audio - band recording

7/31/2019 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

audio - band recording

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