Good books on recording and mixing acoustic music

[ISedlacek]

I am searching for good practical books, which could be a source of
useful tips and information about recording and mixing acoustic music.
SO far I have found following:
Bruce Bartlett – On Location Recordings
David Miles Huber – Professional Microphone Techniques
John Eargle – The Microphone Book

I am still looking for a book which would contain a lot of practical
experienced tips - like which frequencies to typically cut or boost in
certain instruments, vocals etc. and other similar practical
information on the "sound alchemy", mixing tips etc. WOuld you kindly
recommend some good books ? I am not interested in amplified
instruments, keyboards, MIDI, samplers etc., only natural acoustic
music, classical and ethnic instruments, vocals ...

[Bob Olhsson]

I would only recommend books with lots of interviews because what's really important are priorities and a working philosophy.

When I moved from Motown to San Francisco, I found almost none of my "tricks" from Detroit were very effective because the musicians were different. Formulas are a serious mistake. Certainly studying great recordings with great monitors helps a lot but beware of ANY kind of standard settings anybody suggests.

[fifthcircle]

I don't know of any books that focus on recording acoustic music... Study history of recording if you want to learn. There are plenty of resources that document how RCA, Decca, and others did their recordings.

Beyond that, my only tip is this: If you find that you need to EQ or compress an acoustic music recording much, look at the way you recorded it. The best recordings are made by using great mics and preamps with great mic position. Don't let effects be your crutch.

--Ben

[ISedlacek]

Originally posted by fifthcircle
If you find that you need to EQ or compress an acoustic music recording much, look at the way you recorded it. The best recordings are made by using great mics and preamps with great mic position. Don't let effects be your crutch.

--Ben

Thanks, you are right. Sometimes, however, very clever slight adjustment is needed .... I cannot complain about my microphones (3 pairs of Schoeps, U87 ...), AD (Mytek), or preamps (Millennia, DACS). My only limitation is the size of the room.... and the sound it brings. I would love to have a private chapel nearby

[e-cue]

I thumbed though the TAPE OP book once and it seemed to have a lot of the info your are looking for. I think most people learn more from reading these forums than from reading those books, but every bit helps I guess.

[ozraves]

I really like the "Interactive Guide to Home Recording." It's written by Mark Gifford who is the mod at the HC recording forum. Mark is a fine engineer.

Here's the link:

www.pomona1.com

[Nathanael]

Ron Streicher - The New Stereo Soundbook
Alton Everest - Master Handbook of Acoustics

These will give you the general knowledge to inform your experience in working with real musicians in real spaces.

I find that I refer to them over and over. All I record is acoustic music in "real" spaces.

[ToddF]

The Beatles Recording Sessions and George Martin's All You Need Is Ears. Todd F.