Audio Recording and Media Production

How to do clean "punch-ins."

2012-02-29T11:21:00.000-08:00

The phrase "punch-in" is used to descrdibe an engineering technique to fix mistakes in a song. The engineer will record in real time as the correct phrase is played for each location. Punch-ins can be tricky and if not done correctly, very hard to edit. Ideally, the "punch-in" needs to be in a location to allow for a seamless edit. Sections such as chord change, cymbal crash or maybe during a paused section. Either way, an experienced engineer will be able to keep the recording process flowing while "punch-ins" are completed. Hope to see you soon in the studio.

Chris and Kevin
Digital Street Studio
Dover, Delaware

One mix does not fit all

2012-02-27T08:50:00.000-08:00

One mix does not fit all. Thats a phrase we use when we're involved in final mixing. Basically, each mix we do is different. We don't take the same approach with every mix. If the mix calls for something different such as placing the bass guitar left or right instead of centered. Maybe doubling instruments to open or widen a mix. There's several different approaches to enhancing a mix, the key is to experiment. Remember, one mix can not be applied to everyone. Hope to see you soon in the studio.

Chris and Kevin
Digital Street Studio
Dover, Delaware

Why do drummers hate recording with a click track?

2012-02-23T05:20:00.000-08:00

The answer is simple......it's stressful! As a drummer you're being ask to stay in time for the duration of a song with an annoying wood block sound in your ears. I have seen the best drummers struggle and become frustrated. One thing we've discovered at Digital Street Studio is that drummers really don't need a click while they record. If basic instrument tracking (guitar and vox) have been completed while using a click track, then silence the click track. At that point you have a guitar track that is locked-in for tempo. The drums can now be tracked in time without the use of a click. Hope to see you soon in the studio.

Chris and Kevin
Digital Street Studio
Dover, Delaware

Why should recording studios have more than one recording platform?

2012-02-21T05:21:00.000-08:00

Why should recording studios have more than one recording platform? Simple...If you have more than one recording platform, your studio always has the ability to generate revenue. Let's face it, Pro Tools is the industry standard and is a very stable recording platform. However, it is digital recording software and has from time to time been known to malfunction. Malfunction is not a word you want to hear when you have a session scheduled. What do you do?... You need to have a dependable back-up. Some platform that allows you to record without sacraficing bit and sample rate. This will allow your studio to continue generating revenue until your main recording platform is back on line. Hope to see you soon in the studio.

Chris and Kevin
Digital Street Studio
Dover, Delaware

What level of production is right for you?

2012-02-17T06:02:00.000-08:00

What level of production is right for you? It may be the best question to ask before entering the studio. If you can determine the level of production needed, you can budget accordingly. For example, let's say you're preparing to record 10 songs and you want radio or broadcast quality. You have a 4 piece band including drums, how much will $1,000 dollars get you . Knowing what I know about production cost, not much. The average band wanting full production can expect to pay a minimum of $350 to reach master quality. Thats based on 8-10 hours / song at our current Digital Street Studio rate. Also, keep in mind that rates vary from studio to studio. Larger studios tend to have higher rates which greatly affect the overall cost. Basically, there are many different levels of production. Set up an appointment with the recording facility and discuss your options. Hope to see you soon.

Chris and Kevin
Digital Street Studio
Dover, Delaware

The Peak of "Perfection"?

2012-02-14T09:24:00.000-08:00

Is it my imagination or is the music industry setting standards that can't be duplicated. What do I mean by that? Musical artist are releasing material that is "Perfect". Well, it's 99.9% perfect. That is after spending thousands of dollars, editing, shifting, pitch correcting, beat mapping, multi-tracking, compressing, eq'ing and completly removing the human element. What you're left with is a ridiculous standard that could never be dupilcated live. Which is the main reason we're seeing more and more performers lip singing. Engineers now can take phrases that are perfectly in time, cut and paste for 3 minutes and 30 seconds, until your left with the "perfect" song. Well, there's only one problem......it's not perfect! WHAT! NOT PERFECT? Thats right, it's not perfect. What makes music perfect is the imperfection. Occasionally hearing imperfections in a song is a human element. The same human element I would hear when performed live. I think many of us expect and welcome those imperfections. More so than something that sounds like a robot. Being in the recording industry, we hear about changes and see trends sometimes before they occure. I think what is coming in the very near future is the return of the human element and an end to...."Perfection". Hope to see you soon in the studio.

Chris and Kevin
Digital Street Studio
Dover, Delaware

Quality in.....quality out

2012-02-09T11:14:00.000-08:00

Ok, let's say you just booked some time at you favorite studio (Digitat Street Studio). What's next? Well, first you will need to evaluate your gear. Strings, cables, amps and everything in between. Make sure you're well rehearsed. This will help insure a great recording and save time. Have a goal for each session. If you're not sure how to plan for each session, speak to someone at the recording facitlity. They will be able to answer any questions you might have. Finally, don't rush through the recording process. Mistakes tend to be over looked when you get in a hurry. Remember, quality in....quality out. If you stay relaxed and productive, your session(s) will be a great experience. Hope to see you soon!

Chris and Kevin
Digital Street Studio
Dover, Delaware

What's the difference between final mixing and mastering?

2012-02-08T06:08:00.000-08:00

What's the difference between final mixing and mastering? Basically, after all of the tracking has been completed, you start the process of mixing. This is the process of adjusting levels, panning, and eq's to get a balanced sound. Once those adjustments are made and song mixes are complete, you have a final mix. Most final mixes are left at lower volumes to allow for more more head room during the mastering process. During the mastering phase, the final mix will be tranformed into a broadcast quality mix. Please keep in mind, your master will only be as good as the final mix. So attention to detail is critical. During the mastering phase songs can be placed in a final order and all media (song title's etc,) information written to the mastered cd. These are just a few of the steps involved explaining final mixes and mastering. Hope to see you soon in the studio.

Chris and Kevin
Digital Street Studio
Dover Delaware

How to get a "Retro Sound" in a modern studio

2012-02-06T07:05:00.000-08:00

Many of us enjoy music from the 60's and 70's. You can visit just about any College today and hear songs by Neil Young, Jimmy Hendrix or Pink Floyd. The warmth, engineereing and vintage gear all play a major part in why that music is still popular today. That sound is what we call "Retro". How do we recreate that sound? Well, first you start with vintage gear. Guitars like Fender and Gibson are good starting points. Tube amps, rotary speakers and analoge recording eqiupment also come to mind. The more authentic the gear, the more authentic the sound. Last, we have to look at the engineering of those two decades. Engineering techniques are crucial when creating the "Retro Sound". Simple panning and eq'ing can make all of the difference. Do your research before getting started. Hope to see you soon.

Chris and Kevin
Digital Street Studio
Dover, Delaware

"I want my music to sound like what I hear on the radio"

2012-01-30T07:22:00.000-08:00

"I want my music to sound like what I hear on the radio". We hear this alot at Digital Street Studio. Our job is to make that happen. However, before we get started, we need to establish your budget. Your budget is going to be the determining factor to reach that level. It takes time to engineer, produce, and master to industry standards. Unfortunatley, time = money. What you hear on the radio and on most commercial cd's has thousands of dollars invested. Just on a local level, it is not unheard of to spend 5, 10 or even $15,000 recording a full length cd. "Why does it cost so much"? Perfection! The music industry (Big Labels) will not touch your music if it is not to their standards. Well, let's face it, no one is perfect. So in order to acheive perfection, we start looking at everything with a fine tooth comb. Drums, tempo, and fills. Vocals, pitch, and phrasing. Guitars, rythym, leads.... EVERYTHING! And that's just the beginning. My point...look at your budget and set a realistic goal. Determine what you want to acheive or who you're trying to reach with your music. Sometimes a fully produced 3 song demo speaks more volumes than a full length demo quality cd. Hope this information helps?

Chris and Kevin
Digital Street Studio
Dover, Delaware

Wide Fat Mixes

2012-01-29T17:53:00.000-08:00

Making your sound really fat and wide is what all engineers want to accomplish in their mixes. A rule of thumb is related to the number of instruments and or parts in a recording. If you have limited instruments you have to make each one sound bigger. If there are a lot of instruments then placement determines sound quality. Using a three dimensional model in mixes helps the sound quality. Imagine a stage with certain instruments on different areas. Some are front and some are back. Some are also on the side. When you hear these instruments together on the stage the sound is wide and fat. Using the "stage" model when mixing will help get you that sound that seems to be wider and fatter than your stereo. Now thats a good mix. Hope to see you in the studio.
Chris Kirby
Kevin Nemith
Dover DE

Why do bands need to record their music?

2012-01-25T10:06:00.000-08:00

Why do bands need to record their music? Okay, let's start with original music. If you're playing out as an original artist, you need to have your music available for purchase. Along with live shows, that's how you generate a following, not to mention revenue. Also, having current recorded material allows you to market to the music industry. Next up, the Cover Band. Cover Bands need demo's to promote to the club's. Most club's require a promo package. They need to know exactly what kind of entertainment they're booking. Therefore, your demo needs to be of the highest quality. Remember, these are just a few of the many reasons to record. Hope to see you soon in the studio.

Chris and Kevin
Digital Street Studio
Dover, Delaware

The Best Studio Mic Is....

2012-01-25T04:35:00.000-08:00

Well, the title of this blog will get audio engineers talking and writing for days. Every studio has their favorite mics for different applications. One however is consistantly talked about for various applications and consistency, and that mic is the Shure 57. Every audio engineer has a few of these versatile mics in their locker. The little gem consistantly caprtures the frequency range you need without over doing it. The close mic characteristics of the 57 also is a must in studio applications. For room recordings, this little beast will do the job. With sound quality being everything, most engineers will agree the Shure 57 is a little work horse of sound capture that never lets you down. Hope to see you in the studio !

Chris Kirby
Kevin Nemith
Digital Street Studio
Dover Delaware

Mixing Live Recordings, How Much Room ?

2012-01-21T05:57:00.000-08:00

Recently we have had a couple of projects which require us to mix live recordings. Most live tracks these days come in as a combination of direct, close, and room mic files. Now the fun starts. Some artists want the live mix to be similiar to a studio setting. In this case you knock out the room and mix from the directs and close mics. Other artists want the recording to sound just like what the audience heard during the performance and this requires more mixing of the room mics. In some cases you get a request for a hybrid mix where the song is mixed using the close and directs and when the audience claps or reacts then you bring in the room mics. There is no right or wrong it becomes a matter of preference. With todays technology and equipment live recordings can be spectacular and mixing these performances are a lot of fun. Hope to see you in the studio

Chris Kirby
Kevin Nemith
Digital Street Studio
Dover, Delaware

The Good, The Bad, The Compression

2012-01-19T05:05:00.000-08:00

In today's world of uber perfected music, we find studios using compression more than ever. If applied correctly, it can make a good song sound even better. It can can make a bad song....well, it can make it better. Not great, but something better than awful. However, there is a fine line between too much and not enough. Use too much and the song becomes lifeless. Not enough, and there's no life at all. If you're not familiar with it, take the time to learn about it's applications. The Good, The Bad, The Compression.

Chris and Kevin,
Digital Street Studio
Dover, Delaware

How can I get broadcast quality on a low budget

2012-01-18T05:38:00.000-08:00

How can I get broadcast quality on a low budget? We get this question a lot. Well, theres a few things you can do that will maximize your studio "time". First, what's your budget? A good rule for budgeting studio time is the 1 to 2 rule. For every hour of tracking, allow 2 hours of mix. This rule applies for folks going for the highest quality only. In most cases, a song can be tracked with all instrumentation in a 2-3 hour window. Yes, there are artists who need more time, this is just a general time observation. Second, rehearse, rehearse, rehearse. The better prepared you are, the more you will get acomplished. Last, make sure your gear is of the highest quality and is working correctly. Issues such as amp noise, cord "buzz" or "hmmm" can take time to isolate and correct. If you're recording drums, make sure your drums are tuned and heads have been replaced. Taking these few steps before a recording session can and will make a difference. Hope to see you soon in the studio.

Chris and Kevin,
Digital Street Studio

Acoustic Guitars, Recording the "Sweet Spot"

2012-01-15T05:34:00.000-08:00

We have great success in the studio recording acoustic guitars using a two mic technique. Audio engineers placement of the mics will depend on the type of playing ( ie fingerstyle vs flat picking), guitar, room, and available mics. Each recording session will have a "sweet spot" that will record the pure tone and warmth that acoustic guitars can give. Experimentation with the mic placement is the only way to find the "sweet spot". You can see our eyes light up when we have a client that comes in for some acoustic guitar recordings. We just can't wait to capture the "sweet spot" of the instrument and the session.. We hope to see you in the studio !
Chris Kirby
Kevin Nemith
Digital Street Studio

The Volume Monster

2012-01-13T10:35:00.000-08:00

What is the volume monster you ask? The volume monster is a tall, hairy monster that turns up your volume when your not looking. No, actually the volume monster is a term we use at digital street studio. It's used to describe the music industry's obsession with volume. If you compare a recording form the 70's to what is being produced today, the difference is astonishing! Better yet, just go back 10 years and compare. Yes, with technology comes advancements. Today's standards are pushing volumes to new levels. Ridiculous levels! Just because we can, does not mean we should? Getting a lot of volume from you final master is great! Getting a lot of volume from your final master while sacraficing the tone, not so good. My point, when you record your next project or that next big hit, don't get distracted by.........The Volume Monster.

Chris and Kevin
Digital Street Studio

Modern Era of the Recording Business

2012-01-13T06:38:00.000-08:00

Everyone can record a pretty good track with today's technology and software. As a matter of fact we have been sent some pretty good home tracks to mix and master. It is not uncommon for our studio to finish an album of music and never have the artist record in our studio. Tracks are recorded in home studios and sent to us by email and we go to work mixing. We then have back and forth conversations by phone and email as the songs come together and mix instructions from the artist come to us. Before you know it the album is complete ! As a professional studio we welcome this approach, and we are glad to participate with artists that have the skill and equipment to record at home. We do prefer to have folks track in our noise controlled rooms, but we understand that anyway we can participate in the creation of music is still a good way for our business to grow. Hope to see you in the studio. "record your music , capture your creativity"

Creating a stereo drum mix

2012-01-06T07:50:00.000-08:00

Well, there you are, sitting in frustration. You can't understand why your drum mix is lifeless. Everything you do is a step in the wrong direction. You'r not trying to change the world, all you want is a quality drum mix to create a final mix. Not much to ask. Okay, here are some steps to get you there. Step 1. Have you recorded your drums with dedicated drum mics. If not, do so! Shure makes a very affordable pack for under $300. As for the snare, an SM57 will never let you down.....ever! Step 2. Okay you have the drum mic's. Placement can be an issue so go with what you know....mic's about 2 inches away from the head are ideal. I like to bring the overheads in from the front of the kit about 3 feet directly above the tom's and crashes. If you facing the drums, the right mic should be placed on a 45 degree angle and opposite for the left. This will open the stereo field when you get into panning the overheads. Step 3. Keep your record level at or below --10 db. This will allow for more headrooom when you do your final mix and most importantly, your master. As you track,compression is a must to really tighten the mix. You don't need a lot so don't go overboard. Step 4. Record a test mix with bass and guitar. This will allow you to create an accurate test mix. Keep the kick and snare in the 12 O'clock position and the toms, from left to right, 8,2, and 4 positions. The overheads can go in the 9 and 3 position. What about the high hat? Don't worry, the high hat will be captured by the SM57 on the snare and the overheads...not to mention the tom mics. Once you eq your high frequencies, you will have plenty of high hat definition. Step 5. This is the step where trumpets sound. This is the most important step, the "secret" to all drum mixes..........Create a stereo drum mix. There..I said it. Basically, mix, bounce or set up bus tracks to get your drum mix down to 2 tracks. A stereo left and right mix. Once you've have done that, you will have the balanced drum mix you've been looking for. With your stereo drum mix, you can now move forward with final mixes. Don't expect to get it right the first time! However, you will now be able to get the quality mixes you've been looking for. Hope this helps.

Chris and Kevin
Digital Street Studio

Studio Hum

2012-01-01T07:47:00.000-08:00

Some days are just plaqued by 'gremlins". Depsite power conditioning, electrical interference can really cause headaches in the studio. Most of the time with some tweaks the dreaded studio hum can be fixed. Occassionally however it can get into recordings and really cause problems. We have found that just turning everything off in sequence and power back up again usually solves the problem. Every studio engineer has had to deal with this at sometime or another. It is definitely part of the business. See you in the studio ! Digital Street Studio, Dover De

Audio Recording and Production: Home Recordings vs Studio's

2011-12-30T04:17:00.000-08:00

Audio Recording and Production: Home Recordings vs Studio's: With all the great software and high quality gear available to musicians, many have started to record at home. The results can be quite good...

Home Recordings vs Studio's

2011-12-29T13:06:00.000-08:00

With all the great software and high quality gear available to musicians, many have started to record at home. The results can be quite good but usually home recordings run into a few common problems that only studios can solve. The first problem that musicians run into recording at home is controlled environments. Many home studios have too much ambient noise and or reflections. This really becomes evident when mixes are brought up to volume. The second problem is sweat equity. Musicians doing home recordings have put most of their practice hours perfecting their instrument not in recording and mixing music. Professional studios have engineers that have put their sweat equity into the craft of audio , which to them is their "instrument". Hope to see you in the studio !

Digital Street Studio - Slave to the audio

2011-12-29T05:33:00.000-08:00

Slave to the audio.....what does that mean exactly? For me, it means that audio (music to be exact) has been my addiction. Ever since I could remember I have loved music. All genres.....for the most part. I didn't realize it at the time but I also enjoyed the dynamics or music. For most of us, we listen to music because it can be relaxing or exciting or even enlightning. We close our eyes and we're off on a journey. If we're listening to music while we're driving.....don't close your eyes! You get the point. Music is part of our life. I couldn't imagine music not being part of my mine. Probably explains why I'm an engineer and producer of music. Not only do I record my own music, I get to participate in helping others do the same. Taking a song from a raw concept and adding all of the piece's to make it come to life. I'll never forget listening to my first Pink Floyd album and thinking....how did they do that? Well, I have a much better understanding of that today. After thousands of hours experimenting, researching, and just gaining a better understanding of recording audio. I look back at all of the time spent becoming an audio engineer. Getting out of bed at 3am, experimenting with frequencies, compression, panning. Seeing the sun coming up thinking I just spent the last 3 hours chasing my tail......or so I thought. Then it happens, all of the time and hard work start to pay off. Songs begin to sound professional, radio ready. I can't tell you how excited I was when I began to see the light at the end of the tunnel. All of the hard work finally paying off. Would I do it all over again? Spend the ridiculous amount of money on equipment, the ridiculous amount of time and energy?.......absolutely, and without question. That is why I am slave to the audio.

Chris
http://www.digitalstreetstudio.com/

Digital Street Studio. Record live or in a controlled environment....that is the question.

2011-12-27T06:44:00.000-08:00

    Recording live has it's advantages as well as it's disadvantages. While you may get the energy of recording live, you will, in most cases capture some bleed. If the engineer and the facility are on the ball, bleed will be minimal. If your budget allows, re-track as much as possible. Vocals and guitars would be your first priority in most cases. When you isolate things such as guitar, vocals, bass, it will allow for greater frequency control.

    Recording in a controlled or isolated environment has it's advantages and disadvantages as well. However, in my opinion, the advantages far exceed the disadvantages. For me it's punch-ins, Drum punch-ins to be more accurate. It's much easier and seemless to punch-in drums when there is no other room noise. Also, you can focus on one instrument at a time. Yes, some will argue that this process takes longer and cost's more? I would have to agree! However, you will spend less time editing during production and final mixing. Basically, you would have spent the same amount of money to get to the same point. The disadvantage would be the live environment. Most bands want to record live to capture the energy of the moment. I can't disagree with that at all.  However, if your going to record live allow for re-tracking. The final mix and master will be your reward.

Chris
Digital Street Recording Studio
http://www.digitalstreetstudio.com/

Audio Recording and Production

2011-12-23T08:48:00.000-08:00

   Our first of many blogs.... Since starting Digital Street Studio in 2010, we've experienced many things. We've been very fortunate to have the support of music stores and local musicians singing our praises. We've also been fortunate to have the support of our family and friends. Without that, it makes any undertaking very difficult. For that, we are forever grateful. Not many people can say they love what they do and do what they love. Thank you all!

Chris and Kevin
http://www.digitalstreetstudio.com/