Recording multiple tracks or just one good one.

When you track in the studio, are you one of those people who need need multiple tracks of the same take? Or, are you one of those people who like to punch in and get one solid take? I tend to lean toward one solid take more often than not. However, I like to rehearse before I press record. Being familiar with the song gives you a head start when coming up with ideas. So, for me, the need for multiple takes isn't nessesary. Keep in mind, there are multiple ways to get to the same point. Don't be against experimenting with new techniques and figuring out what works for you.

Chris and Kevin
Digtal Street Studio and Media Productions
Dover, Delaware

All Hail the SM 57

The title gives it away doesn't it? Thats right folks, maybe the most amazing microphone on the planet. The all power Shure SM 57. If Dirty Harry were a recording engineer, his weapon, or should I say microphone of choice would be the 57. This microphone came out over 50 years ago and is still a staple in most studios today. It just does an all around great job of capturing the good frequencies and discarding the rest. In the studio or live applications, the SM 57 is a must.

Chris and Kevin
Digital Street Studio
and Media Productions

Why most project or home studios fall short.

The title of this blog isn't a slam against home studios, it's more of an observation. Before I had an opportunity to open the doors to my own studio, I started at home. I struggled with microphone placement, general eq'ing, compression, acoustics, mixing.......I could go on but I think you get the picture. My goal was to gain an understanding of ever dynamic I would face in a real, professional studio environment. However, I think most of today's home studios rely heavily on loops or pre-mixed sampled material. And, in doing so, never gain a full undertstanding of engineering and their environment. Yes, it takes thousands of hours to get a handle on most aspects of recording but the end result will give you the tools to become a better engineer.

Chris and Kevin
Digital Street Studio
and Media Productions
Dover, Delaware