3 Ways to Improve Recording Quality

During the past 6 years, we have seen the advent of very powerful and yet relatively inexpensive music production software programs like Logic, Reason, Cubase and FruityLoops. Social networking sites like Myspace Music, ReverbNation, Beatport, Taxi, Airplay Direct - goodness, there are many more - allow today's musicians and artists to compete on their own for the first time ever. We keep hearing that the playing field has been leveled, but has it really? How can you get a big studio-quality recording without spending big-studio type money?

Here are three industry techniques that should get you on the right track:

1. Know Your Dynamics: In so many words, befriend your compressor. There is really no right or wrong way to use compression, especially because the compressor has so many creative possibilities. Masterful control of dynamics is, in my opinion, the difference between the pros and everyone else. You can apply compression as an effect - a concept you will probably discover simply through tinkering - however it is usually used to even out, lift and control the sound. To achieve a clean and even sound, open your compressor and watch it work on your waveform or MIDI design. Most compressors show the gain reduction in realtime and it's a good place to start. If the gain reduction meter never goes away, that means the compressor is always "on" - if that's the case,set the threshold closer to 0. For example, if you have a rhythm guitar track, the compressor should "attack" as the guitar strums and "release" before the next strum (be sure to set the attack and release times accordingly). The compressor should "breathe" in time with the instrument. Once you have the foundation, feel free to play around to get the sound you want (the "compare" feature in Logic is so nice for this!)

2. Monitor Input Quality: The Output is the sum of all Inputs. This is true of just about anything you do. This seems to be obvious, but many people will record without paying any attention to the quality of the sound produced and then try to cover the bad sound with effects. Unfortunately, a bad sound is a bad sound no matter how much compression, distortion or reverb you lay over it. Do a few sound quality tests before recording and constantly check levels (they should be set as high as possible while avoiding clipping) and sound quality during recording. Then solo the playback and judge sound quality - if you don't have studio monitors, listen with headphones. Let's say you aren't pleased, for example, with your microphone recording. Try adjusting "room acoustics" (Google that word for some great tips) or changing your recording location - Some rooms are not conducive to recording. I once layered my entire bathroom with pillows, sheets, comforters and bedfoam in order to get the acoustics we wanted.

3. Layer Sounds: Just about every recording we hear on the radio, online or anywhere for that matter, exhibits some form of sound layering - which can produce some very powerful results. We almost always hear layering of vocals during a song's chorus. When layering vocals, be sure to have a strong dry signal (the first good take) pumped into the singer's headphones and make sure they sing it exactly as they did the first time - copying and pasting the original take will NOT produce desired effect. Then pan each track 75% L and 75% R, respectively and Voila! You can even try layering harmony tracks - so awesome. Same goes for guitar tracks (always rhythm guitar), synth leads, and anything else that needs a thicker sound. Want more authority in your basslines? Try layering 2-3 similar bass sounds (each one featuring a different frequency range). The possibilities are endless!

That's all the time for today -- keep an eye out for more techniques in the near future. Remember that music is constantly changing. Always pay attention to the technical make up of the songs you like. Listen for new production techniques and ask yourself "what is it that I like about this track?" Break it down into individual parts and practice re-producing what you hear in your own voice and style. Don't hesitate to email me if you have questions!

Good luck and have fun!

Evan Malloy is Head Producer/Engineer and Owner of Malloy Media, in Orlando, FL. He has worked with some of the top production companies in Florida and specializes in scoring and music production for film, broadcast and media applications.

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