6 Ways You Can Ruin Your Recordings Without Even Knowing About It

Written by Björgvin Benediktsson in Recording Tips - 3 Comments

You make mistakes.

It’s OK.

But isn’t it better to read someone else’s mistakes and learn from them?

Instead of doing it on the job. When your client is looking at you puzzled because his whole vocal track sounds distorted.

And you don’t even know why.

This post might make your eyes glaze over. Especially if you think you’re the hottest engineer on the planet.

But sometimes we gotta take it back to basics.

Just to be on the safe side, I want to give you the few things you need to NOT do when you’re recording your audio.

Ready?

1. Don’t Do 16 Bit

The minimum is 24 bits. Your computer can handle it just fine and your audio will thank you for it.

2. Don’t Distort

There’s not “sweet” analog warmth from a digitally distorted audio signal. Those days are over. Move on and record at lower levels.

3. Don’t Play With Static and Noise

If you want to screw up your sounds immediately, make sure your cables crackle and hum. Yeah, that’s the best way for sure.

4. Don’t Record With Reverb

This is the tramp-stamp tattoo of audio recording.

Once that reverb is on, it’s never coming off. Only leave it on if it’s an integral part of the sound.

5. Don’t Do Nothing

One of my first vocal recordings was in the middle of an untreated bedroom, singing into a dynamic microphone I held with my hand. I did absolutely nothing right to get a good sound. I wondered why my vocals sounded so bad. Simple set ups and the right microphones are key to a good vocal sound.

6. Don’t Hurry

Most people don’t work so well under pressure. Book enough time to get the job done. Things will go wrong, I guarantee it.

Now, if you DO want to learn how to record, check out my simple book of tricks that’ll get you up and recording in no time.

www.recordingstrategies.com

http://www.audio-issues.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/recording-audio-150x150.jpg

About the Author

Björgvin Benediktsson is an Icelandic born musician, audio engineer and writer. He has worked in the audio industry since 2006 and is an SAE Alumni from the SAE Institute. He is the man behind Audio Issues. His ebooks Recording & Mixing Strategies tackle the all important aspects of music production. Follow him on Twitter. and Google+ for more of his tips and tricks.

3 Comments on "6 Ways You Can Ruin Your Recordings Without Even Knowing About It"

Andrew Bauserman August 1, 2012 at 12:46 pm · Reply

Wonderful tips as always. Just remember that #1 is subject to #5
If all you’ve got is 16-bit converters, you can make great recordings while you’re saving up for new gear. Just stay above the noise floor and (#2) don’t disort. Once in the box, mixing in 24-bit is still an option.