What Are Your Music Recording Problems?

[brandondrury]

This thread is all about finding out your home recording or just music (in general) problems.

In many cases, I can solve or at least help reduce problems we have with writing, recording, and releasing an album.

So if there is anything that you would like fixed (that can be addressed by recordingreview.com) I'd like to know it here.

Brandon

[brandondrury]

I'll go first.

I think there is a serious problem with the youth and timing when it comes to playing their instrument. The problem isn't so much the lack of talent or practice (although that is part of the problem). The problem is the youth aren't even aware of how important timing is. Most drummers are opposed to click tracks because they've never used on. I'm talking about during practice. (The issue of click tracks for recording has been discussed already).

Most bands don't discover just how poor their timing is until they work with a real deal producer. Of course, very few bands do this.

I'm working on a solution that is not only fun, but will improve the timing of musicians across the board.

Brandon

[richiebee]

I have two problems that I deal with more than any other -

1. People don't realize what's involved in creating a finished product and don't plan far enough ahead to leave enough time to get the work done... and also don't understand why it costs so much money.

2. People don't show up on time. That's my biggest complaint. If I didn't have to waste so much time waiting for people to show up, I'm sure their projects would be finished so much quicker!

[brandondrury]

Good call. These major issues I had back when I was working in this fashion. I guess this is one advantage of working at home. I can just do whatever it is I normally until the band walks through the door, no matter how late it is.

Too bad, I can't write a script that will make people show up on time!

Brandon

[shambler]

My only problem? pretty basic, but I cannot get rid of lag. I have recorded 2 tracks, one each side of the stereo no mistakes with the music playing, everything fine to my ears (basic) but when I record the next track, or next pair of tracks (Helen and I record and play together, have been doing it together for 18 plus years, and we play far better together, and work off each other) the delay on the 3 and 4 tracks is about 1/2 a second.

I eather need to get a faster comp, or more ram, or a better sound card, or all of the above. which should I do first? what would make the most diffrence?

[the_webninja]

First off Background Noise, Florecent Lights, Computer Fans.

I can't find the effects I want:
Yesterday I was doing some recording, and I wanted to use a Noise Gate to with a Swish sound that I could slowly reduce the frequency on a Linear Scale, and I found it nearly impossible to create it with all the stuff I got I still could not create something simple like that. I finally wound up playing it on my Keyboards by hand to get the effect I wanted.

And what if I wanted to create a Computer Generated Ocean Sound, or Wind Sound that fluxuates like real ocean or real wind. It is nearly impossible to create with the Computer Synth Programs we have now.

Tempo Problems most Computer Recording Software does not put enough attention into designing the Tempo Adjustment or Compatibilities.
I feel it should be more flexible than it is. I should be able to Rotate it up or Down like turning the Dial on a Metronome. It should be that simple, but it isn't.

If you are looking to do something that no one else is, that is the area you should focus on. Making the Software more Flexible. Most Computer Software is Designed to take a Live Feed or use other people's Samples. Computer Synths usually are very rigid in their Software Design, some of them the Dials don't even turn good when you try to turn them. I am looking for someone who will put some outrageous detail into the Functions of the Computer Synths, because I really believe that Computer Generated Music is going to become more and more Popular in the Future. With that, SOMEONE is going to make the Synths so we can actually have some Control over the Sounds which are produced. Many of the Synths we have now allow for very little input or adjustment by the user. Many of them want you to just Automate the Process completely and let the Computer do everything. Okay so what if I want to make a Linear Swish pattern like I was describing above. Well with today's Synths I am just shitt out of luck, unless I want to play it all on my Keyboards. But sometimes I just would rather fiddle with a Computer synth for my sounds than play it on the Keyboards. So I guess because of that I want more Control over these Computer Synths. I want to have more Input Controls, and Modification Controls.

I guess that is my biggest Complaint. I can do lots of stuff using my Keyboards, but if you are talking about Software Design, I like More Sounds, More Effects, More Choice, More Flexiblity within the Program.

I think that pretty well covers it.
Thanks for asking.
Mark*

[brandondrury]

Shambler...
Try these two articles and see what if they help.

Soundcard Troubleshooting 101

Home Recording Computers: Clicks, Pops, and Latency

If that doesn't help, please post a new thread so we can help you in more detail. If your system is setup properly, this lag SHOULD NOT exist.

The_Webninja:
Interesting points. I've never put much thought into the GUI interfaces of many of the plugins out there. I'm USUALLY able to get something pretty close to what I want, but I don't get to play with synths nearly as often as I woud like to.

The kind of programing your are describing is a little out of my league at this point, but who knows where I'll end up in a year or two?

By the way, have you tried Absynth from Native Instruments. I also believe they have a sound design tool, but I can't remember the name of it. It's supposed to be ultra hardcore in creating sounds (which may possibly be a little closer to what you are looking for).

Brandon

[The Fallen]

I think my basic problems are:

1.) I have a few different programs I use to do different things, and this takes time and switching between windows. My recording program doesnt allow me to use any of my other VST's for effects which really bites. And the program I use for my VST's is really low grade and does not have nearlly as much recording capabilities as my other program.

2.) THIS IS MY WORST ONE: Getting a song going. I always seem to find the chorus to song first. I find the catchy tune and find lyrics for it. Usually I always made up a good rhythm tune on my guitar and sing with it, but after I read the article about doing the vocals and then the guitar, the music sounds a whole hell of alot better but its so damn hard...lol. I just find it hard to make up a good melody and rhythm for the verse that can easily transfer to the chorus.

3.) DRUMS. I am not a drummer. I do own a double bass drums set. but I have no way of recording it so as of now i am stuck using my drums machine. Granted, I can get some pretty damn good sounds from it, its so strict and its hard to get those fills that I know even Icould do if I could record my drums.

Those are the ones that come to me off the top of my head, but I know that there are more.

-The Fallen-

[brandondrury]

And the program I use for my VST's is really low grade and does not have nearlly as much recording capabilities as my other program.

Maybe you should use your other program??

Getting a song going.

You are other thinking the songwriting process way too much. Songwriting is not a calculated process, it's just something you start doing until stuff comes out.

I think you are trying too hard to make something great. Maybe you should try writing 10 songs in an hour some time. I'm serious.

Getting a song going.

While I love recording great drummers, in great rooms, and an extremely well tuned kit I have to say that it is much more practical to program with a sequencer like Cubase and some kick ass samples like the Toontrack stuff.

I refuse to record drums in a small room.

Drum Recording: Why Small Rooms Suck

So, for me, the sequencing / programming has gone very well.

Brandon

[The Fallen]

Hey Brandon
Yeah, I plan on getting Cubase right off, hopefully in about a month or so, after I save up. So then Ill be able to use my VST's in that program.

Yeah, youre most likely right about the whole overthinking part on the lyrics. I try way too hard to make them flow and rhyme, so I end up spending alot of time on that. Although I did try that method of just nailing out a bunch of songs. I didnt get 10 in an hour but I did get 4 in like 50 minutes. I dont think it helps that I was at work while doing that, but shhhh dont want my supervisor finding that out....lol. I tried using a method that an old english teacher always has his student do where you just keep writing and dont stop, just put down whatever comes to mind. And they sucked, thats the great part, but at least now I can start getting songs out. I think the next time my friend comes over Im gonna tell him, no guitar, just writing as much as we can in 3 hours as see what comes of it.

I checked out the toontrack stuff and it sounds awesome on the site. Could you give me a little more insight on Toontrack and maybe other possible drum samples too?

Thanks
-The Fallen-