previous mics but its very sibilant and inconsistent. Right now im dealing with vocals sounding sibilant and shitty. And having to re-record tracks or use plugins to chop off the top end. So I'm upgrading again... If I had stopped saved a few weeks and gotten a sontronics aria or Neumann or warm audio u87 clone I think I would have saved alot of time. 5. Room treatment is everything. When in doubt buy more acoustic panels. I ditched the foam and went to Owens corning 703 panels way better solution.
Finally I hear some one who gets it. Creativity over equipment yes!!!. My best recordings came from very little money. When I finally was able to afford high end equipment I spent more time over mixing everything I muddied all my creativity I hardly recognized the song I wrote. Marty
Warren, I used your tips for bass on my mix and it worked marvelously well - of course. Thanks a million! I will keep these notes on hand the next time I'm recording and mixing bass. I can't wait to see what's coming up on your channel in 2015. You already have a goldmine of information here. All the best to you in the new year.
Great trojannate I'm really glad that helped! Thanks very much for watching, I really appreciate it. Have a marvelous time recording! Many thanks Warren
Wow you are truly amazing, im new to all this. But i have heard that one does need the room to be treated, to be able to mix great. Is that true? I ask because u didn't mention that. Thank you for all your awesome knowledge
Hi Lee Roy Gonzalez thanks for the kind words! Agreed, once you move to using powered monitors away from headphones you should definitely make sure the room is dead enough for playback, but just enough, not completely dead! Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren
I recorded a blues-folk-americana-gospel album with one MXL 990 mic and an apollo twin. That album won best blues album in Dallas 2015. You're so right, it's all about creativity! Sometimes the cheaper stuff just works.
'creativity trumps budget' I love that saying, great stuff.
Hi +Ben Tyreman Aw shucks!! Thanks very much for your kind words I really appreciate it! Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren
but mac beats win on recording
Yeah, says the guy with $150,000 of equipment sitting behind him. These people are so full of shit. They have no clue what working with a budget looks like. I agree with the saying btw, but the hypocrisy is cringeworthy.
Obviously he didn't start with all those gear either. I think the point here is that if you're creative and musically inclined, you can get away with starting on a ~500$ budget and grow with time. However, if you suck, you'll still suck on the $150k gear.
@@GreyMatterPlatter You must have missed the part where he said he started with nothing but a tape recorder and his parents' sound system.
You can start with just a cheap $100 refurbished laptop. Then you can install a free DAW like Audacity or LMMS. Skipping the audio interface, you can use a $30 prepaid smart phone as a field microphone, and a $1 pair of ear buds as your monitor. You've got an entire setup for under $150.
Creativity trumps budget. Every. Single. Time.
Missing, but super important for the home studio... 6: a good chair. It's easy to overlook, but you're sitting on that thing for hours, get one that gives good back support. It doesn't have to be expensive, but not all chairs are created equally and one cheap chair might last you years, while another will literally ruin your back over just a few months.
Haha! You are so right, it really makes a difference and actually makes you more compelled to sit for long periods of time; when you're listening back to mixes in particular.
This is so refreshing to see a real professional not raving on about super high end gear as the only way to go. It makes me (and a lot of other home guys) feel validated that we can make good recordings and that we should spend time crafting skills rather than buying equipment!
Hi +Andrew Harrison Thanks very much for your great comment I really appreciate it! Absolutely!! The best albums ever were made on 2 or 4 tracks! Creativity is KING!! The song is KING! Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren
Produce Like A Pro I thought cash was king 🤔😂
Early Beatles was on a 4 track.
The amount of not just pros but legendary producers and engineers that say “you can do a lot with a little” vs the ones that say “I can’t take you seriously unless you use the best gear” is now high enough that it has finally overtaken any fears I have of not being considered professional without “the right gear”. I figured you’d also be in this camp and very refreshing to hear. Thank you!
It's fun going back and watching Warren Huart's older videos. As the quality and presentation evolved the advice is timeless.
Thanks ever so much!!
wish id seen this video soon, last month i sold my kids to get a new mixing desk.
dying right now
Yowsa Fly Flicks!! Agreed, equipment can be so expensive! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren
W
omg 4 months late, but this is gold.
Fly Flicks = The Mayor of Casterbridge
Ooh, I forgot to mention something. I love your greeting on every one of your videos. I know it seems trivial, but the initial energy people give off in a video can really make or break the success of it. You exude a very friendly vibe. And just so you know, I am in fact having a marvelous day.
Haha thanks Phil Sackett!! Have a marvelous time recording! Many thanks Warren Huart
Absolutely ! Thank You ! Great Channel.
@@teriakamoto wow! Thanks ever so much!
"Creativity will always trump equipmemt."
I've watched a bunch of your videos but hearing that 1 statement made me a subscriber.
Thanks ever so much! I’m glad to be able to help!
Passion, Creativity, and the change in the couch. That is really all it takes, with some great Utube Mentoring. Thank you.
Every single DAW out there these days has the ability to create great sounding mixes/songs. Choose the one that works the best for you, that meets your workflow in the way that allows you to be the most creative and productive. The most important factor is as Warren mentioned: regardless of which DAW you use, get to know it COMPLETELY. Become so familiar with it, that you can do things in it by second nature, without having to think about it. There is nothing that will zap your creativity more, than having to step outside of the creative zone in order to figure out why something isn’t happening, working, or to figure out how to do something you want to do. The longer you take trying to figure out things like inputs, routing, assignments, midi, editing, etc, the harder it is to get back into that creative zone where you left off. In the hierarchy of importance, knowing your DAW inside and out will be one of the most important things you can ever do.
FWIW
Great advice from 6 years ago applicable to anyone in any year. Happy 2021.
Thanks ever so much Mike!
I started in 2003 with all anolog. I quickly realized back then that this can be done on a computer. I swapped everything for Reason 2.5. I still don't know jack squat. I can't play an instrument, but I made some cool "play around while I learn" music. Its actually so non-musical, but a lesson learned, "Don't doubt what you can or can't do." And certainly don't spend what you don't have to spend. Save your money. Get a system you design, and accept pointers. I have a laptop, desktop, old monitors, 2 five year old midi controllers, a dj controller, a sub woofer, small pa mixer, interface, and usb mic. Its a dream come true personally, because @54yrs old, I can still do what I want, when I want, for whomever it pleases. I repeat 54 and still dreaming of scoring with a hit record, JUST ONE SONG. It will happen, I believe in myself that much after working ratty jobs, longevity on 1 job, having no job, baby sitting jobs. I should give up right? Nah, U 1st. I'm still at it for the right people to appreciate. KnoWareMan says so!
Never give up brother. The path is the destination.
Good Lord, Warren- a well balanced and dispassionate discourse on what to get! I hope you have an idea of how refreshing this is. No holy wars- wow. Truly a fantastic video.
Hi +Marc Miller Thanks very much for your great comment I really appreciate it! Glad to be able to help! Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren
He’s not kidding about Hifi speakers .. when I was a kid I had my Mom’s Sanyo hifi speakers hooked up to my 12 channel Peavey mixer/amp .. hooked my Minimoog synth up .. dialed in a fat square wave patch and hit a low note .. and the right speaker literally caught on fire 😳
Thats a good point. And often confused by the control speaker buyer. Most professional brands. JBL, Westlake Urei, Tannoy etc, have a certain purpose built durability built into them. Something that can survive 14 hr days sometimes at concert levels, and live to work the next day.
😂😂
Hmmm. wonder what kinda kid has a minimoog and mixer as 'kid'. Not someone who shares Warren Huart's philosophy I bet.
Peak power. Lol
In the 80s, I knackered my brothers fancy Wharfedale speakers by plugging my new fancy active guitar into his HiFi. He was extremely magnanimous about it, luckily😀
about to start my home recording in kenya and i think your say "creativity" means alot . was so down due to expenses but i think am good now thanks warren
Hi +shiro mj kenya Thanks very much for your kind words I really appreciate it! So happy to be able to help!! Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren
+Produce Like A Pro welcome
Hi +shiro mj kenya Please share this video and get that positive energy going! Great to give back! Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren
I will surely do so
Hi +shiro mj kenya Thanks very much for your great comment I really appreciate it! Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren
Warren, this is such a great video and I love your "creativity trumps budget every time." I can't think of a more valuable message to send aspiring recording artists.
I really love how encouraging you are in your videos. A lot of people out there spend their time discouraging people from getting into music... at any stage of a creative process (composing, recording, performing, jamming, whatever). Music enriches lives and no one should be pushed away from it.
Thanks Ian Bowen what wonderfully kind words! Yes I agree this is a beautiful life we live in music! Thanks for commenting I really appreciate it! Have a marvelous time recording Many Thanks Warren
Makes me so happy when a great video like this tells me everything I'm already doing. Nice to know I'm doing things right already!
That's wonderful to hear!
I so appreciate your kind, sensitive helpfulness, avoiding snobbery!
That’s very kind of you
Wow I love how you explain using your parents "HIFI" and a "2 track recorder" to record, and then play your "2 track" back and "Over Dub" In other words "re record your first "2 track" while, "lets say recording a vocal at the same time" onto another "2 Track recorder" That's the way us poor, broke "garage bands" recorded ourselves in the 70's and 80's. I had 6 "duel cassette recorders" daisy chained together and we would record "dub after dub" and then start over. When all was said and done, there was so much tape hiss and saturation you couldn't really hear the music but, through mom's HIFI it sounded great and we, (as kids) thought we would be "ROCK STARS". I am almost 60 years old now and, "no rock star" but, I have always loved recording and mixing "MUSIC" and I continue to do so today as a "Hobby". I love your videos, they are very informative BUT, I NEVER "BLOWED UP MY MOMS HIFI"
I've been dabbling around recording at home for about 25 years, just as a hobby. I've only just found your channel, and learnt more in one week than I have those 25 years. Suddenly, I have got a really good acoustic sound, with my cheap Jim Deacon Nashville tuned adding the shine, and reverb panned.
"Never let lack of funds hold you back from making great music." I dig it.
Ditto - The Best advice - straight shooting - Honest talk - Why did it take me so long to find your videos! Thank you - you are helping a lot of creative folk who may have held back because of financial constraints - Good on you!!!
Hi +Yisrael Bisman Yes!! Thanks very much for your kind words I really appreciate it! Yes gear dogma can really hold us all back!! Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren
this guy knows what he's talking about.... I have been home-producing for many years, and agree with just about everything he is saying :)
Thank you Warren. I wrote down what you spoke to and went down to my local music store and after buying ("according to your conversation") I left there spending $478.00 I got headphones (Maranz closed ear), condenser mic (M1 usb mic ART) and stand, with pop filter, Focusrite 2i2 usb box, and cables. I already had the computer and DAW (Reaper) just learning that program this month. I now have the basic tools to begin my very own adventure, thanx for helping me get my head out of the soul destroying "I don't have expensive tools and therefore can not create!" cheers
Well that taught me a hell of a lot in 12 minutes... the most worthwhile I've spent on you tube for a while in fact!
Thanks ever so much! I'm glad to be able to help!
Humility. A value that today is very little seen in the people who work in this industry. Excellent videos!
Hey Warren! How are you? I am doing Marvelously well.
I just walked down this little memory lane and watch all these! Fun times!
I actualy recomended this particular one to my wife who is shoping for her own little home set up.
I hope you are doing Marvelously well my old friend! Be well.
Hi Seth Kent, how are you? All is well here thank you very much, say hi to your lovely wife and family! Great to hear from you.
I really appreciate your words about creativity. So many guys think that they always need the newest and best gear and by buying that they think their music or mix will be better. Wrong!
It´s the same with musicians. A new synth doesn´t make you a better keyboardist. But practicing does. That´s what I always tell my students on workshop although Yamaha, Roland & Co. are not very comfortable with that ....
This is one of the best videos i've seen on this topic. Nice to see you're not a snob when it comes to gear.
Thanks ajfx I really appreciate it!!
He is absolutely right.. I started with a fast trak pro, a Samson cl7, senn hd208, and a keystation 61.. by the time I learnt how to use it properly and got to know my daw, I had collected enough funds for better stuff. Slowly and steadily I built it starting with good monitors.. and today I wouldn't change any decision.
"Creativity trumps budget". Absolutely true. Thanks for the video Warren.
Hi Brad Kinder thanks very much! Yes agreed 100%! Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren
Absolutely. Applies to live sound too. I've been to events where the kit used is "the best of the best with honours sir" and the sound really wasn't great...also experienced the opposite with budget kit....
You are great Mr. Warren. You r telling all the things from all of your heart and giving all the things with love and not even keeping any single word and idea with you. great teacher. smiles all the time. you r giving the bottom and every single piece of Audio engineering. love you sir and i salute you. thumbs up,. have a marvelous time
"Creativity will always trump equipment and budget". Encouraging words. Thanks for the video. I'd been out of the recording loop for a few years since my mac laptop died. However, I have since replaced it with a desktop Mac, which I use for recording music now. Pro Tools finally made it possible to subscribe monthly to use it, instead of having to fork out nearly a grand for the software. It makes it easier for me, to pay the monthly subscription. Here goes, to try and make a studio quality recording on a low budget.
Aw shucks thanks Logan Riley I really appreciate it! Have a marvelous time recording, many thanks Warren
Just to echoing what Andrew Harrison said, it is great to hear a professional say it's not about the budget. It is validation to hear you say that. Thank you for your awesome videos!
I just found this video whilst researching Focusright Scarlett, which I am about to buy. I found it very informative and encouraging, with some happy memories of my Tascam 244 thrown in. Thanks mate!
Wow!! Thanks ever so much
Warren, thank you for taking the time out to share your experiences and your advice on home studio components. I have been searching the web for advice and have spent countless hours listening to others speak about their systems. In 12 minuets you focused the whole theory of home studio recording into a no nonsense approach for people starting out like me. I cannot wait to begin my studio build; looking forward to viewing more videos from you!!Bill
Hi John, thanks ever so much for your kind words! I am so glad to be able to help!! Best of luck with your studio build! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing many thanks Warren
Eye opening ! Thank You so much. 55 year old Guitarist thats done with bands (for the most part) and I know nothing about recording ,mixing, editing,etc. I'm not knowledgable with computers but determined to learn. I've been playing Guitar and Bass for 40 years and I like to think that I am pretty creative with writing, but very intimidated by tech. I have been slowly buying things for a desk top studio.I have a small Alesis Multimix8 USB FX mixer, great Presonus 8" speaker pair & a matching 8" Woofer, a Focusrite Scarlette 2i2 2nd Gen. and the IK Multimedia AXE I/O w/Amplitude4 MAX which has a lot of Amps ,FX, Compressors and other recording gear and I guess I need a MIDI controller keyboard to use it and I'll be ready right ? I am definitely on a very tight budget and you really gave me some motivation that I can do this. Will the tools I mentioned work together ? I have several great amps,FX. and Guitars. I really want to get cracking. I do have a Mac Pro 15 inch. that is older but upgraded. Do I need another computer like a desk top as I can get Mac stuff thats been refurbished at a really good price from a shop in town ? Thank You. If anyone can answer,I would appreciate it. Peace-
Hi Warren, I forgot, I have seen things like the Zoom H4n portable 4 track portable recorder and thought of getting one to record my practice and jamming to save ideas for recording. They have really good quality. Would you think that is a good Idea or a waste of cash ? I can transfer parts to my interface and is it difficult or possible ? Thanks. I really need help. I don't know anyone that can help me. I'm a bit of a recluse lol. Seriously.
You sir are ahead of most. I know there's a generation gap which you are facing with tech. But just don't be afraid of messing things up on a computer. : ) I wish the best for your journey and hope you have made a distance in a year now : )
Love this talk, great nuggets of gold within it. It brings me back to my own experiences along the way. And you're right, creativity trumps budget every time. The story of your parent's stereo really struck a bell with me. The first band I was in, I was the keyboardist and for lack of budget I took my parent's stereo and speakers, and used them. And as you experienced yourself, low and behold at some point the volume exceeded a certain level and the cone went out, and never came back. And likewise, I started with 2 cassette recorders for my studio. Then went to 1 cassette and one reel-to-reel. Then I acquired a used Tascam 4 track mixer/recorder. Then 8 tracks, 16 tracks, and then went to my first digital studio which was made by a french company called Guillemot. Then Cakewalk, then Protools, and finally Logic Pro. Switched between PC and Mac multiple times. Went low and high budget. But through out the process, creativity and determination were the key to producing good sound.
this video is a must-see for people starting out recording; excellent advice and clear information. Thanks Warren, for making this effort... inspiring, to say the least!
Hi John! Wow!! Thanks ever so much! I'm glad to be able to help!
This is exactly what ive been saying for years myself, you dont need to have this and that expensive gear, even the cheapest gear these days can make quality recordings. Im about your age Warren and even though im not a pro at recording i have had some similar background like having a 4 track tape portastudio and such, compared to the things i had in those days pretty much anything these days are amazing, its a great time to be recording and producing music.
This is an important video, people may not listen that much to me, but having you as a pro speaking of the same things is great and i hope people will listen and record their music instead of thinking that they cant since they havent got expensive gear.
What a powerful statement of purpose. Thanks, Warren, this is why I love your videos.
Thanks ever so much! That's very kind of you!! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren
Warren, you completely and totally rock! I have learned a bunch from your videos over the past couple of weeks since discovering your channel. And, all I can say is: Thank you! Cheers!
Hi +SoundFilmDesign Thanks very much for your great comment I really appreciate it! Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren
You are extremely helpful, thank you. You provide clear, unbiased, and experienced guidance that I knew I could trust, the moment I finished watching a first video on your channel. I have subscribed and look forward to all of your future videos!
Aw shucks thanks Cha Cha Malone! I really appreciate it! Have a marvelous time recording. Many thanks Warren
I need a charger big boy
Great Tips Warren, Thank you. For DAW, I have tried many DAWs from those you mentioned in the video but now I end up with Reaper. Because Reaper can eat all kind of plug-ins from AU, VST3 to RTAS and run under MACOSX or Windows, which gives me many flexibility, and you can tweak if you want. I choose Mac because mac wont give me lots of noise and the software installation is very easy, mostly no driver needed. Less virus of course, specially when dealing with friend's thumb drive :). For interface, I got my Phonic Helixboard - cost me under $1000 - that gives me 16 channel recording simultaneously for live recording thru firewire/USB. Pity they discontinue it and replace it with an expensive digital series. A pair Yamaha HS 8 for monitor and a second hand Shure KSM 44A Microphone :). As you said, the most expensive tool is creativity. Keep Rockin' !!!
For a fairly inexpensive interface that can do more look at the Behringer XAir 18 not only is it a 18x18 interface it's a full fledged digital mixer! I use mine as a recording interface in my home studio and to mix live music!
I just found this vid...5/18/2016.......just want to say thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience.
Gave it a thumbs up and I subscribed.
You are VERY much appreciated Warren.
Most large studios now use PT and Logic.
Rap/Hip Hop/EDM studios/artist.. most use Ableton.
The rest are really bedroom DAW's but a good place to start.
The DAW you know best, is the one you will swear is the best.
Personally I really don't care. I wish I knew them all. It's all just ones and zeros.
(but... a proprietary software/hardware match will be more efficient and stable).
Getting a great performance is by far most important.
Really comprehending how a plugin (or outboard gear) works to shape the sound is much more important than what plugin you have.
High quality studio monitors/headphones are very very important. Cheap monitors = quick ear fatigue that will eventually lead to hearing loss.
Most people are obsessive. They should take breaks, but they don't. And everything sounds better louder.
+ "Cheap monitors = quick ear fatigue that will eventually lead to hearing loss."
Hi Warren. Breath of fresh air! I watched the hybrid videos and it's a real eye opener seeing what you do on the console! Thank you
Hi +Steve Burgan Aw shucks thanks! So glad to be able to help!! Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren
i tell people this all the time, most see Big gear and think thats where Good comes from..It's the Person thanks!
Hi Simone white I agree 100%!!! Thanks very much for your great comment I really appreciate it! Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren
Thank you Warren !!!
good show! i have 2 signs in my studio: 1. WWGMD (What Would George Martin Do) and more importantly: 2. If it must be done a certain way, we don't do it that way here. It's about the ear, not the gear. it's refreshing to hear advice from someone that shares the same values. thanks for being so positive. more people need to hear this type of input instead of: you really need a U76 before you can be serious.
Oh man! Wish I'd seen this earlier about the right computer for recording. All's I have is this really old Studer J37 reel to reel I found in my parents basement. I dusted it off, plugged it in. At least it works.
You're one of a kind, and a wealth of information, Warren.
I'm glad that you're so passionate about sharing your endless/priceless knowledge.
You teach in such a casual way that's a huge benefit to anyone actively listening, but also enjoyable too.
Thanks, for all the videos!
I record my music with the Focusrite Scarlett Studio bundle. Very good sound quality to me on a budget. When I mix my vocals a certain way, it sounds more expensive.
***** that sounds great! Have a marvelous time recording, many thanks for your comment, I really appreciate it! Warren
***** I got an scarlett 2i4 and is a great interface, I would say is like the VW bettle of interfaces, reliable, sounds great, is portable and a tank of equipment, and I can use my analog gear like sansamp Bass driver for reamping line bass or guitar with the 3th and 4th unbalance outputs.
Diego Gutiérrez I'm happy that I've got that much out of a budget. I used to think I needed the more expensive microphones, but once I brought the bundle, it changed my mind. However, I would still get those microphones if I had the money for them and keep the Focusrite bundle.
Hi ***** yes agreed just upgrade as you can. One great condenser will cover most situations and upgrading your interface will help a lot too. But the most important thing is the creativity, great songs with great parts are key! Have a marvelous time recording, many thanks Warren
"Creativity always trumps budget" - Very true saying, and I think it really does reinforce the point to get to know your DAW and equipment firsthand; even an unlimited gear-haven record studio is rendered worthless if you don't know the flavors of candy you have to pull from, how to utilize them, and have a clearish idea of where you want to go.
I'm totally with you Warren. I am about to embark on a four song EP with a buddy of mine. I have a good computer and Logic Pro 9 but beyond that, I am working with pretty much bottom of the barrel gear price-wise. I have a $120 MAudio interface, an SM-57 and some very prosaic instruments and amps. Nothing to write home about to be certain. I am even forced to mix in headphones presently, and the entire thing will be recorded in my bedroom, my closet and my bathroom (aka my control room, my vocal booth and my amp room - Hahaha!)
That said, just in the demos that I have recorded/mixed for this project as we build the tunes and arrangements, I can already tell that with the recording/mixing experience I have gained from kind individuals like you on the Net, the EP is going to sound great when it's done. Will it be top artist album quality? No, of course not. Will it be professional, punchy and totally fun to listen to when I'm done with it? You bet your ass it will! Thanks for all of the inspiration man! You have no idea how much these videos have helped me. :)
Wow thanks Phil Sackett I really appreciate the kind words! I wish all the best with the new recordings! Have a marvelous time recording! Many thanks Warren Huart
Back in 1986 I got married and moved into an apartment at the same time my folks were moving out and making me take my stuff with me. I traded a pearl drum set that would not fit my apartment (the one that is denim-covered... the fool I am) for a fender acoustic guitar and a Fostex x15, 4 track cassette portastudio. That week I shopped out and got one commercial that I recorded on that POS 4 track. I mixed it to a cassette boom box of the era and then took that too a friend to have it bounced to a reel to reel which was what the end-user, KROQ in Pasadena required. I got paid for the commercial and a Tascam 388 8 track (the one with the built-in mixer) and a new Atari computer with SMPTE track. I used that to score 11 soundtracks over the next year. They were all B movies mostly meant for overseas release but I made enough money to buy all the things I wanted. I gave the X-15 to some kid down the street.
Start with whatever you can get and make a product. Anyone saying you need expensive tools to make something valuable either has no confidence, knowledge or talent... or believed the guy in Guitar Center that told him he needed to go in debt... and that would be the same guy selling stuff for 10 bucks an hour instead of making music!
Don't be that guy. Make good music. You'll get paid for it if you make good music.
got to invest in some room treatment if you’re recording. if i was going to record vocals in a room, and i could put $300 toward studio monitors or room treatment, i’d take the latter - an ok mix of a good recording is better than a great mix of a bad recording.
What you said at the beginning of the video is so true, lots of musicians spend their time obsessively watching equipment reviews and comparissons at the point they forget about the main reason of all this, create good content.
I've been a musician for 25+yrs and just now tapping in to my own home recording. Recently picked up Presonus DAW for my laptop, the Presonus 1818VSL Audio Interface because I also want its scale-ability for recording live. Of course all other necessities like studio monitors, headphones and my PA system for live gigs. Look forward to putting this all together and your video has certainly answered several questions, thanks!
Hi +ksmons Fantastic!! So happy to be able to help! Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren
Hey Warren, you're videos are fresh and understandable. Please keep them coming!!! Although there are already a lot of sources on youtube in the same topic but please, please keep doing what you do because you're attitude and approach is very likeable. Can't wait to see some real inside tricks and advices!
Thanks milanthedrummer! I really appreciate it, yes I wanted to be able to show people what I do on a daily basis and remove the mystery and remind us all that it's just about creativity! Have a marvelous day, many thanks Warren
Couldn't have said it better! This is something I've trying and still try to get across to people!
Thanks NiklasJBlixt! Yes agreed this stuff is really important! Have a marvelous time recording. Many thanks Warren
Agreed *****. Digital is much easier to work in. But gotta love the sound of analog!
Yes I do that quite a lot ***** sounds fantastic!
I kind of like the tape hiss *****. It makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside! Reminds me of all the albums I grew up listening too!
I'm all about Led Zep, Queen and The Beatles love the sound of those records.
I love how you make the creativity point, and drive it home. Take Simon and Garfunkel's The Boxer. Imagine this scene: 3 guys standing at the top of an empty elevator shaft with a Shure mid level mic,ran to a reel to reel tape machine,and on the other end of the shaft is another guy banging on various objects til the desired crash boom sound is achieved. Listen to The Boxer,and when you get to the part after ," lie lie lie BOOM! lie lie lie lie lie lie lie...lie lie lie BOOM! Creativity right there. Great video Warren!
Hi +aneyesky Thanks very much for noticing that! It is all about the creativity!! I never knew that story! That;'s fantastic! Thanks for sharing!! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren
Reaper DAW seems to work well. Super lightweight, works on multiple platforms, lots of youtube tutorials,etc
Thanks ever so much for sharing
You hit a nugget of wisdom here that most do not realize, that is that there is a lot of equipment that although older works VERY VERY well and can be bought for almost nothing. I pick up units that came out in the 1980s and 90s that originally cost 500-1000 USD or more for about $100 bucks! The people didn't make it career wise and now are tired of storing it and do not use it anymore. Great to know what to pick up and what is a great price! When I do pick up guitar students I tell them get one of these or one of those... there is an auction on Ebay (of course only if I already have a few and am not bidding lol) for one of these right now etc etc. The trick is if you were around back then doing music, you know cause you had one or someone else did and it impressed you. I literally have a shelf in my attic just for back up gear I have bought.
Reaper is awesome and free to use. You can buy an inexpensive commercial license but to get used to the software and get up and running it's free. Awesome VST's come with it.
Hi +Ron Marshall Yes Reaper seems like an awesome DAW!! Thanks very much for your great comment I really appreciate it! Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren
Yes, Reaper is a great DAW. I choose Tracktion Waveform and am very happy with it.
I used it for a couple months, then switched to FL studio and i was really suprised at how much FL studio increases your workflow. Not saying its bad but ehh...
Jakub Crowe yea FL is cool but when you finish your juice box come back to reaper 😛
I'm not familiar with reaper, I use studio one personally. It's free you say?
Hello Warren.
Fantastic & really honest & down to earth advice - I am passing this info to my teenage son who is really into recording & doing very well at it. We need more people like you - the enthusiasm alone is priceless!
Thanks very much & have a great new year!
Mark G
Hi +Mark G Thanks very much for your great comment I really appreciate it! I'm so glad to be able to help! Happy New Year!! Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren
Your story reminds me of when I was starting out and didn't have a guitar amp. I found a way to plug a distortion pedal into a home stereo and tried it playing along with a drummer. The setup didn't last long. It fried quickly. Heh.
Ahh, that takes me back to the 70s, fried a cpl stereos before i finally got an amp
We have an iMac - I use a Behringer XR18 as an audio interface - Reaper as a DAW - I have a Warm Audio WA-47 clone mic.
We have a small collection of various dynamic mics as well.
This all sounds great when we record and we sound as good as most of the radio songs we hear.
Just plain good practical advice
Hi +scotty Thanks very much!! Thanks very much for your great comment I really appreciate it! Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren
It was so refreshing to hear you talk about budget equipment. Some of the brands you mentioned are the same brands I use in my little home studio. Thank you for your unbiased opinion and help.
Thanks ever so much Wade! You Rock my friend!
Amen on the creativity. I made better stuff with limitations. Now that I have a lot more and can make the standard I want I became way more concerned with materials. Cutoff and get back to what it all means. Performance and creating is key and what its all about!
Hi Nik Drown perfect put! I agree 100%! Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren
I hear this a lot.
and it's so true. in fact, the best recordings I've got out there were done with a couple SM57s, a built in pro tools synth, and a partial garage sale drum kit comprised of a kick, a floor tom with a T shirt over the head, and a ribbon crasher-- it's what I had when I got back into recording and I made it work. luckily I had a great friend who was ultra lofi in his approach and a magnet for creativity - I learned so much from not worrying about what I don't have and thinking of ways I could alter what I did have ..; I started at 15 years old with the original TASCAM portaone cassette 4 track and wish I still had the last one I traded in. THANK YOU Warren!
Great video. How about a tour of your studio?
Hi +Jim McDowell Haha yes one day! Thanks very much for your great comment I really appreciate it! Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren
This is a refreshing down to earth video amongst all the hyped opinions out there. Especially the "know your stuff" part is so true. Weither it is the software or the hardware like speakers depend on knowing what they do with the sound. Also I think its pretty impressive how you state what your preferences are without sounding like a fanboy of some brand. "I like applecomputers and protools because 99 % of the studios have them". That's so practical. No need to show off fancy equipment, just know your stuff. One thing thoug about this specific video; as a video-editor I never understand why people put in shots from a different angle of the guy talking, looking past me. Preferably even in b/w. I dont see a reason other than trying to break the static picture, but in a really ugly way. I prefer looking you in the eye. But that's just an opinion. I'm a big fan of your videos and learn a lot. My hero Bob Clearmountain was a real highlight. Cheers!
"Speakers went forward... and they didn't come back"
Warren you find your passion in life!
Hi Warren. first of all, I'd like to say Thankyou for both The Video AND The encouragement. I like the Title and Youre true to it. I have been using a Computer since 2000. A "PC" and Ive never used an Apple or Mac....So I have a PC. I have "low end" Guitars; $300, $500, etc. I use MAGIX for my DAW. I bought a Condensor Mic; MXL, its a V67G. From what I heard are literally a 1/10th of the cost now, which is $100. I got it from B&H Audio in NYC. Also I got a pair of M-AUDIO 40W Monitors, both The Mic & the Monitors were, upon my request, Christmas Gifts to me in 2013. I definitly do Not have a Contemporary nor traditional Voice for my vocals...in other words Im not a very good singer. However, I have let that affect my confidence in even bothering to put my vocals on my Music...(yet I want to & do like to Sing...I guess, who doesnt? right? lol) Once again; Thankyou for Sharing and caring. I appreciate it. Cheers Warren :)
Hi +Jimmy SantAngelo Great stuff! Two of my main electric guitars are Yamaha Pacificas!! I also have a 70's Yamaha and a new model Yamaha Acoustic, both if which are incredibly affordable! Thanks very much for your great comment I really appreciate it! The SONG IS KING!! Creativity rules! Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren
Produce Like A Pro Warren, You ARE The Coolest! Thanks Brother :)
Hi +Jimmy SantAngelo Aw shucks! Thanks very much for your kind words I really appreciate it! Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren
Produce Like A Pro Thanks Robert. :D
Amazing how timeless this video is! Great info !!!
Thanks ever so much!! I really appreciate it
To further prove your point: I recently came across a Roland SRV-2000 reverb unit at a flea market for $50. Even though it is from 1984 I now pretty much use it as my go to reverb, especially long lush landscapes.
Wow Sebastian, that's an amazing deal!!! Wonderful reverb unit!! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren
Thanks! Had some fun testing it out. Feel free to check out this what became a 7 minute ambient track/improv with the SRV on 100% wet while messing around with the MiniBrute.
soundcloud.com/sebkomor/roland-srv-2000-minibrute-ambient-jam
Hi Sebastian, I listened to some tracks on your Soundcloud!! Great stuff!! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren
It's so refreshing to see a video that says you don't need to spend thousands to make music - although good hardware synths and guitars, etc. still cost a fair bit here in the UK! My recording rig is probably pretty much what you discuss here. Laptop with SSD running a DAW I know very well, Alesis monitors, Roland Quad Capture audio interface and a Rode NT-1A microphone, along with a few hardware (and software) synths. As I play keys, this setup works perfectly for my musical projects.
Great video as always Warren.
Hi +Defeat Wow!! Thanks for those extremely kind words!! Sounds like you have a great set up ready to make amazing music!! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren
Thanks for the vid, Warren. I agree that the Focusrite is a great interface, however I would say that it's worth getting one with at least 4 XLR inputs as a minimum (like the Scarlett 18i8 for example). When I record electric guitar I often use more than one mic on the amp plus a DI which allows me to record to separate tracks and then blend afterwards when mixing. The same goes with when I record piano... a stereo pair of condenser mics plus a room mic to capture the ambience. Thanks again!
Hi +Tim Ball Thanks very much for your great comment I really appreciate it! I do agree for Rock and Roll recording to cover drums a minimum of 4 inputs is required, but I just don't want to discourage anyone from getting stuck in and start recording!! Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren
Couldn't agree more. I've spent less than $400 (excluding the DAW) and have monitors, headphones, midi controller, audio interface and a laptop. The only thing that's held me back is time spent actually making music vs time spent looking for gear. For the last three months I've spent 3 hours every single day making music or doing something I've seen in a tutorial e.g. making a kick sound, learning a plugin inside out. I've gone from that's terrible to - ok - there's something that could be used in future. I only have a couple of completed tracks but the improvement is the key. I can't wait to see what I can do in another 12 months.
You are such a cool guy! Thanks for your experience and im sure i'll be contacting you soon for some advice! Thanks Warren!
Hi +Eliseo Renteria Thanks very much for your kind words I really appreciate it! Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren
+Produce Like A Pro I can see that for sure! Check out my channel if you have some time! =)
Hi +Eliseo Renteria Wonderful!! Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren
Thank you! I've been a professional musician, off and on, for 40 years and have never had a studio. I am piecing one together at the moment and combining my audio/electronic engineering degree with my music and really looking forward to having a home studio.
Thank you for the encouragement!
Hi +G “Jerry” Henrickson You're very welcome!!! Thanks very much I really appreciate it!! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren
Great tips man my top 5.
1. Get a external preamp. This changed the game for me. I bought a Manley Core channel strip and it made everything way way better.
2. Buy a great interface from the get go. I went through like 3. Till I finally bought a clarett octo pre. And settled on that.
3. Get a used engineering server off eBay and mod the piss out of it. Best decision I've made. I started with a laptop. Computer would freeze all the time. Now i run a hp z620 with NVME hard drive and a ssd hybrid backup drive. I literally can throw anything at it without it even blinking. Its also extremely quiet so I can track vocals in the same room.
4. Mic. A great condenser is very important. The problem is finding the right one. I started with an SM58, Then a rode NT1, then the rode K2. The K2 is better than my previous mics but its very sibilant and inconsistent.
Right now im dealing with vocals sounding sibilant and shitty. And having to re-record tracks or use plugins to chop off the top end.
So I'm upgrading again...
If I had stopped saved a few weeks and gotten a sontronics aria or Neumann or warm audio u87 clone I think I would have saved alot of time.
5. Room treatment is everything. When in doubt buy more acoustic panels. I ditched the foam and went to Owens corning 703 panels way better solution.
Loving your channel thanks a mill.
Hi canvoodoo thanks ver much I appreciate it! Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren
Preaching the gospel man ! Thank you again!
You’re very welcome
What A Lovely Sincere Fella...
You are too kind AlexanderJohn Sutherland! Have a marvelous time recording, many thanks Warren
Finally I hear some one who gets it. Creativity over equipment yes!!!. My best recordings came from very little money. When I finally was able to afford high end equipment I spent more time over mixing everything I muddied all my creativity I hardly recognized the song I wrote.
Marty
Hi +Martin Grosvenor Thanks very much for your kind comment! Glad to be able to help! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren
Nice vid! You've got some really sound advice here.
Hi +The Original Spacefan Thanks very much for your kind words I really appreciate it! Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren
Man I wish I were to watch this 3 years ago could have saved a lot of time and money. thanks so much for sharing.
Hi willie8701 thanks very much, very happy to be able to help! Have a marvelous time recording! Many thanks Warren
Holy words and thanks for sharing your experiences!! :)
Thanks christianzezza I really appreciate that!
Great advice...Creativity and learning the equipment saves so much time and money.
Here's the thing: creativity is subjective, unquantifiable and almost everybody thinks they have it...
Warren, I used your tips for bass on my mix and it worked marvelously well - of course. Thanks a million! I will keep these notes on hand the next time I'm recording and mixing bass. I can't wait to see what's coming up on your channel in 2015. You already have a goldmine of information here. All the best to you in the new year.
Great trojannate I'm really glad that helped! Thanks very much for watching, I really appreciate it. Have a marvelous time recording! Many thanks Warren
Wow you are truly amazing, im new to all this. But i have heard that one does need the room to be treated, to be able to mix great. Is that true? I ask because u didn't mention that. Thank you for all your awesome knowledge
Hi Lee Roy Gonzalez thanks for the kind words! Agreed, once you move to using powered monitors away from headphones you should definitely make sure the room is dead enough for playback, but just enough, not completely dead! Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren
Thank you :)
Hi Lee Roy Gonzalez you're welcome! Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren
I recorded a blues-folk-americana-gospel album with one MXL 990 mic and an apollo twin. That album won best blues album in Dallas 2015. You're so right, it's all about creativity! Sometimes the cheaper stuff just works.
Very ,very interesting and the explication for a music studio components very good! Great video!
Hi Dan Muntean so glad to be able to help! Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren
Thank You very much !
Hi +Dan Muntean Thank YOU! Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren