audio - band recording
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Pop Band Production - CS4044
Denis Cronin 10103031, Niamh Begley 10131256, Tara Donoghue 10131787
Introduction
As part of this module we were required to record a rock/pop band. We were given the opportunity to record in
the recording suite within the university. When we started this project we had very little knowledge of how
much time, work and effort really went into recording a track. Throughout the time we spent in the recording
studio we put into practice what we had already learned from the module both in theory and practical into
creating the final mix. The material/ theory side of the module aided us with the editing process. The mix
included using gating, EQing, panning, using compressors, some FX etc. to produce a mix we were very happy
with. We used Protools program to edit the recorded material.
RecordingAs we had been in contact with the band about what they required for recording we were able to be proactive
and set up everything we could before the band arrived on our first day of recording. We considered a numberof different microphone set-up techniques and set up prior to recording the most appropriate microphones for
the variety of different instruments and vocals being recorded.
Guitars Set-up
During our first attempt of recording we tried using mics on the amps which requires phantom power but no
matter how good we got it sounding it was no comparison to using the DI box. We felt that for the guitars and
bass, using a DI box made the sound came out almost perfect. First we recorded J. Butler on the guitar as he set
the timing for the rest of the band. The Guitars were connected through the DI box to the junction box. We then
recorded the second guitarists C.Ryan also using the same method. We recorded the 2 guitarists at the same
time using 2 DI boxes as the guitarist felt more comfortable doing this in order to keep in time. As we were
using DI boxes we saw no reason why they couldn't do this as this would lead to no sound distortion.
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Bass Set-up
As stated before we felt that using a DI box was the best approach to getting the best sound possible. Weconnected the Bass Guitar to the Di box and the DI was then connected to the junction box. We used a mono
track to record the Bass.
Vocals
For the vocals of the band we used two different mics. First we decided to use the nAT4033a mic for the best
quality however as the vocalist was more comfortable singing while using his guitar we decided it was best to
record him using the SM58 mic instead as the guitar wasn't picked up as much giving us clearer vocals to
work with. We tried a number of times using the nAT4033a mic while having the vocalist listen to the guitar
but after listening to them back we felt it best to use the vocals from the SM58 mic as they sounded better and
more natural. The vocals from the nAT4033amic sounded forced and there was trouble keeping in time. Mics
were placed at vocalists chin level and a microphone guard/screen was placed between the mic and vocalist to
reduce the risk of any distortion during recording.
nAT4033a sm58
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Tin Whistle
For the tin whistle we used theSM58 mic. Recording the tin whistle took a number of track recordings to get
right. However we were able to use these tracks during the mixing process by cutting from one recording to
another to get a perfect tin whistle track.
Bodhran
For the bodhran the band member had his own mic B606 Dynamic microphone which had clipped underneaththe bodhran for the best and clearest sound. We originally planned on using the dynamic microphone and
placing it close to the bodhran however the fact that he had his own mic made it allot easier for use.
Tambourine
For this the tambourine was placed on the ground and a dynamic mic was used to pick it up. It was pointed
down at the tambourine at a 45 degree angle. As we were caught for time with this band member we recorded
him playing the bodhran and tambourine at the same time. In editing we then cut out the bodhran in most part to
make our mix sound cleaner.
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Headphones
As we had two Band members playing at any one time together we choose to have two sets of headphones on, this helped
to keep the flow of communication between the band and group in recording. In order to do this we set up to bussed
tracks during recording.
MixingAuxiliary tracks
We began the mixing process by grouping the instruments and then bussing each instrument to their own Auxiliary track.
Panning
Panning is an important part of mixing. We panned each track. We took time adjusting each track separately panning to
each.
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Plugins, gates and EQs
Before mixing we decided the approach as to which format of using plugins and inserts when mixing each
individual track. We used corrective EQs, compressors and limiters to most of on the tracks.
Fading
When mixing each individual track we used the Fade Tool to fade in and out of tracks at the beginning, end of
the song and where there were cuts that needed fading to improve the sound we inserted them here also. We
particularly used this on the bodhran, tambourine and tin whistle tracks where there was a lot of cutting to be
done and gaps where there was no music being played but background sound being picked up by the mics.
Screenshots
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Stages carried out during recording experience1. Organise Studio - As we had a band of five and they all brought their own equipment, we made sure that allextra equipment in the studio was out of the way and no valuable equipment was in any danger of being
damaged.
2. Set up artist's own microphones - Once we brought the band into the studio we had to do some further set up
of microphones. The bodhran for example had its own microphones which we set up for when he was beingrecorded only.
3.Set up guitars - We had two guitars and one bass player so we spent time making sure each of their
instruments were sounding good quality and set up the XX box to which they could each in turn connect theirinstrument to when recording individually.
4. Arrange Microphones and stands into position - Once the whole group was in the studio and near ready to
record we rearranged all the setup until they felt they were best positioned to record. This took a lot of time, buthugely helped to make the band feel comfortable as this was their first time in a studio.
5. Testing of equipment-Next we took the time to test and retest all the microphones and instruments to be sure
they were working and the sound quality was at the best it could be.
6.Band recorded all together to create backing track- This was a crucial part of the recording process. As it
was the band's first time ever recording it took a few attempts to record a track we were happy with. The group
were nervous so it took them awhile to get used to the process and get their timing perfect. We knew that it thebacking track was off then in turn each individual recording would a lot not have perfect timing. Eventually the
band grew more comfortable and confident and they recorded much better quality music.
7. Single recordings - once we had our backing track we began the process of recording the individual band
members. We realized we should have started with Guitar 2 and then moved onto the others. As he was the
member who started off the song, all the timing for the other members was based from his accuracy. Realising
our mistake before we ran out of time to fix the problem meant we could record everything with better quality
and more efficiently.
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Order of recordings: Guitar 2, Guitar 1, Whistle, Vocals, Bass, Percussion.
8. Editing/ Mixing - This part of the process we found to be quite difficult as we did not have extensive
experience in editing music. We knew that there was a list of required changes that needed to be made to the
track, but as we do not have extremely well trained ears, we felt it sounded well even after little editing. It took
quite some time to understand the subtle changes we were making to the track. After some time listening to the
track over and over we began to pick up on some changes which were enhancing the sound and quality of ourtrack.
Band Name - Tailor Made
Song - Katy Perry Mash up! Teenage Dream & Fireworks
R to L: Brian Shanahan (Bodhran and Tambourine), Cathal Ryan (Lead Guitar and vocals),
Fergal Hayes (Tin Whistle), John Butler (Guitar) and Keith Maher (Bass Guitar)
The song the band decided to play for us was a song they are known for, for doing their own mash up , TeenageDream/Firework.
Katy Perry Originals:
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGJuMBdaqIw&ob=av2e
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98WtmW-lfeE&ob=av2e
List of Equipment Used -
First vocals - nAT4033a
Vocals while Playing guitar - SM58
First base - Dynamic 1
Base and Guitar - DI box
Tin Whistle - SM58
Bodhran- B606 Dynamic microphone
Referenceshttp://audio.tutsplus.com/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGJuMBdaqIw&ob=av2ehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98WtmW-lfeE&ob=av2ehttp://audio.tutsplus.com/http://audio.tutsplus.com/http://audio.tutsplus.com/http://audio.tutsplus.com/http://audio.tutsplus.com/http://audio.tutsplus.com/http://audio.tutsplus.com/http://audio.tutsplus.com/http://audio.tutsplus.com/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98WtmW-lfeE&ob=av2ehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98WtmW-lfeE&ob=av2ehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98WtmW-lfeE&ob=av2ehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98WtmW-lfeE&ob=av2ehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98WtmW-lfeE&ob=av2ehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98WtmW-lfeE&ob=av2ehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98WtmW-lfeE&ob=av2ehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98WtmW-lfeE&ob=av2ehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98WtmW-lfeE&ob=av2ehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98WtmW-lfeE&ob=av2ehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98WtmW-lfeE&ob=av2ehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98WtmW-lfeE&ob=av2ehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98WtmW-lfeE&ob=av2ehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98WtmW-lfeE&ob=av2ehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98WtmW-lfeE&ob=av2ehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98WtmW-lfeE&ob=av2ehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98WtmW-lfeE&ob=av2ehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98WtmW-lfeE&ob=av2ehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98WtmW-lfeE&ob=av2ehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98WtmW-lfeE&ob=av2ehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98WtmW-lfeE&ob=av2ehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGJuMBdaqIw&ob=av2ehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGJuMBdaqIw&ob=av2ehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGJuMBdaqIw&ob=av2ehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGJuMBdaqIw&ob=av2ehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGJuMBdaqIw&ob=av2ehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGJuMBdaqIw&ob=av2ehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGJuMBdaqIw&ob=av2ehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGJuMBdaqIw&ob=av2ehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGJuMBdaqIw&ob=av2ehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGJuMBdaqIw&ob=av2ehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGJuMBdaqIw&ob=av2ehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGJuMBdaqIw&ob=av2ehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGJuMBdaqIw&ob=av2ehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGJuMBdaqIw&ob=av2ehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGJuMBdaqIw&ob=av2ehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGJuMBdaqIw&ob=av2ehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGJuMBdaqIw&ob=av2ehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGJuMBdaqIw&ob=av2ehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGJuMBdaqIw&ob=av2e -
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Images taken throughout our time within the studio
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