A cool trick if you have MIDI setup: while recording your audio from the synth, arm an additional track with a midi input to record only the midi. This is useful so that if you decide later you want a different sound you can then output that midi performance back through the synth with a different sound on your synth and not have to complete another performance. Kind of similar to reamping guitar performances with a di box.
Thanks for the step-by-step and easily to follow instructions. I find some videos on RUclips assume you understand all the jargon related to interfaces, mixers and I/O...but us beginners have to search for hours trying to find the basic of the basics to get to "normal" level of understanding. I like it!
would be nice to see how u manage MIDI and audio recording from the same machine at the same time, using again a mixer.... wondering how u will tackle eventually latency problems
I was very worried that my mixer-interface setup was overkill and that I should've gotten a bigger interface instead... Thanks for helping with that! I don't think many people actually talk about setting up your studio, just what you can have it. Good video!
I have a Behringer 12 channel mixer that I feed via XLR outputs into the XLR inputs of my M-Audio M Track Plus interface. Works like a charm. I keep just about all of my gear hooked up to it so I don't have to constantly plug and unplug when I'm recording different instruments.
Hey just wondering, you're pretty much only using XLR I/O for instruments that are mic'd right? Or is there some reason you prefer using XLR over line-level I/O
HANDS DOWN THE BEST TUTORIAL I’VE SEEN YET!!! That stereo synth sounds incredible. I have an Apollo x8 and all I have is a vocal chain in it for an input lol.
What a great video, I love the step by step you give, helps people like me who have never really recorded at home on a laptop before. You are doing good work so, please keep it up.
Justin, I like your method of instruction: state a goal, explain stepwise, and summarize. No BS. Thank you for that. Now for the favor... I can't find any decent tutorials on the Korg Volca Drum. You could help lots of folks get on track, so to speak. Thanks again.
Nice simple walkthrough. I’d just add that using balanced TRS cables is also important for reducing noise vs unbalanced TS cables (unless the TS cable is short). Having long TS cables run from a synth to a mixer to a pedal to the interface near a bunch of electronics would sound like garbage by the time the DAW gets it. Just make sure though that the mixer supports balanced TRS inputs and outputs, because if it doesn’t - it won’t matter which cables you use - it’ll still be unbalanced. Also, patch bays are a good and cheap alternative to a mixer for multiple inputs from audio gear. Important to note that line out volume from synths can’t always be controlled - especially rack synths. Best run through a mixer in that scenario.
@@minisynthmaniac if they’re unbalanced - shorter TS (or TRS if that’s what you already have) will be ok. Depends if there’s noise. If there is - ferrite chokes help lessen any interference noise. The “Behringer Hum Destroyer” also helps if the ferrite chokes don’t. They’re like $25 on Amazon.
Good video BUT these is one thing missing and that is the subject of latency. We do not have the technology to be able to actually record any music without latency hence anything you record into a computer will actually be off timing wise and require work to adjust for timing later on. Would be good to do a video on this thorn in the side of anyone working with a soundcard.
@ghost mall I'm talking about drum machines like the TR-505, Synths Like the K1r etc You do realize latency can also be caused by the hardware gear itself right?
a good rule of thumb for the right level to record, is that the waveform should be around 1/3 of the normal size of the recording window/channel (4:12 in this video shows that perfectly). to take it a step further, find a VU plugin, adjust it so that 0VU = -18dBFS. keep your "average" level for everything you record in around that level, while making sure your peaks are no higher than about -10dBFS / -12dBFS. this gives you about 10 to 12dB worth of "headroom" to work with for each track part, so that everything isn't smashing your Master channel (ie; never let your Master channel exceed 0dBFS & try to stay within -3 to -6dBFS max on the Master) i also like to record MIDI with all my audio. either use the MIDI I/O from your interface, or get a dedicated USB MIDI Interface (Motu, iConnectivity, etc.). Place everything on the right port & MIDI channel, then when you record... record the audio & MIDI together. you can then use that MIDI file to send to another synth or VST, or just keep it so you'll know what you played if someone asks lol
daaaamn That is just what I needed! Building my first syhtn set up right now, somebody gave me a nice 8 channel audio mixer, now, I just need to find a nice audio interface! Thank you for all the tips!
Justin Delay is almost Vladislav Delay) I think is no need to tweak on board mixer EQ when you are recording your synth as a single track. Logic has great EQ and this enough for further sound manipulations. And if you will understand that you need this cutted low end in the mixing process - sadly low end has been completely lost by on board mixer EQ( I know that it's different approaches but I have such examples in my mixing engineer career... p.s but recording shimmer it's perfect!) it sounds nice and it's really create a texture from this synth!
Might also consider buying a Zoom H-Series Audio Recorder. It can serve as your interface. Then you also have a portable audio recorder with built in mics (you can add vocals or other mic'd sources), and multitrack ability on the unit itself (in case you don't have that laptop available), plus a small array of onboard effects (which are not stellar, but are good for scratching out ideas.) Plus, it can run on batteries or bus power over USB.
Thank you for posting this. It really answered a lot of questions and opened a lot of things up for me in my recording process. Very helpful. Much appreciated!
I didn't think I was gonna learn anything from this video, but the mixer in front of an audio interface idea is really smart! Great for recording jams too. I haven't mic-ed up a synth and amp yet, but I have a a peavy vyper VIP-2 that can act as an acoustic, electric, and bass guitar amp lol. I've used synths with it already and it does sound pretty good. Just gotta try recording that combo with a mix now.. That'll be my next experiment! Cheers Reverb!
I can see this turning into an episode of Hoarders. "Now, if you really want to expand your sound... (climbs over a pile of synths) Oh my, I found my cat..."
Interesting video, especially the part about mixers and amps. For me the golden path is to record my synths through the AxeFx III, where I have all of these options without a lot of cabling and zero risk of damaging real amps. ;)
So, for Apple users ONLY......... if you choose to mention there are a host of affordable apps for Windows users, why not help by mentioning a few names......? Then it may be the simplest way to record your synth, on Windows as well!!!
Thanks for this video, i literally did this the other day and it was Godly. I was literally using the 402 vlz, i was using the eq and literally thought the same thought...its like a filter...glad to see i was right...
You do not need an audio interface, i simply used the 3.5mm audio jack of my computer with a dual mic and headphone splitter and that works perfectly fine, it completely byasses the audio interface.
Just recently got myself a synth and I don´t have a mixer yet. Soooo.....but i have a EQ Pedal for my guitar :D Kinda works as a budget solution to pass the time until i have one.
Justin Delay.... at Reverb? That’s awesome.
Just-in Delay ;)
Without fail, every video he makes will have this comment.
not his real name
@@NeoBalkanacMan ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;)
@Caustic I know right, we don't need a chorus!
A cool trick if you have MIDI setup: while recording your audio from the synth, arm an additional track with a midi input to record only the midi. This is useful so that if you decide later you want a different sound you can then output that midi performance back through the synth with a different sound on your synth and not have to complete another performance. Kind of similar to reamping guitar performances with a di box.
Could you explain this with a few steps? How would I create an additional track with a MIDI input?
Apollo twin doesnt have midi :(
That’s exact what I thought this video was going to do. Lol
Good idea, thanks!
How does the midi signal travel from the synth to the computer if you're only connected via audio through the sound card?
The Reverb channel has been killin' it lately. Always great vids!
What a time to be a muscian everything you need to know is at our fingertips
@@ricardochavez4036 At the same time people are lazier than ever and overwhelmed with options. That's where I've been stuck, lol.
Yeah, next video will be about how to turn on your computer
@losangulos yea this video was basic. But also necessary and useful for ppl starting out. Had to bring this comment back from the dead to say that
Thanks for the step-by-step and easily to follow instructions. I find some videos on RUclips assume you understand all the jargon related to interfaces, mixers and I/O...but us beginners have to search for hours trying to find the basic of the basics to get to "normal" level of understanding. I like it!
This is ridiculously precise in everything I needed to know about how to arrange the set up I want. Everywhere was overcomplicating it. Thank you!
I’ve never considered using a mixer between synth & audio interface. Super useful tip, thanks!
Justin! Could you do a video explaining midi with synthesizers? That would be super helpful!
@Justin Delay Thank you man! You're awesome.
would be nice to see how u manage MIDI and audio recording from the same machine at the same time, using again a mixer.... wondering how u will tackle eventually latency problems
Great Idea I have the same question
Has anyone found a video on this? Can't believe I'm having so much trouble figuring this out but i am
@@coltenmurray5314 -- This one is pretty good: ruclips.net/video/neXswJJcatc/видео.html
i dont have a synth, i don't have any music instruments, but damn this guy seems like a really nice guy
This is exactly what I was looking for! Straight to the point, very easy explained, thank you.
Justin is back!!!! Please give us more Justin Delay stuff
gynka1996 his videos on John Carpenter and Stranger Things are what go me into Reverb
@@SDoylerrs me too. I really liked Twin Peaks stuff
This was actually a very informative vid for someone who's brand new to all of this. Thank you !
This is an EXTREMELY helpful video. Exactly what I needed. Thank you very much!
I was very worried that my mixer-interface setup was overkill and that I should've gotten a bigger interface instead... Thanks for helping with that! I don't think many people actually talk about setting up your studio, just what you can have it. Good video!
This was super helpful! Thank you for slightly demystifying the madness that is audio equipment
I have a Behringer 12 channel mixer that I feed via XLR outputs into the XLR inputs of my M-Audio M Track Plus interface. Works like a charm. I keep just about all of my gear hooked up to it so I don't have to constantly plug and unplug when I'm recording different instruments.
Hey just wondering, you're pretty much only using XLR I/O for instruments that are mic'd right? Or is there some reason you prefer using XLR over line-level I/O
Out of all the guides I watched this was the most complete and easy to understand. Thank you!
HANDS DOWN THE BEST TUTORIAL I’VE SEEN YET!!! That stereo synth sounds incredible. I have an Apollo x8 and all I have is a vocal chain in it for an input lol.
this video is what I was looking for as a newbie to synthesizers and making electronic music. Thank you!
I run my synths through an old tube amp and it sounds awesome.
What a great video, I love the step by step you give, helps people like me who have never really recorded at home on a laptop before. You are doing good work so, please keep it up.
Incredibly helpful video for a beginner. Very well done, well explained. Thanks Reverb! Keep it up!
How would you know if you're a beginner?
Justin, I like your method of instruction: state a goal, explain stepwise, and summarize.
No BS. Thank you for that. Now for the favor... I can't find any decent tutorials on the Korg Volca Drum. You could help lots of folks get on track, so to speak. Thanks again.
Great tip on the mixer. Connecting all your synths to one mixer and having the mixer going to interface saves a lot of wires etc
so excited to see Justin back on here! his videos were always the best
I’ve got a long way to go yet, but you’ve help put me a few steps closer. Thanks!
Nice simple walkthrough. I’d just add that using balanced TRS cables is also important for reducing noise vs unbalanced TS cables (unless the TS cable is short). Having long TS cables run from a synth to a mixer to a pedal to the interface near a bunch of electronics would sound like garbage by the time the DAW gets it. Just make sure though that the mixer supports balanced TRS inputs and outputs, because if it doesn’t - it won’t matter which cables you use - it’ll still be unbalanced. Also, patch bays are a good and cheap alternative to a mixer for multiple inputs from audio gear. Important to note that line out volume from synths can’t always be controlled - especially rack synths. Best run through a mixer in that scenario.
Most synths tend to have unbalanced outputs though... At least the ones I have
@@minisynthmaniac if they’re unbalanced - shorter TS (or TRS if that’s what you already have) will be ok. Depends if there’s noise. If there is - ferrite chokes help lessen any interference noise. The “Behringer Hum Destroyer” also helps if the ferrite chokes don’t. They’re like $25 on Amazon.
Good video BUT these is one thing missing and that is the subject of latency. We do not have the technology to be able to actually record any music without latency hence anything you record into a computer will actually be off timing wise and require work to adjust for timing later on. Would be good to do a video on this thorn in the side of anyone working with a soundcard.
@ghost mall incorrect. For one different synths and drum machines have different latency.
@ghost mall I'm talking about drum machines like the TR-505, Synths Like the K1r etc You do realize latency can also be caused by the hardware gear itself right?
a good rule of thumb for the right level to record, is that the waveform should be around 1/3 of the normal size of the recording window/channel (4:12 in this video shows that perfectly).
to take it a step further, find a VU plugin, adjust it so that 0VU = -18dBFS. keep your "average" level for everything you record in around that level, while making sure your peaks are no higher than about -10dBFS / -12dBFS. this gives you about 10 to 12dB worth of "headroom" to work with for each track part, so that everything isn't smashing your Master channel (ie; never let your Master channel exceed 0dBFS & try to stay within -3 to -6dBFS max on the Master)
i also like to record MIDI with all my audio. either use the MIDI I/O from your interface, or get a dedicated USB MIDI Interface (Motu, iConnectivity, etc.). Place everything on the right port & MIDI channel, then when you record... record the audio & MIDI together.
you can then use that MIDI file to send to another synth or VST, or just keep it so you'll know what you played if someone asks lol
So helpful! The only thing I wish was discussed was how newer synths have a daw output over usb and how to use that too.
This was useful. I knew some, but not all that he was speaking of. Any time I learn something, I am happy. TY Justin.
I'm sorry but the words 'Apogee' and 'affordable' don't belong in the same sentence.
You just said a sentence where they belong together.
@@ianbarber2937 lmao
@@ianbarber2937 and if you read it, the point remains
daaaamn That is just what I needed! Building my first syhtn set up right now, somebody gave me a nice 8 channel audio mixer, now, I just need to find a nice audio interface! Thank you for all the tips!
Needed a simple, clear explanation of this process. Much appreciated. Now I need to figure out how to get certain sounds from a synth. Cheers!
Thank you for breaking this down step by step
'Calls the apogee duet affordable' hmmm, sure sure.
Thank fucking GOD for RUclips now days! Imagine the struggle without social media back then!
you have no idea how helpful this was, thank you
Never even thought to use a mixer like that, thank you so much.
"Hello welcome to Reverb. Are you here for the job interview?"
"Yes hi my name is Justin DeLay and--"
"Delay? You're hired. Welcome to Reverb!"
This answers questions I didn’t even know I had yet
I like this guy, natural at explaining stuff
Excellent video for beginners. Thanks for not mentioning connecting via midi as i am not there yet. Bravo !!!!
Awesome! Finally a video for toddlers :D
thought you were being harsh at first but then it took 5 minutes for him to explain to run a cable to the audio interface and check your levels
@@jordancochrane3895 He's not being harsh, he's being rude!
i love u simon lol
Justin Delay is almost Vladislav Delay) I think is no need to tweak on board mixer EQ when you are recording your synth as a single track. Logic has great EQ and this enough for further sound manipulations. And if you will understand that you need this cutted low end in the mixing process - sadly low end has been completely lost by on board mixer EQ( I know that it's different approaches but I have such examples in my mixing engineer career...
p.s but recording shimmer it's perfect!) it sounds nice and it's really create a texture from this synth!
Might also consider buying a Zoom H-Series Audio Recorder. It can serve as your interface. Then you also have a portable audio recorder with built in mics (you can add vocals or other mic'd sources), and multitrack ability on the unit itself (in case you don't have that laptop available), plus a small array of onboard effects (which are not stellar, but are good for scratching out ideas.) Plus, it can run on batteries or bus power over USB.
Thank you for posting this. It really answered a lot of questions and opened a lot of things up for me in my recording process. Very helpful.
Much appreciated!
Thank you pal! I use a Focusrite 2i4 to record my synths
Very nicely explained, thank you! 🙂
Synths with guitars pedals is probably some of the most fun you can have.
You just answered all of my recording questions. Thanks!
I didn't think I was gonna learn anything from this video, but the mixer in front of an audio interface idea is really smart! Great for recording jams too. I haven't mic-ed up a synth and amp yet, but I have a a peavy vyper VIP-2 that can act as an acoustic, electric, and bass guitar amp lol. I've used synths with it already and it does sound pretty good. Just gotta try recording that combo with a mix now.. That'll be my next experiment! Cheers Reverb!
This is a killer video about recording synths! You guys are amazing!!!!
That opening sequence was sick af 🔥 🔥 🔥
i like this guys presentation style. great info!
You are an amazing teacher.
im so happy now that i know i don't have to buy a new audio interface and i can just extend my ssl2+ with an affordable mixer , thank you bro
Thank you! Very informative especially for beginners. The step by step wiring info is great!
That Prophet 😍😍😍 , that's a big flex. Great video! Thanks
This is the most helpful video on RUclips. Great work.
Love the way you explain things straight forwardly.
I can see this turning into an episode of Hoarders.
"Now, if you really want to expand your sound... (climbs over a pile of synths) Oh my, I found my cat..."
Really simple and easy to understand video - thanks
Interesting video, especially the part about mixers and amps. For me the golden path is to record my synths through the AxeFx III, where I have all of these options without a lot of cabling and zero risk of damaging real amps. ;)
thanks. perfect for what i wanted and very well explained
Fantastic tutorial
Nice base level tutorial video. Thumbs up
sure you could get a bigger mixer, but for me it's a second 4 track which works. 4 more inputs, and a whole bunch more control, plus a pedal board.
So, for Apple users ONLY......... if you choose to mention there are a host of affordable apps for Windows users, why not help by mentioning a few names......? Then it may be the simplest way to record your synth, on Windows as well!!!
Thanks for this video, i literally did this the other day and it was Godly. I was literally using the 402 vlz, i was using the eq and literally thought the same thought...its like a filter...glad to see i was right...
You can also buy a mixer that has usb connectivity so you can record multiple inputs to independent tracks in your daw
This is such an excellent video, thank you!
Excellent video - so well explained.
Simple, Efficient and really helpful! thank you! :)
Thanks for this aimed at n00bs. We need the help!
Dude this video helped me so much.
You do not need an audio interface, i simply used the 3.5mm audio jack of my computer with a dual mic and headphone splitter and that works perfectly fine, it completely byasses the audio interface.
Thanks just the info I was looking for!
Thank you, thank you, thank you. You made this super simple and that's all anyone really wants haha thank you
Thanks Justin. I would love to see a video in which you create drum sounds using a Moog Model D.
Thank Justin, that worked!
So helpfull!!!
Thanks for the explainations!
I’m new to this (I have a Monologue) and it was informative and interesting. Thank you!
Just bought a minilogue! Super rad synth! This video seems necassary.
Amazing video! Thank you so much!
Excelente vid! Thanks folks!
Super helpful video fo beginners!
gosh darn I love you Justin
This is so so helpful thank you!
Amazing video, thanks a bunch!
very clear. thank you 👌🏾
Great video. Good help. Thanks.
Awesome video. Very helpful!
thanks for this!
informative!! thanks REVERB
Very cool, informative, thank you,!!
justin delay. the best synth youtuber. give us some more ore ore ore ore...
Thank you.your video helped alot
Just recently got myself a synth and I don´t have a mixer yet.
Soooo.....but i have a EQ Pedal for my guitar :D
Kinda works as a budget solution to pass the time until i have one.
Great little vid. Thanks
Very educational
Great video !!!!