Garage Door

[Eric Scholz]

I'm starting work with a band, and for preproduction, we're just going to live track all their songs so we can pick from the best, and go from there. I'm going to just be sitting in on their practice, and mic everything up, and get DI tracks of all the guitars (just for backups).

NOW... time for my acoustics question:
We'll be tracking in their garage. Would it sound better to open the garage door, or keep it closed? I'm thinking that by opening the door we would significantly decrease the SPL, and early reflections.. After all, we'd be entirely eliminating a pair of parallel walls! The house is in a quiet neighborhood, with nice neighbors who don't mind the noise.

Open or closed?!

[Ethan Winer]

Open, for all the reasons you stated.

[brandondrury]

Interesting question.

I say try it both ways and see what happens. While the theory usually does hold water, there are dramatically more complexities at work here than can be considered in a forum setting.

Brandon

[trndkllr666]

Open it and just hope that the dog next door isnt barking like crazy or some idiot in his old pickup with no exaust doesnt decide to fly by and rev'r up in the best take of the day. That would suck!!!

[paul999]

If it where me I would find a way to keep it closed. You do not want everyone and there uncle glancing and gawking at these performers while you try to capture private magic.

Good luck!

[brandondrury]

private magic

That sounds a little bit too dirty for my studio!

[mindundermatter]

I'd say leave it closed and try to find some way to isolate the instruments. Build a barrier around the drums; a homemade tent in front of guitar cabs; etc. That way you still have the 'live' feel, but you limit some of the bleed and reflections while not taking the chance that your neighbor is having a bad day (or your neighbor's dog).

[Tony Ramone]

Put your guitar amps in cars to stop any bleed
You'll probably still hear them if you crank 'em up enough...
I too would go with open, but then, I live on a mountain in the middle of nowhere
(of course some cunt has decided to build a house right next to us, but if he doesn't like noise, tough shit! I was here first )