What is the best website or book for me to learn how to record/master?

[lagavulin16]

I'm not looking to become the next Butch Vig or anything but I would like to really know how to do things right... when to use a limiter, a compressor, good guides for a decent mix down.

[nomoreflakes]

you are at it

[Chris Lago]

Originally Posted by lagavulin16

I'm not looking to become the next Butch Vig or anything but I would like to really know how to do things right... when to use a limiter, a compressor, good guides for a decent mix down.

Go in the Butch Vig Q&A on here!

[zebastian21]

Originally Posted by lagavulin16

I'm not looking to become the next Butch Vig or anything but I would like to really know how to do things right... when to use a limiter, a compressor, good guides for a decent mix down.

GS is the best resource along with Macprovideo.com and look for Andivax videos online...actually just look for videos in youtube and you will learn much more than by just reading books.

[theblue1]

Originally Posted by zebastian21

GS is the best resource along with Macprovideo.com and look for Andivax videos online...actually just look for videos in youtube and you will learn much more than by just reading books.

YouTube can be a great resource and there's lots of great info -- but not all of it is exactly accurate or well-presented.


Here are some more resources for recording tyros:

Technical Info / Education

Tweak's Guide to the Home and Project Studio - a comprehensive guide to home recording

Tips & Techniques GearSlutz Tips & Techniques Collection

http://www.computermusic.co.uk/page/..._beginner_pdfs
Harmony Central - Library
Digital audio - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Directory - The Project Studio Handbook - Digital Audio, Compression, Mixing, Monitoring, Microphones

more from Wikipedia:

• Analog sound vs. digital sound
• Audio compression
• Audio signal processing
• Digital audio editor
• Digital audio workstation (DAW)
• Digital film
• Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI)
• Music sequencer
• Nyquist-Shannon sampling theorem
• Software synthesizer
• SPARS Code (re: DDD and ADD)
• Bit depth
• Pulse Code Modulation

PC Optimization for music - a sticky thread from Gearslutz

Dan Lavry Forum Archives at ProSoundWeb- a genuine legend in digital audio technology and designer of some of the most desirable digital conversion hardware around, Dan Lavry presided over a hardcore digital audio technology oriented forum that was a magnet for a wild mix of the super-knowledgeable and those who thought they were...ProSoundWeb - an extensive set of forums oriented to audio technology, sound reinforcement, and recording

Using a Mixer with a DAW - from EQ Magazine

I've Read Mixing With Your Mind (Starvous), Mastering Audio (Katz), What Next? -- an exhausistive recording reading list from Gearslutz member, Teddy Ray

[jmarkham]

If you do R&B, our new video might be good for you
jeff

[lagavulin16]

Wow - you guys are the best! These resources are just what I was looking for.

It's kind of embarrassing, how little I really know and am able to do at this point but I keep spending money on software and plugins when I haven't even scratched the surface of what I can do. I know the gear addiction runs strong in all of us... but I need to do more with what I have and get the basics down.

Thanks again! I'm bookmarking this thread.

[theblue1]

It's not a very gearslutty sentiment but I recommend you put a moratorium -- or at least a big slowdown -- on your purchases until you feel like you have more solid information under you. As long as you have the basic elements, you can expand your knowledge through reading and watching to some extent -- but the real learning comes from doing it, recording a lot, trying new things, experimenting, testing, experiencing and listening. And then doing it some more. The magic is not in the gear -- it's in knowing what to do with the gear. Good gear in the right combination for your purposes can make a difference -- but it's a lot easier building that keeper rig when you know what you want out of that gear and the techniques to get it.

The difference between decent gear and really good gear is the last few inches before the goal line... first you have to get to that end of the field. Once you've got a grip on your knowledge, you can spend your money a lot more wisely.

[zebastian21]

Originally Posted by lagavulin16

Wow - you guys are the best! These resources are just what I was looking for.

It's kind of embarrassing, how little I really know and am able to do at this point but I keep spending money on software and plugins when I haven't even scratched the surface of what I can do. I know the gear addiction runs strong in all of us... but I need to do more with what I have and get the basics down.

Thanks again! I'm bookmarking this thread.

the more you know the less you know so dont worry..make a habit of being curious on the net to learn an the rest will follow...taking time to experiment and apply new techniques are also essential in the music making process process

[lagavulin16]

Originally Posted by theblue1

It's not a very gearslutty sentiment but I recommend you put a moratorium -- or at least a big slowdown -- on your purchases until you feel like you have more solid information under you. As long as you have the basic elements, you can expand your knowledge through reading and watching to some extent -- but the real learning comes from doing it, recording a lot, trying new things, experimenting, testing, experiencing and listening. And then doing it some more. The magic is not in the gear -- it's in knowing what to do with the gear. Good gear in the right combination for your purposes can make a difference -- but it's a lot easier building that keeper rig when you know what you want out of that gear and the techniques to get it.

The difference between decent gear and really good gear is the last few inches before the goal line... first you have to get to that end of the field. Once you've got a grip on your knowledge, you can spend your money a lot more wisely.

I totally agree with you, like I said it's embarrassing... and I swore after Logic 9 I would not buy anything else, but then I saw the PSP Nitro deal and the T-Racks deal and... and I just couldn't stop myself.

I want to experiment (and I do), but I also want to get some basics. As an example, I just want to know the RIGHT way to do things... the logical things you do when you master, be it a compressor on vocals and a limiter on the master, etc. I'm only a step above trying random effects and seeing what happens, going overboard with the effects, etc. I know that "the right way" is very subjective, but I guess what I'm saying is that I'm missing the solid foundation.

I'd like to at least get that down and then grow from there.

[lagavulin16]

More to the point, that tweakheadz is PERFECT! I've got a lot of reading to do.

[Id Ridden]

Originally Posted by lagavulin16

I'm not looking to become the next Butch Vig or anything but I would like to really know how to do things right... when to use a limiter, a compressor, good guides for a decent mix down.

Here, SOS forums...

trial and error

PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE..

oh did I mention PRACTICE!!!

The bestest, bestest, thing is watching a pro go at it.