I watched a couple of your videos and I just want to say I like your philosophy, it's so true..."limit your choices" It's so refreshing, sometimes you just get caught up in all sorts of stuff that prevents you from doing your stuff.
Graham, let me thank you for all this kind of videos. In february of this year, i was mixing an album and had some serious bad results (my first full album). Seaching a lot of information, i found your channel, and it helped me a lot, my problem was just that i get stuck in a very minimum thing. Thanks again for all the help you bring man, it is delightful. Cheers from Argentina.
This is the greatest advice and it says everything I've wanted to say, but haven't because I don't want to sound like a jerk. I know people who have spend over ten thousand dollars on studio equipment but haven't invested even a hundred hours into recording, mixing, and perfecting their craft. I started out recording music with Garage band on my IPHONE. Using a zoom microphone and no options but the most basic EQ (sliders for bass, mid, treble), reverb, and delay, I spent a little over 300 hours recording and mixing with that before I even thought about upgrading. Now I work with the cheapest version of studio one, a 2 input m-audio interface, and two microphones like you described. Because of this gradual improvement I. My gear, I've been forced to master the basics every step of the way, and haven't found myself surrounded by gear I have no experience using, and haven't found myself lost deciding between 8 different EQ's that all basically do the same thing.
This is spot on advice. So much stuff out there that you just don't need. I bought a second hand pair of Yamaha NS10's 18 years ago, countless commercial releases written and mixed on them and I'm only now thinking of upgrading.
Hey Graham. I just discovered you through your Patreon page and I love your stuff! I have been looking for quality sound editing tutorials for SO long so thank you, thank you, thank you ;)
Ive been recording with a bit of mixing for writing purposes for years now. I plan to do some pre-production with my band very soon. So I've decided to take mixing a lil more serious. Graham your vids have been a huge help. I've taken some quick demos I made to just get some Ideals out. Into pretty good sounding Mixes. I can't wait to start Pre-pro with my band, and get mixing that! Thanks Graham love what your doing!!!!
Thanks for mentioning the $100 rule on mics. I recently did a short article on my blog that said the exact same thing. I also agree with the plugins. Except for a custom reverb that can let me actually size a room and match every possible floor/ceiling/wall treatment and lets me place the source/listener in any position within the room, I just use stock Sonar Producer plugins and have no problems. In fact I only use my custom reverb for mastering.
I needed and went to another studio and found out that what I had did exactly what I wanted I just didn't explore or question myself enough to figure it and I let company Xyz make me believe I needed it. Once you gain the knowledge you can apply it to another program, VST or DAW but first you got to get that. That's where he's trying to educate you. Definitely a good video and I wish I had known this when I first started. Good job bro
It's funny because I literally just started using Logic, Maschine and Ableton all together recently, and I love it. It still works with this principle of what he's talking about though because, most of these daws do the same thing, but some do them better than others. I like to make drums and the basic framework of my beat in Maschine first, because maschine makes making beats less thought and less visual and more tactile and audible, then I throw it into ableton to arrange and add instruments. Then I'll throw all that into Logic because although I don't like arranging in logic, I do like recording vocals and mixing in logic. There's freedom in knowing the strengths and limitations in your programs. That way you can decide how to use them in the most optimal way. Limiting what I do in each program almost makes me feel like each step is a little mini accomplishment, so when I'm done it just feels good. But this dude is dope for this though. He's literally talking about everything my anthropology teacher was saying about our economy and our consumerism and how we need to chill with getting the next best thing and use what we already have to produce greatness. Great video.
One of the most practical and REAL LIFE true videos I've ever seen. So much down-to-earth knowledge here. Can't stand gear heads who tout equipment as if that's where the good sound comes from. It's all about good ears, and a good source.
Its good to hear someone like you giving advice to those producers and musicians out there that spend more time on internet forums searching for the latest and greatest gear than on improving their skills (I have to say, I suffer from this problem). Thank you very much!!
I just start recording and thank you! this made me more appreciative with what I have and focus on more work practice and learn. this is some of the best advice I've had in my life
What i am getting is "keep shyyt simple".. he's not saying buy crappy gear, he's just saying do not get caught up in all the choices we have. If your mixing then learn how to mix, don't look for that magic "box".. He also seems to be saying that if you are making money and you have clients who might prefer a "special" sound or effect then that's different. For the 80% out here all the gear hype is not necessary.((fun but not necessary)). Learn to mix,Learn mic placement,Learn production construction.. Learn your craft!! THIS GUY IS GOOD.. WE ALL NEEDED THIS WHEN WE STARTED.. (($100,000 ago LOL))
There is nobody like Graham Cochrane. He is always about truth and I am so fortunate to have found him a few years back. He is extremely gifted and and a great guy and he has that special thing to share it with us. This video is great, how really valuable in 2013 when one is just thinking about what to buy next! Thank You Graham
My advice 1) Get the BEST possible most expensive professional gear (learn how to use multiple DAWs) 2) record (end of story) Buy once or pay twice! (if you buy mediocre stuff with a plan to upgrade later, by the time you buy the flagship you have now paid 3-4 times more than if you had bought the flagship to begin with - the wasting of money is actually buying something then buying something again in order to upgrade (just buy it to begin with). Conflict of interests between quality of sound vs money (usually quality of sound i.e. disc/recording will make more money in the end)
ThinkBeforeYouPost This is actually the most useful insight I’ve heard today other than the lessons learned by this video, you’ve just made a few decisions for me:) thank you.
I was "raised" on Cakewalk/Sonar/PC for years, but I switched to Pro Tools and Mac last year because I find it's easier to get help from the larger recording community. Sonar is great, but every time I found a good tutorial, like at The Recording Revolution, it was based on Pro Tools. There has been a learning curve and I've lost a little time, but I'm not looking back. Pro Tools has some minor irritants, but over all it will suit me far better and by gosh, I turn it on and it works!
I can agree to almost everything except for the plugins segment. This definitely probably holds true for typical recording engineers, but not so much for producers and artists. I produce progressive house and electro-house. The plugins are a huge supplemental part of my creative process. If I limit myself to a small amount of plugins I limit my artistic ability to create unique sounds and instruments. So I really enjoy the plethora of plugins offered for the creative process.
On the plugins side of things, it's AMAZING how many great freeware plugins are available out there. Don't ever buy a plugin without first checking if there is a free version of the same effect.
The timing of this video was perfect! I am currently on a buying spree and this video has put a stop to my buying! You could have the best equipment but if you suck it won't make a difference how expensive it is.
Thank you! Thank you for promoting sensibility and practicality which is so sorely lacking in this area. You just gained even more credibility points in my book. Carry on the great work!
Awesome tips man. I've pretty much followed these rules so far by buying the best cheapest gear possible. Vocal mics as drum overheads plus an i5 on snare, sample the kick then BAM!..... Drums recorded
Actually, that aurolex "foam" he has is geared towards home studios and rarely used in pro studios... you will likely find diffusion, reflective panels, bass traps, and most the walls are lined with soundblock, heavy grade insulation and fabric for the absorption.
My spin on microphones: the Sure SM 58 is very good but keep in mind that it has probably been made basically the same way for decades meanwhile some new microphones have been made with different newer ways that are just as good and cost less. I sold my SM58 for $75 a few years back and bought a triple back of Berhinger Super Cardio XM1800S mics for about $60 that sound as good to me. Besides I had to always have the volume up more on the mixer with the 58 than the Berhinger. Good main point here is use what you can afford and it can sound good or very good.
When i bought a mac, the only thing i had was garageband (fl studio, which i used before on windows, doesn't work on os x) garageband is limited in terms if effects etc. it made me rethink about using eq and compression. I made my best sounding recording until now on it, simply because of the limited options. I now learned how to really use eq and compre
Hey, I've used Reaper in the past for some basic recording and even now my band currently use it for some of our demoing when we aren't able to use my Protools set up. It's a great DAW for the price, and has some good value stock plugins, editing tools etc. It's all good.
Variety of Sound make AWESOME plugins for free and some of them are better than populare plugins. All i need is an EQ, an analoguer or saturation tools, compressors, spectral Freqs analyser. So all i need is Reaper and variety of sound plugins to sound great. I talk of course of mixing/mastering tools.
I like your pragmatism alot! In my youth i recorded with a low end mic and my middleclass soundcard in my pc. I recorded everyrthing with only these cheap things for about 4 years. And i also had some pretty good results. Most important thing is to simple to it.
Hey Graham, I want to thank you for so many great advices. It sure helped me a lot becoming a better mixing engineer. I have mixed some songs for my band since 2011 and I believe you did put me on the right path, although I know that I still have a long road ahead. To those interested, the songs I'm talking about are in my band's channel. Just search for "blacknwhitesun" on youtube. Congratulations again and take care!
And that $100 range is true. I have heard some great recordings on USB Mics. People commonly switch to a new microphone because they assume they will sound better with it and aren't getting the recordings they want. Microphone placement is huge. I own a microphone that costed around $700 back when it came out and now it is at the $100 range on eBay. I picked it up and it is a great overall microphone. The MXL 4000 is beautiful and is my go to microphone. It just has a beautiful tone to it and anyone who can find it on eBay for around $150 should pick it up. It is a steal of a deal. But I am for my next mic going to be getting a mic that has one of the biggest cuttoffs I've seen (300 kHz will be beautiful on raspy tenor male voice) and it is around $100.
Everything in this video is true! I think alot of people get caught up on picking the right interface. Just zero in on the one you want then search for a good deal. 4 Years ago I bought a m audio fast track pro from someone for $60 and still use it to this day.
I think choices we have do matter and make a difference. I upgraded from a Digi002 to an Apollo and the difference was night & day. You had a Focusrite LS56 interface, then upgraded to the Apollo. Obviously not for I/O options. It's the fact you get much better results with the Apollo. The converters are better, the pres are world-class, plus you get UAD powered plugins. Honestly, if you were sponsored by UA, Mojave, Royer or Apogee, would you had made this video? If so, then much respect.
This is what I call an intelligent video! Intelligent people making intelligent content giving intelligent advices. You sir are the kind of video-maker the internet should have. Subscribed!
I use stock plugins with the exception of the fabfilter bundle and Izotope Ozone 4. Of those plugins I use the compressor, limiter, stereo-expander and EQ in combination with the stock plugins of my daw.
But you have to pick and choose with any video tutorial and try out what works for you. It´s impossible for Graham to make THE deffinitive tutorial/advice that apply to any studio, any genre and any producer/engineer. Grahams videos is superb at giving you the basics and the it´s up to you to go out at experiment to make your own signature sound or style. And I totally agree with the "don´t thnk that more expensive gear means better recordings" mentallity.
Graham, great information. 100 percent correct on everything you said. Some people get too hung up on getting things they don't need. when they could be using that time actually working. However for a bit of creative advice, please re-record or edit the video. You could have said everything in about 6 minutes time.You have a slight habit of stretching your point. Keep up the great advice.
When X2 came out, I was on Windows Vista and had to decide whether to upgrade my PC or bail out and invest in Pro Tools. Sonar is great, but I like the simpler, 2-screen setup of Pro Tools and the elastic audio functions are superb. Also, Pro Tools has been much more stable for me. I still have Sonar X1 on a PC, but I am starting all new projects and migrating some others to the Mac and Pro Tools.
I just went to audio school under 15 minute. Experience is the best teacher Ok remember cakewalk sonar I made most of my recordings in cakewalk From 2006 till 2011.
not only are you speaking as an expert in your field, you are imparting much knowledge, wisdom, and common sense. I hope that you continue this trend because this is what's missing in the world. People dont think practically anymore and listen to anyone's opinion and accept it. I truly believe that your offering this knowledge because its the truth. Keep it up, i will continue to support
i'd say to make it REALLY simple: if you play loud rock music all you need is a shure sm57 for starters. if you play acoustic or a little softer music get a good condenser mic. i mean shure sm57 is THE rock sound, an industry standard, it's great, it's simple, it's affordable. when it comes to plug ins, i'd say if you're a rock band kind of guy stick with the stock plug ins and then MAYBE, maybe get an additional plug in for either amp emulation or drums. i think toontrack has great drums...
I do agree to get good with what u have, don't get caught up in having to have this and that. Alot of good albums were recorded with alot less that we have or can get cheap
Monitors are great for mixing if you have a nice room, and to get an accurate stereo field. But beginners are best off with headphones. You get a great sounding "room", it's cheap, you probably have a pair, and you can play your track on a car stereo or computer speakers or something to check your mix externally...then tweak if you have to.
Another awesome video, Graham. Re: mix practicing -- do a google search for "Mixing Secrets Multitrack Library"...tons of free multitrack recordings for you guys to bring into your DAW and mix from scratch. Awesome resource for stepping up your game.
Yes, alot of the principles are the same. But your workflow will still be different, because the key commands vary. When you're pressed for time and a band is waiting for you to set up a session, knowing the Pro Tools key commands back to front will save you.
first of all, thx a lot for this video. i've worked a lot in studios (i'm also musician and audio engineer for years) with a lot of engineers that have tons of plug ins and greed to get new ones. its not negative, but i think just learn to work with the simplest plug ins you can get... it makes no sense if you buy hundreds of compressors vst's eventhough you dont know how to control them. just start with a daw, that you might find cool. every daw is ok. just have fun recording and mixing
That's True.... Yes it is.. I've seen it just over 300 brand new.. I'm sure used it's even cheaper. Personally.. IF you can afford it. I highly recommend it.
Richard Michael Exactly. Graham is not limiting your selection. But you can find a good mic for $100. I spent $120 on my MXL 4000. I believe it cost around $750 when it came out. I own a $15,000 home studio. Do I need the industry standard plug ins, no. Do I need the 8" speakers, no. My recording still aren't the best. I don't blame my plug ins or anything. I know that I still am learning. The gear I bought was in my budget. I didn't seek out the best gear. I spent time and research into creating a kick ass workstation and I still have some weaker links (my keyboard is a 70s vintage unweighted keyboard that I need to upgrade since my genre is acoustic) that I am strengthening. I don't buy a $2,000 keyboard because I can afford it. I buy a Keyboard based off of my needs. I need something good, portable for gigs, and a keyboard that has a great feel to it. Some of those $2,000 keyboards weigh 80 lbs and i also have other weak links I need to work out. Don't set limits on how much to spend. Buy the things that meet your needs.
Love your ideas about stepping away from the gear wars. I recently purchased a Tascam DP-008EX for this particular reason. I want to build some track for our church praise band. I've never been able to set up a computer to get the results I wanted. I thought this would be a simpler, more portable way to get started. I would love to hear your thoughts on this. BTW, love I
I started on a 2 ch m audio interface it sucked so i upgraded to a Better 2 Ch. M-audio interface , i got pro tools 8 then had to get a 2ch Pro tools interface , got an interface for my ipad , now i want an 8x8 interface for a mac set up i will sync to my pc , Then the behringer x32 so i can make different fx loops to hardware ☻ the bottom line is you should do what makes you happy and making music .. i like doing things that have never been done before , Cheers ☺
I use Garageband, and honestly it hasn't made much difference to the quality of what I produce. The limitations in what it can do is easily made up for by the ease of use, so I actually recommend it to people, especially for beginners. :D
"It doesn't matter" - finally I found some interesting advice on youtube. I'm not being sarcastic. Things guy actually gives great advice. I like how he emphasizes on technique and hard work instead of gear. Because that's the truth. Also I like that he doesn't explains things in terms om talent. It is not about talent. Actually that term is pretty insulting. As in every part of life it is 99.9% about hard work and passion for what you do. Thanks for sharing this. Great channel.
I actually believe that Graham would have made the video regardless of sponsorship. It has to do with getting priorities right. He's not speaking to seasoned mix engineers with this message - it's for people who don't get anywhere near enough out of what they already have (which is most of us). The industry tries to convince us that WE'RE not the reason our music is lousy - it's lousy tools. And it's EASY to fall into that. Better gear won't help as much until we've exhausted what we have.
U do kinda need a fast computer, I guess it depends on what your doing. But yeah, computer, decent monitors, daw (reaper) , interface, mic, Midi controller, instruments. If u start out using loops, learn to cut and chop them to make them more your own. Ton of free plugins
Man God bless you, you're so awesome, I enjoyed this video a whole lot, and I've always said same IT DOESN'T MATTER I use a DAW nobody uses: samplitude, and I can't love it more!! I've always said the difference is the producer and his/her ears, thanks so much for all this you give to us people you don't know
Love that line.... Our happiness is one purchase away.... Awesome line bro. Oh also purple vneck. I would lie happier if i had one of those... Oh wait, doh!
True, but starting out in the software you feel most inspired working in, is far more important. Still the main principles are the same, and you learn the key commands pretty fast.
Off Topic Question! How do you get that great sound on your voice. do you record with the mic on the camera, or into your Mac? And how do you treat it?
Hi Graham, thanks for a great video. :) If you can, it would be great if you put the links to the videos in annotations in the description as well. The annotations don't work mobile yet. Thanks!
Dude, ur the man! It doesn't matter! There's so much good stuff out there that's affordable and does a great job...people just like to buy stuff and companies looove to sell stuff. It's like wine: sure sometimes the best stuff is super expensive, but you can still always find an awesome bottle for $15 if you just look around a little bit.
hey man! great videos you got there am a big fan any way can you make a video about the deference between Graphic EQ and Parametric EQ and which one for vocals and which one for musical instruments and also explain how to use the gate plugin and the denoiser plugin truly amazing keep it going THANKS
For nice stuff, pogo uses FL studio. For crazy experimental electronic music, Zachary Huff uses FL studio. It's perfectly capable. The software itself doesn't matter beyond a certain point. What matters is your ability to use the software.
Recording Revolution is the cure for all arrogant know it all engineers. This information is like sunshine for producer's with home studio's. Thank you.
Hey Graham, how are you? I have a question, i need to get one interface and i'm between the Apogee Duet 2 and the Apollo Twin Solo. Actually, i think the Apogee translate better the sound, i don't know. What your opinion?
I've been trying Mackie Tracktion. Because I have it already. I just need a better way to get music into the computer. I have been using line input from the line out from my 8 digital track Roland VS-880 (because I have it), using my Shure SM57.
I love the "It doesn't matter" vibe. It's true for many, many home-studios. People get so hung up on all the "Gotta get __________ and then I'll be great!" Truthfully, so much pro-sumer level gear does EXACTLY the same thing, brands are irrelevant. Get what ever you can afford, and get to work!
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I watched a couple of your videos and I just want to say I like your philosophy, it's so true..."limit your choices"
It's so refreshing, sometimes you just get caught up in all sorts of stuff that prevents you from doing your stuff.
Graham, let me thank you for all this kind of videos. In february of this year, i was mixing an album and had some serious bad results (my first full album). Seaching a lot of information, i found your channel, and it helped me a lot, my problem was just that i get stuck in a very minimum thing. Thanks again for all the help you bring man, it is delightful. Cheers from Argentina.
This is the greatest advice and it says everything I've wanted to say, but haven't because I don't want to sound like a jerk. I know people who have spend over ten thousand dollars on studio equipment but haven't invested even a hundred hours into recording, mixing, and perfecting their craft. I started out recording music with Garage band on my IPHONE. Using a zoom microphone and no options but the most basic EQ (sliders for bass, mid, treble), reverb, and delay, I spent a little over 300 hours recording and mixing with that before I even thought about upgrading. Now I work with the cheapest version of studio one, a 2 input m-audio interface, and two microphones like you described. Because of this gradual improvement I. My gear, I've been forced to master the basics every step of the way, and haven't found myself surrounded by gear I have no experience using, and haven't found myself lost deciding between 8 different EQ's that all basically do the same thing.
I really appreciate your honesty, and your humble approach to recording for us people that are starting out with a recording proyect/career...!
This is spot on advice. So much stuff out there that you just don't need. I bought a second hand pair of Yamaha NS10's 18 years ago, countless commercial releases written and mixed on them and I'm only now thinking of upgrading.
Hey Graham. I just discovered you through your Patreon page and I love your stuff! I have been looking for quality sound editing tutorials for SO long so thank you, thank you, thank you ;)
Ive been recording with a bit of mixing for writing purposes for years now. I plan to do some pre-production with my band very soon. So I've decided to take mixing a lil more serious. Graham your vids have been a huge help. I've taken some quick demos I made to just get some Ideals out. Into pretty good sounding Mixes. I can't wait to start Pre-pro with my band, and get mixing that! Thanks Graham love what your doing!!!!
Thanks for mentioning the $100 rule on mics. I recently did a short article on my blog that said the exact same thing. I also agree with the plugins. Except for a custom reverb that can let me actually size a room and match every possible floor/ceiling/wall treatment and lets me place the source/listener in any position within the room, I just use stock Sonar Producer plugins and have no problems. In fact I only use my custom reverb for mastering.
I needed and went to another studio and found out that what I had did exactly what I wanted I just didn't explore or question myself enough to figure it and I let company Xyz make me believe I needed it. Once you gain the knowledge you can apply it to another program, VST or DAW but first you got to get that. That's where he's trying to educate you. Definitely a good video and I wish I had known this when I first started. Good job bro
It's funny because I literally just started using Logic, Maschine and Ableton all together recently, and I love it. It still works with this principle of what he's talking about though because, most of these daws do the same thing, but some do them better than others. I like to make drums and the basic framework of my beat in Maschine first, because maschine makes making beats less thought and less visual and more tactile and audible, then I throw it into ableton to arrange and add instruments. Then I'll throw all that into Logic because although I don't like arranging in logic, I do like recording vocals and mixing in logic. There's freedom in knowing the strengths and limitations in your programs. That way you can decide how to use them in the most optimal way. Limiting what I do in each program almost makes me feel like each step is a little mini accomplishment, so when I'm done it just feels good. But this dude is dope for this though. He's literally talking about everything my anthropology teacher was saying about our economy and our consumerism and how we need to chill with getting the next best thing and use what we already have to produce greatness. Great video.
One of the most practical and REAL LIFE true videos I've ever seen. So much down-to-earth knowledge here. Can't stand gear heads who tout equipment as if that's where the good sound comes from. It's all about good ears, and a good source.
Its good to hear someone like you giving advice to those producers and musicians out there that spend more time on internet forums searching for the latest and greatest gear than on improving their skills (I have to say, I suffer from this problem). Thank you very much!!
is it me or are Grahams biceps and triceps getting massive? Wow, hard work all over the place..... Studio, gym, etc. You go Graham!
I just start recording and thank you! this made me more appreciative with what I have and focus on more work practice and learn. this is some of the best advice I've had in my life
What i am getting is "keep shyyt simple".. he's not saying buy crappy gear, he's just saying do not get caught up in all the choices we have. If your mixing then learn how to mix, don't look for that magic "box".. He also seems to be saying that if you are making money and you have clients who might prefer a "special" sound or effect then that's different. For the 80% out here all the gear hype is not necessary.((fun but not necessary)).
Learn to mix,Learn mic placement,Learn production construction.. Learn your craft!!
THIS GUY IS GOOD.. WE ALL NEEDED THIS WHEN WE STARTED.. (($100,000 ago LOL))
I really love this guy. Thanks for the videos!
There is nobody like Graham Cochrane. He is always about truth and I am so fortunate to have found him a few years back. He is extremely gifted and and a great guy and he has that special thing to share it with us. This video is great, how really valuable in 2013 when one is just thinking about what to buy next! Thank You Graham
My advice
1) Get the BEST possible most expensive professional gear (learn how to use multiple DAWs)
2) record (end of story)
Buy once or pay twice! (if you buy mediocre stuff with a plan to upgrade later, by the time you buy the flagship you have now paid 3-4 times more than if you had bought the flagship to begin with - the wasting of money is actually buying something then buying something again in order to upgrade (just buy it to begin with). Conflict of interests between quality of sound vs money (usually quality of sound i.e. disc/recording will make more money in the end)
ThinkBeforeYouPost This is actually the most useful insight I’ve heard today other than the lessons learned by this video, you’ve just made a few decisions for me:) thank you.
this is probably the most helpful series yet. I'm using a midi controller from 2006 and it works just fine
I appreciate your social commentary as much as I appreciate your tutorials.
I was "raised" on Cakewalk/Sonar/PC for years, but I switched to Pro Tools and Mac last year because I find it's easier to get help from the larger recording community. Sonar is great, but every time I found a good tutorial, like at The Recording Revolution, it was based on Pro Tools. There has been a learning curve and I've lost a little time, but I'm not looking back. Pro Tools has some minor irritants, but over all it will suit me far better and by gosh, I turn it on and it works!
I can agree to almost everything except for the plugins segment. This definitely probably holds true for typical recording engineers, but not so much for producers and artists. I produce progressive house and electro-house. The plugins are a huge supplemental part of my creative process. If I limit myself to a small amount of plugins I limit my artistic ability to create unique sounds and instruments. So I really enjoy the plethora of plugins offered for the creative process.
On the plugins side of things, it's AMAZING how many great freeware plugins are available out there. Don't ever buy a plugin without first checking if there is a free version of the same effect.
The timing of this video was perfect! I am currently on a buying spree and this video has put a stop to my buying! You could have the best equipment but if you suck it won't make a difference how expensive it is.
Thank you! Thank you for promoting sensibility and practicality which is so sorely lacking in this area. You just gained even more credibility points in my book. Carry on the great work!
Awesome tips man. I've pretty much followed these rules so far by buying the best cheapest gear possible. Vocal mics as drum overheads plus an i5 on snare, sample the kick then BAM!..... Drums recorded
Actually, that aurolex "foam" he has is geared towards home studios and rarely used in pro studios... you will likely find diffusion, reflective panels, bass traps, and most the walls are lined with soundblock, heavy grade insulation and fabric for the absorption.
My spin on microphones: the Sure SM 58 is very good but keep in mind that it has probably been made basically the same way for decades meanwhile some new microphones have been made with different newer ways that are just as good and cost less. I sold my SM58 for $75 a few years back and bought a triple back of Berhinger Super Cardio XM1800S mics for about $60 that sound as good to me. Besides I had to always have the volume up more on the mixer with the 58 than the Berhinger. Good main point here is use what you can afford and it can sound good or very good.
When i bought a mac, the only thing i had was garageband (fl studio, which i used before on windows, doesn't work on os x) garageband is limited in terms if effects etc. it made me rethink about using eq and compression. I made my best sounding recording until now on it, simply because of the limited options. I now learned how to really use eq and compre
Hey, I've used Reaper in the past for some basic recording and even now my band currently use it for some of our demoing when we aren't able to use my Protools set up. It's a great DAW for the price, and has some good value stock plugins, editing tools etc. It's all good.
There's probably a microphone above or just beside the camera in front of Graham. I think it's just recorded well.
Variety of Sound make AWESOME plugins for free and some of them are better than populare plugins. All i need is an EQ, an analoguer or saturation tools, compressors, spectral Freqs analyser. So all i need is Reaper and variety of sound plugins to sound great. I talk of course of mixing/mastering tools.
I like your pragmatism alot! In my youth i recorded with a low end mic and my middleclass soundcard in my pc. I recorded everyrthing with only these cheap things for about 4 years. And i also had some pretty good results.
Most important thing is to simple to it.
Hey Graham, I want to thank you for so many great advices. It sure helped me a lot becoming a better mixing engineer. I have mixed some songs for my band since 2011 and I believe you did put me on the right path, although I know that I still have a long road ahead. To those interested, the songs I'm talking about are in my band's channel. Just search for "blacknwhitesun" on youtube.
Congratulations again and take care!
And that $100 range is true. I have heard some great recordings on USB Mics. People commonly switch to a new microphone because they assume they will sound better with it and aren't getting the recordings they want. Microphone placement is huge.
I own a microphone that costed around $700 back when it came out and now it is at the $100 range on eBay. I picked it up and it is a great overall microphone.
The MXL 4000 is beautiful and is my go to microphone. It just has a beautiful tone to it and anyone who can find it on eBay for around $150 should pick it up. It is a steal of a deal.
But I am for my next mic going to be getting a mic that has one of the biggest cuttoffs I've seen (300 kHz will be beautiful on raspy tenor male voice) and it is around $100.
Everything in this video is true! I think alot of people get caught up on picking the right interface. Just zero in on the one you want then search for a good deal. 4 Years ago I bought a m audio fast track pro from someone for $60 and still use it to this day.
I think choices we have do matter and make a difference.
I upgraded from a Digi002 to an Apollo and the difference was night & day.
You had a Focusrite LS56 interface, then upgraded to the Apollo. Obviously not for I/O options. It's the fact you get much better results with the Apollo. The converters are better, the pres are world-class, plus you get UAD powered plugins.
Honestly, if you were sponsored by UA, Mojave, Royer or Apogee, would you had made this video? If so, then much respect.
This is what I call an intelligent video! Intelligent people making intelligent content giving intelligent advices. You sir are the kind of video-maker the internet should have. Subscribed!
Graham, please, make the video about gates & expanders! The knowing of where to use it will be very useful for many.
The only plug ins I would really like to have right now are tape saturation and a good pitch correction plug in.
I use stock plugins with the exception of the fabfilter bundle and Izotope Ozone 4. Of those plugins I use the compressor, limiter, stereo-expander and EQ in combination with the stock plugins of my daw.
But you have to pick and choose with any video tutorial and try out what works for you. It´s impossible for Graham to make THE deffinitive tutorial/advice that apply to any studio, any genre and any producer/engineer. Grahams videos is superb at giving you the basics and the it´s up to you to go out at experiment to make your own signature sound or style. And I totally agree with the "don´t thnk that more expensive gear means better recordings" mentallity.
I can't thank you enough for your efforts to educate Graham. You are a great man!
Graham, great information. 100 percent correct on everything you said. Some people get too hung up on getting things they don't need. when they could be using that time actually working.
However for a bit of creative advice, please re-record or edit the video. You could have said everything in about 6 minutes time.You have a slight habit of stretching your point.
Keep up the great advice.
When X2 came out, I was on Windows Vista and had to decide whether to upgrade my PC or bail out and invest in Pro Tools. Sonar is great, but I like the simpler, 2-screen setup of Pro Tools and the elastic audio functions are superb. Also, Pro Tools has been much more stable for me. I still have Sonar X1 on a PC, but I am starting all new projects and migrating some others to the Mac and Pro Tools.
I just went to audio school under 15 minute.
Experience is the best teacher
Ok remember cakewalk sonar
I made most of my recordings in cakewalk From 2006 till 2011.
Hey Graham...You are an inspiration!!! Thank you for making these videos!
not only are you speaking as an expert in your field, you are imparting much knowledge, wisdom, and common sense. I hope that you continue this trend because this is what's missing in the world. People dont think practically anymore and listen to anyone's opinion and accept it. I truly believe that your offering this knowledge because its the truth. Keep it up, i will continue to support
i'd say to make it REALLY simple: if you play loud rock music all you need is a shure sm57 for starters. if you play acoustic or a little softer music get a good condenser mic. i mean shure sm57 is THE rock sound, an industry standard, it's great, it's simple, it's affordable. when it comes to plug ins, i'd say if you're a rock band kind of guy stick with the stock plug ins and then MAYBE, maybe get an additional plug in for either amp emulation or drums.
i think toontrack has great drums...
I do agree to get good with what u have, don't get caught up in having to have this and that. Alot of good albums were recorded with alot less that we have or can get cheap
Monitors are great for mixing if you have a nice room, and to get an accurate stereo field. But beginners are best off with headphones. You get a great sounding "room", it's cheap, you probably have a pair, and you can play your track on a car stereo or computer speakers or something to check your mix externally...then tweak if you have to.
Another awesome video, Graham. Re: mix practicing -- do a google search for "Mixing Secrets Multitrack Library"...tons of free multitrack recordings for you guys to bring into your DAW and mix from scratch. Awesome resource for stepping up your game.
Dude, you rule.
God bless you.
Keep teaching. And in teaching, you will learn.
Yes, alot of the principles are the same. But your workflow will still be different, because the key commands vary. When you're pressed for time and a band is waiting for you to set up a session, knowing the Pro Tools key commands back to front will save you.
first of all, thx a lot for this video. i've worked a lot in studios (i'm also musician and audio engineer for years) with a lot of engineers that have tons of plug ins and greed to get new ones. its not negative, but i think just learn to work with the simplest plug ins you can get... it makes no sense if you buy hundreds of compressors vst's eventhough you dont know how to control them. just start with a daw, that you might find cool. every daw is ok. just have fun recording and mixing
Man you're great. Thanks for all your videos throw this years!
You definitely get some good points across. Thank you for saving our sanity and getting us focused to make great music and recordings
Incredible. very very helpful, your channel is changing my whole perspective about this. thank you man.
Every video of yours I watch you're always hitting the nail dead on the head! Thanks Graham : )
One MIC that does EVERYTHING REALLY WELL... Is The Sure SM 7B....
More than $100. Not necessary. ;)
That's True.... Yes it is.. I've seen it just over 300 brand new.. I'm sure used it's even cheaper. Personally.. IF you can afford it. I highly recommend it.
Richard Michael Exactly. Graham is not limiting your selection. But you can find a good mic for $100. I spent $120 on my MXL 4000. I believe it cost around $750 when it came out.
I own a $15,000 home studio. Do I need the industry standard plug ins, no. Do I need the 8" speakers, no. My recording still aren't the best. I don't blame my plug ins or anything. I know that I still am learning. The gear I bought was in my budget. I didn't seek out the best gear.
I spent time and research into creating a kick ass workstation and I still have some weaker links (my keyboard is a 70s vintage unweighted keyboard that I need to upgrade since my genre is acoustic) that I am strengthening. I don't buy a $2,000 keyboard because I can afford it. I buy a Keyboard based off of my needs. I need something good, portable for gigs, and a keyboard that has a great feel to it. Some of those $2,000 keyboards weigh 80 lbs and i also have other weak links I need to work out.
Don't set limits on how much to spend. Buy the things that meet your needs.
Love your ideas about stepping away from the gear wars. I recently purchased a Tascam DP-008EX for this particular reason. I want to build some track for our church praise band. I've never been able to set up a computer to get the results I wanted. I thought this would be a simpler, more portable way to get started. I would love to hear your thoughts on this. BTW, love I
Superb advice... One to watch every time you get gear lust...
I started on a 2 ch m audio interface it sucked so i upgraded to a Better 2 Ch. M-audio interface , i got pro tools 8 then had to get a 2ch Pro tools interface , got an interface for my ipad , now i want an 8x8 interface for a mac set up i will sync to my pc , Then the behringer x32 so i can make different fx loops to hardware ☻ the bottom line is you should do what makes you happy and making music .. i like doing things that have never been done before , Cheers ☺
I use Garageband, and honestly it hasn't made much difference to the quality of what I produce. The limitations in what it can do is easily made up for by the ease of use, so I actually recommend it to people, especially for beginners. :D
This is a very hard to understand topic for those who are beggining at recording. But when time goes by you finally realize it.
"It doesn't matter" - finally I found some interesting advice on youtube. I'm not being sarcastic. Things guy actually gives great advice. I like how he emphasizes on technique and hard work instead of gear. Because that's the truth. Also I like that he doesn't explains things in terms om talent. It is not about talent. Actually that term is pretty insulting. As in every part of life it is 99.9% about hard work and passion for what you do. Thanks for sharing this. Great channel.
Fredrik W Yea think about it. The Beatles only had four tracks up intil 1968 and look at the great music they made.
I actually believe that Graham would have made the video regardless of sponsorship. It has to do with getting priorities right. He's not speaking to seasoned mix engineers with this message - it's for people who don't get anywhere near enough out of what they already have (which is most of us). The industry tries to convince us that WE'RE not the reason our music is lousy - it's lousy tools. And it's EASY to fall into that. Better gear won't help as much until we've exhausted what we have.
Hi, Graham, great videos. I have a question, i don't have drums to record, what plugin (drum machine) do you recommend for metal? Thanks!
U do kinda need a fast computer, I guess it depends on what your doing. But yeah, computer, decent monitors, daw (reaper) , interface, mic, Midi controller, instruments. If u start out using loops, learn to cut and chop them to make them more your own. Ton of free plugins
Man God bless you, you're so awesome, I enjoyed this video a whole lot, and I've always said same IT DOESN'T MATTER I use a DAW nobody uses: samplitude, and I can't love it more!! I've always said the difference is the producer and his/her ears, thanks so much for all this you give to us people you don't know
Great life lesson. Thank you :)!
Love that line.... Our happiness is one purchase away.... Awesome line bro. Oh also purple vneck. I would lie happier if i had one of those... Oh wait, doh!
Great video as usual Graham! You are 100% right on this topic.
9:09
"That may not sound really academic, and I can't really prove that to you... but it's just true."
Huh... now where have I heard that one before?
you make straightforward on the money sense dude .. very wise words . thank you
True, but starting out in the software you feel most inspired working in, is far more important. Still the main principles are the same, and you learn the key commands pretty fast.
Off Topic Question!
How do you get that great sound on your voice.
do you record with the mic on the camera, or into your Mac?
And how do you treat it?
preach sir, amen and the church is open. Great points.
Hi Graham, thanks for a great video. :) If you can, it would be great if you put the links to the videos in annotations in the description as well. The annotations don't work mobile yet. Thanks!
Dude, ur the man! It doesn't matter! There's so much good stuff out there that's affordable and does a great job...people just like to buy stuff and companies looove to sell stuff. It's like wine: sure sometimes the best stuff is super expensive, but you can still always find an awesome bottle for $15 if you just look around a little bit.
hey man! great videos you got there am a big fan any way can you make a video about
the deference between Graphic EQ and Parametric EQ and which one for vocals and which one for musical instruments and also explain how to use the gate plugin and the denoiser plugin
truly amazing keep it going THANKS
For nice stuff, pogo uses FL studio. For crazy experimental electronic music, Zachary Huff uses FL studio. It's perfectly capable. The software itself doesn't matter beyond a certain point. What matters is your ability to use the software.
Recording Revolution is the cure for all arrogant know it all engineers. This information is like sunshine for producer's with home studio's. Thank you.
Man great words, you are totally right. ill try 2 master my DAW. thaks
Spot on. Great advice to follow.
A fantastic reminder! Cheers
Hey Graham, how are you? I have a question, i need to get one interface and i'm between the Apogee Duet 2 and the Apollo Twin Solo. Actually, i think the Apogee translate better the sound, i don't know. What your opinion?
I was about to "upgrade" to a big, fancy 16 i/o interface. Then I stumbled upon this video. Thanks for saving my wallet :) Subscribed!
Thank you brother. I always count on your honesty.
I got the ebook. this is very helpful! Thanks!! :)
4:08 "and it makes me cry... in my sleep..." hahaha graham
When it comes to studio foams, what is the best way to apply it? And how much of it is necessary?
thank you so much for clearing my mind.
Hey man great vids! Educational and entertaining. I'm just curious on some of the plug ins that you would recommend..?
I've been trying Mackie Tracktion. Because I have it already. I just need a better way to get music into the computer. I have been using line input from the line out from my 8 digital track Roland VS-880 (because I have it), using my Shure SM57.
Not sure about the plugins advice - investing in a quality reverb does make a big difference.
Love your stuff! It really makes the music production world so much less terrifying and simple, in an awesome way.
Thanks so much for your great advices my friend
i think what we all need is ear training! In turn, into good mix! Tutorial please? =)
I love the "It doesn't matter" vibe. It's true for many, many home-studios. People get so hung up on all the "Gotta get __________ and then I'll be great!" Truthfully, so much pro-sumer level gear does EXACTLY the same thing, brands are irrelevant. Get what ever you can afford, and get to work!