Multitrack Digital Recording From the Songwriters Point of View
Written by Dan Monk

Who is this article for?
I wrote this article for songwriters and musicians who want to record their music quickly, easily and cheaply. It's not about which mic or mic preamp is the best, whether or not this software plug-in is better than that sequencer, this audio editor is the best, yadda yadda yadda. It's geared to the songwriter/musician who wants to get their ideas in a fixed format such as an audio cd. It's about using what works for you. You will learn how to multitrack with some simple methods to get your music to tape, er waves. And how much will it cost? It varies. I have supplied an equipment list with various suggestions and prices.

Will your recordings rival those made in professional studios? Probably not. But I think you will be pleasantly surprised at how well your music will sound. And with a little effort you can record songs of sufficient quality to sell your music. Also keep in mind that this article is aimed at PC users. I'm not trying to slight Mac users, but my expertise is with PCs.

The Equipment List
I have listed the generic products you will need and also specific items. Does this mean the brands I've listed are the best? Of course not. It is equipment that I either have, have used or know someone who has used it. I'm sure there are better and worse products out there. Use this as guide to help you get the equipment that best fits you. Also the prices are in US dollars and based on information I've gathered off the net. You may be able to spend less by shopping around.

Microphones
To record live sounds such as vocals and acoustic guitars you will need at least one microphone. Two are better to help things flow better during a recording session and to bring a wider sound field to your music. I recommend two Shure SM57's. These are very good professional microphones. You may have read on some recording message boards and audio sites you need a condenser microphone to record vocals. Well you don't but if you want to spend a couple of hundred on one go ahead. But save some money first and get the 57's.
Cost: $160.00

Mixer
A mixer is the traffic cop of your recording setup. Your microphones and other sound source plug into the mixer which will then route the audio traffic to your sound card. There are several features a mixer needs. One is the ability to mix several sound sources together. For our purposes that's not that important. One that is important for the solo musician is the ability to accept several different types of input, mic, line, rca, etc. For it's cost and size the best mixer I've found is the Behringer Eurorack MX602A Mixer. It has all the features you need and will work well with the 57's.
Cost: $60.00

A sound card
For a good low priced sound card the Hoontech SoundTrack Audio DSP24 Value is hard to beat. You may be wondering why I'm not recommending a multi channel soundcard. The reason is, you don't need it. The only time you would need more than two channels is if you are recording several instruments and/or vocals simultaneously. If you are going to be only recording yourself then save yourself some bucks and get a high quality stereo sound card.
Cost: $120.00

Recording software
This is where it all gets done. Your recording software is the heart of your recording system. Think of it as a stand alone recording machine such as a reel to reel or DAT. Fortunately there are several very good inexpensive software programs to choose from. Two that I have used and like are n-Track and Quartz. Both are inexpensive, $45 for n-Track ($69 for the deluxe version) and $49 for Quartz Studio Pro.

There are two primary differences between the two. n-Track has unlimited tracks (depending upon your computer) but with Quartz you are limited to 16 tracks (32 if you run two instances of the program). That shouldn't be a factor as 16 tracks should be enough. The main difference is visual. Quartz resembles a real world mixer, n-Track has a more computer like interface. My best advice, since they both have free trials, is to download both and pick which one you like the best.

Mastering software
You don't really need any. Almost all multi track audio software packages will mix your tracks to a stereo wav file. If you are careful with your use of eq and effects you will have a very good sounding final mix. Remember, we're not trying to compete with professional studios.

Total Cost of the recording gear and software
$385 - $410.

Instruments of Destruction
Before you can record anything you need to make some noise. Most likely you have several musical instruments now, these are just some ideas on what to look for from a recording viewpoint. And how to work around some common problems.

Guitars

Acoustic
Big guitars tend to sound boomy and small guitars can be tinny and lifeless on tape. You can either use eq to smooth them out or (better) position the mic for a better sound. In general, a mic at the top of the body (the part closest to the headstock) will capture less of the lows and vice versa. The distance from the guitar will also affect how it sounds. High frequencies tend to drop off earlier than lower ones.

So to minimize a boomy sound place your mic at the 12th fret pointed to the sound hole. Keep it a short distance from the guitar itself. Reverse that if you want more bass. You can also experiment with 2 mics. One acoustic guitar micing technique I've had good luck with is the 2 mic approach. Have one mic in the traditional position and the other pointing to the guitar from over your shoulder.

Electric
Electric guitars basically come in two flavors, single coil and humbucker. A humbucker is associated with a thick full sound while the single coil tends to have more 'bite'. But that's not a hard and fast rule and really not a reason to pick one guitar over another. The most important thing to consider it how well it plays and fits with you.

Should a electric guitar be recorded amplified or Direct?. Personal opinion? A miked amplifier sounds the best. But if it's 3 o'clock in the morning and you live in an apartment with paper thin walls you don't have much choice. If you are able to go live the best guitar amplifiers for recording are small class A tube amps. Pignose makes a good one the G-40V 40 Watt Tube Amp but it can get really loud. You may want to check the local pawn shops and eBay for a good used small wattage tube amp.

It is not impossible to get good sound from a direct box. In fact it is much simpler and quicker. Plug your guitar in one end, the mixer to the other and you're good to go. I have heard good things about the Line 6 POD and I personally have the Johnson J8. If you don't want to bother the wife, kids, neighbors, etc. guitar amp simulators are the way to go.

Keyboards
First, I will have to admit I'm not a keyboard person. I can't even do 'Heart and Soul'. However I do use keyboards for a lot of things. Drums for instance. And for that all important click track. I would not record a keyboard thru an amp. Using the direct outs is so much cleaner and hassle free.

Drums
Live Drums To record live drums you have several different methods. From miking every drum and cymbal to using two mics, one at the kick and the other aimed at the drummer. I've had good luck with 4 mics. One on the kick, another on the snare and two overheads. All pointed at the drummer. You can vary the stereo spread by setting the overheads closer or farther apart.

Drum Machines
I have limited experience with drum machines. If you are willing to spend the time to learn how to use them they can sound quite good. Some have a very steep learning curve. I use the drums from my keyboard. There are some prepackaged rhythms which are good starting points. And I have even tried to pound out drums using the keys. With varying levels of success. If you already have a keyboard I would look at the drums sounds it has.

Bagpipes
To get the best sound possible from bagpipes you need to press and hold the mute button. Preferably from far away.

That's all folks




(c) 1999, Dan E. Monk, All rights reserved. Reprinted here by permission.

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