Good books to read...

[FlyByWire128]

I'm new to these forms (and recording in general, I guess). I've been doing live audio for many years now, but I just got started on the recording end. Does anyone have any recommendations for books to read to get a handle on things? Or am I better off just experimenting and finding what sounds good?

[brandondrury]

There are a couple of very expensive books that are quite specialized that members of the forum have liked, but before spending $100 on a book, I'd mess around a little bit.

Try searching the forum for "book" and see what you come up with. If you don't find anything let me know.

Generally speaking, recording is not something that can be taught with a book no more than running faster or jumping higher. It's a skill you have to develop over time.

I'd say that you should read the users manual of your recording software in close detail and go from there. I've got a coulple hundred articles to the left that will help as well.

If you haven't decided on any gear yet, check out both links in my signature.

Brandon

[FlyByWire128]

I guess the reason I was wondering about books is because: I worked a show (live audio) in our dorm a few weeks back, and because of the campus policy, Campus Life can't just give me money, so they're going to buy me something worth approximately $50. Is there anything that is a "must have" for recording that might fall around that price? I figured books were good because they're not too expensive. Other suggestions welcome.

[brandondrury]

Our government never ceases to amaze me. They can spend $50, but they can't hand you $50? Amazing!

I'm not sure of your skill level (or skill level you eventually hope to obtain). Any of the Alton Everest books on acoustics are very good (but not exactly a "fun" read).

In the $50 range, no other books come to mind.

There are plenty of $50 items a home recording studio would need, however. Cables, headphones, acoustic treatment, guitar pics, hard drives, ram, maybe a website, pop filter, microphones, and coffee are all things that $50 could buy or at least help buy that I always need more of.

Brandon

[FlyByWire128]

I know. It seems really stupid to me that they just can't write me a check. Maybe I'll wait until I work the next show here and they owe me more before I buy something. Unless anyone can recommend a specific item around $50... at this point, I just don't know!

[brandondrury]

I guess it comes down to what you need. There are probably a lot a $50 items I've bought.

A good mic stand (while not that exciting) will set you back about $50. (I've had great luck with K&M.

Brandon