February 9th
Do you want a song mixed down for free?
Put your raw song recording files within a zip file (300mb limit). Go to SendSpace.com. Upload your zip file and send it to record@dynamikstudios.com. Ensure to include a description and you’re e-mail. Send any additional instructions of what you would like to be done during the mixing process to the same e-mail address.
Depending on how many songs are sent by artists will determine how long it will take to get your song mixed. The song will be sent back to you as a .wav file at 44.1 Khz 16 bit.
Your song may be used for demonstration purposes on this blog.
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January 2nd
I have my Final Mix done. I didn’t use much automation throughout the mix. If I had more time before the end of the contest I’d do automation for levels throughout the song. I used automation for some panning effects, and to mute some sounds. Overall I’m happy with the mix.
I mixed the song through Cubase SX3 using Waves and URS plugins. I normally use the Waves SSL G-Master Buss Compressor on my master buss, but I didn’t like the sound of it on this song. I switched to an URS compressor. I used their 1970 compressor. It really helped to tighten the song.
I used the URS N Series EQ (”Digitally recreates the sound of of Neve’s 1084 vintage Five Band Equalizer”) on the guitars along with the URS A Series EQ (”Digitally recreates the sound of API’s 550B vintage Four Band Equalizer.”) I used Waves SSL E-Channel for the rest of the instruments.
The reverbs all came from waves. I used Waves TrueVerb on the strings to put them in the mix better. I used Waves IR1 for the vocals, guitars and drums. I used Akai Professional’s Rotator on the violin to give it some movement along with Waves Enigma. I used Waves Doppler on the guitar at about 2:30 - 2:40 in the song.
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December 22nd
For those of you that don’t know what the womb is, it’s a forum for recording enthusiasts. One of the most prominent members on the site is Charles Dye, which has recorded numerous people including Ricky Martin, Julio Iglesias, Jennifer Lopez, Gloria Estefan and Shakira. Charles Dye has mixed Livin La Vida Loca, which is the first song to be done completely through a computer.
On the womb, you can collaborate with other musicians, get tips and suggestions on how to record your music and you can sign up for competitions. I’ve recently signed up for the “Mix It! 2 - Global Mixing Event”. The way this event works is that members submit songs from people that they have recorded. Then the members that are participating in the event vote on which song they’d like to mix. Once everyone has signed up and voted on which song they’d like to mix the most popular song is chosen for everyone to mix.
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July 27th
The Physical Press Kit: Prepare the Proper Promotional Materials and Know When to Use Them
Promotional materials, such as CDs, photographs, biographies and press clipping, help people to get to know you. When these materials are assembled in one package or folder, they are most commonly known as a physical press kit.
Press kits are most useful when trying to get exposure in newspapers, magazines, and websites. They are also helpful when trying to get booked in clubs and in other live performance venues. A press kit may even entice an attorney or personal manager into representing you.
PRESS KITS, ON THE OTHER HAND ARE NOT VERY HELPFUL IN GETTING YOUR BAND SIGNED TO A RECORDING CONTRACT! The reality is that out of thousands of packages record companies receive in the mail per year, maybe one group gets discovered, if that. The odds are tremendously against you. In fact, without it ever being listened to, your package will likely end up in the wastebasket. This is the harsh reality! Though there are exceptions to every rule, record companies typically do not accept unsolicited mail.
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July 25th
Playing live shows introduces a whole lot of variables that even the best bands might not be able to control. This post is meant to consider some of the main mistakes that bands make when booking and playing live shows. Hopefully, this info can help bands circumvent these pitfalls from the get go so they can concentrate on playing the shows and not get sideswiped by these common mistakes.
Mostly, the theme of this is communication, preparation, and attention to detail. With those considerations in line, the band can assure there are no show stopping surprises. So lets take a look at some common mistakes made by bands booking and playing live shows.
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July 18th
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July 5th
Requirements:
Ardour
At least OS X 10.4
JACK (either JackOSX - http://jackosx.com or “regular” JACK.): In general, we recommend JackOSX for new users, specifically version 0.72 or above. It should run on OS X versions 10.3.x and above, including Tiger. Version 0.73 or above must be used for Mac Intel universal binary support.
Apple’s X11: Which is found on your OS X install CD
IMPORTANT: before starting Ardour, you should configure and start the
JACK server. You can either use JackPilot, which comes with the
JackOSX package, or you can use the more advanced QJackCtl. A disk
image for QJackCtl is available at http://ardour.org/requirements_osx,
please read the included README carefully for initial setup
instructions.
Installing Jack OSX
After downloading JackOSX it automatically opens up the installer. The installation is very up front and easy. All you really have to do is click continue or next.
Configuring Jack OSX
To configure Jack go to your applications folder, find the Jack folder and open up Jack Pilot.
Depending if you have an external soundcard connected to your mac you may want to change your driver. For the moment I’ll leave the drive as coreaudio, since I don’t have the usb soundcard I want to use hooked up at the moment.
For the interface you have to decide if you want to record or play music. You don’t have the option of using your soundcard’s input and output at the same time. This is a huge downfall of this software. Hopefully they’ll fix this issue in a later release.
The sample rate goes from 44.1Khz to 96Khz. Not bad for Open Source Software(free).
The buffer size is adjustable from 32 to 2048. I placed mine on 1024, since the amount of delay in the recording isn’t that important to me. I’m more concerned about ensuring I get all of the audio samples. This way I don’t have any digital defects in my recordings. Kind of like having a cd skip.
Depending on your interface selection You’ll either be able to change your interface Output Channels or your input channels. I have my Output currently on. I’m leaving my Output Channels at 2, since I want a stereo signal.
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June 29th
Since this is my first blog I felt that it would be appropriate to introduce myself. I am the webmaster for Our Town. I went to school at The Omega Studios’ School Of Applied Recording Arts and Sciences in Rockville, MD. I received a certificate for Recording Engineering and Studio Techniques. I’ve been recording music since 2000. I’ve been able to go touring as an assistant sound tech for Styx, Kansas, Blake Shelton and various others. I now reside in Johnstown, because I didn’t want to be around they bigger city’s. I am in the process of building a Recording Studio in Johnstown.
On this blog I’ll be giving recording tips and suggestions. I’ll do reviews on audio equipment as I get to test them out. If you have any software or hardware that you’d like to have a review on just leave a comment. If you have a song that you would like critiqued then e-mail it to me, and I’ll leave a review in this blog.
Along with reviews and tips I’ll also post the process of the studio as it comes.
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