What was YOUR worst recording mistake so far? ❌ Learn how to EQ your guitar tracks, how to mix your demos, and how to dial in the perfect guitar tone in the full home recording course: www.patreon.com/bernth 🤘
My worst mistake was to import a 48kHz sampled backingtrack in a 44.1kHz project file. I ended up doing everything in a different tempo and key. Nowadays I always ask for the tempo in bpm, that solves so much guesswork.
To summarize 11:33 minutes: 1. Obtain a suitable ASIO interface such as the Focusrite Scarlett or a similar one. 2. Ensure the guitar's intonation is accurate by getting a professional guitar setup. 3. Regularly change the guitar strings and avoid using old strings when going to a studio. 4. Always record a direct input (DI) track, as it can be reamped later to improve poor sound quality. 5. Capture double rhythm guitar tracks instead of copying and pasting the same take to prevent phasing issues. Adding a second take will enhance the tightness of the guitar in the mix. 6. Take care not to clip the input signal by adjusting the input level on your sound card based on your hardest picking style. 7. Avoid using incorrect file formats. Opt for raw formats or consult the producer to determine the preferred format for the mix. 8. If your playing technique does not eliminate string buzz, utilize a fretwrap to mitigate it. 9. Select the appropriate digital audio workstation (DAW) such as Reaper, Cubase, Pro Tools, or similar software. 10. Remember that less is more. Avoid excessive use of double tracks, effects, and similar elements. 11. Utilize the entire fretboard knowledge and avoid relying excessively on the same fret positions. Embrace creativity to achieve more transparent mixes. 12. Consider joining BERNTH's Patreon for additional information, valuable lessons, and useful tips - www.patreon.com/bernth
First time I've seen any of your videos. 1) I love how you got straight to it without any unnecessary BS. 2) The tips were all spot on! 3) Your humility is refreshing 4) I also love how your tips were not too genre-specific and can be applied to almost all types of music (never could shred, never really wanted to: rock is my preferred genre, so...) 5) Studio One is my DAW of choice, so the fact that this is also NOT DAW-specific was great, too... As a side note, I recommend recording with a plugin like almost any Neural DSP plugin. You solve 2 problems with one track: Great sound that can be altered later because you're recording only the actual guitar. Well worth the SUBSCRIBE!
I love that you mentioned not playing the leads and rhythms in the same note space. It helps with learning octaves as well as adding interesting sounds in the music but most of all it helps thee mix. Solid video man, thanks!
There is a way to diminish it, by using a different tone settings for a lead/rhythm track. Preferably different guitars/amps altogether but sometimes rotating a tone knob on a guitar and a different eq-ing on a track/amp is a win
@@ivolkovs88 Definitely! I'm nowhere near any pro in terms of production yet but using this technique is helping massively with getting proper separation and distinction between multiple guitars. Even slight differences are proving extremely valuable!
5:22 THIS WAS ACTUALLY SO HELPFUL!!! Recording at home just for fun was always so frustrating to me because my takes sounded so bad and while I'm not the best player I really didn't think my technique was THAT bad. Having a clean signal by turning that know down by about 60 degrees already makes things sound so much better just ten minutes after watching this video. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!
Hey, I am a beginner and want to buy a guitar and an scarlet 2i2 but I had a question. Most people also buy an amplifier for their electric guitar. I only want to play my guitar and listen through my headphones. Should I buy a scarlet 2i2 and an amplifier? I don't know if an amplifier is needed to play electric guitar?
@@jacktiebie im prolly too late but a scarlett solo is also a good option, the 2i2 has 2 inputs, and you generally only need that if you're just playing guitar. amps are either expensive or bad, so a solo input interface with some amp simulation is all you need for some quality recording and practice.
The part about avoiding clipping on the interface works really well with palm mutes. Palm muting gives out a surprisingly powerful signal, so if you can get the knob to a point where it doesn't clip even on your most brutally distorted palm mutes, you're golden!
Hi, I got Steinberg UR22C, it has 2 inputs, 1 of them has a Hi-Z switch for instruments. I have Seymour Duncan JB in my guitar, which is a passive humbucker but not very hot. When I activate the Hi-Z mode, it clips with palm mutes even if an input gain on audio interface is set to 0 (red diode on the interface blinks). It doesn't clip when the Hi.Z mode is deactivated (but it sounds a bit worse, not terrible, but not so dynamic). I don't get the point of Hi-Z then, is it just a flaw of this particular unit? I read about it and there are other people with this exact problem. What do you think?
Hey, I am a beginner and want to buy a guitar and an scarlet 2i2 but I had a question. Most people also buy an amplifier for their electric guitar. I only want to play my guitar and listen through my headphones. Should I buy a scarlet 2i2 and an amplifier? I don't know if an amplifier is needed to play electric guitar?
@@jacktiebie something is needed to amplify the signal and shape the tone, but you don’t have to get an amplifier. Look into amp simulators like Neural DSP and Positive Grid Bias. They’re softwares that replicate what an amplifier would do for a much lower price than an amp
One of my first mistakes in my musical journey was ignoring or outright AVOIDING something as fundamental as the quintenzirkel. But seriously, to record the click track as a separate file to include in the session proved to be important when sharing the project with other artists This was a fantastic video!
loll noob error but we all make the same mistake...... close your cellphone too etc.... and a have a sign on my appart (when a recording ex. vocal) live recording shut up MF and stay at home (lollll) covid joke
For anyone stumbling onto this video later like myself, I tried home recording years ago with the Cuebase 5 DAW and it wasn't a fun experience so I gave it up. A couple months ago I decided to try again (not with my version of Cuebase) and looked into free ones to download. Some people I know were all about Reaper, however I wanted something with a built-in drum ability for home recording, since I was starting out knowing nothing about recording on a PC, things like VSTs weren't even in my vocabulary yet. This pushed me towards Cakewalk since it had built-in drums and it is a free download (it used to be a purchased DAW). It also comes with other stringed instruments to play virtually as well; bass guitar, standard guitar, standup bass, cello, violin. it was a great starter and thanks to RUclips there are plenty of videos out there to help you learn from scratch and build your knowledge. And then you have great videos like this from BERNTH to help you with the peripheral stuff.
I am doing the same thing. Cakewalk!! I miss some other logical ways...but now i got a pc and cakewalk W Alesis R8.....All portable..Battery powered to reco rd the zombie apocalypse or a maga funeral.
Hey, I am a beginner and want to buy a guitar and an scarlet 2i2 but I had a question. Most people also buy an amplifier for their electric guitar. I only want to play my guitar and listen through my headphones. Should I buy a scarlet 2i2 and an amplifier? I don't know if an amplifier is needed to play electric guitar?
Cakewalk has been through a few owners and quite a few more iterations. At one stage it was the best thing to avoid. But now, it's free and a pretty solid choice for a first DAW.
I never hear anyone talk about this but I opted to go back to Cakewalk after evaluation of Reaper. Reaper was okay but I found CW far more intuitive and a cleaner interface, for me.
One good tip for checking your guitars intonation is using a tuner. Get the tuning right on the open strings then go to the 12th fret on each string and see is it on the middle or is it sharp or flat.
@@JC20XX there are guides on youtube for at-home fixes to intonation issues. it will mostly depend on your guitar's bridge and tuning systems. youtube search "intonation tutorial for 'enter your guitar here'". If you can't figure it out or don't have time, find a shop near you with good reviews and have it done professionally.
@@apokw Wrong answer sorry! You adjust your truss rod (neck-through) First to the desired action (space between the strings and the fretboard) and not to adjust intonation. After you get the action right you then check the intonation (12th fret + tuner) and if it's off you then correct it from the bridge for each string separately until it's good. That's basically what he's referring to as "shop work" that's how it's done.
Idk man. I would probably be pretty frustrated with Reaper if I were beginner. Wouldn't recommend it to beginners at all. Reaper is incredible flexible and I really admired its smooth CPU performance compared to big names and more expensive DAWs. However even me as a "semi-intermediate" mixer/producer/musician, I was frustrated with the amount of settings I need to manage in order to create at least to some extent user friendly interface (and I still wasn't satisfied with it even after hours of searching how to tweak some settings). Beginners usually even don't know what they want from DAW, so I can't really imagine how they wouldn't feel lost in Reaper unless they want to teach themselves the hard way.
@@patmull1 True, you can customize Reaper to death. But the default (not customized) workflow is perfectly usable. I would suggest to beginners to use it as-is. My first DAW was Cubase but I don't see why Reaper would be more difficult to start with compared to other DAWs.
@@patmull1 I started with Reaper as a beginner and just spent some time to look at tutorials and RUclips videos to figure it out how to do things and change settings, and I've been fine. The way I see it is if I'm going to have to learn the "hard one" eventually, might as well start with it so I don't spend time learning an easier DAW only to advance in my journey and realize that I need Reaper anyway to get all the features or options I want. It used it mostly for just loading plug-ins to sit and jam, but I've since recorded and mixed with it and it's been great.
Good tips, all sensible. As far as DAW's go, I started with Cubase (old version was terrible) years ago, then Cakewalk (crashed lots), Reaper (winner), and have landed on Ardour (love). I'd recommend Reaper as it's mighty flexible, cheap, and can do just about anything. I use Ardour now because I'm 100% Linux and favor open source projects, so that's very much a personal thing. Quite a bit of power under that hood and the plug-ins available have become essential to my process. Worst recording mistake I've made was ditching mic's all together and relying on post-processing. Now I do everything I can up front to minimize post-preprocessing. There is magic in those there mic's, amps, and speakers, don't pass em by. To add, use clean mic boosters if you have to turn your audio interface gain knobs up high. Those typically add noise in the higher ranges.
I've been an Ableton Live guy for many years, Reaper is also excellent. Garageband has a lot of limitations, but isn't nearly as bad as people say, and I still find it handy to have Audacity at the ready.
Hey, I am a beginner and want to buy a guitar and an scarlet 2i2 but I had a question. Most people also buy an amplifier for their electric guitar. I only want to play my guitar and listen through my headphones. Should I buy a scarlet 2i2 and an amplifier? I don't know if an amplifier is needed to play electric guitar?
@@jacktiebie It kind of depends. If you're planning to plug your guitar directly into your computer, then no, you don't need an amp for that, though you might prefer the way your guitar sounds if you run it through some virtual amplifier software. There's even a few good free options. The intent of the amp was to boost the signal of the guitar so that it's strong enough to push out of a large speaker box, but most amps alter the tone of the instrument in the process, but in a way that is often preferable to the unaltered sound. So those giant monster amps you see on stage at rock shows are not strictly needed, just preferred. Anyway, long story short, if you get a guitar, an interface, and some software to get yourself started, you'll be all set.
Every time I think I’m making progress Bernth makes a video that shows me that I don’t have a clue as to what I’m doing. Thanks for that! 🤘🏼😜🤘🏼 I actually love the tips and tricks you put out. You help remind me that if you’re going to do something you’re passionate about, it’s worth doing it right. I’m still going to have to limp along until I gather the resources to upgrade… EVERYTHING, but I now know what I need to work towards. Once again, thank you for the guidance. 🙏🏼
Great point on intonation! Taking your guitar to a shop is a good recommendation but its good practice to learn how to do it yourself too. I find that after a string change is a good time for it. After learning how to do it, its a 5 min job that makes a BIG difference to recordings, regardless of what guitar i'm playing
I come from a completely different music genre and I’m learning so much from you!!!! Point is that I love how universal your teachings are and applicable to the greater industry and not just metal
I use Reaper DAW and TH-U Overloud (Slate Digital Package) for digi-amping. Great value there! I also rec raw dry guitar and bass tracks for outboard reamping as well. You can A/B your two favorite head/cab setups, for example, or try different micing techniques for the song.
Back in my high school days I was running a guitar from the amp straight into the computer microphone jack via 1/4" to 1/8" adapter. It sucked, but it still allowed recording, albeit with no monitoring. Around that time I was just using a super basic recording app that came with the Windows computer I was using. Then I found Beatcraft and was able to experiment with drums for a while. Around that time I also discovered Audacity for recording. I still use Audacity when I'm feeling inspired and just want to record some new ideas to use later. Finally, I discovered FL Studio and now, ten years later, it is the only DAW I've used and really care to use. I like the synth-focused nature of FL Studio and how easy it is to create drum and synth tracks without having to record them live. It makes the whole process much easier and faster. The vast array of synthesizers gives a lot of options for electronic music, which combined with metal guitars creates a genre I've never heard before. The music I make with it is some kind of melodic synth metal, and I love it. So, FL Studio all the way.
Between Audacity and a Tascam Porta02, we had it rough back in the day man. Now I still use a Tascam, but it's a DP-32SD... My how the times have changed.
I still know that I preferred Chrome-Dioxide Tapes over Normal... And then give them to my friends to get back a record from vinyl. But at least Metal just came up when I was at the perfect age :)
As a #7 recording mistake. I really recommend to listen to your recording with headphones right away and redo it if it's not good. You might record with your speakers and it might sound good, but headphones just show you all the flaws of the recording in a clear way.
To a degree, yeah. Keep in mind that more often than not, headphones will "lie" to you. You wanna run out to a car and try it in those speakers. That's the great equalizer as far as I'm concerned. If it sounds good on a basic cruddy car speaker, it will sound good anywhere.
I agree, I found I'm much more critical of my own playing listening through headphones while tracking. It's great to track with a producer in the room with them using monitors concurrently so it's a quick A/B for workflow.
@@darrinsiberia Lol!! You're pretty spot on! Try it on all kinds of different basic ass consumer speakers. If it's not overkilling in any way, you're good! Now to add some fun stuff maybe.
Hey, I am a beginner and want to buy a guitar and an scarlet 2i2 but I had a question. Most people also buy an amplifier for their electric guitar. I only want to play my guitar and listen through my headphones. Should I buy a scarlet 2i2 and an amplifier? I don't know if an amplifier is needed to play electric guitar?
This video is EXACTLY what I need! My recordings sounded like garbage! Mic positioning is my problem, and too much gain/distortion. Got my Scarlett 2i2 and I’m learning a ton, took your advice on the interface, thank you! I thought my SM57’s were the problem, nope it was ME! Tweaking the EQ is in order. Putting my ear where the mic is was great advice I got a few times. BE YOYR MIC! and it wasn’t pretty. My headphones were also wrong, they added color so they weren’t really monitors. Also added monitor speakers for when I’m in post editing. Tools! Your other video about getting started was KILLER! Thank you? 🙏
Ableton. I love effect racks so much - it's like every VST is laid out in my DAW like a pedalboard, I can save good sounds as presets, and I can turn them on or off as needed to see if they're actually adding anything. I love Session Mode too - turns my whole project into a mixing board. Makes mixing so much easier and faster.
Yeah Ableton is outrageously underrated by metalheads, metal geeks usually stop by cubase or pro tools etc.. ableton chads are best electronic music producers mostly but makes any genres expression shines tbh
I have ableton lite. It sucks. So eventually I’ll properly purchase it because 8 tracks is just not enough even for messing around. It’s what I’m familiar with and it works great. So that’s where my money will be going.
My worst Studio Mistake was not learning about Quintenzirkel and it's effects in the production aspect of the studio. I'd always stay in the same part of the fret board for my rhythms and not expand my reach.
I just want to add, it's actually pretty easy to check and fix intonation yourself. A good way of checking is to play a string at the 12th fret, and then play it again as a natural harmonic. By doing this, you're playing the exact same note/octave, with one being open and the other being a high fret. Though if you're using a tuner, you can just play the open string normally without a harmonic. As for changing intonation, I don't know how things are with other guitars, but with my strat, the strings have individual bridge saddles that I can reposition by turning a screw. If the fretted note is slightly high, you move the saddle outwards to shorten the string length, and the opposite if it's too low. Also, you'll need to correct the tuning after adjustments.
Same. I’ve never understood bringing it into a shop either. Most of the time a a decent tuner will pick up checking intonation too. I guess that’s what makes guitar techs tho… ha.
Some are more a pain in the ass than others, I agree you should be able to do it yourself, as your instrument is your tool. I am going to say they should come already properly intonated and setup, buy Sweetwater or buy a PRS, slight tune-up ang go.
@@aiRxShop Exactly, when I first got into guitars I didn't even have a tuner and as I can hear the difference was able to fix intonation myself via directions in a book (remember them!). I got a new guitar recently, action a bit high, I reset all that up and truss rod, then intonation was wrong. Didn't even bother with a tuner just ding/ding ding/ding on 12th with fretted/harmonic, and adjusted away.
It should also be said, old worn out strings will stretch and lose some of their tension, which can throw the intonation permanently off no matter how much you adjust. This is obviously not a huge problem if you're changing your strings regularly, but I do wish someone had explained it to younger me, as it would have saved me a lot of headaches.
Nice, great tips. The boring things are important in the end. My worst recording mistakes occurred in the early '80s as I am 60. 1. I attempted a fade while recording. (dumb yes) It was a great take and I had to mask my non-smooth adjustment. I added a 'live' audience to help. 2. Neglecting to provide an audible count-off on the basic tracks. Overdubs were difficult. These were fun to reminisce as they were obviously big mistakes in the end, but the projects all turned out fine... and I never made those mistakes again.
The IK AXE interface is a game changer. I was using a scarlett 6i6 but when I switched it was a noticeable difference right away, designed specifically for guitars and even has a passive/active switch
Sooo its got a pad switch? whoop di do? I am no fan of the focusrite here I think they are not worth the price there are options that are cheaper, have the same chipset and have more finite control like that for 75% of the price buuuuut... if your interface is getting a clean signal from the guitar then its getting a clean signal if you want to colour the signal then that should be done in the daw not in interface. One wonders if its just you are not saturating the signal on the new interface and thats the difference? I hope its not interfering with the input in any way.
Tip #7 - a compromise: If for whatever reason you can't avoid tracking multiple instrumentals in the same zone on the fretboard, consider tonally balancing them in a different way. For example, one track could be a fatter neck pickup take with a bit of high frequency tone rolloff, and the other is a bridge pickup take with no rolloff. The two distinct frequency ranges allow them to sit better in a mix together. Ultimately the same notes will sit at the same frequency, but doing something like this would at least help with clashing harmonics and resonant frequencies.
Some great advice. To elaborate on the rhythm double-tracking point -- if you are recording acoustic guitar, you can mic at the 12th fret and bridge and pan those apart as well. Even apply different effects, etc.
That's what I do, unless I don't want any stereo width. I don't pan them super far apart (I like it more realistic), but I would recommend reserving the double-tracking to electrics. *Do NOT ignore phasing issues, though!!!*
SSL 2+ FTW here. I actually had a bad experience with a faulty firmware on a Scarlett, so just goes to show YMMV. Love your production style, a whole lotta fun. Oh, and Mixcraft because they rock.
Quintenzirkel, and also Cubase and Elixir strings FTW! Way back when Windows XP was the latest OS, I plugged a cheap mic with an attached cable into a 3.5mm adapter, and then right into my sound card, after which I recorded over the General MIDI backing tracks I made into Sound Recorder, starting with rhythm guitar, then "overdubbing" with lead guitar, and finishing with vocals. It was a miracle that you could hear anything over all of the CPU noise, ground loop hum, and cheap single-coil pickup buzz built up over each successive iteration.
I've used many different DAW. I started using Magix products in the 90s. Now I am a Presonus Sphere member and I use Studio One 5 Professional. Everyone will eventually use Studio One. Everything is drag and drop. The automation capabilities are astonishing and you can master directly from your mix screen. The mastering is simple and the quality will blow you away. You can even publish to internet or burn cds on the mastering screen
i'm not very experienced but i'm using studio one. it seems very comfy and easy for recording metal stuff but i want to dabble in electro stuff and there's a massive lack of VSTs and drum sounds. the stock synths seem pretty good but beyond that... yikes i'm used to the keyboard shortcuts tho and its so easy to work with
I bought a Magix prog in 2005. I still use it, because I've got better things to do than learn another program. It does mean I have to keep a couple of machines running XP - it won't even run on 7. Just one question : - what is a " cd " ?
@@PIPEHEAD CD is an abbreviation for Compact Disk. It is a 5.25" circlar polcarbonate disk with differing layers stacked vertically to create a series of pits representing binary digits (aka bits) arranged in circular rings extending radially across the disk surface. The bits are formatted in a way that represent the recording of the soundwaves that you have created. I haven't looked, but I'll wager there is a WIKI page on the interwebs delving into the nitty gritty of the history if you are interested.
I am using the Presonus Professional and the interface Presonus Studio 68C. Sounds great, crisp and so easy to use all the way around. Having said that, my knowledge of Quintenzirkel is quite random, i would rather just watch your vids and learn that instead:) so much to learn! This was a very informative and comprehensive video on helping us! Thank you!!!
When I had a home studio I used Cakewalk. It was very complex and like all the paid DAWs (because it used to be $500 when it was Sonar) and came with a bunch of surprisingly good effects and plugins. My favorites were the drum vst and guitar amp vst because of how versatile they are. It's compatible with many different types of gear and plugins and has everything in a very reasonable layout that I got used to very quickly, similar to Reaper and FL Studio. Definitely recommend and will use again when I have a chance to build another pc and home studio.
When I started using a DAW back in 2013 I was clueless . I am from a generation of table top recording, reel to reels, etc. It was by trial and error and learning from others on youtube that helped me a great deal .
I feel the buzzing noise in the guitar recording also depends on the cable, i had a v bad cable and it made the same noise, but when i upgraded to a better cable it was way better
Upgrade to a Getaria Audio Transmitter/Receiver cordless system and deplete the need to trip over cables and having static/buzzing sounds when recording. Works for me Dev.
As a retired Producer and Engineer, these tips are excellent for everyone. I saw so many of these mistakes I lost tolerance for those who didn't listen and just stopped using them on most projects. You want to be a Pro, act like one.
I've been playing guitar for 40 odd years and you make very good point. some of which I didn't know or hadn't thought about.. I'm subscribing. It's always good to learn, what ever your age. Thank you.
Fully agree! Have a Presonus Sphere subscription! Not that expensive compared to what you get. You always have the latest version of Studio One Professional and really tons of extra stuff!
Logic Pro is amazing. I have used it so much over the last few years, and I have absolutely no complaints. It is so easy to use and so powerful. I love it
Been using Cubase after trying many others, very happy with Cubase pro 11, and I use a scarlet solo for small stuff, and I use a behringer UMC 1820 with the ADA 8200 for live rec. I'm not a behringer die-hard or anything, but it's been a great interface, and didn't break the bank.
Great stuff, always inspiring content...thank you. Another few tips I picked up which may help: Always record to a click / learn how to map click tracks. If exporting tracks for someone to work on, leave them unprocessed if you can (no EQ, compressors, delays etc.). Keep a backup of your recordings / project files. Bounce stereo tracks regularly when mixing (useful to compare against later). Record everything you can, and keep everything. But most of all have fun!
I had two different Apogees, which consistently clashed with Logic Pro. I bought a cheap Behringer and it immediately functioned flawlessly. Went forward with two more interfaces until I landed at the Scarlett 4i4. Blah blah blah… Logic Pro X. Great episode!!
@A Lucky Man! honestly. I live by recording even though im a beginner-ish player, it really lets me hear my timing (im left handed playing right, so i tend to get away from myself with my fretting hand) but recording is exactly why I know what to practice and can focus on exactly whats holding me back.. 😭 sorry for that rant my man.
Reaper is great for guitar, love that when you record with effects enabled it still just records it as a DI so all I need to do to have the clean DI files is disable my effects on the track and render it again
Awesome brother!!! I find i did a LOT of the same mistakes early on that you did! This is extremely useful and well thought out and explained! I personally use Studio One 4 pro now, but, previously I used cool edit pro...for like 20 years...haha! OMG what a difference the right DAW can make!! 🤘🤘
I have a habit of muting strings with my fingering hand. I'm adopting your closed hand technique, which freaks me out as I have also a palm muting habit. Just observations of myself I'm 62 and have been playing a long time, but find your videos cause me to wish I had a mentor like you in the beginning. Keep up the good work.
I use FL studio 20 for my production. I think it's really underrated for hard rock and metal stuffs! It can handle any genre, and in bonus, one can get the 'best piano roll' for drum and bass programming!
Hey, I'm completely new to DAW's and I could borrow my friends FL20 license for a while. But he's an electronic music producer, and I'm a jazz bass player, I'm wondering tho if FL isn't more leaning towards EDM? Did you try recording a band with FL?
@@AntonMadness To be very honest, DAWs play very little to no significant role in production! Almost any DAW will serve your job, whether you're recording your bass or a drum kit. It's all about getting comfortable with the DAW you're using and it's interface. The main thing is to concentrate more on playing and producing.... Learning mixing techniques and so on.
I used Magix Music Maker starting out. It helped me get familiar with working with a DAW and MIDI as well as VST's. I made the transition to Reaper. Which there's alot to learn in Reaper. The more I figure out about it. The more I'm digging it.
At the end of the nineties I was in the music studio with my band to just record a demo for the first time. We lost a whole day, because of the guitars weren't set up correctly. Well, lesson learned.
I started with reaper and audition back in 2006, in 2007 i was intruduced to Pro tools 7, used the cracked 7.4cs3 until 10 came out, then used 10 till 2020 and now im running pro tools 23. Amazing software!
I started with Logic Pro but had a hard time getting a workflow together. I have spent the past several months learning Ableton Live and I absolutely love it! The workflow for song writing is amazing. The mixing capabilities are intuitive and very very powerful (before you add additional plugins). Lastly, it is very easy to take a finished, released song, copy it, and then convert it into the live version of the song... including controlling any number of stage effects (lighting, fog, lasers, whatever). I remember when I first learned that the circle of fifths 'wheel' could also be used to find chord substitutions. When used sparingly, can really add a nice flavor to a song or a refrain, or what have you.
One tip you could add is to avoid making your recording/tracking project layout the same as your next phase (probably getting more creative, adding plugins etc). I am tending toward that after trying to make a tracking project that included far too much - not only DIs and Torpedo Studio tracks, but effects, sidechains etc etc. It got unwieldy and although it works, actually it tended to slow down/distract me from recording. Not to mention any extra processing tends to hide mistakes. I think its better to lay down tracks in a very simple project without a lot of noise - I like to have the SD3 drums there to play along to, but even that is more noise than just a click track.
The danger of using a DAW is TOO MANY OPTIONS. Try to keep things simple and concentrate on the music first and getting clean basic tracks. Production is taking those raw tracks and utilizing plug-ins to get the right sound for each. Good producers know how to use all their tools and be efficient with their time. Learn from them as they mixdown and TAKE NOTES. This was an excellent and concise video. Well done Bernth.
For anyone just recording guitars DSP units like the HX Stomp have excellent USB outputs for recording. The Stomp can export stereo signals on two distinct paths and a stereo dry signal offering six simultaneous outputs. The Pod Pro also has a microphone input for vocals or putting a mic on an amp. These are great options especially with the quality of the Helix sounds for sims and effects.
@@SlipperyDucky Not sure I really understand the question as I don't use plug ins so apologies if I have misunderstood but if I assume that you are recording through the USB outputs I would start by checking whether you are picking up path A, path B or the DI, then check that direct monitoring is off in your DAW, then checking the settings on the plug in to have 100% wet signal. It might be something more complex where it is necessary to put the plug in on a separate track and bus the guitar signal to that while muting the original one. Without seeing the entire signal chain it could be one or more of these elements (or something else entirely) but these are the bits I would be checking.
Outstanding advice, and I like your teaching style! I was way late getting into digital recording ~ I started with 4-track cassette recorders back in the day. My first digital setup was a Zoom MRS-1608 desktop unit, with drum machine built in. Eventually, I got a Mac and managed to port the raw pieces from the Zoom into GarageBand ... and I'm still using GarageBand in 2022. I'm sure I need to upgrade, but I haven't even really scratched the surface of what GB can do ~ I'm slow! :p
@@ACowIsHuge I totally understand where he's coming from, I've been playing for more than half my life and know of plenty of people who have surpassed me within their first few years.
I used Audacity and finally discovered Reaper. I actually made some decent recordings with Audacity but Reaper was a game changer. I’m still using the Line 6 UX2 Audio Interface.
Hey buddy. Im glad to hear you're using the UX2 and Reaper. I recently put together the same setup. I bought the UX2 in 2007 with the intent to record my concepts, but baby #2 came and I never made time to learn home recording. I've been riffing around for 20 years and it's time to lay em out so I can move on from the same 15 songs haha. Learning this stuff is not easy.
@@thefutureself6260 😆 I hear ya. Congrats 🍾 on the birth of your children! Yeah, it’s a lot to learn and can be a bit overwhelming. Luckily there are free instructional videos on RUclips that people were kind enough to make but even with them it still can be difficult. What software do you use for your guitar tone? I use Pod Farm 2 with Metal Expansion. I use EZDrummer 2 with numerous different Metal Expansions and for Bass I use EZBass which I highly recommend. With EZBass if you don’t want to spend time coming up with a Bass line for your song then it will do it for you by matching the songs drum pattern automatically. BIG time saver and it sounds good. What style of music do you play? If Metal genre then what sub genre of Metal? For my music creation I play Technical Death Metal, Technical Deathcore, Grindcore, and a hint of Thrash Metal. Kinda like a mix between Origin/Cannibal Corpse/Dying Fetus/Pantera/Napalm Deathish sounding.
I record with Reaper too. It's really powerful too, but there's one thing Reaper kind of sucks compared to Audacity: How easy it is to add or remove effects and pieces of and from tracks. If I want to add, let's say a simple echo, or double just a single 5 second part in a song: With Audacity I just add new track, then select part I want and copy and paste the part on that new track. If I want to remove a piece, I select what I want to remove and click delete. With Reaper it's huge hassle because you can't simply copy and paste pieces of recording, and then you'll have to split the original tracks which follows that everytime you remove something, you ned to make sure ALL of those split separate parts are selected when closing gap the left in tracks. It's feels much more clunky.
6:25 It's alright Bernth I still got my ipod shuffle and heavenly compressed MP3 files that I downloaded from Limewire playing through Winamp. Only the mp3 files are replaced by FLAC files ripped from my personal CD collection.
YES! Great advice on the tone recording your guitar! Listen when you're playing solo in your room, you want to imitate the sound of multiple guitars and a bass playing in unison, to get that CHUG CHUG CHUG tone! But when you're recording for a song, where your guitar is a part of a mix, you DO NOT want that! You'll crush any chance of mixing it with the other instruments. A guitar tone in a studio should have a tonality of mid upper range, as not to interfere with the drums, bass on the lower end nor the vocals or instruments of the higher range. Learn about equalization, low-vs-high pass filters, and frequency pocket mixing. Keep the presets sounding like Pantera to your jam sessions, but record your band session guitar parts without them.
Yeah man, Focusrite Scarlet 2i2 is amazing, I've been recording bass and guitars ate home for a while now, and it is awesome. And it's great because they are not expensive too. I also use the Headrush Pedalboard at home, so I could also use it as the audio interface, but even though I still prefer the 2i2.
Black Lion Audio Revolution 2x2 isn't much more expensive and it kick's pretty much every small interface's ass, including the UA stuff. Also, it comes with a great bunch of software. I recently sold my Apollo Twin Mk2 quad and got the BLA and a UA Satellite quad since I use the plug-ins a lot. Couldn't be happier! And I'm on Pro Tools.
The tip about using the instrument button and dialing in the tone really helped, turns out I was clipping a lot and didn't notice and wondered why my tone was crappy when I played harder
I just found your channel - outstanding content. I miss Germany - I spent 2 years in the Berlin Brigade, and have been back a few times, hopefully I will be back again next year.
I know this is a guitar channel, but from a production/engineering standpoint, make sure the drums are tuned to the key of the song. If all the guitars and bass are in drop D, tune the drums accordingly. Makes a HUGE difference.
Can you elaborate on this? I'm new to home recording, I only play guitar and despite knowing you sorta have to tune the drums too I didn't know they had to be tuned accordingly to the guitar and bass
@@agoniavr there isn't much to elaborate on. Whatever the key of the song, the drums need to be tuned accordingly. If you're using a program like Apple's Garage Band you either set the key of the project or transpose the drums to whatever key you're in. Nothing much more to it than that.
@@jerrodlopes186 thanks for the info! I've recently restarted playing electric guitar, got myself and Audient iD4 MKII and wanted to start learning some home recording to do some covers, and I'll also need to put some drum tracks in there when I record. I'll make sure the drums are in the same key as my guitar tracks now :)
I actually use and love my Focusrite 2i2 to record everything I need on Cubase 10.5, very satisfied with my cheep equipment but I would love to have a evertune bridge on one of my guitars to make the record process a little bit ease and constant!!!
I really want to try one of these Evertune bridges. They claim that they even stop the problem of intonation imperfection so you don't have to tune the guitar for specific registers while recording. I'd have to see (or Hear) it to believe it. That would be amazing. I don't know if it would work for me live though as I often tune my low E down to D for a song or two.
Mine has a constant crackling and buzzing when recording anything wth distortion, and I’ve checked everything I’m aware of in regards to the specs, I don’t know why everyone loves it so much maybe I’m just incompetent with this kind of thing
Thanks you for sharing for your trial and error on this process! The main point is have the right equipment (doesn't have to be expensive) if you're going to record at home. Great video!
For the Scarlett 2i2 I would recommend to avoid the older generation and get the newest one. I had tons of problems with every plugin. With gain at 0 my signal was still hot as F! With the last models it works perfectly fine. For the Daw I have Ableton because I had the chance for a huge discount but I know that the best free Daw is undoubtedly Reaper! Lets learn the Quintenzirkel!
Which version gave you trouble? I think mine is version 2, and its been decent. Only issue is if I let my computer sleep, it doesn't always work well when it wakes back up. unplugging it and replugging it in fixes the issue. (I've had the same problem with web cameras on multiple computers!)
@@dj_tmc Overall latency according to Ableton live is around 20ms. I'm wondering if it could be my interface since its basically the cheapest thing you can get, Behringer UMC22
New subscriber. Really liking content so far. Thanks for trying to help people. I started at twelve but girls and life got me away from my Guitar. Picking it back up now since having major heath problems and in a wheelchair now. Wish I never stopped
Just trying to learn all this recording stuff. Holy shit, as if just playing isn't challenging enough...recording is a whole other animal. But fun so far.. Using a Presonus 24c for audio interface and Studio One Pro for my DAW. Pretty tough initial learning curve but I'm getting there I think
Don’t worry you’re not alone, getting my first interface tonight. I’m pretty decent on guitar but I have always used very basic setup, just guitar and amp, once had a pedal that’s it. I’ve never used amp sims before.
When I realized the random (read: randomly selected) video I stumbled on is made by a musician I've loved for 8 years or so and he's out here giving out great advice on recording I nearly shat my whole britches.
I use Logic Pro mostly because it does it all - audio recording and midi. It's probably not as powerful with the audio as Pro Tools, but it does a lot, so I'm pretty happy with it.
I use Reaper. Great DAW and the price is great. I purchased Reaper after the trial as I wanted the creators to benefit. You can keep evaluating though. I switched from Cuebase to Reaper I liked it that much.
i tried them all over the years. Reaper is my favourite hands down. Once you have all your shortcuts and workflow sorted out, it just works perfect. The one thing I don;'t like is the envelope system. It's a bit finicky.
This is an awesome, very valuable, consolidation of good advice. I’m an amateur musician, with >30 years “experience”. Keyboard player originally but I love to use guitar for the power it can add and how versatile and dynamic it is (no synth can properly replicate that). I made all of those mistakes in this video on my own (but I learned from them!). If there was YT and great shares like this “back in the day” I would have benefitted greatly. You joke that an MP3 player, or a personal CD player is a relic, my first portable was the original Sony Walkman with the fuzzy foam headphone covers, like the roller disco era. 😂. Best we could record demos with was a 4-track tape recorder using both sides of a metal TDK cassette tape. That was the tech nerd bedroom favourite back then and we did some cool stuff. My well crafted synth tracks were completely washed out with reverb. Producer nightmare! Less is more is definitely true. I love Cubase. If it’s good enough for Hans Zimmer, it’s good enough for me! (I appreciate there are lots for other very good, maybe better DAW’s out there but no DAW can replace creativity, so just remember, if what you’re doing sounds good, it is good. Get creating and enjoy, with whatever means you have. The gift of music is first.
My wife just got me the scarlet focusrite. I thought the “clipping” was just me turning it up to 11, because it got crunchy. Thanks for the help. Makes since to keep it clean for editing purposes. Thanks for the video.
![I.N "HALLUCINATION" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/n5B5q1Hwt_U/mqdefault.jpg)
![Seungmin "그렇게, 천천히, 우리(As we are)" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/kAzmhLHePqU/mqdefault.jpg)
What was YOUR worst recording mistake so far? ❌ Learn how to EQ your guitar tracks, how to mix your demos, and how to dial in the perfect guitar tone in the full home recording course: www.patreon.com/bernth 🤘
Hey Bernth! have you ever had some of your guitars REFRETED? If so, what size of frets do you use? hehe
Lol listening to my isolated playing on headphones.
Recording takes with 512 kb buffer and like 13ms latency as that's the default in Cubase and not realizing it.
comparing my guitar tone alone with a stereo guitar track, post Eq and compressor and in a full mix context... so I always hated my tone
My worst mistake was to import a 48kHz sampled backingtrack in a 44.1kHz project file. I ended up doing everything in a different tempo and key. Nowadays I always ask for the tempo in bpm, that solves so much guesswork.
To summarize 11:33 minutes:
1. Obtain a suitable ASIO interface such as the Focusrite Scarlett or a similar one.
2. Ensure the guitar's intonation is accurate by getting a professional guitar setup.
3. Regularly change the guitar strings and avoid using old strings when going to a studio.
4. Always record a direct input (DI) track, as it can be reamped later to improve poor sound quality.
5. Capture double rhythm guitar tracks instead of copying and pasting the same take to prevent phasing issues. Adding a second take will enhance the tightness of the guitar in the mix.
6. Take care not to clip the input signal by adjusting the input level on your sound card based on your hardest picking style.
7. Avoid using incorrect file formats. Opt for raw formats or consult the producer to determine the preferred format for the mix.
8. If your playing technique does not eliminate string buzz, utilize a fretwrap to mitigate it.
9. Select the appropriate digital audio workstation (DAW) such as Reaper, Cubase, Pro Tools, or similar software.
10. Remember that less is more. Avoid excessive use of double tracks, effects, and similar elements.
11. Utilize the entire fretboard knowledge and avoid relying excessively on the same fret positions. Embrace creativity to achieve more transparent mixes.
12. Consider joining BERNTH's Patreon for additional information, valuable lessons, and useful tips - www.patreon.com/bernth
Thanks mate! This comment is more useful than whole video.
Thanks!
Point 8 isn't to combat string buzz. It is to stop open strings ringing when they ought not be.
13 . Play a fast descending harmonic minor scale multiple times during every song and then throw a pick into the crowd
@@michael1I'm in the recording studio, so no crowd. I prefer a large mirror so I can see how cool I look.
First time I've seen any of your videos.
1) I love how you got straight to it without any unnecessary BS.
2) The tips were all spot on!
3) Your humility is refreshing
4) I also love how your tips were not too genre-specific and can be applied to almost all types of music
(never could shred, never really wanted to: rock is my preferred genre, so...)
5) Studio One is my DAW of choice, so the fact that this is also NOT DAW-specific was great, too...
As a side note, I recommend recording with a plugin like almost any Neural DSP plugin. You solve 2 problems with one track: Great sound that can be altered later because you're recording only the actual guitar.
Well worth the SUBSCRIBE!
REAPER GANG RIIIIIIISE UUUP!!!
Update 13.05.2022: I finally bought the license
🤘🤘🤘
reaper mania
@@chadmarx7718 thug life :D have been doing that for years. Glenn Fricker does not approve. And I do not care 😂
@@metalpuppet5798 same here hahaha
Reaper4Life
I love that you mentioned not playing the leads and rhythms in the same note space. It helps with learning octaves as well as adding interesting sounds in the music but most of all it helps thee mix. Solid video man, thanks!
There is a way to diminish it, by using a different tone settings for a lead/rhythm track. Preferably different guitars/amps altogether but sometimes rotating a tone knob on a guitar and a different eq-ing on a track/amp is a win
@@ivolkovs88 Definitely! I'm nowhere near any pro in terms of production yet but using this technique is helping massively with getting proper separation and distinction between multiple guitars. Even slight differences are proving extremely valuable!
5:22 THIS WAS ACTUALLY SO HELPFUL!!! Recording at home just for fun was always so frustrating to me because my takes sounded so bad and while I'm not the best player I really didn't think my technique was THAT bad. Having a clean signal by turning that know down by about 60 degrees already makes things sound so much better just ten minutes after watching this video. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!
Hey, I am a beginner and want to buy a guitar and an scarlet 2i2 but I had a question. Most people also buy an amplifier for their electric guitar. I only want to play my guitar and listen through my headphones. Should I buy a scarlet 2i2 and an amplifier? I don't know if an amplifier is needed to play electric guitar?
@@jacktiebie you can use virtual amplifier
@@jacktiebie play through an amp if you want to play in person, play through your computer if you want to play through headphones
@@jacktiebie im prolly too late but a scarlett solo is also a good option, the 2i2 has 2 inputs, and you generally only need that if you're just playing guitar. amps are either expensive or bad, so a solo input interface with some amp simulation is all you need for some quality recording and practice.
The part about avoiding clipping on the interface works really well with palm mutes. Palm muting gives out a surprisingly powerful signal, so if you can get the knob to a point where it doesn't clip even on your most brutally distorted palm mutes, you're golden!
Please tell me what's his real name. I want to know but can't find it anywhere. Thank you!
I got this tip from Misha Mansoor many years ago, glad I knew about it before I got started, makes a big difference!
Hi, I got Steinberg UR22C, it has 2 inputs, 1 of them has a Hi-Z switch for instruments. I have Seymour Duncan JB in my guitar, which is a passive humbucker but not very hot. When I activate the Hi-Z mode, it clips with palm mutes even if an input gain on audio interface is set to 0 (red diode on the interface blinks). It doesn't clip when the Hi.Z mode is deactivated (but it sounds a bit worse, not terrible, but not so dynamic). I don't get the point of Hi-Z then, is it just a flaw of this particular unit? I read about it and there are other people with this exact problem. What do you think?
Hey, I am a beginner and want to buy a guitar and an scarlet 2i2 but I had a question. Most people also buy an amplifier for their electric guitar. I only want to play my guitar and listen through my headphones. Should I buy a scarlet 2i2 and an amplifier? I don't know if an amplifier is needed to play electric guitar?
@@jacktiebie something is needed to amplify the signal and shape the tone, but you don’t have to get an amplifier. Look into amp simulators like Neural DSP and Positive Grid Bias. They’re softwares that replicate what an amplifier would do for a much lower price than an amp
One of my first mistakes in my musical journey was ignoring or outright AVOIDING something as fundamental as the quintenzirkel. But seriously, to record the click track as a separate file to include in the session proved to be important when sharing the project with other artists
This was a fantastic video!
Great tip!
A click track on a seperate track is definitely handy and can also be added at any time after the initial recording if using a DAW
loll noob error but we all make the same mistake...... close your cellphone too etc.... and a have a sign on my appart (when a recording ex. vocal) live recording shut up MF and stay at home (lollll) covid joke
For anyone stumbling onto this video later like myself, I tried home recording years ago with the Cuebase 5 DAW and it wasn't a fun experience so I gave it up. A couple months ago I decided to try again (not with my version of Cuebase) and looked into free ones to download. Some people I know were all about Reaper, however I wanted something with a built-in drum ability for home recording, since I was starting out knowing nothing about recording on a PC, things like VSTs weren't even in my vocabulary yet. This pushed me towards Cakewalk since it had built-in drums and it is a free download (it used to be a purchased DAW). It also comes with other stringed instruments to play virtually as well; bass guitar, standard guitar, standup bass, cello, violin. it was a great starter and thanks to RUclips there are plenty of videos out there to help you learn from scratch and build your knowledge. And then you have great videos like this from BERNTH to help you with the peripheral stuff.
I am doing the same thing. Cakewalk!! I miss some other logical ways...but now i got a pc and cakewalk W Alesis R8.....All portable..Battery powered to reco
rd the zombie apocalypse or a maga funeral.
Hey, I am a beginner and want to buy a guitar and an scarlet 2i2 but I had a question. Most people also buy an amplifier for their electric guitar. I only want to play my guitar and listen through my headphones. Should I buy a scarlet 2i2 and an amplifier? I don't know if an amplifier is needed to play electric guitar?
@@jacktiebie No, you don't need an amplifier if you have a Scarlet, a computer and headphones.
Cakewalk has been through a few owners and quite a few more iterations. At one stage it was the best thing to avoid. But now, it's free and a pretty solid choice for a first DAW.
My DAW of choice is Cakewalk by Bandlab. I've tried all the major ones out there and this is the one that fits my workflow the best.
I never hear anyone talk about this but I opted to go back to Cakewalk after evaluation of Reaper. Reaper was okay but I found CW far more intuitive and a cleaner interface, for me.
@@TheKingJ00 It used to be paid before, now it's free and unlimited.
I still prefer Reaper. Tried Cakewalk, but already accustomed to Reaper.
Same here, in fact I use the TH3 guitar effects rn because I don't have access to a great amp
@@b.grantmusic I have a Kemper Profiler but I've used the TH3 for quick rhythm sounds. It's as good as any other amp sim out there in my opinion.
I downloaded the BandLab.
Tthis works but not supported ASIO.. :S
Cool to see the old Ibanez HR Giger guitar especially that model, I remember seeing those when they launched inside of stores.
One good tip for checking your guitars intonation is using a tuner. Get the tuning right on the open strings then go to the 12th fret on each string and see is it on the middle or is it sharp or flat.
What do you do if it's not
@@JC20XX That might mean that you have to adjust your neck through iron
@@JC20XX there are guides on youtube for at-home fixes to intonation issues. it will mostly depend on your guitar's bridge and tuning systems. youtube search "intonation tutorial for 'enter your guitar here'". If you can't figure it out or don't have time, find a shop near you with good reviews and have it done professionally.
@@apokw Wrong answer sorry! You adjust your truss rod (neck-through) First to the desired action (space between the strings and the fretboard) and not to adjust intonation. After you get the action right you then check the intonation (12th fret + tuner) and if it's off you then correct it from the bridge for each string separately until it's good. That's basically what he's referring to as "shop work" that's how it's done.
@@apokw
You don't fix intonation via the neck. You fix it via the intonation screws at the bridge or tremolo etc.
Reaper is pretty hard to beat. It's also a nice cheap way to introduce beginners to digital recording.
Idk man. I would probably be pretty frustrated with Reaper if I were beginner. Wouldn't recommend it to beginners at all. Reaper is incredible flexible and I really admired its smooth CPU performance compared to big names and more expensive DAWs. However even me as a "semi-intermediate" mixer/producer/musician, I was frustrated with the amount of settings I need to manage in order to create at least to some extent user friendly interface (and I still wasn't satisfied with it even after hours of searching how to tweak some settings). Beginners usually even don't know what they want from DAW, so I can't really imagine how they wouldn't feel lost in Reaper unless they want to teach themselves the hard way.
@@patmull1 True, you can customize Reaper to death. But the default (not customized) workflow is perfectly usable. I would suggest to beginners to use it as-is. My first DAW was Cubase but I don't see why Reaper would be more difficult to start with compared to other DAWs.
@@patmull1 I started with Reaper as a beginner and just spent some time to look at tutorials and RUclips videos to figure it out how to do things and change settings, and I've been fine. The way I see it is if I'm going to have to learn the "hard one" eventually, might as well start with it so I don't spend time learning an easier DAW only to advance in my journey and realize that I need Reaper anyway to get all the features or options I want. It used it mostly for just loading plug-ins to sit and jam, but I've since recorded and mixed with it and it's been great.
DUDE REAPER IS AS FUCKING PROFESSIONAL AS YOU CAN GET !!!!!!!!!!!!! TELL ME SOMETHING BETTER !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
BEGGINER MY ASS I BET YOU CAN NOT EVEN USE IT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YOU COULD PISS OFF THE POPE !!!!!!!!!!!!
Good tips, all sensible. As far as DAW's go, I started with Cubase (old version was terrible) years ago, then Cakewalk (crashed lots), Reaper (winner), and have landed on Ardour (love). I'd recommend Reaper as it's mighty flexible, cheap, and can do just about anything. I use Ardour now because I'm 100% Linux and favor open source projects, so that's very much a personal thing. Quite a bit of power under that hood and the plug-ins available have become essential to my process.
Worst recording mistake I've made was ditching mic's all together and relying on post-processing. Now I do everything I can up front to minimize post-preprocessing. There is magic in those there mic's, amps, and speakers, don't pass em by.
To add, use clean mic boosters if you have to turn your audio interface gain knobs up high. Those typically add noise in the higher ranges.
I've been an Ableton Live guy for many years, Reaper is also excellent.
Garageband has a lot of limitations, but isn't nearly as bad as people say, and I still find it handy to have Audacity at the ready.
I was wondering if anyone else used Ableton
Love Ableton. Audacity is unreal for a free program.
Ableton Represent!!
Hey, I am a beginner and want to buy a guitar and an scarlet 2i2 but I had a question. Most people also buy an amplifier for their electric guitar. I only want to play my guitar and listen through my headphones. Should I buy a scarlet 2i2 and an amplifier? I don't know if an amplifier is needed to play electric guitar?
@@jacktiebie It kind of depends. If you're planning to plug your guitar directly into your computer, then no, you don't need an amp for that, though you might prefer the way your guitar sounds if you run it through some virtual amplifier software. There's even a few good free options.
The intent of the amp was to boost the signal of the guitar so that it's strong enough to push out of a large speaker box, but most amps alter the tone of the instrument in the process, but in a way that is often preferable to the unaltered sound. So those giant monster amps you see on stage at rock shows are not strictly needed, just preferred.
Anyway, long story short, if you get a guitar, an interface, and some software to get yourself started, you'll be all set.
Every time I think I’m making progress Bernth makes a video that shows me that I don’t have a clue as to what I’m doing. Thanks for that! 🤘🏼😜🤘🏼
I actually love the tips and tricks you put out. You help remind me that if you’re going to do something you’re passionate about, it’s worth doing it right.
I’m still going to have to limp along until I gather the resources to upgrade… EVERYTHING, but I now know what I need to work towards.
Once again, thank you for the guidance. 🙏🏼
This channel is a complete package for overall upgradation. I am happy I found this channel.
I like the fact that during years of home recording we reached many similar conclusions, it's like a comfy double check!
I'm using Reaper. It's not the most intuitive or attractive interface, but the thing is immensely powerful and very cheap.
Yes, it's ugly - try "Default Commala 5 2016 (with fully-tinted track panels)", I'm loving it! 🙌
@@Orin-D dude thx for this
@@Orin-D is that in the reaper settings?
Reaper is a DAW... Not an interface.
@@DJLUSHi believe he was referring to the user interface
Great point on intonation! Taking your guitar to a shop is a good recommendation but its good practice to learn how to do it yourself too. I find that after a string change is a good time for it. After learning how to do it, its a 5 min job that makes a BIG difference to recordings, regardless of what guitar i'm playing
depends on your bridge. Intonating a FR is definitely more work
I come from a completely different music genre and I’m learning so much from you!!!! Point is that I love how universal your teachings are and applicable to the greater industry and not just metal
I use Reaper DAW and TH-U Overloud (Slate Digital Package) for digi-amping.
Great value there!
I also rec raw dry guitar and bass tracks for outboard reamping as well.
You can A/B your two favorite head/cab setups, for example, or try different micing techniques for the song.
Back in my high school days I was running a guitar from the amp straight into the computer microphone jack via 1/4" to 1/8" adapter. It sucked, but it still allowed recording, albeit with no monitoring. Around that time I was just using a super basic recording app that came with the Windows computer I was using. Then I found Beatcraft and was able to experiment with drums for a while. Around that time I also discovered Audacity for recording. I still use Audacity when I'm feeling inspired and just want to record some new ideas to use later.
Finally, I discovered FL Studio and now, ten years later, it is the only DAW I've used and really care to use. I like the synth-focused nature of FL Studio and how easy it is to create drum and synth tracks without having to record them live. It makes the whole process much easier and faster. The vast array of synthesizers gives a lot of options for electronic music, which combined with metal guitars creates a genre I've never heard before. The music I make with it is some kind of melodic synth metal, and I love it.
So, FL Studio all the way.
upload something to youtoube so we can hear it
People often slag off FL studio but man I love it!
Between Audacity and a Tascam Porta02, we had it rough back in the day man. Now I still use a Tascam, but it's a DP-32SD... My how the times have changed.
Bernth: Talks about Diskman and how he is getting old.
Me: *cries in his old Sony Walkman*
lol..ikr?
[Abbreviating makes me feel younger]
I still know that I preferred Chrome-Dioxide Tapes over Normal... And then give them to my friends to get back a record from vinyl. But at least Metal just came up when I was at the perfect age :)
yep. i had the walkman Mk2, the blue beast.
WHILE LEANING ON HIS 8 TRACK/RECORD PLAYER CONSOLE STEREO TO CATCH A BREATH FROM SAID OLD AGE
La Fiesta edition here.
As a #7 recording mistake. I really recommend to listen to your recording with headphones right away and redo it if it's not good.
You might record with your speakers and it might sound good, but headphones just show you all the flaws of the recording in a clear way.
To a degree, yeah. Keep in mind that more often than not, headphones will "lie" to you. You wanna run out to a car and try it in those speakers. That's the great equalizer as far as I'm concerned. If it sounds good on a basic cruddy car speaker, it will sound good anywhere.
Mix on flat studio monitors. That is why they exist
I agree, I found I'm much more critical of my own playing listening through headphones while tracking. It's great to track with a producer in the room with them using monitors concurrently so it's a quick A/B for workflow.
@@darrinsiberia Lol!! You're pretty spot on! Try it on all kinds of different basic ass consumer speakers. If it's not overkilling in any way, you're good! Now to add some fun stuff maybe.
Hey, I am a beginner and want to buy a guitar and an scarlet 2i2 but I had a question. Most people also buy an amplifier for their electric guitar. I only want to play my guitar and listen through my headphones. Should I buy a scarlet 2i2 and an amplifier? I don't know if an amplifier is needed to play electric guitar?
This video is EXACTLY what I need! My recordings sounded like garbage! Mic positioning is my problem, and too much gain/distortion. Got my Scarlett 2i2 and I’m learning a ton, took your advice on the interface, thank you! I thought my SM57’s were the problem, nope it was ME! Tweaking the EQ is in order. Putting my ear where the mic is was great advice I got a few times. BE YOYR MIC! and it wasn’t pretty. My headphones were also wrong, they added color so they weren’t really monitors. Also added monitor speakers for when I’m in post editing.
Tools! Your other video about getting started was KILLER! Thank you? 🙏
Ableton. I love effect racks so much - it's like every VST is laid out in my DAW like a pedalboard, I can save good sounds as presets, and I can turn them on or off as needed to see if they're actually adding anything. I love Session Mode too - turns my whole project into a mixing board. Makes mixing so much easier and faster.
Yeah Ableton is outrageously underrated by metalheads, metal geeks usually stop by cubase or pro tools etc.. ableton chads are best electronic music producers mostly but makes any genres expression shines tbh
Glad to see my ableton bros represent lol
I just got ableton, a bit overwhelming when you come from audacity lol but seems like the best option for a beginner to me
@@littlewarcovers ableton will take you from beginner level all the way to professional quality productions if you put the time in to learn it
I have ableton lite. It sucks. So eventually I’ll properly purchase it because 8 tracks is just not enough even for messing around. It’s what I’m familiar with and it works great. So that’s where my money will be going.
My worst Studio Mistake was not learning about Quintenzirkel and it's effects in the production aspect of the studio. I'd always stay in the same part of the fret board for my rhythms and not expand my reach.
I just want to add, it's actually pretty easy to check and fix intonation yourself.
A good way of checking is to play a string at the 12th fret, and then play it again as a natural harmonic. By doing this, you're playing the exact same note/octave, with one being open and the other being a high fret. Though if you're using a tuner, you can just play the open string normally without a harmonic. As for changing intonation, I don't know how things are with other guitars, but with my strat, the strings have individual bridge saddles that I can reposition by turning a screw. If the fretted note is slightly high, you move the saddle outwards to shorten the string length, and the opposite if it's too low. Also, you'll need to correct the tuning after adjustments.
For real! I never got bringing in a guitar for intonation. It's no harder than changing your strings.
Same. I’ve never understood bringing it into a shop either. Most of the time a a decent tuner will pick up checking intonation too. I guess that’s what makes guitar techs tho… ha.
Some are more a pain in the ass than others, I agree you should be able to do it yourself, as your instrument is your tool. I am going to say they should come already properly intonated and setup, buy Sweetwater or buy a PRS, slight tune-up ang go.
@@aiRxShop
Exactly, when I first got into guitars I didn't even have a tuner and as I can hear the difference was able to fix intonation myself via directions in a book (remember them!).
I got a new guitar recently, action a bit high, I reset all that up and truss rod, then intonation was wrong. Didn't even bother with a tuner just ding/ding ding/ding on 12th with fretted/harmonic, and adjusted away.
It should also be said, old worn out strings will stretch and lose some of their tension, which can throw the intonation permanently off no matter how much you adjust. This is obviously not a huge problem if you're changing your strings regularly, but I do wish someone had explained it to younger me, as it would have saved me a lot of headaches.
Nice, great tips. The boring things are important in the end. My worst recording mistakes occurred in the early '80s as I am 60. 1. I attempted a fade while recording. (dumb yes) It was a great take and I had to mask my non-smooth adjustment. I added a 'live' audience to help. 2. Neglecting to provide an audible count-off on the basic tracks. Overdubs were difficult. These were fun to reminisce as they were obviously big mistakes in the end, but the projects all turned out fine... and I never made those mistakes again.
Wowww.. At 60 you have still passion to play guitar 👌🙏
This comment inspired me ❤
The IK AXE interface is a game changer. I was using a scarlett 6i6 but when I switched it was a noticeable difference right away, designed specifically for guitars and even has a passive/active switch
Sooo its got a pad switch? whoop di do? I am no fan of the focusrite here I think they are not worth the price there are options that are cheaper, have the same chipset and have more finite control like that for 75% of the price buuuuut... if your interface is getting a clean signal from the guitar then its getting a clean signal if you want to colour the signal then that should be done in the daw not in interface. One wonders if its just you are not saturating the signal on the new interface and thats the difference? I hope its not interfering with the input in any way.
Tip #7 - a compromise:
If for whatever reason you can't avoid tracking multiple instrumentals in the same zone on the fretboard, consider tonally balancing them in a different way. For example, one track could be a fatter neck pickup take with a bit of high frequency tone rolloff, and the other is a bridge pickup take with no rolloff. The two distinct frequency ranges allow them to sit better in a mix together. Ultimately the same notes will sit at the same frequency, but doing something like this would at least help with clashing harmonics and resonant frequencies.
👍🏻
Some great advice. To elaborate on the rhythm double-tracking point -- if you are recording acoustic guitar, you can mic at the 12th fret and bridge and pan those apart as well. Even apply different effects, etc.
That's what I do, unless I don't want any stereo width. I don't pan them super far apart (I like it more realistic), but I would recommend reserving the double-tracking to electrics. *Do NOT ignore phasing issues, though!!!*
@@xHadesStamps: Right, I should have made clear that I don't pan them far apart very often, but sometimes when I specifically want that effect.
SSL 2+ FTW here. I actually had a bad experience with a faulty firmware on a Scarlett, so just goes to show YMMV. Love your production style, a whole lotta fun. Oh, and Mixcraft because they rock.
mixcraft!🤘🏻🍻
Quintenzirkel, and also Cubase and Elixir strings FTW! Way back when Windows XP was the latest OS, I plugged a cheap mic with an attached cable into a 3.5mm adapter, and then right into my sound card, after which I recorded over the General MIDI backing tracks I made into Sound Recorder, starting with rhythm guitar, then "overdubbing" with lead guitar, and finishing with vocals. It was a miracle that you could hear anything over all of the CPU noise, ground loop hum, and cheap single-coil pickup buzz built up over each successive iteration.
OMG you just saved me YEARS in the making. I was searching for an USB hookup for my guitar...
I've used many different DAW. I started using Magix products in the 90s.
Now I am a Presonus Sphere member and I use Studio One 5 Professional. Everyone will eventually use Studio One. Everything is drag and drop. The automation capabilities are astonishing and you can master directly from your mix screen. The mastering is simple and the quality will blow you away. You can even publish to internet or burn cds on the mastering screen
Bro yes studio one is honestly amazing, I’m using pro tools right now just to get the hang of it but I started on studio one and the workflow is so OP
i'm not very experienced but i'm using studio one. it seems very comfy and easy for recording metal stuff but i want to dabble in electro stuff and there's a massive lack of VSTs and drum sounds. the stock synths seem pretty good but beyond that... yikes
i'm used to the keyboard shortcuts tho and its so easy to work with
Studio One is amazing
I bought a Magix prog in 2005. I still use it, because I've got better things to do than learn another program. It does mean I have to keep a couple of machines running XP - it won't even run on 7. Just one question : - what is a " cd " ?
@@PIPEHEAD CD is an abbreviation for Compact Disk. It is a 5.25" circlar polcarbonate disk with differing layers stacked vertically to create a series of pits representing binary digits (aka bits) arranged in circular rings extending radially across the disk surface. The bits are formatted in a way that represent the recording of the soundwaves that you have created. I haven't looked, but I'll wager there is a WIKI page on the interwebs delving into the nitty gritty of the history if you are interested.
I am using the Presonus Professional and the interface Presonus Studio 68C. Sounds great, crisp and so easy to use all the way around. Having said that, my knowledge of Quintenzirkel is quite random, i would rather just watch your vids and learn that instead:) so much to learn! This was a very informative and comprehensive video on helping us! Thank you!!!
When I had a home studio I used Cakewalk. It was very complex and like all the paid DAWs (because it used to be $500 when it was Sonar) and came with a bunch of surprisingly good effects and plugins. My favorites were the drum vst and guitar amp vst because of how versatile they are. It's compatible with many different types of gear and plugins and has everything in a very reasonable layout that I got used to very quickly, similar to Reaper and FL Studio. Definitely recommend and will use again when I have a chance to build another pc and home studio.
not only was this a fantastically helpful video, but the daily word pushed me over the edge lol
you have a new sub
When I started using a DAW back in 2013 I was clueless . I am from a generation of table top recording, reel to reels, etc. It was by trial and error and learning from others on youtube that helped me a great deal .
I feel the buzzing noise in the guitar recording also depends on the cable, i had a v bad cable and it made the same noise, but when i upgraded to a better cable it was way better
Upgrade to a Getaria Audio Transmitter/Receiver cordless system and deplete
the need to trip over cables and having static/buzzing sounds when recording.
Works for me Dev.
Also, turn your guitar away from the EMF interference machine, AKA the computer.
Easy to get past , with no sound but plugged in just more around your studio, you can hear where the EMF is the lowest then use that spot
Also try to limit 10’ or less for traking
As a retired Producer and Engineer, these tips are excellent for everyone. I saw so many of these mistakes I lost tolerance for those who didn't listen and just stopped using them on most projects. You want to be a Pro, act like one.
Bernth:
-Oh, Quintenzirkel looks scary.
Quintenzirkel in russian:
-Kvartokvinotoviy krug
WOW 🤯
Ну надо же через дефис)
@@СашаБеленец-н4о так страшнее
It’s not that hard when you know basics of Russian and German word forming and prononciation
не так сложно и цвучит
I use Reaper most of the time. I have a license for Cubase and Studio One but somehow the work flow in Reaper is best for me.
I've been playing guitar for 40 odd years and you make very good point. some of which I didn't know or hadn't thought about.. I'm subscribing. It's always good to learn, what ever your age. Thank you.
I'm loving PreSonus Studio One.
I agree. Easier to load on to your computer than cubase, thats for sure.
That's what I use👍
Fully agree! Have a Presonus Sphere subscription! Not that expensive compared to what you get. You always have the latest version of Studio One Professional and really tons of extra stuff!
My fav as well !!! And, i've owned a few...
Logic Pro is amazing. I have used it so much over the last few years, and I have absolutely no complaints. It is so easy to use and so powerful. I love it
Been using Cubase after trying many others, very happy with Cubase pro 11, and I use a scarlet solo for small stuff, and I use a behringer UMC 1820 with the ADA 8200 for live rec. I'm not a behringer die-hard or anything, but it's been a great interface, and didn't break the bank.
1820!🤘🏻🍻
Great stuff, always inspiring content...thank you. Another few tips I picked up which may help: Always record to a click / learn how to map click tracks. If exporting tracks for someone to work on, leave them unprocessed if you can (no EQ, compressors, delays etc.). Keep a backup of your recordings / project files. Bounce stereo tracks regularly when mixing (useful to compare against later). Record everything you can, and keep everything. But most of all have fun!
I had two different Apogees, which consistently clashed with Logic Pro. I bought a cheap Behringer and it immediately functioned flawlessly. Went forward with two more interfaces until I landed at the Scarlett 4i4.
Blah blah blah… Logic Pro X.
Great episode!!
I've never recorded except for my version of the 'Dopamine' tapping riff. So scared of recording myself playing the guitar.
Thanks so much for recording a version!! :)
@A Lucky Man! honestly. I live by recording even though im a beginner-ish player, it really lets me hear my timing (im left handed playing right, so i tend to get away from myself with my fretting hand) but recording is exactly why I know what to practice and can focus on exactly whats holding me back.. 😭 sorry for that rant my man.
bite the bullet
you'll run the gamut of emotions but in the end you'll play better
Reaper is great for guitar, love that when you record with effects enabled it still just records it as a DI so all I need to do to have the clean DI files is disable my effects on the track and render it again
Awesome brother!!! I find i did a LOT of the same mistakes early on that you did! This is extremely useful and well thought out and explained! I personally use Studio One 4 pro now, but, previously I used cool edit pro...for like 20 years...haha! OMG what a difference the right DAW can make!! 🤘🤘
I recently moved from Ableton to Studio One - I LOVE IT!
My DAW of choice is Acoustica's Mixcraft. Currently using version 9
I have a habit of muting strings with my fingering hand. I'm adopting your closed hand technique, which freaks me out as I have also a palm muting habit. Just observations of myself I'm 62 and have been playing a long time, but find your videos cause me to wish I had a mentor like you in the beginning. Keep up the good work.
I use FL studio 20 for my production. I think it's really underrated for hard rock and metal stuffs!
It can handle any genre, and in bonus, one can get the 'best piano roll' for drum and bass programming!
I'm not using FL, but its MIDI-tools are good as I could see.
Hey, I'm completely new to DAW's and I could borrow my friends FL20 license for a while. But he's an electronic music producer, and I'm a jazz bass player,
I'm wondering tho if FL isn't more leaning towards EDM? Did you try recording a band with FL?
@@AntonMadness To be very honest, DAWs play very little to no significant role in production! Almost any DAW will serve your job, whether you're recording your bass or a drum kit. It's all about getting comfortable with the DAW you're using and it's interface. The main thing is to concentrate more on playing and producing.... Learning mixing techniques and so on.
I used Magix Music Maker starting out. It helped me get familiar with working with a DAW and MIDI as well as VST's. I made the transition to Reaper. Which there's alot to learn in Reaper. The more I figure out about it. The more I'm digging it.
Man Magix is what i started with as well!
At the end of the nineties I was in the music studio with my band to just record a demo for the first time. We lost a whole day, because of the guitars weren't set up correctly. Well, lesson learned.
I started with reaper and audition back in 2006, in 2007 i was intruduced to Pro tools 7, used the cracked 7.4cs3 until 10 came out, then used 10 till 2020 and now im running pro tools 23. Amazing software!
Nice, it's good to know the guy at the store was being honest with me. I just got the Scarlett. He's better than the last mechanic I went to.
I started with Logic Pro but had a hard time getting a workflow together. I have spent the past several months learning Ableton Live and I absolutely love it! The workflow for song writing is amazing. The mixing capabilities are intuitive and very very powerful (before you add additional plugins). Lastly, it is very easy to take a finished, released song, copy it, and then convert it into the live version of the song... including controlling any number of stage effects (lighting, fog, lasers, whatever).
I remember when I first learned that the circle of fifths 'wheel' could also be used to find chord substitutions. When used sparingly, can really add a nice flavor to a song or a refrain, or what have you.
I use Ableton too, So easy to just plug in guitar and play.
One tip you could add is to avoid making your recording/tracking project layout the same as your next phase (probably getting more creative, adding plugins etc). I am tending toward that after trying to make a tracking project that included far too much - not only DIs and Torpedo Studio tracks, but effects, sidechains etc etc. It got unwieldy and although it works, actually it tended to slow down/distract me from recording. Not to mention any extra processing tends to hide mistakes. I think its better to lay down tracks in a very simple project without a lot of noise - I like to have the SD3 drums there to play along to, but even that is more noise than just a click track.
The danger of using a DAW is TOO MANY OPTIONS. Try to keep things simple and concentrate on the music first and getting clean basic tracks. Production is taking those raw tracks and utilizing plug-ins to get the right sound for each. Good producers know how to use all their tools and be efficient with their time. Learn from them as they mixdown and TAKE NOTES. This was an excellent and concise video. Well done Bernth.
For anyone just recording guitars DSP units like the HX Stomp have excellent USB outputs for recording. The Stomp can export stereo signals on two distinct paths and a stereo dry signal offering six simultaneous outputs. The Pod Pro also has a microphone input for vocals or putting a mic on an amp. These are great options especially with the quality of the Helix sounds for sims and effects.
How do you turn off Direct Monitoring on the Stomp? When I play through plugins I can hear my direct signal layered with the processed signal.
@@SlipperyDucky Not sure I really understand the question as I don't use plug ins so apologies if I have misunderstood but if I assume that you are recording through the USB outputs I would start by checking whether you are picking up path A, path B or the DI, then check that direct monitoring is off in your DAW, then checking the settings on the plug in to have 100% wet signal. It might be something more complex where it is necessary to put the plug in on a separate track and bus the guitar signal to that while muting the original one. Without seeing the entire signal chain it could be one or more of these elements (or something else entirely) but these are the bits I would be checking.
@@Birkguitars will give it a try thanks for the reply
Dude. You are like my spirit animal. I have been doing exactly what you do, and the way that you do it. And also using Cubase. Subscribed
Outstanding advice, and I like your teaching style! I was way late getting into digital recording ~ I started with 4-track cassette recorders back in the day. My first digital setup was a Zoom MRS-1608 desktop unit, with drum machine built in. Eventually, I got a Mac and managed to port the raw pieces from the Zoom into GarageBand ... and I'm still using GarageBand in 2022. I'm sure I need to upgrade, but I haven't even really scratched the surface of what GB can do ~ I'm slow! :p
Another mistake I do all the time: not being able to play as good as the people that subscribe to Bernth
They all started somewhere Brother
@@ACowIsHuge I totally understand where he's coming from, I've been playing for more than half my life and know of plenty of people who have surpassed me within their first few years.
I used Audacity and finally discovered Reaper. I actually made some decent recordings with Audacity but Reaper was a game changer. I’m still using the Line 6 UX2 Audio Interface.
Hey buddy. Im glad to hear you're using the UX2 and Reaper. I recently put together the same setup. I bought the UX2 in 2007 with the intent to record my concepts, but baby #2 came and I never made time to learn home recording. I've been riffing around for 20 years and it's time to lay em out so I can move on from the same 15 songs haha. Learning this stuff is not easy.
@@thefutureself6260 😆 I hear ya. Congrats 🍾 on the birth of your children! Yeah, it’s a lot to learn and can be a bit overwhelming. Luckily there are free instructional videos on RUclips that people were kind enough to make but even with them it still can be difficult. What software do you use for your guitar tone? I use Pod Farm 2 with Metal Expansion. I use EZDrummer 2 with numerous different Metal Expansions and for Bass I use EZBass which I highly recommend. With EZBass if you don’t want to spend time coming up with a Bass line for your song then it will do it for you by matching the songs drum pattern automatically. BIG time saver and it sounds good. What style of music do you play? If Metal genre then what sub genre of Metal? For my music creation I play Technical Death Metal, Technical Deathcore, Grindcore, and a hint of Thrash Metal. Kinda like a mix between Origin/Cannibal Corpse/Dying Fetus/Pantera/Napalm Deathish sounding.
Audacity is great, but it requires a bit more work. Reaper way better, in my opinion.
@@robertf2584 No dude, your opinion is correct. Reaper is MUCH better.
I record with Reaper too. It's really powerful too, but there's one thing Reaper kind of sucks compared to Audacity: How easy it is to add or remove effects and pieces of and from tracks.
If I want to add, let's say a simple echo, or double just a single 5 second part in a song: With Audacity I just add new track, then select part I want and copy and paste the part on that new track. If I want to remove a piece, I select what I want to remove and click delete.
With Reaper it's huge hassle because you can't simply copy and paste pieces of recording, and then you'll have to split the original tracks which follows that everytime you remove something, you ned to make sure ALL of those split separate parts are selected when closing gap the left in tracks.
It's feels much more clunky.
Bro, pro tip #3 is some good info. Haven’t gotten that from any of the videos I watched prior. Really appreciate it
This was actually more helpful than i thought it would be, being someone with a pre existing knowledge of some basic producing of course.
6:25 It's alright Bernth I still got my ipod shuffle and heavenly compressed MP3 files that I downloaded from Limewire playing through Winamp.
Only the mp3 files are replaced by FLAC files ripped from my personal CD collection.
Some things never change 😂🤟👍
YES! Great advice on the tone recording your guitar! Listen when you're playing solo in your room, you want to imitate the sound of multiple guitars and a bass playing in unison, to get that CHUG CHUG CHUG tone! But when you're recording for a song, where your guitar is a part of a mix, you DO NOT want that! You'll crush any chance of mixing it with the other instruments. A guitar tone in a studio should have a tonality of mid upper range, as not to interfere with the drums, bass on the lower end nor the vocals or instruments of the higher range. Learn about equalization, low-vs-high pass filters, and frequency pocket mixing. Keep the presets sounding like Pantera to your jam sessions, but record your band session guitar parts without them.
Yeah man, Focusrite Scarlet 2i2 is amazing, I've been recording bass and guitars ate home for a while now, and it is awesome. And it's great because they are not expensive too.
I also use the Headrush Pedalboard at home, so I could also use it as the audio interface, but even though I still prefer the 2i2.
Black Lion Audio Revolution 2x2 isn't much more expensive and it kick's pretty much every small interface's ass, including the UA stuff. Also, it comes with a great bunch of software. I recently sold my Apollo Twin Mk2 quad and got the BLA and a UA Satellite quad since I use the plug-ins a lot. Couldn't be happier! And I'm on Pro Tools.
The tip about using the instrument button and dialing in the tone really helped, turns out I was clipping a lot and didn't notice and wondered why my tone was crappy when I played harder
I just found your channel - outstanding content. I miss Germany - I spent 2 years in the Berlin Brigade, and have been back a few times, hopefully I will be back again next year.
I know this is a guitar channel, but from a production/engineering standpoint, make sure the drums are tuned to the key of the song. If all the guitars and bass are in drop D, tune the drums accordingly. Makes a HUGE difference.
Can you elaborate on this? I'm new to home recording, I only play guitar and despite knowing you sorta have to tune the drums too I didn't know they had to be tuned accordingly to the guitar and bass
@@agoniavr there isn't much to elaborate on. Whatever the key of the song, the drums need to be tuned accordingly. If you're using a program like Apple's Garage Band you either set the key of the project or transpose the drums to whatever key you're in. Nothing much more to it than that.
@@jerrodlopes186 thanks for the info! I've recently restarted playing electric guitar, got myself and Audient iD4 MKII and wanted to start learning some home recording to do some covers, and I'll also need to put some drum tracks in there when I record. I'll make sure the drums are in the same key as my guitar tracks now :)
@@agoniavr I'm glad I could be some help. I hope you have an awesome time with your playing and recording.
What if the songs are in different keys in an album?
I'm just starting to learn theory and I haven't gotten to the QUINTENZIRKEL part yet
I actually use and love my Focusrite 2i2 to record everything I need
on Cubase 10.5, very satisfied with my cheep equipment but I would
love to have a evertune bridge on one of my guitars to make the
record process a little bit ease and constant!!!
I really want to try one of these Evertune bridges. They claim that they even stop the problem of intonation imperfection so you don't have to tune the guitar for specific registers while recording. I'd have to see (or Hear) it to believe it. That would be amazing. I don't know if it would work for me live though as I often tune my low E down to D for a song or two.
Mine has a constant crackling and buzzing when recording anything wth distortion, and I’ve checked everything I’m aware of in regards to the specs, I don’t know why everyone loves it so much maybe I’m just incompetent with this kind of thing
Thanks you for sharing for your trial and error on this process! The main point is have the right equipment (doesn't have to be expensive) if you're going to record at home. Great video!
Congrats bro! Clean and straightforward content for both amateurs and both pro musicians. Keep it up! Cheers!
Scared me. I thought you were finna tell my my Scarlett was insufficient
Ha, wow i needed this.
I was literaly shopping on PMT for a studio setup so now i know what not to do.
For the Scarlett 2i2 I would recommend to avoid the older generation and get the newest one. I had tons of problems with every plugin. With gain at 0 my signal was still hot as F! With the last models it works perfectly fine.
For the Daw I have Ableton because I had the chance for a huge discount but I know that the best free Daw is undoubtedly Reaper!
Lets learn the Quintenzirkel!
Which version gave you trouble? I think mine is version 2, and its been decent. Only issue is if I let my computer sleep, it doesn't always work well when it wakes back up. unplugging it and replugging it in fixes the issue. (I've had the same problem with web cameras on multiple computers!)
Do you have any latency issues? Using guitar amp plugins, I can’t seem to get my latency below 20ms in ableton. -driving me nuts
@@onlyfacts4me What is your latency when you don't use plugins? I'm curious what the stats are on your system as well.
@@dj_tmc Overall latency according to Ableton live is around 20ms. I'm wondering if it could be my interface since its basically the cheapest thing you can get, Behringer UMC22
Maybe that's the problem. I haven't had any latency issues that bad with my Focusrite 2i2 (2nd) gen
New subscriber. Really liking content so far. Thanks for trying to help people. I started at twelve but girls and life got me away from my Guitar. Picking it back up now since having major heath problems and in a wheelchair now. Wish I never stopped
Great tip on the audio interface. I wasted several years on Behringers which just could not cut it on Windows.
Just trying to learn all this recording stuff. Holy shit, as if just playing isn't challenging enough...recording is a whole other animal. But fun so far..
Using a Presonus 24c for audio interface and Studio One Pro for my DAW. Pretty tough initial learning curve but I'm getting there I think
Don’t worry you’re not alone, getting my first interface tonight. I’m pretty decent on guitar but I have always used very basic setup, just guitar and amp, once had a pedal that’s it. I’ve never used amp sims before.
My 2i2 arrives tomorrow. I can't wait to get started!
Ableton is easily the best DAW for live performance and also for studio imo, even more for producing sick electronic music.
Ardour on Linux, using my old Zoom G3 as the interface. It gets decent results for the enthusiast that I am.
Great tips! I'm a complete beginner and I'm glad the dudes at guitar center recommended Scarlet as an interface. I still track with Audacity xD
When I realized the random (read: randomly selected) video I stumbled on is made by a musician I've loved for 8 years or so and he's out here giving out great advice on recording I nearly shat my whole britches.
3:34 Imagine... Someone NOT subscribed to Bernth. How sad. 😔
Still around 70%... 😅🤷♂️
I use Logic Pro mostly because it does it all - audio recording and midi. It's probably not as powerful with the audio as Pro Tools, but it does a lot, so I'm pretty happy with it.
I use Reaper. Great DAW and the price is great. I purchased Reaper after the trial as I wanted the creators to benefit. You can keep evaluating though. I switched from Cuebase to Reaper I liked it that much.
i tried them all over the years. Reaper is my favourite hands down. Once you have all your shortcuts and workflow sorted out, it just works perfect. The one thing I don;'t like is the envelope system. It's a bit finicky.
This is an awesome, very valuable, consolidation of good advice. I’m an amateur musician, with >30 years “experience”. Keyboard player originally but I love to use guitar for the power it can add and how versatile and dynamic it is (no synth can properly replicate that). I made all of those mistakes in this video on my own (but I learned from them!). If there was YT and great shares like this “back in the day” I would have benefitted greatly. You joke that an MP3 player, or a personal CD player is a relic, my first portable was the original Sony Walkman with the fuzzy foam headphone covers, like the roller disco era. 😂. Best we could record demos with was a 4-track tape recorder using both sides of a metal TDK cassette tape. That was the tech nerd bedroom favourite back then and we did some cool stuff. My well crafted synth tracks were completely washed out with reverb. Producer nightmare! Less is more is definitely true.
I love Cubase. If it’s good enough for Hans Zimmer, it’s good enough for me! (I appreciate there are lots for other very good, maybe better DAW’s out there but no DAW can replace creativity, so just remember, if what you’re doing sounds good, it is good. Get creating and enjoy, with whatever means you have. The gift of music is first.
focusrite 2i2/reaper here. i'm just a beginner and this helped. thanks!
Change your strings? A thousand bass players gasp in horror!
I love working with my wrong interface, and I love making mistakes.
My wife just got me the scarlet focusrite. I thought the “clipping” was just me turning it up to 11, because it got crunchy. Thanks for the help. Makes since to keep it clean for editing purposes. Thanks for the video.
Great tips! I’ve been using Presonus Studio One (since 2009). The workflow is fairly smooth so I never saw the need to go elsewhere.