|
I always read all this stuff about try not to use eq, be careful with compression, only use really good equipment etc and then they always said "oh and use your ears".
I am finding more and more that the two don't go well together.
Good mic placement, getting good sounds to tape is critical, I totally agree.
Beyond that my new approach is to do what ever it takes. I have a sound I am going for and if I need to use 30 compressors in sequence to get it...thats what I going to do. In the end I need to be able to listen to this stuff.
I am going for the big picture now and using my ears. If I can get what I want for the big picture with a 5.99 toy reverb that that's what I'm using. I don't care anymore. Sure its not pure but it's listenable (to me anyway).
If a piece of equipment is not giving what I want and I have a choice then I get rid of it and try something else. Nope no more "rules" for me.
A live show with natural sounds is great because it is raw and energetic and most of all FORGETABLE. Your brain blends the sounds into something good and then forgets it during the next song. Live albums most always stink because live performances when played back over and over show you how bad it really sounded. But when you were there your brain and ears tricked you and you thought it sounded great.
When recording you have to make something that sounds good, play after play after play. IMO that does not always mean making it sound like it did when it was played.
My new motto..."Do what you gotta do"
|