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:In failing to prepare you are preparing to fail. Or at least in this context, you are likely gonna give yourself a few problems.  Going into a recording studio that you've never used before can be a daunting and maybe even confusing prospect.  It'd be nice if all producers had the same workflow and routing setup that you use in the recording studio, but sadly this aint the case.   Who knows what the producer that used the recording studio before you was thinking? Only them, that's who.  If an unconventional, un-labelled routing setup has been used and you're walking in there for the first time with the talent hoping to record, things could get pretty confusing and pretty exhausting, pretty fast.  Benedikt and Malcom dealt with this situation like a couple of champs recently which was the inspiration behind this episode.  There are a few things you can do beforehand that will ensure that you're not faced with a day of routing before even thinking about pressing the record button.  Remember, in the recording studio, time is money and this episode will save you some $$$ and blushes if you follow the approach these two pros take when entering a new recording studio for the first time.  Let's dive in!--For full show notes go to: https://theselfrecordingband.com/198If 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:As producers, deep down, if we're honest with ourselves and I mean completely honest, we'd all love to be using analogue gear, am I right?Well, your man Martin Zobel used to work exclusively in the box. Using plugins was the only thing he knew.  But Martin had an itch that needed satisfying. He wanted to use analogue gear, but didn't have the thousands of $$$ necessary to get in to this world.  So one day Martin had an idea… "What if I build my own compressor?" The only barrier was in his head. Building your own gear is a daunting task, but he persevered. Following schematics and asking the right people for advice, he soon discovered that it's as easy as painting by numbers.  Jump forward to today and Martin is the man behind Analog Vibes. A platform that gives you everything you need to build your own hardware, at an affordable price.  "Analog Vibes is about enabling and empowerment."  - Martin Zobel Martin talks to Benedikt and Malcom about what models are hot right now, how anybody can safely build their own hardware and how sometimes literal crossed wires can lead to a happy accident.  Also, let it be noted that Benedikt (having never built his own hardware before) has challenged himself to build a hardware unit from scratch in 2024.  Let's hold him to it.  Wave your soldering irons in the air (safely) and let's welcome Martin Zobel.--For full show notes go to: https://theselfrecordingband.com/197If 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:It’s Jaycen Joshua. Hands down one of the hottest mix engineers in the industry right now. Benny and Malcom chat with Jaycen Joshua on the Studioszene Sofa.  Jaycen has worked with Beyonce, Justin Bieber, Miley Cyrus, Michael Jackson… the list goes on and on. Jaycen talks in detail about how the higher status jobs often equal higher stakes and higher pressure. But he never lets this tame his approach, he takes risks when mixing no matter how much pressure he’s feeling. He talks about sometimes being brutally honest with clients when he suspects that demoitis may be playing a part in the artist's love for the shitty sounding demo track.  How many revisions do you think Jaycen gets on average for his mixes? Here’s a clue. It’s a lot.  The number one technique that Jaycen uses and absolutely couldn’t work without? Sidechain compression. This and his plugin The God Particle are an essential part of his template.  Ladies and Gentlemen, Jaycen Joshua. 👏👏👏 --For full show notes go to: https://theselfrecordingband.com/196If 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:What an episode we’ve got for you this week. Benny & Malcom sit down on the Studioszene Sofa with Ady Parzentny  . Ady Parzentny  travels the world, helping locals and displaced people make and record music with his business Hit The Road Music Studio. About 5 years ago, Ady started out by travelling around in a van with a basic studio setup. Supporting local artists by helping them record their tracks and even making music videos. Visiting places like Morrocco, Albania and Greece has taught Ady that music is the gateway into a place’s culture.  Ady’s work also extends to helping bring some normality back to the lives of the displaced people he works with at refugee camps.   Welcomed wherever he goes, Ady talks about how the generosity of communities has made this possible. We hear fascinating insights from Ady about how the most expensive mics are not suitable for recording out in the wild, working on a very tight budget and pigeon problems. Let’s hear Ady’s journey and help spread the joy. --For full show notes go to: https://theselfrecordingband.com/195If 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:Chris Yetter, the owner of Audioscape joins Benedikt & Malcom in the second of our series of interviews from Studioszene 2023.Chris and his team at Audioscape hand make analogue hardware without compromising on anything. Astonishingly with an extremely affordable price-tag.   The guys discuss what to listen for when choosing your hardware and how no two units will ever sound exactly same.  Audioscape know that there are minute differences in sound from model to model and celebrate the fact that this is what helps create your own unique sound.   Chris touches on the riddle that has troubled humankind for millenia… "Plugins or Hardware?" The answer might surprise you.  Two faders you can touch and move with your hands simultaneously might not sound like much, but this level of control that you don't get with a plugin can completely change the way you work.  Chris also shares with us a few details about an Audioscape reverb plugin that they're working on.   "A hardware company releasing a plugin? Are Audioscape outside of their minds?" I hear you ask. Nope. It's going to be incredible.  Enjoy.  --For full show notes go to: https://theselfrecordingband.com/194If 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 is the first of our live interviews from Studioszene 2023 in Hamburg. This week, Malcom & Benedikt are chatting with legendary producer and educator Warren Huart. (Produce Like A Pro)Warren  has worked with Aerosmith, The Fray,  Ramones... to name but a few. He was one of the highlights of Studioszene 2023 where he hosted a masterclass.  Warren shares with us details about how he went from musician to producer to educator and how he eventually ended up laying his hat in the USA. Building a career as a producer these days isn't a linear path and Warren discusses how doing a bit of everything is the norm now.  He talks about mastering and how it shouldn't be the stage at which things are fixed. He also answers some questions from the audience regarding analogue desks and polishing 💩💩💩 Warren has new book out >>>>>>>>> Home Studio Recording: The Complete Guide You'll be hard pushed not to take something valuable from this interview with arguably the most passionate man in the industry. Ladies & Gentlemen... Mr. Warren Huart. Marvellous. --For full show notes go to: https://theselfrecordingband.com/193If 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:Benedikt & Malcom further explore the common mistakes that self-recording artists are making in this continuation of last week’s episode. They see a lot of re-occurring errors when working with self-recording artists. So they made these episodes so that you don't have to make these same mistakes. Everybody makes mistakes and if you find that you have made some of these mistakes, go easy on yourself. We all have at some point! Hopefully though, by listening to this episode, you can prevent any future mishaps.  So here is our list of recent home recording mistakes that we're discussing on the show: ·         Songs lacking layered vocals·         Creating tight and harmonious vocal layers·         Arranging your songs in an efficient way. ie: intentionally placing doubles & harmonies in places that serve the song·         Comping on the fly·         Drum comping·         Creating seamless overdubs by punching in/out·         Why it’s not a good idea to send just the MIDI files or DI tracks to your mixing engineer So, let’s put the learning van into 6th gear and hurtle down the highway of knowledge, with the windows down. (aka let’s listen to this week’s episode) 😊--For full show notes go to: https://theselfrecordingband.com/192 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:Benedikt & Malcom notice a fair amount of mistakes that home recording artists are making. With a little know-how and experience, these mistakes are entirely preventable.The guys admit to having made these mistakes themselves in the past, and now, through their experience, you and other home recording artists don't have to. The first topic covered this week is recording overheads. Arguably the most important layer of recording a full kit. If your overheads aren't sounding good, your whole drum sound is gonna sound off. "Overheads should generally sound like a really great drumkit just by themselves" - Malcom Owen-FloodThere are several things home recording artists need to watch out for when  recording overheads. Things that can be easily overlooked leading to phase issues and an unbalanced stereo image.Also covered is clipping. Home recording artists are sometimes unaware that they are clipping but it's not as straightforward as just watching for the meter in your DAW turning red. This is the first of a two-parter, so buckle up and let's get up to date with what's going wrong in the world of home recording. --For full show notes go to: https://theselfrecordingband.com/191If 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 yourself this question while recording or mixing? What is your song about? How is it supposed to feel? How did you come up with it?  These are important questions to ask yourself. And if you find the answer to it, it might transform your mixes and productions. We’ve received a lot of messages lately from people who are saying things like:"My demos sound cool, but when I'm done mixing, I feel like something got lost along the way"Or…"I know exactly what I want my music to sound like, but I can't seem to make it come out of the speakers."This is a common problem among Self Recording artists and Malcom & Benedikt take a more philosophical approach rather than a technical approach to this topic.  This isn’t something that can be fixed by adjusting a plugin setting. This is a mindset thing. We’ve heard many songs lately that have incredibly dense arrangements. It's like people are feeling the need to add a lot of stuff to their songs to make them sound exciting and big. While that can be a good idea sometimes, it’s often not the best approach. You may actually be taking away from your song by continually adding new elements.So let’s jump in to this weeks episode and find out exactly why your demo is currently sounding better than your final recordings.--For full show notes go to: https://theselfrecordingband.com/190If 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:A very special episode this week ladies & gentlemen, as Benedikt welcomes the one and only Warren Huart. Warren is a seasoned multi-platinum producer having worked with artists such as Aerosmith, Ace Frehley, The Fray, Ramones, James Blunt, Colbie Caillat… to name but a few.  He is the founder of the highly popular Youtube Channel “Produce Like A Pro” and a mentor on the educational platform “Pro Mix Academy”.  Check out Warren’s new book “Home Studio Recording”. If you’re looking to sharpen your knowledge as a producer then it’s targeted specifically at you.  You can catch Warren at Studioszene Event - Hamburg 2023 -- (Book Tickets Here) -- where he will be running a masterclass session.  Warren shares some little known facts about his time as a DJ and how his love of electronic music drew him to Berlin in the late 80s, before becoming a full time producer.    Naturally, a producer with so much experience has some priceless advice to offer for self recording artists.  "Work fast! If you’re working fast, you get the idea and the inspiration down. That’s more important than anything else."   Warren covers a range of topics, including how he keeps his guitar skills sharp, how a broad taste in music has helped him as a producer and what sort of impact AI generated music will have on the music industry. So let’s jump in and see how “marvelously well”  Warren is doing today. --For full show notes go to: https://theselfrecordingband.com/189 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: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