home recording

Three next steps for you to take:

1. Get our free video training & checklist, "Standout Mixes - The DIY Musician's Guide To Exciting Mixes That Stand Out And Connect":
theselfrecordingband.com/standoutmixes
-
2. Apply for The Self-Recording Syndicate, our unique, personalized coaching program and jump on a free clarity call with us to see if it is a great fit for you:
theselfrecordingband.com/call
-
3. Join the free Facebook Group ("The Self-Recording Band Community"):
theselfrecordingband.com/community
--

Episode show notes:

We interviewed Lars Deutsch on the podcast and the result is a masterclass in songwriting and sync licensing. Is your song telling a story?

This was our exclusive opportunity to pick the brain of a super successful songwriter and sync-licensing expert.

Lars Deutsch currently lives in L.A. and has worked with brands and artists like Adidas, Amazon, Brett Gelman (Stranger Things, The Other Guys), Budweiser, FOX, Ghostface Killah (Wu-Tang Clan), Katie Melua, Mercedes-Benz, and many more.


The two-time Emmy winner is self-recording his music, but also collaborating with other engineers, depending on the project.

He went from heavy metal guitarist, to singer, to songwriter, to a Masters in classical composition, to international performances of his classical works, to lecturing in composition and audio production to scoring three hundred films / commercials that have collected over one hundred awards.


His songs are in high demand and Lars is a producer at Built To Last Music, a company that features multiple Oscar nominees and Grammy winners.

Recent projects include: Stephen King’s “The Passenger”, “Future Proof” with Keke Palmer, a commercial with James Earle Jones (Darth Vader), plus live mixes and an Intel commercial with the Higher Brothers. 


If you're interested in the sync licensing world and want to know how to get started in this industry, this is for you.

You'll learn how high the bar actually is when it comes to the quality of your music and what Lars does to keep his chops and creativity fresh.

And if just want to improve your songwriting skills for your own projects, this is your chance to learn from a true master of the craft.



PS: Please join the conversation by leaving a comment on YouTube, a rating and review on your podcast app, or a post inside our free Facebook community.

--

For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, as well as full show notes go to: https://theselfrecordingband.com/212
--

If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com

Here are three next steps for you to take:

1. Get our free video training & checklist, "Standout Mixes - The DIY Musician's Guide To Exciting Mixes That Stand Out And Connect":
theselfrecordingband.com/standoutmixes
-
2. Apply for The Self-Recording Syndicate, our personalized coaching program!

It all starts with a free clarity call where we talk about your music, give you feedback and a step-by-step roadmap that you can then implement on your own, or together with us.

Best case: We end up working together and completely transform the sound of your music forever.

Worst case: You get an hour of free coaching, feedback and recommendations for what to do next.

Sounds fair? Cool. Apply now and book your free clarity call:
theselfrecordingband.com/call
-
3. Join the free Facebook Group ("The Self-Recording Band Community"):
theselfrecordingband.com/community
--

Episode show notes:

Surprisingly, some of our subscribers are telling us that they are using standalone multitrack recorders instead of computers. 

We actually get these kinds of messages pretty regularly.

So, is it a good alternative? Are there any advantages to using a device like that? Or should you just get an interface and a DAW and start using a computer to produce your music?

Let's discuss!



PS: Please join the conversation by leaving a comment, a rating and review, or a post inside our free Facebook community.

--

For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, as well as full show notes go to: https://theselfrecordingband.com/211
--

If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com

Here are three next steps for you to take:

1. Get our free video training & checklist, "Standout Mixes - The DIY Musician's Guide To Exciting Mixes That Stand Out And Connect":
theselfrecordingband.com/standoutmixes
-
2. Apply for The Self-Recording Syndicate, our personalized coaching program!

It all starts with a free clarity call where we talk about your music, give you feedback and a step-by-step roadmap that you can then implement on your own, or together with us.

Best case: We end up working together and completely transform the sound of your music forever.

Worst case: You get an hour of free coaching, feedback and recommendations for what to do next.

Sounds fair? Cool. Apply now and book your free clarity call:
theselfrecordingband.com/call
-
3. Join the free Facebook Group ("The Self-Recording Band Community"):
theselfrecordingband.com/community
--

Episode show notes:

Casual NAMM 2024 recap episode from Benedikt's LA hotel room, giving Malcom an update on who he met and what he discovered at the conference.

Also, if you ever go to an event like this (highly recommended!), this episode includes a few mindset-related principles and takeaways, so you'll have an incredible time and make new friends in the industry.

PS: Please join the conversation by leaving a comment, a rating and review, or a post inside our free Facebook community.

--

For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, as well as full show notes go to: https://theselfrecordingband.com/210
--

If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com

Here are three next steps for you to take:

1. Get our free video training & checklist, "Standout Mixes - The DIY Musician's Guide To Exciting Mixes That Stand Out And Connect":
theselfrecordingband.com/standoutmixes
-
2. Apply for The Self-Recording Syndicate, our personalized coaching program!

It all starts with a free clarity call where we talk about your music, give you feedback and a step-by-step roadmap that you can then implement on your own, or together with us.

Best case: We end up working together and completely transform the sound of your music forever.

Worst case: You get an hour of free coaching, feedback and recommendations for what to do next.

Sounds fair? Cool. Apply now and book your free clarity call:
theselfrecordingband.com/call
-
3. Join the free Facebook Group ("The Self-Recording Band Community"):
theselfrecordingband.com/community
--

Episode show notes:

Casual NAMM 2024 recap episode from Benedikt's LA hotel room, giving Malcom an update on who he met and what he discovered at the conference.

Also, if you ever go to an event like this (highly recommended!), this episode includes a few mindset-related principles and takeaways, so you'll have an incredible time and make new friends in the industry.

PS: Please join the conversation by leaving a comment, a rating and review, or a post inside our free Facebook community.

--

For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, as well as full show notes go to: https://theselfrecordingband.com/209
--

If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com

Here are three next steps for you to take:

1. Get our free video training & checklist, "Standout Mixes - The DIY Musician's Guide To Exciting Mixes That Stand Out And Connect":
theselfrecordingband.com/standoutmixes
-
2. Apply for The Self-Recording Syndicate, our personalized coaching program!

It all starts with a free clarity call where we talk about your music, give you feedback and a step-by-step roadmap that you can then implement on your own, or together with us.

Best case: We end up working together and completely transform the sound of your music forever.

Worst case: You get an hour of free coaching, feedback and recommendations for what to do next.

Sounds fair? Cool. Apply now and book your free clarity call:
theselfrecordingband.com/call
-
3. Join the free Facebook Group ("The Self-Recording Band Community"):
theselfrecordingband.com/community
--

Episode show notes:

>>Please go back to part one of this mini series (episode 207) before you listen to this one!<<

You're not mixing kick drums, you're mixing songs. And the kick drum sound has to serve the song. Here's how to get this right in your mix.

We go through our kick drum chains and show you the tools we use, why we use them and how we use them in the context of the mix.

It's not just about EQ moves or compression techniques. It's about how it all works together to create the sound you want for your song.

PS: Please join the conversation by leaving a comment, a rating and review, or a post inside our free Facebook community.

--

For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, as well as full show notes go to: https://theselfrecordingband.com/208
--

If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com

Here are three next steps for you to take:

1. Get our free video training & checklist, "Standout Mixes - The DIY Musician's Guide To Exciting Mixes That Stand Out And Connect":
theselfrecordingband.com/standoutmixes
-
2. Apply for The Self-Recording Syndicate, our personalized coaching program!

It all starts with a free clarity call where we talk about your music, give you feedback and a step-by-step roadmap that you can then implement on your own, or together with us.

Best case: We end up working together and completely transform the sound of your music forever.

Worst case: You get an hour of free coaching, feedback and recommendations for what to do next.

Sounds fair? Cool. Apply now and book your free clarity call:
theselfrecordingband.com/call
-
3. Join the free Facebook Group ("The Self-Recording Band Community"):
theselfrecordingband.com/community
--

Episode show notes:

You're not mixing kick drums, you're mixing songs. And the kick drum sound has to serve the song. Here's how to get this right in your mix.

We go through our kick drum chains and show you the tools we use, why we use them and how we use them in the context of the mix.

It's not just about EQ moves or compression techniques. It's about how it all works together to create the sound you want for your song.

PS: Please join the conversation by leaving a comment, a rating and review, or a post inside our free Facebook community.

--

For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, as well as full show notes go to: https://theselfrecordingband.com/207
--

If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com

Here are three next steps for you to take:

1. Get our free video training & checklist, "Standout Mixes - The DIY Musician's Guide To Exciting Mixes That Stand Out And Connect":
theselfrecordingband.com/standoutmixes
-
2. Apply for The Self-Recording Syndicate, our personalized coaching program!

It all starts with a free clarity call where we talk about your music, give you feedback and a step-by-step roadmap that you can then implement on your own, or together with us.

Best case: We end up working together and completely transform the sound of your music forever.

Worst case: You get an hour of free coaching, feedback and recommendations for what to do next.

Sounds fair? Cool. Apply now and book your free clarity call:
theselfrecordingband.com/call
-
3. Join the free Facebook Group ("The Self-Recording Band Community"):
theselfrecordingband.com/community
--

Episode show notes:

This is a purely speculative episode on the current state and future of A.I. (artificial intelligence) in (rock) music. 

We're talking about what it can and can't do (yet), where we think things might be going and whether or not we all need to be afraid of it.

Again, we don't know nearly enough about this subject and the tech under the hood to make any serious predictions here. Hardly anyone does. 

But we are already using A.I. tools on a daily basis. In our personal lives, in our businesses and when working on music or other audio & video projects, like this podcast. So we have some experience and have done enough research and testing to at least have an opinion. 

And we're hoping for certain tools to be released soon, so that artists, producers and engineers can be even more creative with even less friction.

Let's dive in!

PS: Please join the conversation by leaving a comment, a rating and review, or a post inside our free Facebook community.

--

For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, as well as full show notes go to: https://theselfrecordingband.com/206
--

If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com

Here are three next steps for you to take:

1. Get our free video training & checklist, "Standout Mixes - The DIY Musician's Guide To Exciting Mixes That Stand Out And Connect":
theselfrecordingband.com/standoutmixes
-
2. Apply for The Self-Recording Syndicate, our personalized coaching program!

It all starts with a free clarity call where we talk about your music, give you feedback and a step-by-step roadmap that you can then implement on your own, or together with us.

Best case: We end up working together and completely transform the sound of your music forever.

Worst case: You get an hour of free coaching, feedback and recommendations for what to do next.

Sounds fair? Cool. Apply now and book your free clarity call:
theselfrecordingband.com/call
-
3. Join the free Facebook Group ("The Self-Recording Band Community"):
theselfrecordingband.com/community
--

Episode show notes:

Have you ever been looking forward to having to go through 637 takes, trying to find the good parts after the recording session is done? Me neither.

How to avoid that? Learn to comp on the fly and commit as you go!

On this episode we're discussing comping on the fly vs "comp diving" after tracking, the pros and cons of each, and the skills you need to be able to pull this off without risking anything or ruining the flow of the session.


Here's why this matters:

• It saves you time later in the process
• It gives you a better idea of the final product
• Moving fast and committing helps avoid getting too close to it and losing perspective
• It prevents you from recording unnecessary takes and wearing out singers/performers
  It will lead to a better end result, because you're not as likely to cut corners

And here's how to do it:

• Know your basic editing tools and hotkeys (scissors, different ways to move events back and forth, fades, etc.)
• Know the comping features of your DAW. You don't have to (and shouldn't) create a new track for each take, etc. 
• Make notes while listening to the performances
• Use breaks to quickly go through notes and adjust the comp
• Learn to listen for feel and emotion, rather than technical perfection (there are some exceptions, though)

Let's dive in!

--

For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, as well as full show notes go to: https://theselfrecordingband.com/205
--

If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com

Here are three next steps for you to take:

1. Get our free video training & checklist, "Standout Mixes - The DIY Musician's Guide To Exciting Mixes That Stand Out And Connect":
theselfrecordingband.com/standoutmixes
-
2. Apply for The Self-Recording Syndicate, our personalized coaching program!

It all starts with a free clarity call where we talk about your music, give you feedback and a step-by-step roadmap that you can then implement on your own, or together with us.

Best case: We end up working together and completely transform the sound of your music forever.

Worst case: You get an hour of free coaching, feedback and recommendations for what to do next.

Sounds fair? Cool. Apply now and book your free clarity call:
theselfrecordingband.com/call
-
3. Join the free Facebook Group ("The Self-Recording Band Community"):
theselfrecordingband.com/community
--

Episode show notes:

Jacob Hansen is joining us for this week's episode!

Jacob has worked with some of the biggest names in metal and alternative music. He's produced and or mixed records for bands like Volbeat, Arch Enemy, Amaranthe, The Black Dahlia Murder, Heaven Shall Burn, Evergrey, Fleshgod Apocalypse, Primal Fear and many many more. 

We're getting to pick Jacob's brain and talk about

• DIY recording
• getting amazing guitar tones
• mixing records remotely
• reamping
• the most common home studio pitfalls
• guitar tuning
• workflow and efficiency
• communication
• collaboration best practices
• the future of (home) recording
• evertune bridges
• amp sims and Kempers

among many other things.

Enjoy!

--

For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, as well as full show notes go to: https://theselfrecordingband.com/204
--

If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com

Here are three next steps for you to take:

1. Get our free video training & checklist, "Standout Mixes - The DIY Musician's Guide To Exciting Mixes That Stand Out And Connect":
theselfrecordingband.com/standoutmixes
-
2. Apply for The Self-Recording Syndicate, our personalized coaching program!

It all starts with a free clarity call where we talk about your music, give you feedback and a step-by-step roadmap that you can then implement on your own, or together with us.

Best case: We end up working together and completely transform the sound of your music forever.
Worst case: You get an hour of free coaching, feedback and recommendations for what to do next.

Sounds fair? Cool. Apply now and book your free clarity call:
theselfrecordingband.com/call
-
3. Join the free Facebook Group ("The Self-Recording Band Community"):
theselfrecordingband.com/community
--

Episode show notes:

We get dozens of applications every week now and many of you reaching out have asked us these things. So here are your answers!

Your questions:

• What is The Self-Recording Syndicate (our coaching program)? Is it an online course?
• How much does it cost?
• Why is there no price on the website?
• Why do I have to apply?
• Why do you offer a free first call and why are you asking for a budget, when the call is free?
  
  

Also, even before applying and booking their free clarity call, some people are afraid to even give it a shot because they assume it's gonna cost an arm and a leg to work with us.


So I wanted to record this episode (and write a blog post along with it) to give you all the answers.

Of course, we're doing our best to make things crystal clear on our website, the application form, etc. but I also realize that "coaching" is not something that people are very familiar with in our industry.

It's completely normal in other industries. And entrepreneurs, freelancers or businesses of all sizes use consulting or coaching of some sort to make sure they achieve their goals.

But I totally get that most people outside of that don't really know what it means and how the process works.

I'm all about transparency and I'm also about overdelivering and giving way more value than what you'd expect for the price that you're paying. So let me break it down for you in this episode.

--

For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, as well as full show notes go to: https://theselfrecordingband.com/203

If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com

Here are three next steps for you to take:

1. Get our free video training & checklist, "Standout Mixes - The DIY Musician's Guide To Exciting Mixes That Stand Out And Connect":
theselfrecordingband.com/standoutmixes
-
2. Apply for The Self-Recording Syndicate, our personalized coaching program!

It all starts with a free clarity call where we talk about your music, give you feedback and a step-by-step roadmap that you can then implement on your own, or together with us.

Best case: We end up working together and completely transform the sound of your music forever.
Worst case: You get an hour of free coaching, feedback and recommendations for what to do next.

Sounds fair? Cool. Apply now and book your free clarity call:
theselfrecordingband.com/call
-
3. Join the free Facebook Group ("The Self-Recording Band Community"):
theselfrecordingband.com/community
--

Episode show notes:

It's the end of the year - time to do some planning and thinking about our goals as musicians and (DIY) producers.

When it comes to making the best record possible, there are really only 3 ways to accomplish that. Let's discuss and break it down for you, so you can make 2024 your best year ever.

First, it's important to know what you want and what kind of resources you have available. 

Ask yourself these questions: 

• Do you want to make a really great record for your band / yourself now?
• Do you want to make a really great record for your band / yourself some day?
• Do you want to become a producer / mixer and make amazing records for many different artists?
• What do you have more of - time or money?
• Which parts of the process do you really want to do and learn?
• Which kind of investment are you willing to make?

Then take one of the following approaches (or all of them):

1. Done for you - Hire professionals
2. Do it all yourself - With the help of YouTube, courses, books, trial and error and a lot of practice
3. Done with you - Get a mentor and speed up the process through personal guidance, feedback and avoiding common mistakes.

Some kind of effort, practice and investment is always required. A lot of it, to be honest. 

After all, producing music is a skill you don't just learn overnight. Highly skilled professionals have built their taste, technical abilities, workflows, confidence and ears over decades.

But you don't have to be afraid of it either. There's a right approach for every situation. 

And with this episode we aim to guide you toward the best fit for your project, keeping the spotlight on your unique artistic voice.

Your 2024 music resolutions aren't just dreams; they're blueprints for action. So tune in, fuel your musical fires, and step into a year of turning up the volume on your biggest goals.

--

For links to everything we've mentioned in this episode, as well as full show notes go to: https://theselfrecordingband.com/202

--

If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com

Here are three next steps for you to take:

1. Get our free video training & checklist, "Standout Mixes - The DIY Musician's Guide To Exciting Mixes That Stand Out And Connect":
theselfrecordingband.com/standoutmixes
-
2. Apply for The Self-Recording Syndicate, our personalized coaching program!

It all starts with a free clarity call where we talk about your music, give you feedback and a step-by-step roadmap that you can then implement on your own, or together with us.

Best case: We end up working together and completely transform the sound of your music forever.
Worst case: You get an hour of free coaching, feedback and recommendations for what to do next.

Sounds fair? Cool. Apply now and book your free clarity call:
theselfrecordingband.com/call
-
3. Join the free Facebook Group ("The Self-Recording Band Community"):
theselfrecordingband.com/community
--

Episode show notes:

Ever felt like your mixes are just a snowball's throw away from that nice, wide stereo image you crave? 

Sure, the basics like mic technique, panning, intentional EQ moves, among others are always the most important thing. But there is more. And we want to share one thing with you that you might have overlooked, so far.

Strap in, because we're whisking you up the sonic slopes to conquer the nuances of dual mono vs. stereo compression! 

This seemingly small detail can be the difference between a stable, solid center in your stereo image and a wonky center that won't provide the solid foundation that your groove needs.

Or between a wide, clear mix and a narrow one.

Being intentional about this will also give you extra clarity, separation and width for your rhythm guitars, toms or any other stereo source that you're dealing with in your mix.

First, we dissect when to pan mono sources and when to bask in true stereo glory, providing a roadmap through the complexities of creating a nice, wide stereo image. It's like choosing the right snowboard for the mountain – you need the proper technique to ride the sound waves to their fullest potential.

Finally, we're cranking up the dials on your DAW savvy, revealing the ins and outs of compressor plugins and their different channel linking modes.

Learn how to finesse your compressor settings to keep your mix wide open or dial in that cohesive, 'pumpy' feel when the track calls for it. 

So, tune up your audio kit, and let's hit the play button on this episode!

--

For full show notes go to: https://theselfrecordingband.com/201
--

If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com

Here are three next steps for you to take:

1. Get our free video training & checklist, "Standout Mixes - The DIY Musician's Guide To Exciting Mixes That Stand Out And Connect":
theselfrecordingband.com/standoutmixes
-
2. Apply for The Self-Recording Syndicate, our personalized coaching program!

It all starts with a free first call where we talk about your music, give you feedback and a step-by-step action plan that you can then implement on your own, or together with us.

Best case: We end up working together and completely transform the sound of your music forever.
Worst case: You get an hour of free coaching and feedback.

Sounds fair? Cool. Apply now and book your free coaching call:
theselfrecordingband.com/call
-
3. Join the free Facebook Group ("The Self-Recording Band Community"):
theselfrecordingband.com/community
--
Episode show notes:
What an episode we’ve got for you this week. Benny & Malcom sit down on the Studioszene Sofa with Ady Parzentny  . 

Ady Parzentny  travels the world, helping locals and displaced people make and record music with his business Hit The Road Music Studio.

About 5 years ago, Ady started out by travelling around in a van with a basic studio setup. Supporting local artists by helping them record their tracks and even making music videos.

Visiting places like Morrocco, Albania and Greece has taught Ady that music is the gateway into a place’s culture. 

Ady’s work also extends to helping bring some normality back to the lives of the displaced people he works with at refugee camps.  

Welcomed wherever he goes, Ady talks about how the generosity of communities has made this possible.

We hear fascinating insights from Ady about how the most expensive mics are not suitable for recording out in the wild, working on a very tight budget and pigeon problems.

Let’s hear Ady’s journey and help spread the joy. 

--

For full show notes go to: https://theselfrecordingband.com/195

If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com

Here are three next steps for you to take:

1. Get our free video training & checklist, "Standout Mixes - The DIY Musician's Guide To Exciting Mixes That Stand Out And Connect":
theselfrecordingband.com/standoutmixes
-
2. Apply for The Self-Recording Syndicate, our personalized coaching program!

It all starts with a free first call where we talk about your music, give you feedback and a step-by-step action plan that you can then implement on your own, or together with us.

Best case: We end up working together and completely transform the sound of your music forever.
Worst case: You get an hour of free coaching and feedback.

Sounds fair? Cool. Apply now and book your free coaching call:
theselfrecordingband.com/call
-
3. Join the free Facebook Group ("The Self-Recording Band Community"):
theselfrecordingband.com/community
--
Episode show notes:

Benedikt & Malcom further explore the common mistakes that self-recording artists are making in this continuation of last week’s episode. 

They see a lot of re-occurring errors when working with self-recording artists. So they made these episodes so that you don't have to make these same mistakes.

Everybody makes mistakes and if you find that you have made some of these mistakes, go easy on yourself. We all have at some point! 

Hopefully though, by listening to this episode, you can prevent any future mishaps. 

So here is our list of recent home recording mistakes that we're discussing on the show:

·         Songs lacking layered vocals

·         Creating tight and harmonious vocal layers

·         Arranging your songs in an efficient way. ie: intentionally placing doubles & harmonies in places that serve the song

·         Comping on the fly

·         Drum comping

·         Creating seamless overdubs by punching in/out

·         Why it’s not a good idea to send just the MIDI files or DI tracks to your mixing engineer

So, let’s put the learning van into 6th gear and hurtle down the highway of knowledge, with the windows down. (aka let’s listen to this week’s episode) 😊

--
For full show notes go to: https://theselfrecordingband.com/192

If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com

Here are three next steps for you to take:

1. Get our free video training & checklist, "Standout Mixes - The DIY Musician's Guide To Exciting Mixes That Stand Out And Connect":
theselfrecordingband.com/standoutmixes
-
2. Apply for The Self-Recording Syndicate, our personalized coaching program!

It all starts with a free first call where we talk about your music, give you feedback and a step-by-step action plan that you can then implement on your own, or together with us.

Best case: We end up working together and completely transform the sound of your music forever.
Worst case: You get an hour of free coaching and feedback.

Sounds fair? Cool. Apply now and book your free coaching call:
theselfrecordingband.com/call
-
3. Join the free Facebook Group ("The Self-Recording Band Community"):
theselfrecordingband.com/community
--

Episode Show Notes:

Have you ever asked yourself this question while recording or mixing? 

What is your song about? How is it supposed to feel? How did you come up with it?  

These are important questions to ask yourself. And if you find the answer to it, it might transform your mixes and productions. 

We’ve received a lot of messages lately from people who are saying things like:

"My demos sound cool, but when I'm done mixing, I feel like something got lost along the way"

Or…

"I know exactly what I want my music to sound like, but I can't seem to make it come out of the speakers."

This is a common problem among Self Recording artists and Malcom & Benedikt take a more philosophical approach rather than a technical approach to this topic.  

This isn’t something that can be fixed by adjusting a plugin setting. This is a mindset thing. 

We’ve heard many songs lately that have incredibly dense arrangements. It's like people are feeling the need to add a lot of stuff to their songs to make them sound exciting and big. 

While that can be a good idea sometimes, it’s often not the best approach. You may actually be taking away from your song by continually adding new elements.

So let’s jump in to this weeks episode and find out exactly why your demo is currently sounding better than your final recordings.

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For full show notes go to: https://theselfrecordingband.com/190

If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com

Here are three next steps for you to take:

1. Get our free video training & checklist, "Standout Mixes - The DIY Musician's Guide To Exciting Mixes That Stand Out And Connect":
theselfrecordingband.com/standoutmixes
-
2. Apply for The Self-Recording Syndicate, our personalized coaching program!

It all starts with a free first call where we talk about your music, give you feedback and a step-by-step action plan that you can then implement on your own, or together with us.

Best case: We end up working together and completely transform the sound of your music forever.
Worst case: You get an hour of free coaching and feedback.

Sounds fair? Cool. Apply now and book your free coaching call:
theselfrecordingband.com/call
-
3. Join the free Facebook Group ("The Self-Recording Band Community"):
theselfrecordingband.com/community
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Episode Show Notes:

A special episode this week as Benedikt sits down with Self-Recording Syndicate graduate Dewi Thompson.  

Dewi is a songwriter from the UK who also produces and mixes his own material as a solo artist and collaborates with another artist under the names Altered States and Brave New World.

Dewi felt that there were some holes in his audio production knowledge and after aimlessly watching hundreds of hours of conflicting YouTube content (we’ve all been there) on how compression is the most important thing to have ever existed, he decided to reach out to Benedikt for some personal feedback and coaching.

It was clear the Dewi was a talented musician and songwriter but there were some blind spots and a lack of direction.

During Dewi’s 18 months in the Self-Recording Syndicate he has developed systems and a reliable process to get amazing results consistently and with confidence.

This journey goes all the way back to the 90’s when Dewi began recording on an Atari ST with some outboard gear including the coveted Alesis QuadraVerb GT.

These days Dewi prefers a more modern setup and is a proficient Cubase user.  

Now that Dewi has the knowledge and skills he needed, he has some very exciting projects in the pipeline. So watch this space.

Let's welcome Dewi and hear about his fascinating journey from where he was to where he is now. 

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For full show notes go to: https://theselfrecordingband.com/188

If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com

Here are three next steps for you to take:

1. Get our free video training & checklist, "Standout Mixes - The DIY Musician's Guide To Exciting Mixes That Stand Out And Connect":
theselfrecordingband.com/standoutmixes
-
2. Apply for The Self-Recording Syndicate, our personalized coaching program!

It all starts with a free first call where we talk about your music, give you feedback and a step-by-step action plan that you can then implement on your own, or together with us.

Best case: We end up working together and completely transform the sound of your music forever.
Worst case: You get an hour of free coaching and feedback.

Sounds fair? Cool. Apply now and book your free coaching call:
theselfrecordingband.com/call
-
3. Join the free Facebook Group ("The Self-Recording Band Community"):
theselfrecordingband.com/community
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Episode Show Notes:

Are you mixing into a compressor? I mean mixing with a compressor on your mix bus from the beginning and not just slapping a compressor on at the end and then hoping for the best.

These guys are, and in this episode, Benedikt & Malcom talk about how they’re doing it and why they’re doing it.

Every compressor has its own unique ‘flavor’ and is often used as the glue that brings all of your song’s individual elements together.

Remember, though, your mix bus has EVERYTHING going through it, so you’ve got to be careful. Any changes you make on there will affect the whole song, for better or for worse. 

Where do you start with mix bus compression, though?

Do you know which type of compressor to use for mix bus compression? You have options… 

You could reach for a VCA compressor if you’re looking for a transparent glue. Maybe you’re feeling extra fruity and want to risk destroying your mix, so why not reach for an 1176?

Then there are the settings. Benedikt and Malcom compare notes on their go-to “safe” settings when using mix bus compression. 

“It sounds complicated, but once you get the core concepts, it’s not that complicated at all.” – Benedikt

Mix bus compression can be a complicated subject, but it’s also a fundamental skill that you need to get your head around if you want to make professional-sounding mixes. 

“Learning is sucking, until you don’t.” – Malcom Owen-Flood

A real deep dive episode here, so hold on to your threshold knobs and let the learning begin. 

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For full show notes go to: https://theselfrecordingband.com/187

If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com

Here are three next steps for you to take:

1. Get our free video training & checklist, "Standout Mixes - The DIY Musician's Guide To Exciting Mixes That Stand Out And Connect":
theselfrecordingband.com/standoutmixes
-
2. Apply for The Self-Recording Syndicate, our personalized coaching program!

It all starts with a free first call where we talk about your music, give you feedback and a step-by-step action plan that you can then implement on your own, or together with us.

Best case: We end up working together and completely transform the sound of your music forever.
Worst case: You get an hour of free coaching and feedback.

Sounds fair? Cool. Apply now and book your free coaching call:
theselfrecordingband.com/call
-
3. Join the free Facebook Group ("The Self-Recording Band Community"):
theselfrecordingband.com/community
--

Episode Show Notes:

This week, we're looking at external mic preamps and helping you decide if you actually need one or if the answer you're looking for lies elsewhere in your recording setup and process. 

External mic preamps are no doubt a useful tool and can sometimes be the component that lifts your recording from sounding good to great.

Specific models of external mic preamps can offer a unique coloration to your recordings and help squeeze an extra 10% of quality into your recordings. However, preamp choice will likely never be the single factor that miraculously saves a recording. 

Wanna record some gentle acoustic guitar with some soft, intimate vocals but the noise floor is making it a pain in the ass? Then maybe an external mic preamp is the answer. 

There's one thing however, that always trumps gear choice, and that is performance. Nail your performance, and a phone recording could beat even the most expensive recording chains. 

Microphone choice is always an important factor too, and do you know what you're doing with your audio interface when putting that external mic preamp into it?

Also covered is whether it's worth splurging on an expensive external mic preamp or simply hiring one. Not many of us are recording frequently enough to justify the cost, so hiring might be your best bet if you only do this a couple of times a year.

Malcom & Benedikt discuss how using one high-end preamp in one killer-sounding chain can ultimately be a game changer. It's better to have one exceptional-quality chain than several average-sounding chains, right?

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For full show notes go to: https://theselfrecordingband.com/186

If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com

Here are three next steps for you to take:

1. Get our free video training & checklist, "Standout Mixes - The DIY Musician's Guide To Exciting Mixes That Stand Out And Connect":
theselfrecordingband.com/standoutmixes
-
2. Apply for The Self-Recording Syndicate, our personalized coaching program!

It all starts with a free first call where we talk about your music, give you feedback and a step-by-step action plan that you can then implement on your own, or together with us.

Best case: We end up working together and completely transform the sound of your music forever.
Worst case: You get an hour of free coaching and feedback.

Sounds fair? Cool. Apply now and book your free coaching call:
theselfrecordingband.com/call
-
3. Join the free Facebook Group ("The Self-Recording Band Community"):
theselfrecordingband.com/community
--

Episode Show Notes:

Sometimes, a single guitar tone just won't cut it. It sounds weak and out of place; no matter how we EQ and process it, something is still missing. What's the answer to this? Well, it's more guitars. 

Maybe you love the bottom end of one amp or pedal but also crave the mid-range of another. Well, guess what? You can have both by combining guitar tones.

This topic is broad and there are countless approaches to combining guitar tones and doubling guitar tracks. It's easy to become overwhelmed and throw everything at it,  but this can lead to a "more is less" result. Fear not, Benedikt and Malcom discuss their go-to methods in detail so that you can record with intention. 

The subtle differences between a double and a copied performance may seem insignificant, but they are crucial in shaping the overall sound. 

A double is a second performance of the same thing, not a copy and paste of the original performance. This distinction, while seemingly minute, will drastically affect the final tone.

What you'll learn from this episode:

• How subtle changes in the guitar's EQ can give you big results.
• Genre-based decision making. Is the 'Wall of Sound' approach appropriate for your recording?
• When is doubling guitar tracks necessary?
• What hardware to switch out and adjust when recording duplicate parts? Guitars, pickups, amps or pedals? 
• Why adding layers on top of a guitar take doesn't necessarily have to be another guitar. 

In conclusion, creating a unique guitar sound is a blend of understanding your tools, practising different techniques, and experimenting with various combinations.

--

For full show notes go to: https://theselfrecordingband.com/185

If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com

Here are three next steps for you to take:

1. Get our free video training & checklist, "Standout Mixes - The DIY Musician's Guide To Exciting Mixes That Stand Out And Connect":
theselfrecordingband.com/standoutmixes
-
2. Apply for The Self-Recording Syndicate, our personalized coaching program!

It all starts with a free first call where we talk about your music, give you feedback and a step-by-step action plan that you can then implement on your own, or together with us.

Best case: We end up working together and completely transform the sound of your music forever.
Worst case: You get an hour of free coaching and feedback.

Sounds fair? Cool. Apply now and book your free coaching call:
theselfrecordingband.com/call
-
3. Join the free Facebook Group ("The Self-Recording Band Community"):
theselfrecordingband.com/community
--

Episode Show Notes:

Something different this week as Benedikt walks us through his newly updated mixing template. Showing us the tools he uses to nail a mix, we take a peek behind the wizard's curtain.

A mixing template is a very individual thing, tailored to suit the workflow of the engineer, no two are the same.  

This deep dive into Benedikt's mixing template will give you all the knowledge you need to create your very own custom mixing template setting you up for maximum creativity when it comes to the mixing stage.  

Mixing templates are an ever-evolving thing of course and all of these decisions are made over time and with a lot of trial and error. But If you pay attention and understand the "why" behind Benedikt's decision-making here, you only need to do this once. Benefiting from the thousands of hours that Benedikt has spent at the mixing desk. 

Follow along with the accompanying YouTube video to jumpstart your path to creative godliness. (AKA a good, functional mixing template) 

In this deep dive episode Benedikt not only gives you insights into the tools he uses, but why he uses them. See an industry professional cover these topics:

• Drum bus & group bus routing
• The "why?" behind plugin choices
• Parallel sends
• Easy access to everything for speedy workflow
• Mixing in to the master bus

So grab yourself a pen & notebook and get ready to learn as Benedikt walks us step by step through his mixing template. 

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For full show notes go to: https://theselfrecordingband.com/184

If you have any questions, feedback, topic ideas or want to suggest a guest, email us at: podcast@theselfrecordingband.com