Blue Encore 300

New additions to my studio:

I just picked up a Blue Encore 300 and a Vox AC4TVMINI .  Although I  bought the Vox because it was cute, it does sound great as a recording amp. I actually miked it with the Blue Encore 300 and wow, what a surprise. I used the naked track without having to pump it up in any way. No compressor or effects. This is a first for me. I am usually covering something up.

The Blue Encore 300 was intended for live work, but what a bargain used as a studio condenser mic. It’s crystal clear on vocals but what I really like is  the low handling noise. I have been using it as a hand held mic for my rough vocal tracks. It’s very convenient when just trying out ideas in front of the computer. The tracks are clean enough to use in my final mix (if I like). If you are looking for an inexpensive studio mic, kick in an extra $50 and you will never have to upgrade. Plus, you can

Vox

 take it to a live gig when you need a mic that is a cut above the norm.

Mackie 1642vlz3

How many times have you heard these words,” Ear Fatigue and Turn the volume down”? Well if you are reading this blog, you probably haven’t heard this enough or maybe have just not taken it seriously.

I am going to take a leap of faith here and assume you have done all the research required to purchase and properly install all the latest and greatest components while building the perfect project studio setup.

After the final mix/ mastering, and you are happy with the outcome, the next step would be to test your mixes on other systems, in the car, at a friend’s house etc. The question here is “why don’t the mixes sound as killer as they did in your own studio”.  What’s up?

Don’t get defensive here, but the first problem is most likely, the mixes never sounded all that great to begin with. Turn the freaking volume down when you are mixing!  If you have been listening with the volume pumped, your ears are already fatigued within the first 20 minutes. Sure there might be other issues, but 9 times out of 10 it is the path of least resistant. You cannot really hear what is going on when the music is loud.

You have the volume up because you think it sounds better that way. Not. There are plenty of articles over the web explaining what is going on sonically, but I am going to make it simple for you. Mix at a low volume level. Test the mix at louder volumes, and then lower it again. Make it sound great at a low volume and then run around and check what you have done on other systems. You will save yourself a lot of time and have a better chance of getting it right the first time.

Sennheiser MK4

Best Condenser Microphone for a Project Studio:

I having been buying and selling studio equipment for years now, all in the attempt to get the best possible gear at the best bang for my buck. OK, sometimes I feel as those I am just hording cool toys, but the proof in the pudding is, my recordings are finally sounding as  I first envisioned them, sometimes even better.

I have been working on my forth solo CD of When Girls Collide, Spending way too much time rummaging through my “Mic Locker” trying to find the perfect microphone for my forever changing voice. I have to mention that “Mic Locker” is just a marketing ploy for “why not buy a lot of microphones since they are so cheap”…Yes, I fell for this too…. Stop right there. Here’s an idea, What if I sold all of these useless mics and used the money for one decent (vocal) condenser mic?

That’s exactly what I did. I just picked up the Sennheiser MK4. I didn’t find many reviews on it so I had to trust my love and experience with German engineering as a starting point. Good choice, I pat myself on the back. This microphone is awesome. No more having to eq the harshness   away. The sound is smooth all the way to the top end. Warning, it can’t be used near the computer as it picks up even the slightest hum…but so what!

The MK4 is replacing my Rode tube microphone as my main squeeze. I will keep the Rode as a backup, but I did say good bye to all my lesser condensers.

Upgrading your Recording Studio:

I spend countless hours reading reviews of the latest must have electronic gear for my recording studio.   One of the biggest challenges in deciding what to purchase lies in the credentials of those who are actually writing the reviews. I am not directing this rant at magazines and online pro sites, but the many novices that will blog about their new purchases. Yes it’s great to read as many opinions as possible before parting with your bucks, but the fact of the matter is, It takes many hours, probably years to develop an ear sophisticated enough to tell the difference between let’s say a great sounding mic and a just OK microphone.

My advice here would be to check the references of those writing the reviews.

I will continue in future blogs to publish some of my equipment recommendations, but please use the same guidelines when accessing what I have to say!