Recording

Does today’s sample-based drum software mean we don’t need real drummers any more? We find out what a human session drummer offers that a virtual drummer can’t.

Live rooms and headphones can kill the mood for some vocalists — so why not ditch the cans and record in front of your monitors?

We make a rare visit to a world-class recording studio, as one of The Church’s engineers takes us through a recent session.

Audio files to accompany the article.

I’m working on an acoustic track and would like my vocalist to sing backing vocals in a more ‘breathy’ way. Are you able to offer some vocal coaching tips that I can ask him to try?

I have three laptops in the house, all of which produce various sparks and flashes at the mains end when plugged into the wall. Can this be ‘right’ ?

In the May 2015 Mix Rescue article, Mike Senior talks about how he bounced out a mix any number of times to compare it to his references. I understand the purpose of referencing, but what I don’t understand is why he bounced out the mix.

I’ve put a lot of effort into creating and editing a recording of a solo mandolin. Although I like the final result a lot, on reflection the tone seems too trebly and cold.

Engineer Richard King has brought the art of ensemble recording to new heights in both classical and folk/pop spheres.

Audio files to accompany the article.

Brass on location: Our engineer tracks a trombone ensemble and solo trumpet for use in a contemporary rock mix.

We visit the world-famous Blackbird Studios in Nashville to meet Jacquire King, the Grammy-winning producer of James Bay’s Chaos And The Calm.

Throbbing Gristle’s highly individualist approach to music extended as far as making their own instruments and, ultimately, their own genre.

Spektakulatius: With last month’s mixes in the bag, our engineer was tasked with finding and working with a mastering engineer to put the finishing touches to both albums.

I recently came across an Eric Valentine video, in which he mentions how he keeps his preamps in the live room. My question is this: is there really a valid reason for doing this on runs which I imagine to be less than 100 feet?

I get the impression that manufacturing tolerances for mid-range and cheaper microphones are not always as tight as one would desire. If I found a mic I liked, and were then to go out and buy that model of mic, might the one I tested and the one I bought sound significantly different?

I often wonder exactly what gets matched when microphones with interchangeable capsules are bought as a stereo pair. Is it the bodies, the capsules, or both?

The success of Slaves’ debut album depended on producer Jolyon Thomas finding a way to bottle their raw live energy.

Audio files to accompany the article.

Hailed as the first British acid house single, A Guy Called Gerald’s sublime ‘Voodoo Ray’ has since become a classic in its own right.

Recording and producing your own music is always a challenge — especially if, like Faith No More, your previous albums have been done by the best in the business!