Understanding the different ways to record and store musical tracks will help you use the most practical method to
create/edit/improve your tracks. So let’s talk about the methods of recording.
In order to make effective spot corrections you
should have a clear understanding of how the signal was recorded. Once you can determine how the recorded signal was produced,
editing the track will make more sense and you will be able to trouble shoot the problems yourself. Of course, you will also need
to know how to use effects processors and your
multi track recorder, (learn about these topics in our article sections at Audio
Mecca) but this article is on the ways to record music. With this knowledge you can determine if you’re using the best methods to
capture instrument or vocal tracks, if the track is tainted and in need of a retake, or if it is salvageable through audio
processing tools. (I.E. signal processors, audio effect processors)
Let’s be clear on something, developing your ears and production skills takes time and practice. It is something that
simply cannot be fully learned after reading a couple of articles. However, there are many resources you can find here at
audiomecca to give you a start point. We aim to provide a place for those interested to come and learn, and encourage others to
share their knowledge or opinions.
Live Audio - Stereo Recording:
This means to record audio through a stereo
microphone, (microphones that record a two channel digital audio track) thus
producing a stereo recording. This method of recording is used to capture room acoustics or a small musical ensemble. (I.E. Jazz
band, folk-group, etc.) As many stereo microphones may be used as you have available inputs for recording
digital audio into your
host
sequencer/multi track recorder.
Multiple Microphone Recording:
This means to record a number of musicians and their instruments, or using multiple microphones to record one instrument. (I.E.
Recording different drums in a drum set.) Sounds too easy, it is! These audio signals are sent through the microphones connected to
a mixing board. These tracks are sent to a recorder to burn the mix to disc, or store onto a hard disc. Once stored into digital
medium, signal and/or effects adjustments can be done internally on a hardware mixer, or through
music software processors.
Multi Track Tape Recording:
Same as multiple microphone recording but the mixer is connected to a multi track tape recorder. Recording multiple microphones
silmultaneously lets you isolate each track for editing from a submix.
Random Access Recording:
Recording sound files into a computer hard drive, any part can be accessed instantly at any time for editing or playback.
Random access recording gives us the ability to use computers and music software in place of analog recorders and expensive
hardware. Storing digital audio into computer memory can process and manipulate tracks in an instant. Random access recording is a
remarkable progression of the home recording studio.
Midi Recording:
Recording Performance data into computer memory, which is used to playback sound.
MIDI composition is very easy and flexible, using
minimal cpu power.
Midi recording is not actually the recording of sound or musical notes, but rather their mathematical
representation. Midi is an information protocol that is used to trigger digital audio or synthesizers.
MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) is computer-generated data that tells the sound when to start and stop, how loud to
play the tones, (velocity) and other informational commands. It is important to understand that MIDI is not audio, and cannot be
processed or edited the same way.
Midi can be used to coordinate many digital devices. Midi keyboards and controllers can transmit
information to a host sequencing program side by side audio tracks.
Good Luck,
James
