Couldn’t agree more. All of my gear is ancient, and it’s only the “pro” musician or producer types that ever notice, and even they rarely do. In any case, I make music to make myself happy, so as long as it sounds alright it’s fine with me. Let’s be totally honest here, most of the greatest records ever made were done with way way less gear than we’ve got access to these days...
Enjoyed this video and 100% agree. I’m a hobbyist songwriter/recorder in GB. I do it all on budget equipment and get pretty decent sounding recordings. Guitars all under $600, mics, pre-amp and interface all under $300 each. It would not make a huge difference if I paid quadruple for all the equipment based on my level of knowledge, my recording room, and the amount of time I have to put into recording.
Hey Lewin, I just wanted to thank you for all of your help in getting me back into the audio engineering business. Your teaching helped me understand the world of DAW's. I told myself I not to buy a DAW until I had Garageband pretty dialed and only when I was needing more tools. I'm happy to say that with your help I have transitioned back into making a living in the audio industry. It was your channel that now has me producing, recording, mixing and mastering for many different artists. I wish you all the success that you deserve and hope others will benefit from your videos as I did. Cheers
Lewin speaks truth here. I had both dynamic & condenser from my voiceover days. Condenser too sensitive for an inexperienced singer like me. I couldn't fix poor mic technique after the fact. Lewin's advice to use my SM58 instead made all the difference in the world! Over the past year I've been easing into using the condenser for singing. Save yourself some mixing angst by taking it in steps, y'all!
Agree in general. I've rented a lot of premium gear to directly A/B it in my studio. Most doesn't make a difference compared to good/bad performance. The thing I thought did have bang for buck to upgrade was reverb and compressor plug-ins.
Well said and 100 percent on point. The performer/performance, the space they are in, and the placement of the mic will always supersede the gear used to get those 3 things.
So true. I have a nice large diaphragm condenser but end up using my sm57 and sm58 most. I dont have a great room and the condenser just picks up too much of the room.
I disagree about amp sims especially clean sounds. They’re all total junk. OD and distortion you can get away with. I’m yet to find a convincing useable clean tone that doesn’t sound like a DI running through a sim, Cos thats exactly what it is.
Great tips Lewin! I also have an SM58 and a Beta58 and I think they're great! Is this the AGK Perception 220 that you have there? I also have this one and I was thinking to sell it to get a better one, but I have seconds thoughts... what's your opinion? Apart from these 3, I only have another condenser, the Blue Spark SL. Cheers
It's actually the P420, great little mic! The 220 is also a good mic for the money, but it's obviously not the best. I say keep working with what you have!
'When you find the limitations of the equipment that you have, then that's when it's time to move on.'
Awesome advice. Masterfully said sir.
Couldn’t agree more.
All of my gear is ancient, and it’s only the “pro” musician or producer types that ever notice, and even they rarely do.
In any case, I make music to make myself happy, so as long as it sounds alright it’s fine with me.
Let’s be totally honest here, most of the greatest records ever made were done with way way less gear than we’ve got access to these days...
I recorded on my phone.. I don't even have $.. I'm sorry
Try a wired headset, i found it better than you'd expect! At least with an Iphone and a cheapo 20$ One...
Enjoyed this video and 100% agree.
I’m a hobbyist songwriter/recorder in GB. I do it all on budget equipment and get pretty decent sounding recordings. Guitars all under $600, mics, pre-amp and interface all under $300 each. It would not make a huge difference if I paid quadruple for all the equipment based on my level of knowledge, my recording room, and the amount of time I have to put into recording.
Experiment with mic placement too. That will make more difference than getting a more expensive microphone.
Hey Lewin, I just wanted to thank you for all of your help in getting me back into the audio engineering business. Your teaching helped me understand the world of DAW's. I told myself I not to buy a DAW until I had Garageband pretty dialed and only when I was needing more tools. I'm happy to say that with your help I have transitioned back into making a living in the audio industry. It was your channel that now has me producing, recording, mixing and mastering for many different artists. I wish you all the success that you deserve and hope others will benefit from your videos as I did. Cheers
Lewin speaks truth here. I had both dynamic & condenser from my voiceover days. Condenser too sensitive for an inexperienced singer like me. I couldn't fix poor mic technique after the fact. Lewin's advice to use my SM58 instead made all the difference in the world! Over the past year I've been easing into using the condenser for singing. Save yourself some mixing angst by taking it in steps, y'all!
Agree in general. I've rented a lot of premium gear to directly A/B it in my studio. Most doesn't make a difference compared to good/bad performance. The thing I thought did have bang for buck to upgrade was reverb and compressor plug-ins.
Well said and 100 percent on point. The performer/performance, the space they are in, and the placement of the mic will always supersede the gear used to get those 3 things.
Good advice Lewin.
Practice and save “kilos”! You have a good point! Thanks 😊
So true. I have a nice large diaphragm condenser but end up using my sm57 and sm58 most. I dont have a great room and the condenser just picks up too much of the room.
My favorite vocal mic is the Sennheizer e935. Been using them for years.
I'm always stunned how good the 57 can sound on vocals. And I love micing amps with the 58.
I needed this. Thanks.
Awesome video. Great advice!
I took your recommendation last year on the Sm- 58. Best $99 I ever spent. So true about equipment. All about performance
Thanks for doing what you do. It’s appreciated!
I appreciate what you do, keep going.
Well take my vocal on Lewin ! Let’s do a lesson!
I disagree about amp sims especially clean sounds. They’re all total junk. OD and distortion you can get away with. I’m yet to find a convincing useable clean tone that doesn’t sound like a DI running through a sim, Cos thats exactly what it is.
Great tips Lewin!
I also have an SM58 and a Beta58 and I think they're great!
Is this the AGK Perception 220 that you have there? I also have this one and I was thinking to sell it to get a better one, but I have seconds thoughts... what's your opinion?
Apart from these 3, I only have another condenser, the Blue Spark SL.
Cheers
It's actually the P420, great little mic! The 220 is also a good mic for the money, but it's obviously not the best. I say keep working with what you have!
@@GaragebandandBeyond thanks! :o)
Is there a mic that makes me sing like Wilson Pickett? 😎