The Self-Recording Band

Here are three next steps for you to take:1. Get our free video training & checklist, "Standout Mixes - The DIY Musician's Guide To Exciting Mixes That Stand Out And Connect":theselfrecordingband.com/standoutmixes-2. Apply for The Self-Recording Syndicate, our personalized coaching program!It all starts with a free first call where we talk about your music, give you feedback and a step-by-step action plan that you can then implement on your own, or together with us.Best case: We end up working together and completely transform the sound of your music forever.Worst case: You get an hour of free coaching and feedback.Sounds fair? Cool. Apply now and book your free coaching call:theselfrecordingband.com/call-3. Join the free Facebook Group ("The Self-Recording Band Community"):theselfrecordingband.com/community--Episode Show Notes:A special episode this week as Benedikt sits down with Self-Recording Syndicate graduate Dewi Thompson.  Dewi is a songwriter from the UK who also produces and mixes his own material as a solo artist and collaborates with another artist under the names Altered States and Brave New World.Dewi felt that there were some holes in his audio production knowledge and after aimlessly watching hundreds of hours of conflicting YouTube content (we’ve all been there) on how compression is the most important thing to have ever existed, he decided to reach out to Benedikt for some personal feedback and coaching.It was clear the Dewi was a talented musician and songwriter but there were some blind spots and a lack of direction.During Dewi’s 18 months in the Self-Recording Syndicate he has developed systems and a reliable process to get amazing results consistently and with confidence.This journey goes all the way back to the 90’s when Dewi began recording on an Atari ST with some outboard gear including the coveted Alesis QuadraVerb GT.These days Dewi prefers a more modern setup and is a proficient Cubase user.  Now that Dewi has the knowledge and skills he needed, he has some very exciting projects in the pipeline. So watch this space.Let's welcome Dewi and hear about his fascinating journey from where he was to where he is now. --For full show notes go to: https://theselfrecordingband.com/188If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com

Here are three next steps for you to take:1. Get our free video training & checklist, "Standout Mixes - The DIY Musician's Guide To Exciting Mixes That Stand Out And Connect":theselfrecordingband.com/standoutmixes-2. Apply for The Self-Recording Syndicate, our personalized coaching program!It all starts with a free first call where we talk about your music, give you feedback and a step-by-step action plan that you can then implement on your own, or together with us.Best case: We end up working together and completely transform the sound of your music forever.Worst case: You get an hour of free coaching and feedback.Sounds fair? Cool. Apply now and book your free coaching call:theselfrecordingband.com/call-3. Join the free Facebook Group ("The Self-Recording Band Community"):theselfrecordingband.com/community--Episode Show Notes:Are you mixing into a compressor? I mean mixing with a compressor on your mix bus from the beginning and not just slapping a compressor on at the end and then hoping for the best.These guys are, and in this episode, Benedikt & Malcom talk about how they’re doing it and why they’re doing it.Every compressor has its own unique ‘flavor’ and is often used as the glue that brings all of your song’s individual elements together.Remember, though, your mix bus has EVERYTHING going through it, so you’ve got to be careful. Any changes you make on there will affect the whole song, for better or for worse. Where do you start with mix bus compression, though?Do you know which type of compressor to use for mix bus compression? You have options… You could reach for a VCA compressor if you’re looking for a transparent glue. Maybe you’re feeling extra fruity and want to risk destroying your mix, so why not reach for an 1176?Then there are the settings. Benedikt and Malcom compare notes on their go-to “safe” settings when using mix bus compression. “It sounds complicated, but once you get the core concepts, it’s not that complicated at all.” – BenediktMix bus compression can be a complicated subject, but it’s also a fundamental skill that you need to get your head around if you want to make professional-sounding mixes. “Learning is sucking, until you don’t.” – Malcom Owen-FloodA real deep dive episode here, so hold on to your threshold knobs and let the learning begin. --For full show notes go to: https://theselfrecordingband.com/187If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com

Here are three next steps for you to take:1. Get our free video training & checklist, "Standout Mixes - The DIY Musician's Guide To Exciting Mixes That Stand Out And Connect":theselfrecordingband.com/standoutmixes-2. Apply for The Self-Recording Syndicate, our personalized coaching program!It all starts with a free first call where we talk about your music, give you feedback and a step-by-step action plan that you can then implement on your own, or together with us.Best case: We end up working together and completely transform the sound of your music forever.Worst case: You get an hour of free coaching and feedback.Sounds fair? Cool. Apply now and book your free coaching call:theselfrecordingband.com/call-3. Join the free Facebook Group ("The Self-Recording Band Community"):theselfrecordingband.com/community--Episode Show Notes:This week, we're looking at external mic preamps and helping you decide if you actually need one or if the answer you're looking for lies elsewhere in your recording setup and process. External mic preamps are no doubt a useful tool and can sometimes be the component that lifts your recording from sounding good to great.Specific models of external mic preamps can offer a unique coloration to your recordings and help squeeze an extra 10% of quality into your recordings. However, preamp choice will likely never be the single factor that miraculously saves a recording. Wanna record some gentle acoustic guitar with some soft, intimate vocals but the noise floor is making it a pain in the ass? Then maybe an external mic preamp is the answer. There's one thing however, that always trumps gear choice, and that is performance. Nail your performance, and a phone recording could beat even the most expensive recording chains. Microphone choice is always an important factor too, and do you know what you're doing with your audio interface when putting that external mic preamp into it?Also covered is whether it's worth splurging on an expensive external mic preamp or simply hiring one. Not many of us are recording frequently enough to justify the cost, so hiring might be your best bet if you only do this a couple of times a year.Malcom & Benedikt discuss how using one high-end preamp in one killer-sounding chain can ultimately be a game changer. It's better to have one exceptional-quality chain than several average-sounding chains, right?--For full show notes go to: https://theselfrecordingband.com/186 If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com

Here are three next steps for you to take:1. Get our free video training & checklist, "Standout Mixes - The DIY Musician's Guide To Exciting Mixes That Stand Out And Connect":theselfrecordingband.com/standoutmixes-2. Apply for The Self-Recording Syndicate, our personalized coaching program!It all starts with a free first call where we talk about your music, give you feedback and a step-by-step action plan that you can then implement on your own, or together with us.Best case: We end up working together and completely transform the sound of your music forever.Worst case: You get an hour of free coaching and feedback.Sounds fair? Cool. Apply now and book your free coaching call:theselfrecordingband.com/call-3. Join the free Facebook Group ("The Self-Recording Band Community"):theselfrecordingband.com/community--Episode Show Notes:Sometimes, a single guitar tone just won't cut it. It sounds weak and out of place; no matter how we EQ and process it, something is still missing. What's the answer to this? Well, it's more guitars. Maybe you love the bottom end of one amp or pedal but also crave the mid-range of another. Well, guess what? You can have both by combining guitar tones. This topic is broad and there are countless approaches to combining guitar tones and doubling guitar tracks. It's easy to become overwhelmed and throw everything at it,  but this can lead to a "more is less" result. Fear not, Benedikt and Malcom discuss their go-to methods in detail so that you can record with intention.  The subtle differences between a double and a copied performance may seem insignificant, but they are crucial in shaping the overall sound.  A double is a second performance of the same thing, not a copy and paste of the original performance. This distinction, while seemingly minute, will drastically affect the final tone. What you'll learn from this episode: How subtle changes in the guitar's EQ can give you big results.Genre-based decision making. Is the 'Wall of Sound' approach appropriate for your recording?When is doubling guitar tracks necessary?What hardware to switch out and adjust when recording duplicate parts? Guitars, pickups, amps or pedals? Why adding layers on top of a guitar take doesn't necessarily have to be another guitar. In conclusion, creating a unique guitar sound is a blend of understanding your tools, practising different techniques, and experimenting with various combinations.--For full show notes go to: https://theselfrecordingband.com/185If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com

Here are three next steps for you to take:1. Get our free video training & checklist, "Standout Mixes - The DIY Musician's Guide To Exciting Mixes That Stand Out And Connect":theselfrecordingband.com/standoutmixes-2. Apply for The Self-Recording Syndicate, our personalized coaching program!It all starts with a free first call where we talk about your music, give you feedback and a step-by-step action plan that you can then implement on your own, or together with us.Best case: We end up working together and completely transform the sound of your music forever.Worst case: You get an hour of free coaching and feedback.Sounds fair? Cool. Apply now and book your free coaching call:theselfrecordingband.com/call-3. Join the free Facebook Group ("The Self-Recording Band Community"):theselfrecordingband.com/community--Episode Show Notes:Something different this week as Benedikt walks us through his newly updated mixing template. Showing us the tools he uses to nail a mix, we take a peek behind the wizard's curtain.A mixing template is a very individual thing, tailored to suit the workflow of the engineer, no two are the same.  This deep dive into Benedikt's mixing template will give you all the knowledge you need to create your very own custom mixing template setting you up for maximum creativity when it comes to the mixing stage.  Mixing templates are an ever-evolving thing of course and all of these decisions are made over time and with a lot of trial and error. But If you pay attention and understand the "why" behind Benedikt's decision-making here, you only need to do this once. Benefiting from the thousands of hours that Benedikt has spent at the mixing desk. Follow along with the accompanying YouTube video to jumpstart your path to creative godliness. (AKA a good, functional mixing template) In this deep dive episode Benedikt not only gives you insights into the tools he uses, but why he uses them. See an industry professional cover these topics:Drum bus & group bus routingThe "why?" behind plugin choicesParallel sendsEasy access to everything for speedy workflowMixing in to the master busSo grab yourself a pen & notebook and get ready to learn as Benedikt walks us step by step through his mixing template. --For full show notes go to: https://theselfrecordingband.com/184If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com

Here are three next steps for you to take:1. Get our free video training & checklist, "Standout Mixes - The DIY Musician's Guide To Exciting Mixes That Stand Out And Connect":theselfrecordingband.com/standoutmixes-2. Apply for The Self-Recording Syndicate, our personalized coaching program!It all starts with a free first call where we talk about your music, give you feedback and a step-by-step action plan that you can then implement on your own, or together with us.Best case: We end up working together and completely transform the sound of your music forever.Worst case: You get an hour of free coaching and feedback.Sounds fair? Cool. Apply now and book your free coaching call:theselfrecordingband.com/call-3. Join the free Facebook Group ("The Self-Recording Band Community"):theselfrecordingband.com/community--Episode Show Notes:In this episode, we delve into a fundamental aspect of music production that holds the key to professional-quality tracks: basic audio editing. Whether you're a novice producer or a seasoned veteran, honing your proficiency in these essential techniques is pivotal for creating exceptional music and getting your songs mix-ready. But we're not just talking theory here. Our discussion extends to the ins and outs of actual cleanup - the nitty-gritty of identifying and eliminating those pesky issues like hums, distracting noises, headphone bleed and pre-rolls that could mar your perfect track. Even seasoned producers can overlook these, so whether you're a newbie or a veteran, you're sure to find some insightful takeaways.  Why Proficiency in Basic Audio Editing Skills is Essential: Impeccable Mix Integration: Properly edited tracks, free from unwanted noise, clicks, and pops, seamlessly integrate into your mix, preserving its sonic integrity.Distinction from Mixing: Basic audio editing is distinct from the mixing process. Neglecting this step can lead to confusion and misunderstandings, impacting both individual projects and collaborations with mixing engineers.Time and Cost Efficiency: Collaborating with a mixing engineer becomes more efficient when tracks are meticulously cleaned. Minimized cleanup requirements can save valuable time and potentially reduce costs.Enhanced Performance: By removing noise and artifacts, your computer's processing capacity is optimized, leading to smoother production and mixing workflows. We explain how your VST3 plugins can be draining resources even when you think they're not doing anything. Focused Mixing: Proficient audio editing allows you or your mix engineer to concentrate solely on refining sonic elements during mixing, free from the distractions of unprocessed tracks.  By mastering these foundational audio editing skills, you can elevate your production quality, fortify collaborations with mixing experts, and experience a more streamlined mixing process. Whether you're a burgeoning DIY producer or an enthusiast aiming to enhance your production prowess, this episode equips you with actionable insights to ensure your tracks are primed for exceptional sound before entering the mixing phase.--For full show notes go to: https://theselfrecordingband.com/183If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com

Here are three next steps for you to take:1. Get our free video training & checklist, "Standout Mixes - The DIY Musician's Guide To Exciting Mixes That Stand Out And Connect":theselfrecordingband.com/standoutmixes-2. Apply for The Self-Recording Syndicate, our personalized coaching program!It all starts with a free first call where we talk about your music, give you feedback and a step-by-step action plan that you can then implement on your own, or together with us.Best case: We end up working together and completely transform the sound of your music forever.Worst case: You get an hour of free coaching and feedback.Sounds fair? Cool. Apply now and book your free coaching call:theselfrecordingband.com/call-3. Join the free Facebook Group ("The Self-Recording Band Community"):theselfrecordingband.com/community--Episode Show Notes:In this episode, we explore drum limiting and how it can transform your drum sound. Join us as we dive into the world of limiters, clippers, and saturation to achieve an impactful drum mix that stands out.Malcolm & Benedikt discuss the significance of using clippers and limiters to shape the perfect drum sound. Discover how these techniques can level up your music by adding punch or addressing inconsistent playing. They also delve into hard and soft clipping, explaining the difference and why and when you’d use them. Understanding the differences between hard and soft clipping and when to use limiters versus clippers can lead to significant improvements in your music production skills. In terms of practical application, we explore how to use limiters and clippers on drums to best benefit the overall drum sound. For example, limiters can fix inconsistent playing and reduce the snare bleed in overheads. In contrast, clippers can create headroom and increase the punch of the drum hits. It's also essential to understand how the type of limiter or clipper used affects the sound of the drums in different ways. There is a clipper that is always on my snare channel right when I import. I know I'm going to want it every time. It just lives there. So for me, clippers are the priority on drums. - Malcom Owen FloodPart of the discussion centres around hard and soft clipping. The differences between them are significant, and understanding these differences is key to effectively using limiters and clippers on drums. Additionally, we explore how saturation-based clipping and limiting can be applied to a mix and how these tools can control dynamics and add harmonic color. To sum up, mastering drum processing through techniques like clipping and limiting can dramatically enhance your music's sound quality. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a DIY enthusiast, gaining knowledge in these areas can provide you with valuable insights and practical tips to get those drums hitting right!--For full show notes go to: https://theselfrecordingband.com/182If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com

Here are three next steps for you to take:1. Get our free video training & checklist, "Standout Mixes - The DIY Musician's Guide To Exciting Mixes That Stand Out And Connect":theselfrecordingband.com/standoutmixes-2. Apply for The Self-Recording Syndicate, our personalized coaching program!It all starts with a free first call where we talk about your music, give you feedback and a step-by-step action plan that you can then implement on your own, or together with us.Best case: We end up working together and completely transform the sound of your music forever.Worst case: You get an hour of free coaching and feedback.Sounds fair? Cool. Apply now and book your free coaching call:theselfrecordingband.com/call-3. Join the free Facebook Group ("The Self-Recording Band Community"):theselfrecordingband.com/community--Episode show notes:This week we have the pleasure of chatting with the esteemed audio engineer and producer, Hans-Martin Buff. Join Benedikt & Wayne as they delve into Hans-Martin's illustrious career, from his time working with music legends like Prince and Chaka Khan to his current pioneering work in 3D audio creation.Hans-Martin talks us through his journey, recounting his experiences in iconic studios like Pachyderm, Paisley Park and Real World Studios.  In this conversation, Hans-Martin shares his unique perspective on technology's transformative impact on music production. As a seasoned audio engineer and educator, continuously pushing the envelope, he shares some of his engaging anecdotes from his work in world-famous studios to his exploration of the shift from stereo to 3D production. The future of audio technology comes into focus as Hans-Martin explores the exciting potential of 3D music production for artists. He provides invaluable advice for DIY artists, emphasizing the accessibility of 3D music creation. It’s more accessible than you think. Hans-Martin tells us how he is presently working with 3D audio more than stereo and how his collaboration with Peter Gabriel came about.  “He (Peter Gabriel) stood me up for Brian Eno, and I said, you know what? I'd stand myself up for Brian Eno.”  Hans-Martin Buff will conduct a masterclass at the upcoming Studioszene Event - Hamburg 2023 (Book tickets here). Learning from one of the industry's stalwarts is a golden opportunity. So let’s uncover the brilliance of Hans-Martin Buff’s career and his impact on the ever-evolving music industry. --Studioszene Event - Hamburg 2023 (Book tickets here)Hans-Martin Buff's WebsiteHans-Martin Buff's DiscographyCurrent work with Peter GabrielFor full show notes go to: https://theselfrecordingband.com/181 If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com

Here are three next steps for you to take:1. Get our free video training & checklist, "Standout Mixes - The DIY Musician's Guide To Exciting Mixes That Stand Out And Connect":theselfrecordingband.com/standoutmixes-2. Apply for The Self-Recording Syndicate, our personalized coaching program!It all starts with a free first call where we talk about your music, give you feedback and a step-by-step action plan that you can then implement on your own, or together with us.Best case: We end up working together and completely transform the sound of your music forever.Worst case: You get an hour of free coaching and feedback.Sounds fair? Cool. Apply now and book your free coaching call:theselfrecordingband.com/call-3. Join the free Facebook Group ("The Self-Recording Band Community"):theselfrecordingband.com/community--Episode show notes:We’re thrilled to introduce you to the brilliant audio engineer, Jill Zimmermann. In this episode, Jill shares her journey in the world of audio engineering and offers invaluable insights into what it takes to be a successful audio engineer. Jill's accomplishments are awe-inspiring, having engineered on 2 Gold Singles and a Gold Record, as well as working on Juno award-winning albums by AlexIsOnFire and July Talk. Other bands Jill has worked with are Three Days Grace, Alice Cooper, City and Colour, and so many more. Jill tells us how her unrelenting work ethic and passion for sound and music have led to her not only making a career as an audio engineer but flourishing in the music industry.Jill has a unique approach to pitch and explains how her skill as a violinist informs her approach to tuning vocals. As well as giving some solid gold advice on the best starting points for creating vocal harmonies.  Jill Zimmermann is going to be a speaker at this year's  Studioszene Event - Hamburg 2023 (Book tickets here), showing how she produced vocals for the hard rock band "Rise in Vein". Her masterclass will cover the remote-recording process on that record, insights on vocal editing, how to create great vocal arrangements and how to coach and guide singers in a studio session. This episode also explores her experiences as an audio engineer adapting to the industry during Covid, particularly in remote recording. Jill discusses the importance of a good, consistent set-up, and talks about building a vocal booth in somebody’s home out of necessity. So, let’s dive into this episode packed with life lessons, personal experiences, and professional advice from one of the industry's most talented and committed audio engineers. --Jill Zimmermann's WebsiteJill Zimmermann's DiscographyJukasa Recording Studios Studioszene Event - Hamburg / (Book tickets here)For full show notes go to: https://theselfrecordingband.com/180 If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com

Here are three next steps for you to take:1. Get our free video training & checklist, "Standout Mixes - The DIY Musician's Guide To Exciting Mixes That Stand Out And Connect":theselfrecordingband.com/standoutmixes-2. Apply for The Self-Recording Syndicate, our personalized coaching program!It all starts with a free first call where we talk about your music, give you feedback and a step-by-step action plan that you can then implement on your own, or together with us.Best case: We end up working together and completely transform the sound of your music forever.Worst case: You get an hour of free coaching and feedback.Sounds fair? Cool. Apply now and book your free coaching call:theselfrecordingband.com/call-3. Join the free Facebook Group ("The Self-Recording Band Community"):theselfrecordingband.com/community--Episode show notes:In this episode, Benedikt Hain & Malcom Owen-Flood are diving deep into the world of snare compression and exploring how you can use this powerful tool to bring out the best in your snare drum recordings.The snare is the heartbeat of your music, and getting it to cut through the mix with clarity and impact is essential. That's where compression comes in. Join Benedikt & Malcom as they unlock valuable insights and techniques they use to harness the power of snare compression and elevate your drum sound to new heights. Here's what’s covered in this episode: Understanding the role of compression in shaping your snare sound. Discover why compression is a game-changer for achieving a professional snare drum sound.How compression controls dynamics and balances the snare's attack and sustain.Essential compression parameters for the snare. Exploring the ideal attack and release settings for different snare drum styles.Setting the right threshold and ratio to maintain the snare's natural dynamics.Parallel compression and advanced snare compression techniques. Unveiling the magic of parallel compression and how it adds depth and punch to your snare.Techniques for blending dry and compressed signals to get that perfect snare mix.Using sidechain compression to create space for the snare in a dense mix.Exploring multi-band compression to address specific frequency areas on the snare. Malcom and Benedikt also discuss their go-to compressor types and plugins for the job:Reviewing popular compressor models and plugins ideal for snare processing.Tips for choosing the right compressor for your snare sound.Providing insights on how to tailor compression techniques to suit various musical genres. You’ll also find useful tips on how to avoid the pitfalls and overcome common compression mistakes that can hinder your sound when using snare compression.  By the end of this episode, you'll have the knowledge and confidence to apply snare compression effectively in your recordings. Whether you're an experienced producer or a self-recording musician, these techniques will help you take your snare sound to a whole new level.--For full show notes go to: https://theselfrecordingband.com/179 If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com

Here are three next steps for you to take:1. Get our free video training & checklist, "Standout Mixes - The DIY Musician's Guide To Exciting Mixes That Stand Out And Connect":theselfrecordingband.com/standoutmixes-2. Apply for The Self-Recording Syndicate, our personalized coaching program!It all starts with a free first call where we talk about your music, give you feedback and a step-by-step action plan that you can then implement on your own, or together with us.Best case: We end up working together and completely transform the sound of your music forever.Worst case: You get an hour of free coaching and feedback.Sounds fair? Cool. Apply now and book your free coaching call:theselfrecordingband.com/call-3. Join the free Facebook Group ("The Self-Recording Band Community"):theselfrecordingband.com/community--Episode show notes:Ever feel like your snare tone is just a little bit off? Like, it's close, but no cigar? That's where we step in.We all know that the snare drum is a crucial element in any recording, and getting it to sit just right can make or break your mix. So join us as we uncover some valuable insights and techniques to help you achieve that perfect snare sound.In this episode, Malcom & Benedikt dive deep into the world of using EQ on your snare drum (s) and explore how you can use EQ to make your snare drum fit perfectly and sound amazing in your mix. Making the snare work in the context of the mix is 90% of the battle.  Benedikt & Malcom go over these crucial points to make sure you get that killer snare sound:Understanding why EQ is crucial for achieving a balanced mix.Exploring how EQ can enhance the tone and character of your snare drum.Key considerations when EQing a snare drum.Techniques for addressing frequency imbalances and resonance problems.Using samples to augment your snare sound.  Tips for sculpting the snare drum sound to fit seamlessly into your mix.Choosing the right EQ plugins for the job. How the wrong snare sound can impact on other instruments in the mix. Phase issues. This isn't a case of just throwing techniques at you. This is helping you understand the why and the how, so you can apply these insights to your own mixes. So whether you're a seasoned producer or a self-recording musician looking to improve your snare drum recordings, this episode has something valuable to offer. Tune in and discover how you can take your snare drum sounds to the next level through the power of EQ.For full show notes go to: https://theselfrecordingband.com/178 If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com

Here are three next steps for you to take:1. Get our free video training & checklist, "Standout Mixes - The DIY Musician's Guide To Exciting Mixes That Stand Out And Connect":theselfrecordingband.com/standoutmixes-2. Apply for The Self-Recording Syndicate, our personalized coaching program!It all starts with a free first call where we talk about your music, give you feedback and a step-by-step action plan that you can then implement on your own, or together with us.Best case: We end up working together and completely transform the sound of your music forever.Worst case: You get an hour of free coaching and feedback.Sounds fair? Cool. Apply now and book your free coaching call:theselfrecordingband.com/call-3. Join the free Facebook Group ("The Self-Recording Band Community"):theselfrecordingband.com/community--Episode show notes:I sat down with Wayne Coulson, a producer, engineer and musician from England. Wayne primarily works with Indie Rock and Indie Pop artists and frequently releases his own music. He also joined the team here at theselfrecordingband.com in 2022, where he is editing and mixing our podcast, as well as creating content for our social media accounts and our coaching program.Ever since we first met in 2021, Wayne has significantly improved his audio skills and deepened his understanding of the entire process of creating records.  His growth has made him an indispensable asset to our work here.So it’s about time to introduce him to you and tell his story.He does everything himself: Writing, arranging, producing, engineering, performing (every instrument & vocal), editing, mixing, mastering.  Wayne is an amazingly talented musician. He plays guitar and releases indie/alt rock, as well as lofi/indie pop songs under his artist name "Glam Hock". So he knows both sides of the studio window very well and speaks the same language as the musicians he's working with. When he joined the Self-Recording Syndicate it was clear that he was very talented and passionate. But he also had some blind spots and was lacking good systems and processes to get truly amazing results consistently and with confidence.  He also wanted to start his studio business, get into creating content and find more artists to work with. After all, he wanted to make sure that he can keep doing this for a long time. Because he loves it. Wayne is a rather quiet, relaxed and very kind person, which makes working with him incredibly easy and enjoyable. But the passion he has for music and audio comes through in everything he says and does. And because Wayne is an action taker with a clear vision and dream, he immediately joined our coaching program after we had a conversation about it.  He wanted a new perspective, real pro tips from someone actively working in this industry, insights into how to run a studio, guidance and feedback, as well as a community of dedicated people to learn from. He offers a perfect package to bands and artists that are looking for a unique, dirty and vibey aesthetic and don't want to sound like everyone else.  Super stoked to share Wayne's story with you! Let's go! -Benedikt--For full show notes go to: https://theselfrecordingband.com/177 If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com

Here are three next steps for you to take:1. Get our free video training & checklist, "Standout Mixes - The DIY Musician's Guide To Exciting Mixes That Stand Out And Connect":theselfrecordingband.com/standoutmixes-2. Apply for The Self-Recording Syndicate, our personalized coaching program!It all starts with a free first call where we talk about your music, give you feedback and a step-by-step action plan that you can then implement on your own, or together with us.Best case: We end up working together and completely transform the sound of your music forever.Worst case: You get an hour of free coaching and feedback.Sounds fair? Cool. Apply now and book your free coaching call:theselfrecordingband.com/call-3. Join the free Facebook Group ("The Self-Recording Band Community"):theselfrecordingband.com/community--Episode show notes:Recording your live shows is a great idea for many reasons. It shows you the honest and brutal truth and the recordings can be used as great content in between your actual releases. But unfortunately, most bands do it in a less-than-ideal way. So let us help you out and show you a few proven approaches to capturing your live performances, so you can get exactly the results you want. When I was still doing live sound, artists would come to me all the time and ask:"Hey, can we just get the main outs from the board? We have this recorder/thumb drive/etc. and we'd love to capture our show tonight!"Not a good idea. At least in most cases. And on this episode we'll explain exactly why that is.And we'll show you better ways to record your shows.  There are a few different approaches that could work for you, depending on what you want and why you're recording your live show: GoPro / phone / cam Main outs from FOH mixerSeparate mix from FOH mixerMultitracks from FOH mixerA pair of mics / field recorderSplitter box/rack + laptop / recorder to grab XLRs direct on stage (great for personalized and self managed IEM mixes too!)We'll discuss all of those and more on the show and walk you through how to set it all up. After listening you'll know the pros and cons of each method and can pick the one that works for you.And finally, we're giving you a few extra pro tips to get the most out of these recordings and make them sound as exciting as your actual live shows:Adding audience micsAdding "recording only" micsWhy and how to keep the stage volume quietUsing multiple camera angles and what to watch out for in terms of video/audio syncMic technique (especially vocals)Gain staging / headroom Let's go! -Benedikt--For full show notes go to: https://theselfrecordingband.com/176 If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com

Here are three next steps for you to take:1. Get our free video training & checklist, "Standout Mixes - The DIY Musician's Guide To Exciting Mixes That Stand Out And Connect":theselfrecordingband.com/standoutmixes-2. Apply for The Self-Recording Syndicate, our personalized coaching program!It all starts with a free first call where we talk about your music, give you feedback and a step-by-step action plan that you can then implement on your own, or together with us.Best case: We end up working together and completely transform the sound of your music forever.Worst case: You get an hour of free coaching and feedback.Sounds fair? Cool. Apply now and book your free coaching call:theselfrecordingband.com/call-3. Join the free Facebook Group ("The Self-Recording Band Community"):theselfrecordingband.com/community--Episode show notes:Do you need more inputs or outputs but don't want to buy a new interface?Let us help you expand your current setup and save money! :) You might have heard about ADAT or SPDIF and maybe you've seen those ins and outs on your interface - here's why they exist and how to use them Many of us have started with a small interface that only has a few inputs and outputs. But what do we do if want to track live drums or give everyone in the band their own headphone mix?Time to get a bigger interface? Not necessarily. There might be a better and more affordable alternative. On this episode we show you how to add more ins and outs to your existing setup This is what we cover on the show:What ADAT and SPDIF are and how they workHow to know if your interface can be expanded and what it can actually handleWhich gear to get to expand your current interfaceThe benefits outside of just adding more channels (different preamps, additional sonic flavours, more advanced features, etc.)How to set it all upCommon pitfalls and what to watch out for Let's go! -Benedikt--For full show notes go to: https://theselfrecordingband.com/175 If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com

Here are three next steps for you to take:1. Get our free video training & checklist, "Standout Mixes - The DIY Musician's Guide To Exciting Mixes That Stand Out And Connect":theselfrecordingband.com/standoutmixes-2. Apply for The Self-Recording Syndicate, our personalized coaching program!It all starts with a free first call where we talk about your music, give you feedback and a step-by-step action plan that you can then implement on your own, or together with us.Best case: We end up working together and completely transform the sound of your music forever.Worst case: You get an hour of free coaching and feedback.Sounds fair? Cool. Apply now and book your free coaching call:theselfrecordingband.com/call-3. Join the free Facebook Group ("The Self-Recording Band Community"):theselfrecordingband.com/community--Episode show notes:Have you ever asked your mixing engineer to send you the finished, mixed multitracks? Or did you try and export every single track after mixing, so you can use them for backing tracks, remixes, etc.?Let's talk about which types of files you really need in the end. The one thing everyone needs is the final mix/master of their song. But what about stems, multitracks, etc.? What's the difference between those and what do I export or ask for when I want backing tracks for my live shows, for example? In this episode, we give you the answers: Let's define stems and multitracksWhat do you need for live backing tracks?What do you need for potential remixes / remasters / collaborations?Why it is not always possible to export multitracks and why it's usually a waste of time anyway.Why are my stems not exactly the same as the mix, when I combine them?Why it is a good idea to talk about all of this in advance, so your mixer knows which final files you'll need. Let's go! -Benedikt--For full show notes go to: https://theselfrecordingband.com/174 If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com

Here are three next steps for you to take:1. Get our free video training & checklist, "Standout Mixes - The DIY Musician's Guide To Exciting Mixes That Stand Out And Connect":theselfrecordingband.com/standoutmixes-2. Apply for The Self-Recording Syndicate, our personalized coaching program!It all starts with a free first call where we talk about your music, give you feedback and a step-by-step action plan that you can then implement on your own, or together with us.Best case: We end up working together and completely transform the sound of your music forever.Worst case: You get an hour of free coaching and feedback.Sounds fair? Cool. Apply now and book your free coaching call:theselfrecordingband.com/call-3. Join the free Facebook Group ("The Self-Recording Band Community"):theselfrecordingband.com/community--Episode show notes:I've built a page that offers simple explanations for the most common terms in audio, as well as all the common features and functions found on recording studio equipment. It is completely free, super awesome, and today we're gonna introduce it to you on the podcast.Making and recording music is about the art. About creativity. When you write or record, you want to be in the zone. You want to be in flow state.  And nothing is more distracting and annoying than having to google seemingly complicated terms, features or functions that you come across while you’re creating. So here's the resource to find your answers quickly and end the confusion. The good news is: Most of that stuff is not complicated at all and you don’t have to understand all the technical ins and outs of every piece of gear, in order to make or record a great song. And once you find out what the important terms mean, you don’t have to be afraid of making a mistake, anymore. You can finally focus on the art and what comes out of the speakers. Because ultimately, that’s all that matters. To know the right terms and their meaning also helps in situations where you collaborate and communicate with others. Because sometimes people say one thing and actually mean something completely different. We don't want that happening to you. So, to save you from that frustrating waste of time and energy, I’ve put together categorized lists with short, simple explanations of all those things. Boiled down to what really matters and already filtering out the stuff you don’t necessarily need to know to get started. On this episode we'll explain some of the most confusing, important and common audio terms. And then you can look up the rest on this page when you need to. Let's go! -Benedikt--For full show notes go to: https://theselfrecordingband.com/173 If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com

Here are three next steps for you to take:1. Get our free video training & checklist, "Standout Mixes - The DIY Musician's Guide To Exciting Mixes That Stand Out And Connect":theselfrecordingband.com/standoutmixes-2. Apply for The Self-Recording Syndicate, our personalized coaching program!It all starts with a free first call where we talk about your music, give you feedback and a step-by-step action plan that you can then implement on your own, or together with us.Best case: We end up working together and completely transform the sound of your music forever.Worst case: You get an hour of free coaching and feedback.Sounds fair? Cool. Apply now and book your free coaching call:theselfrecordingband.com/call-3. Join the free Facebook Group ("The Self-Recording Band Community"):theselfrecordingband.com/community--Episode show notes:I just finished Rick Rubin's book "The Creative Act". A fascinating and very inspiring read that made me want to talk about it on the podcast because there are so many interesting things to discuss and unpack in what he says.In this episode, I want to highlight one specific, very important concept that is at the heart of the book. In "The Creative Act", Rubin discusses the phases of any creative project, which he calls the Seed phase, the Experimentation phase, the Craft phase, and the Completion phase. From working with so many artists, I know that many people find it hard to "plan" art. To follow a process and to be intentional. I always ask people to tell me why they are making a record, what they want it to sound and feel like, what they are trying to achieve and how they are going to make that happen.But it's important to understand that not every part of making a record has to be planned. Not every decision needs a "why" behind it, especially not in the early phases. I realized that the way I used to explain and teach it can easily be misunderstood, so "The Creative Act" provides a perfect opportunity to make this more clear and straightforward. At every stage of the record-making process there's a bit of both creation and craft involved, so let's have a look at that. The writing never stops. As artists, we are constantly inspired by things happening around us, our emotions, stories we hear, people we meet, things we go through, etc. Just observe, pay attention and capture (the seed) Then we take these notes and develop them into drafts. No rules. No limitations. No plan. We create what we feel like creating and let our intuition and inspiration guide us. Whatever comes out becomes the art. Some things will be good, others not so much. We just keep creating and experimenting. If we separate the craft and creation, we can show up to do either or, focus on the task at hand and will get the most out of both, instead of constantly doing it all at the same time. Let's discuss! -Benedikt --For full show notes go to: https://theselfrecordingband.com/172 If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com

Here are three next steps for you to take:1. Get our free video training & checklist, "Standout Mixes - The DIY Musician's Guide To Exciting Mixes That Stand Out And Connect":theselfrecordingband.com/standoutmixes-2. Apply for The Self-Recording Syndicate, our personalized coaching program!It all starts with a free first call where we talk about your music, give you feedback and a step-by-step action plan that you can then implement on your own, or together with us.Best case: We end up working together and completely transform the sound of your music forever.Worst case: You get an hour of free coaching and feedback.Sounds fair? Cool. Apply now and book your free coaching call:theselfrecordingband.com/call-3. Join the free Facebook Group ("The Self-Recording Band Community"):theselfrecordingband.com/community--Episode show notes:I sat down with Flo Reithofer, a producer, engineer and musician from Austria. He was one of the first people to join the Self-Recording Syndicate and I've been working with him for about a year and a half now, helping him refine his audio skills, as well as grow his studio business.During that time Flo has not only worked on many projects with different bands and artists, but he also produced two songs completely from scratch. He did everything himself: Writing, arranging, producing, engineering, performing (every instrument & vocal), editing, mixing, mastering.  Flo is a true multi-instrumentalist and still plays drums for different bands. So he knows both sides of the studio window very well and speaks the same language as the musicians he's working with.Since joining the program, Flo has always been open for new ideas and new things to try, produced super exciting records for the artists he's working with and got more projects for his studio.He has improved the acoustics in his live room, optimized his recording and mixing rigs, created a better workflow for himself and now produces and mixes with much more confidence, compared to just a few months ago. And his artists are loving the results he gets them! His skillset and network lets him offer a perfect package to bands and artists that are looking for an energetic and raw production aesthetic that still sounds modern and punchy, but always in a very authentic way and true to the artist's vision.  Super stoked to share Flo's story with you! Let's go! -Benedikt--For full show notes go to: https://theselfrecordingband.com/171 If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com

Here are three next steps for you to take:1. Get our free video training & checklist, "Standout Mixes - The DIY Musician's Guide To Exciting Mixes That Stand Out And Connect":theselfrecordingband.com/standoutmixes-2. Apply for The Self-Recording Syndicate, our personalized coaching program!It all starts with a free first call where we talk about your music, give you feedback and a step-by-step action plan that you can then implement on your own, or together with us.Best case: We end up working together and completely transform the sound of your music forever.Worst case: You get an hour of free coaching and feedback.Sounds fair? Cool. Apply now and book your free coaching call:theselfrecordingband.com/call-3. Join the free Facebook Group ("The Self-Recording Band Community"):theselfrecordingband.com/community--Episode show notes:I sat down with Clint & Robin, two amazingly talented producers, engineers and musicians from Hamburg, Germany. I've been working with them for about a year now, helping them refine their audio skills and guiding them through the process of starting their own studio.During that time I was constantly blown away by the conversations we had on our coaching calls and the music they submitted for feedback.  When they joined the Self-Recording Syndicate it was clear that they were very talented, but they were also lacking focus, systems and a reliable process to get amazing results consistently and with confidence.  So they took it seriously, put in the work, were always open for new ideas and things to try, produced super exciting records and started getting their first paid projects in their studio, Roobey Records. They have built out their studio rigs, created processes and a better workflow for themselves and feel so much more confident about their work now, compared to just a few months ago. Clint & Robin both also play in Snakes In The Pit, a hardcore band from Hamburg, and Clint is an experienced touring drummer. His credits include playing drums for ZSK (a huge German punk band) on their tour with Rise Against. Their combined skillset and network lets them offer a perfect package to bands and artists that are looking for a big, modern and polished production aesthetic, while still sounding like a real band. Super stoked to share Robin's and Clint's story with you! Let's go! -Benedikt--For full show notes go to: https://theselfrecordingband.com/170 If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com

Here are three next steps for you to take:1. Get our free video training & checklist, "Standout Mixes - The DIY Musician's Guide To Exciting Mixes That Stand Out And Connect":theselfrecordingband.com/standoutmixes-2. Apply for The Self-Recording Syndicate, our personalized coaching program!It all starts with a free first call where we talk about your music, give you feedback and a step-by-step action plan that you can then implement on your own, or together with us.Best case: We end up working together and completely transform the sound of your music forever.Worst case: You get an hour of free coaching and feedback.Sounds fair? Cool. Apply now and book your free coaching call:theselfrecordingband.com/call-3. Join the free Facebook Group ("The Self-Recording Band Community"):theselfrecordingband.com/community--Episode show notes:Listen to this episode if you want to know what's keeping your recordings from sounding professional.Here's what we cover in this episode:·      We debunk some common myths around music production and around the modern tools used to enhance performances·      We show you a solution that will help you speed up your music creation process significantly·      We introduce a system that helps you get professional sounding results with confidence and without killing the vibe There's no need to write out more detailed show notes for today's episode, because it's all there for you on this page: theselfrecordingband.com/deadondrums Let's go! -Benedikt--For full show notes go to: https://theselfrecordingband.com/169 If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com