Getting it right - Posted on 2012-01-12 by Chris Bell

This blog is purposed to stress the importance of "getting it right", or rather making sure it sounds as good as it can from the door. There is no right or wrong, but there is good and bad. Taking the time to employ a proper mic placement on say an acoustic for example will help you guage if that part fits in context with the song or not. If you throw up a mic all willy nilly, then whatever you record, despite how well played probably will not sound that great. On the other end if you do it with a accurate and proper placement, you will be able to see wether or not the part works in context with the song. Also you will have an easier time placing an instrument in the mix with out theneed for tons of eq compensate for a deficient recording.So basically to sum it all up, if you want to record in instrument and arent sure how to properly do it, then do some internet research theres useful home recording forums out there for all to read, such ashttp://www.soundonsound.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?Cat=

It will at least give you a place to start. If you experiment a bit eventually you will find techniques that will work well for you. Ultimately if its good before you go to mix, the eq, effects and processing that you add will function more as salt and pepper as opposed to bandaids to hide bad recording techniques. If you notice bad tone, bad edits, bad performances, phasing...etc, chances are others will too. Which will haunt you years later. Be aware of everything from being in tune to, does the toilet flushing show up in my mics? Not just placement affects your sound...everything affects your sound. So why not make the choice to use techniques and gear that will help you.