Here are the 100 top songs of 08- according to Billboard
# Title Artist
1 LOW Flo Rida Featuring T-Pain
2 BLEEDING LOVE Leona Lewis
3 NO ONE Alicia Keys
4 LOLLIPOP Lil Wayne Featuring Static Major
5 APOLOGIZE Timbaland Featuring OneRepublic
6 NO AIR Jordin Sparks Duet With Chris Brown
7 LOVE SONG Sara Bareilles
8 LOVE IN THIS CLUB Usher Featuring Young Jeezy
9 WITH YOU Chris Brown
10 FOREVER Chris Brown
11 SEXY CAN I Ray J & Yung Berg
12 TAKE A BOW Rihanna
13 VIVA LA VIDA Coldplay
14 I KISSED A GIRL Katy Perry
15 WHATEVER YOU LIKE T.I.
16 DISTURBIA Rihanna
17 DON’T STOP THE MUSIC Rihanna
18 POCKETFUL OF SUNSHINE Natasha Bedingfield
19 KISS KISS Chris Brown Featuring T-Pain
20 CLOSER Ne-Yo
21 BUBBLY Colbie Caillat
22 TOUCH MY BODY Mariah Carey
23 4 MINUTES Madonna Featuring Justin Timberlake
24 SO WHAT Pink
25 PARALYZER Finger Eleven
26 CLUMSY Fergie
27 I’M YOURS Jason Mraz
28 LEAVIN’ Jesse McCartney
29 DANGEROUS Kardinal Offishall Featuring Akon
30 TATTOO Jordin Sparks
31 SEE YOU AGAIN Miley Cyrus
32 SHAKE IT Metro Station
33 STOP AND STARE OneRepublic
34 TAKE YOU THERE Sean Kingston
35 PAPER PLANES M.I.A.
36 HOT N COLD Katy Perry
37 LIVE YOUR LIFE T.I. Featuring Rihanna
38 BUST IT BABY PART 2 Plies Featuring Ne-Yo
39 AMERICAN BOY Estelle Featuring Kanye West
40 GOT MONEY Lil Wayne Featuring T-Pain
41 OUR SONG Taylor Swift
42 DAMAGED Danity Kane
43 A MILLI Lil Wayne
44 SORRY Buckcherry
45 INDEPENDENT Webbie Featuring Lil’ Phat & Lil’ Boosie
46 CAN’T BELIEVE IT T-Pain Featuring Lil Wayne
47 LIKE YOU’LL NEVER SEE ME AGAIN Alicia Keys
48 TEARDROPS ON MY GUITAR Taylor Swift
49 WHEN I GROW UP The Pussycat Dolls
50 SENSUAL SEDUCTION Snoop Dogg
51 WHAT YOU GOT Colby O’Donis Featuring Akon
52 IT’S NOT MY TIME 3 Doors Down
53 BETTER IN TIME Leona Lewis
54 CRANK THAT (SOULJA BOY) Soulja Boy Tell’em
55 SHADOW OF THE DAY Linkin Park
56 SWEETEST GIRL (DOLLAR BILL) Wyclef Jean Featuring Akon, Lil Wayne & Niia
57 MISS INDEPENDENT Ne-Yo
58 FALL FOR YOU Secondhand Serenade
59 IN THE AYER Flo Rida Featuring will.i.am
60 SAY John Mayer
61 ONE STEP AT A TIME Jordin Sparks
62 HATE THAT I LOVE YOU Rihanna Featuring Ne-Yo
63 SUPERSTAR Lupe Fiasco Featuring Matthew Santos
64 SUFFOCATE J. Holiday
65 LET IT ROCK Kevin Rudolf Featuring Lil Wayne
66 GET LIKE ME David Banner Featuring Chris Brown
67 REALIZE Colbie Caillat
68 PUT ON Young Jeezy Featuring Kanye West
69 THE TIME OF MY LIFE David Cook
70 LOLLI LOLLI (POP THAT BODY) Three 6 Mafia Featuring Project Pat, Young D & Superpower
71 CYCLONE Baby Bash Featuring T-Pain
72 LOVE LIKE THIS Natasha Bedingfield Featuring Sean Kingston
73 BURNIN’ UP Jonas Brothers
74 LOVE LOCKDOWN Kanye West
75 I LUV YOUR GIRL The-Dream
76 CRUSH David Archuleta
77 HYPNOTIZED Plies Featuring Akon
78 BIG GIRLS DON’T CRY Fergie
79 GOOD LIFE Kanye West Featuring T-Pain
80 WOMANIZER Britney Spears
81 LOVE STORY Taylor Swift
82 JUST FINE Mary J. Blige
83 PIECE OF ME Britney Spears
84 THE BOSS Rick Ross Featuring T-Pain
85 ALL SUMMER LONG Kid Rock
86 CAN’T HELP BUT WAIT Trey Songz
87 IN LOVE WITH A GIRL Gavin DeGraw
88 MY LIFE The Game Featuring Lil Wayne
89 I REMEMBER Keyshia Cole
90 FLASHING LIGHTS Kanye West Featuring Dwele
91 MRS. OFFICER Lil Wayne Featuring Bobby Valentino & Kidd Kidd
92 7 THINGS Miley Cyrus
93 YOU’RE GONNA MISS THIS Trace Adkins
94 LOVE REMAINS THE SAME Gavin Rossdale
95 FEELS LIKE TONIGHT Daughtry
96 THE WAY I ARE Timbaland Featuring Keri Hilson
97 ADDICTED Saving Abel
98 INTO THE NIGHT Santana Featuring Chad Kroeger
99 HEAVEN SENT Keyshia Cole
100 SHE GOT IT 2 Pistols Featuring T-Pain & Tay Dizm
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Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Friday, November 27, 2009
10 Tips to a Better Song
If you are getting ready to step into a studio to record, make sure that you start thinking before you ever put foot close to the microphone. While recording has allowed for new wonders and expectations to be met with music, there is still the need to do some old fashioned needs to make sure that your songs are worth the extra track. Following are ten tips that you can remember to make sure you have the arrangement correct before you begin recording.
1.Balance. Is your instrumentation balanced? You should have an even amount of ranges, from low to high. If you have too much of one and not enough of another, your recording might not sound so great.
2.Harmonies. You want to make sure that there is some good support going into the melody of your song. Without the right harmonies, or alternative sounds to the melody, it will sound like your song is missing a piece of the puzzle.
3.Musical arrangement. This is based completely around the ability to organize the instrumentation in the song. Not only should it be balanced, but it should also include contrasts and similarities in how the music follows what you are trying to say. If you are stuck with creating instrumentation that fits, get into some basic theory concepts to assist you.
4.Spacing. More important than all of the melodies and harmonies, is the room that you put in between each. This means that you don't want to rush through your song and you don't want to take too much time. Make sure that you give some breaks with melodies and change up the harmonies enough to keep it interesting and moving correctly.
5.Tempo. Often times, it is assumed that there is a specific tempo and that is it. However, you want to make sure that your tempos are defined and everyone follows them without missing a beat. Once you get into the studio, you don't want anything to be off by a second, as it will cause the recording to become difficult to lay down.
6.Form. The easiest way for a listener to relate to your song from the beginning is to have the right form. If you are focused on lyrics, this will be the hook that is used during the chorus. If you are experimenting with form, make sure there is always a place in the music that goes back and keeps the attention of the listener so that they can relate to the music.
7.Variety. One of the overlooked parts of arranging is the variety that is in the song. This means that, even though you are repeating choruses or verses, make sure that you have some different movement or instrumentation in your recording.
8.Movement. The movement of the song goes beyond the tempo and into the extra small things that you do with a recording. This is what will make or break a song. Things such as louds and softs, ornamentation and other small add ons will help to move the song in the right way.
9.Consistency. Along with the variety of the song should be a certain consistency that lets the song fit together. This partly is related to the form of the song and also links to things such as tying the song together with the right lyrics and musical concepts. Within each of these areas, you can have some variation, but make sure that the frame work allows the listener to follow what you are doing.
10.Creativity. Of course, this should never be left behind. All too often are musical ideas that are heard that are close to what was heard before. The first rule to a good song is always to let yourself go, follow your creativity and to let the rest fall into place.
With these simple tricks are ways that you can improve your song and get it recording ready. From this, you will be able to make sure that your songs and pieces are polished, stand out from the crowd and get your voice heard among other musicians.
1.Balance. Is your instrumentation balanced? You should have an even amount of ranges, from low to high. If you have too much of one and not enough of another, your recording might not sound so great.
2.Harmonies. You want to make sure that there is some good support going into the melody of your song. Without the right harmonies, or alternative sounds to the melody, it will sound like your song is missing a piece of the puzzle.
3.Musical arrangement. This is based completely around the ability to organize the instrumentation in the song. Not only should it be balanced, but it should also include contrasts and similarities in how the music follows what you are trying to say. If you are stuck with creating instrumentation that fits, get into some basic theory concepts to assist you.
4.Spacing. More important than all of the melodies and harmonies, is the room that you put in between each. This means that you don't want to rush through your song and you don't want to take too much time. Make sure that you give some breaks with melodies and change up the harmonies enough to keep it interesting and moving correctly.
5.Tempo. Often times, it is assumed that there is a specific tempo and that is it. However, you want to make sure that your tempos are defined and everyone follows them without missing a beat. Once you get into the studio, you don't want anything to be off by a second, as it will cause the recording to become difficult to lay down.
6.Form. The easiest way for a listener to relate to your song from the beginning is to have the right form. If you are focused on lyrics, this will be the hook that is used during the chorus. If you are experimenting with form, make sure there is always a place in the music that goes back and keeps the attention of the listener so that they can relate to the music.
7.Variety. One of the overlooked parts of arranging is the variety that is in the song. This means that, even though you are repeating choruses or verses, make sure that you have some different movement or instrumentation in your recording.
8.Movement. The movement of the song goes beyond the tempo and into the extra small things that you do with a recording. This is what will make or break a song. Things such as louds and softs, ornamentation and other small add ons will help to move the song in the right way.
9.Consistency. Along with the variety of the song should be a certain consistency that lets the song fit together. This partly is related to the form of the song and also links to things such as tying the song together with the right lyrics and musical concepts. Within each of these areas, you can have some variation, but make sure that the frame work allows the listener to follow what you are doing.
10.Creativity. Of course, this should never be left behind. All too often are musical ideas that are heard that are close to what was heard before. The first rule to a good song is always to let yourself go, follow your creativity and to let the rest fall into place.
With these simple tricks are ways that you can improve your song and get it recording ready. From this, you will be able to make sure that your songs and pieces are polished, stand out from the crowd and get your voice heard among other musicians.
A Wave File Is A Wave File
Software products, theories and preferences within the recording industry have taken over the best to the worst options in what to use in order to get the perfect CD. Recording engineers and specialists always spend their time thinking about the best way to mix and master a wave file and the way to really get the job done. However, the need to have specific measurements for different software and hardware is one that is not necessarily important.
No matter what you record with, the brand that you use or the software that is a part of your studio, there is only one general rule that you need to remember. That is that a wave file is just a wave file. The sound that goes into the computer from your instrument will always be that same wave file, no matter what you try to use, change or create to make it the perfect wave file.
This means that the software that you use, the way that you plug in your information for recording and the type of instruments you use will all lead to the same thing. The sound wave. No matter how many theories or ideas cross over into what the 'best' is, it always comes back to this one general term. This is important not only to not become overwhelmed by the amount of information available, but also to recognize that the entire process of recording is based around this one concept and how you can use it the best.
What one should be looking at in terms of the wave files is what can be done in order to create the best sound. You want your mixing and mastering to lead you to the sound that fits you as being a unique and creative sound. You also want it to keep a certain level of control with volume as well as clarity. With every step in the mixing and mastering process, this is what should be in mind first, not necessarily what you go through to get it there.
Beyond this, your rule of thumb should be how to make the wave files to perform at their best. This relates to taking care of the peaks and the low points so that it sounds in a way that is best suited to whatever format you are putting it in, as well as the abilities to create a complete sound to the ear.
The reason why these should have priority is because it is the demonstration of the wave file to the ear that becomes the most important thing in the end. If you can remember this as your end goal with the recording, you can go through whatever is needed in order to make the correct associations with the songs that you are playing.
The importance of the wave file is that it is your communication of music. Because of this, you want to make sure that you use the correct tools and the ones that are best suited to what you need. This isn't something that needs to be associated with the instrumentation, software or amount of things that you have in your studio. If you know how to use a wave file and how to create the best sound, than you are on your way to making a professional CD.
No matter what you record with, the brand that you use or the software that is a part of your studio, there is only one general rule that you need to remember. That is that a wave file is just a wave file. The sound that goes into the computer from your instrument will always be that same wave file, no matter what you try to use, change or create to make it the perfect wave file.
This means that the software that you use, the way that you plug in your information for recording and the type of instruments you use will all lead to the same thing. The sound wave. No matter how many theories or ideas cross over into what the 'best' is, it always comes back to this one general term. This is important not only to not become overwhelmed by the amount of information available, but also to recognize that the entire process of recording is based around this one concept and how you can use it the best.
What one should be looking at in terms of the wave files is what can be done in order to create the best sound. You want your mixing and mastering to lead you to the sound that fits you as being a unique and creative sound. You also want it to keep a certain level of control with volume as well as clarity. With every step in the mixing and mastering process, this is what should be in mind first, not necessarily what you go through to get it there.
Beyond this, your rule of thumb should be how to make the wave files to perform at their best. This relates to taking care of the peaks and the low points so that it sounds in a way that is best suited to whatever format you are putting it in, as well as the abilities to create a complete sound to the ear.
The reason why these should have priority is because it is the demonstration of the wave file to the ear that becomes the most important thing in the end. If you can remember this as your end goal with the recording, you can go through whatever is needed in order to make the correct associations with the songs that you are playing.
The importance of the wave file is that it is your communication of music. Because of this, you want to make sure that you use the correct tools and the ones that are best suited to what you need. This isn't something that needs to be associated with the instrumentation, software or amount of things that you have in your studio. If you know how to use a wave file and how to create the best sound, than you are on your way to making a professional CD.
Choosing Your Mixing Board
The realizations that have grown in the studio for mixing are ones that have also led to new applications and ideas for putting together the right mix of instruments. With this, has come a variety of technologies and options in order to ensure that every type of studio can easily change sound waves within the recording area. These options are allowing for better mixes and blends within each piece of music. Knowing the characteristics of different mixing boards can help you to decide what is your best option.
Number of input devices. Each mixing board comes with a set of number of channels. Each of these channels will allow for one instrument to be placed within the mixing board. You may have heard of concepts like the '24 mixer' or '36 mixer'. The numbers that are being referred to are the channels used, each one allowing for an instrument to be in it's place. Before you get a mixing board, you will want to think of how many channels you will need at one time, dependent on how many instruments you want or need to record at once.
Different uses for different environments. There are different innovations that are used for different areas of mixing. Because a sound board has to be able to adapt to both the software for recording and for the mix of instruments, different types of mixers will be available. Some of these will be focused on performance mixing while others will be strictly for the studio. You can determine which is being used according to the level control features and the way in which the sound board is built.
Analog or Digital. Technology innovations with mixers are constantly re-defining the best and latest types of mixers to use within recording. This has quickly made a transition from analog to digital mixers. Analog mixers are defined by wired controls that mix in changes and live sounds. Digital mixers; however, will use a digital interface in between. Typically, the mixing difference can be heard in the sound as well as the options for mixing. Because digital is using later technology, it is now moving into innovations such as audio streams, all in one editing options and more possibilities for controlling volume and input of the sound being used.
Extra effects. No matter what type of mixer you are looking into, you always want to pay attention to the little knobs that are a part of the mix. Depending on the mix and make of the sound board, you will also have different signal options as well as volume control options, dependent on the mixer. The more complex you want to make the mix, or the more instrumentation you have, will also help you to decide on what effects you want to take place in the mix and before the sound recording. You should keep in mind that, with these effects, they can not be undone if they are recorded that way as sound waves, meaning you will want to be cognizant of what is working and what doesn't in the mix.
Interactions with software. Your mixing board not only provides you with options for pre-recording, but also should have options with how it interacts with the software. Not only does each mixing board have different features within the board itself, but can also interact with the software in certain ways in order to mix together the sound waves in a certain way. You will want to make sure that you have a mixing board that compliments your software system.
If you keep these things in mind with the right mixing board, it will save you time, money and will allow for the right sound to be developed from what you are creating. Your end option will be the ability to customize your sound and to create certain controls within your music that best fit what you want to do. By understanding the different qualities of mixing boards and how they can work for you, there will be the ability to have the perfect recipe for your instrumentation mix.
Number of input devices. Each mixing board comes with a set of number of channels. Each of these channels will allow for one instrument to be placed within the mixing board. You may have heard of concepts like the '24 mixer' or '36 mixer'. The numbers that are being referred to are the channels used, each one allowing for an instrument to be in it's place. Before you get a mixing board, you will want to think of how many channels you will need at one time, dependent on how many instruments you want or need to record at once.
Different uses for different environments. There are different innovations that are used for different areas of mixing. Because a sound board has to be able to adapt to both the software for recording and for the mix of instruments, different types of mixers will be available. Some of these will be focused on performance mixing while others will be strictly for the studio. You can determine which is being used according to the level control features and the way in which the sound board is built.
Analog or Digital. Technology innovations with mixers are constantly re-defining the best and latest types of mixers to use within recording. This has quickly made a transition from analog to digital mixers. Analog mixers are defined by wired controls that mix in changes and live sounds. Digital mixers; however, will use a digital interface in between. Typically, the mixing difference can be heard in the sound as well as the options for mixing. Because digital is using later technology, it is now moving into innovations such as audio streams, all in one editing options and more possibilities for controlling volume and input of the sound being used.
Extra effects. No matter what type of mixer you are looking into, you always want to pay attention to the little knobs that are a part of the mix. Depending on the mix and make of the sound board, you will also have different signal options as well as volume control options, dependent on the mixer. The more complex you want to make the mix, or the more instrumentation you have, will also help you to decide on what effects you want to take place in the mix and before the sound recording. You should keep in mind that, with these effects, they can not be undone if they are recorded that way as sound waves, meaning you will want to be cognizant of what is working and what doesn't in the mix.
Interactions with software. Your mixing board not only provides you with options for pre-recording, but also should have options with how it interacts with the software. Not only does each mixing board have different features within the board itself, but can also interact with the software in certain ways in order to mix together the sound waves in a certain way. You will want to make sure that you have a mixing board that compliments your software system.
If you keep these things in mind with the right mixing board, it will save you time, money and will allow for the right sound to be developed from what you are creating. Your end option will be the ability to customize your sound and to create certain controls within your music that best fit what you want to do. By understanding the different qualities of mixing boards and how they can work for you, there will be the ability to have the perfect recipe for your instrumentation mix.
Defining Signals for Sound
In recording, there are a variety of ways to capture the sounds that you want and to filter out the ones that you don't want. These are all done through the capacities of equipment parts known as signal processors. Typically, signal processors will be used during the pre-mixing and mixing stage as well as the set up of instruments. They are also used as a combination of defining what the instruments need to turn into a wave and what the mixing can do to make the instruments sound at their best. Following are some basic signal processors you should know.
Equalization. This is also known as EQs and is used in a variety of places of the recording process. The main part of this is to create a balance between the ranges that are within each instrument, from the low to the mid and high ranges. Equalization processors can be found in mixing boards as balance knobs as well as specialized functions in different types of software.
Filters. This is done to take out the extra sounds that don't fit into the song. For example, if you have a buzz or white noise that you can't get out physically, you can filter the sound and allow for only the clarity to come through. This is done by isolating the wave and recalculating the wave instead of the noise underneath.
Reverberation. This is an effect that is used after the instruments are recorded into the software. Reverb allows for the resonance that would be heard in a natural setting to be implemented into the song. This type of setting works best for sounds that are already clear and need an extra effect to them.
Delay. This is the echo effect of signal processors. Delays come in a variety of formats, ranging from changing the room to a larger room to an echo effect that stops the sound from occurring by milliseconds. Depending on the technique and sound you are trying to create, you can use this specific tool to create a completely different sound in your music.
Dynamic Processing. This consists of a variety of options for recording, all which take place at the very beginning of the process of recording. The first type of processing is compression in which the wave will be limited to certain peaks on both sides, allowing it to stay closer to the middle. The second type of processing is expansion, in which the waves move to higher peaks that are away from the middle. Limiting is the third option, and stops the notes from sounding for a longer period of time. The last type of dynamic processing is noise gates, which stops certain sounds from being recorded, especially if it is based around the resonance of an instrument.
Noise Reduction. This is done in order to dampen the noises that are being heard through the recording process and is typically done at every step of recording. Noise reduction will include the ability to limit sounds and to reduce the lows or highs that don't need to be heard with certain sound effects.
These main signal processors are used in order to control the recording process and sounds as well as to create the desired effects for the end result. By using these different components at different times, it becomes easier to effectively create the sound you want through your recordings.
Equalization. This is also known as EQs and is used in a variety of places of the recording process. The main part of this is to create a balance between the ranges that are within each instrument, from the low to the mid and high ranges. Equalization processors can be found in mixing boards as balance knobs as well as specialized functions in different types of software.
Filters. This is done to take out the extra sounds that don't fit into the song. For example, if you have a buzz or white noise that you can't get out physically, you can filter the sound and allow for only the clarity to come through. This is done by isolating the wave and recalculating the wave instead of the noise underneath.
Reverberation. This is an effect that is used after the instruments are recorded into the software. Reverb allows for the resonance that would be heard in a natural setting to be implemented into the song. This type of setting works best for sounds that are already clear and need an extra effect to them.
Delay. This is the echo effect of signal processors. Delays come in a variety of formats, ranging from changing the room to a larger room to an echo effect that stops the sound from occurring by milliseconds. Depending on the technique and sound you are trying to create, you can use this specific tool to create a completely different sound in your music.
Dynamic Processing. This consists of a variety of options for recording, all which take place at the very beginning of the process of recording. The first type of processing is compression in which the wave will be limited to certain peaks on both sides, allowing it to stay closer to the middle. The second type of processing is expansion, in which the waves move to higher peaks that are away from the middle. Limiting is the third option, and stops the notes from sounding for a longer period of time. The last type of dynamic processing is noise gates, which stops certain sounds from being recorded, especially if it is based around the resonance of an instrument.
Noise Reduction. This is done in order to dampen the noises that are being heard through the recording process and is typically done at every step of recording. Noise reduction will include the ability to limit sounds and to reduce the lows or highs that don't need to be heard with certain sound effects.
These main signal processors are used in order to control the recording process and sounds as well as to create the desired effects for the end result. By using these different components at different times, it becomes easier to effectively create the sound you want through your recordings.
Getting Rehearsals Ready for Recording
Going into a studio is something that is different than practicing or from performing. It's a different art form in music and takes some different steps in order to get your tracks exactly right. In fact, it's become such an art form, that there are now several musicians who are simply studio musicians because of the different techniques that are used. If you are getting ready to record, you will want to make sure that you rehearse in a way that gets you ready to record.
The number one rule to remember about recording is that you can't miss a beat. If you do, it will cause everything else to be off. Because everything is typically recorded in layers, it combines the need to stay exactly on tempo with the song that is being recorded. Make sure that you know the tempo and don't miss it when you are practicing to record.
The second rule of thumb for recording is to rehearse with layers as one of the options in mind. While most studios will allow you to record all of the instruments at once, your instrument will still be singled out in order to get the rest of the process right. This means that you want to make sure that you can move around with your instrument and know the song forwards and backwards.
Along those lines, always have starting and stopping points that work well with you in one song. If there are any flaws while recording, they can be punched in. You will want to have specific points that you know you can start at again so that you can record over any mistakes that you did make. Dividing up your pieces and learning them in segments will help while you are recording.
Another aspect to keep in mind with the rehearsal before recording is to know what to practice and know what can be plugged in. For example, getting louder or software can be manipulated by the production process, as well as the sound and resonance of what you are playing. It's not necessary to put in the extra ornaments and marks that are often times found in music for a performance or practice, unless you definitely know you want it to stand out.
With all of these concepts in mind as an individual, you can then begin to think about how the blend will change when it moves into the studio. Even though every instrument will be on a different track, you will want to determine how this will best fit in, what the possibilities are for balance and what you want the end product to sound like. This will help you to get used to the right sound and build the correct balance from the concepts that you think fit best.
With these different tips and tricks, your recordings will go much smoother and you will simply be able to follow your musical script to get what you want laid out on the right track. If you prepare in this way, you will find that your abilities to record will be much easier than if you go in without having any preparation. It will save time and space, and will allow those who are producing the CD to have an easier time putting your CD together.
The number one rule to remember about recording is that you can't miss a beat. If you do, it will cause everything else to be off. Because everything is typically recorded in layers, it combines the need to stay exactly on tempo with the song that is being recorded. Make sure that you know the tempo and don't miss it when you are practicing to record.
The second rule of thumb for recording is to rehearse with layers as one of the options in mind. While most studios will allow you to record all of the instruments at once, your instrument will still be singled out in order to get the rest of the process right. This means that you want to make sure that you can move around with your instrument and know the song forwards and backwards.
Along those lines, always have starting and stopping points that work well with you in one song. If there are any flaws while recording, they can be punched in. You will want to have specific points that you know you can start at again so that you can record over any mistakes that you did make. Dividing up your pieces and learning them in segments will help while you are recording.
Another aspect to keep in mind with the rehearsal before recording is to know what to practice and know what can be plugged in. For example, getting louder or software can be manipulated by the production process, as well as the sound and resonance of what you are playing. It's not necessary to put in the extra ornaments and marks that are often times found in music for a performance or practice, unless you definitely know you want it to stand out.
With all of these concepts in mind as an individual, you can then begin to think about how the blend will change when it moves into the studio. Even though every instrument will be on a different track, you will want to determine how this will best fit in, what the possibilities are for balance and what you want the end product to sound like. This will help you to get used to the right sound and build the correct balance from the concepts that you think fit best.
With these different tips and tricks, your recordings will go much smoother and you will simply be able to follow your musical script to get what you want laid out on the right track. If you prepare in this way, you will find that your abilities to record will be much easier than if you go in without having any preparation. It will save time and space, and will allow those who are producing the CD to have an easier time putting your CD together.
Getting the Right Mix: Mixing Boards and Recording
The most important step from the instrument to the recording software is the mixing board. This particular part of recording is one that allows you to put everything together the correct way, before you have to manipulate it in the computer software. If you want to make sure that you are putting together everything right, you will also want to know exactly how the mixing board can benefit you.
A mixing board is also referred to as a sound board and is responsible for taking the instruments and mixing and routing them into the computer. As soon as an instrument is plugged into a mixer, it will then turn into a digital signal, which creates sound waves.
A mixer works by allowing each instrument being recorded to have one area in which the signal is received. These individual instruments can be changed with volume levels, depth of the sound and other features through the mixing board. For example, if you are playing with a piano and a bass, they can both have a different input area in the mixer. One can be louder and the other can be softer, with the bass having less treble, or high end sound, with the piano balancing out with more mid-range sounds. It is these volume levels that then move into the software and allow for the sound waves to be recorded with a specific balance.
When defining the different parts of the mixer, there is also the ability to combine different types of volumes, depending on the knobs that are being used for the right mix. These are known as input controls, and contain everything that allows for the specific sound of the instrument. This starts with defining the volume through this one instrument. There is also a trim or gain control, which defines the level of sound within each wave.
From here, the mixing board will allow for details of the sound waves to be defined through an EQ, which means equalization. The main responsibility of this part of the mixing board is to change the frequencies within each range. For example, if the EQ of the bass is too high, the higher frequencies can be boosted in order to balance out both ranges. The EQ frequencies can be referred to with some general preferences that work within instrumentation as well as personal preference to allow the sound to be as low or high as you want.
When the instrumentation is received into the mixer and begins to be balanced, other options can also be put into the mix. For example, the amplitude of the sounds can be defined through specific parts of the board. There are also noise gates, which stops the sound from echoing before it goes into the recording area, or allows for some resonance to be in the mix. There is also the ability with some mixers to compress the instruments, meaning that the sound waves will be shortened if they reach or go over a certain peak number, allowing you to keep control of the volume before it gets into the computer program as a sound wave.
After all of these options for individual instruments, the mixing board will then move into mixing the physical space. Main volume areas as well as controls for outputs are used in order to ensure that everything is balanced while recording and remains equal in sound to those who are listening while recording. Like the instrumentation that is moving into the software as sound waves, these areas have a variety of options for making the sound balance within the studio.
The idea with a mixing board is to make the right mix for both the internal software so that the sound files can sound the same, as well as the external area, so that all of the instruments can blend together while recording. The different devices that are used within the mixing board help to achieve this through the different options for volume control and mixing options.
When you are looking into a sound board, you should always consider the options for getting the mix right, including the number of instruments that you can hook up to the different functions that the mixing board contains. When you start to put together the recording with the right mix board, you will have a better blend of sounds and will allow the end result of the recording to mix together exactly right.
A mixing board is also referred to as a sound board and is responsible for taking the instruments and mixing and routing them into the computer. As soon as an instrument is plugged into a mixer, it will then turn into a digital signal, which creates sound waves.
A mixer works by allowing each instrument being recorded to have one area in which the signal is received. These individual instruments can be changed with volume levels, depth of the sound and other features through the mixing board. For example, if you are playing with a piano and a bass, they can both have a different input area in the mixer. One can be louder and the other can be softer, with the bass having less treble, or high end sound, with the piano balancing out with more mid-range sounds. It is these volume levels that then move into the software and allow for the sound waves to be recorded with a specific balance.
When defining the different parts of the mixer, there is also the ability to combine different types of volumes, depending on the knobs that are being used for the right mix. These are known as input controls, and contain everything that allows for the specific sound of the instrument. This starts with defining the volume through this one instrument. There is also a trim or gain control, which defines the level of sound within each wave.
From here, the mixing board will allow for details of the sound waves to be defined through an EQ, which means equalization. The main responsibility of this part of the mixing board is to change the frequencies within each range. For example, if the EQ of the bass is too high, the higher frequencies can be boosted in order to balance out both ranges. The EQ frequencies can be referred to with some general preferences that work within instrumentation as well as personal preference to allow the sound to be as low or high as you want.
When the instrumentation is received into the mixer and begins to be balanced, other options can also be put into the mix. For example, the amplitude of the sounds can be defined through specific parts of the board. There are also noise gates, which stops the sound from echoing before it goes into the recording area, or allows for some resonance to be in the mix. There is also the ability with some mixers to compress the instruments, meaning that the sound waves will be shortened if they reach or go over a certain peak number, allowing you to keep control of the volume before it gets into the computer program as a sound wave.
After all of these options for individual instruments, the mixing board will then move into mixing the physical space. Main volume areas as well as controls for outputs are used in order to ensure that everything is balanced while recording and remains equal in sound to those who are listening while recording. Like the instrumentation that is moving into the software as sound waves, these areas have a variety of options for making the sound balance within the studio.
The idea with a mixing board is to make the right mix for both the internal software so that the sound files can sound the same, as well as the external area, so that all of the instruments can blend together while recording. The different devices that are used within the mixing board help to achieve this through the different options for volume control and mixing options.
When you are looking into a sound board, you should always consider the options for getting the mix right, including the number of instruments that you can hook up to the different functions that the mixing board contains. When you start to put together the recording with the right mix board, you will have a better blend of sounds and will allow the end result of the recording to mix together exactly right.
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