Home recording for musician for dummies (paperback)

Discover the techniques and gear that will turn your music into great-sounding recordings

You love making music. If you"re ready to start recording your tunes, this is the place to begin. Learn about the many types of digital recording systems and how to use them, essential engineering techniques, professional mixing and mastering tips, how to turn sounds into songs, and what it takes to assemble and release an album. Sound good?

• Building your studio * consider the type of recording you want to do and what your physical space will require

• Gear up * compare computer-based recording systems, studio-in-a-box, tablet systems, and portable recorders

• Meet mic * explore different types of microphones and which work best for various instruments

• MIDI and more * get a handle on using MIDI, synthesizers, and software instruments

• Welcome to the mixer * learn about mixer options based on your choice of recording equipment

• Makin" tracks * understand multitrack recording, overdubbing, submixing, and bouncing

• Putting it together * clean up and edit your tracks and professionally master your songs

• Get it out there * create CDs and MP3 files, distribute your music online, and learn how to promote your product

Open the book and find:

• What to consider when choosing equipment

• Tips for getting a great source sound

• Mic setups for commoninstruments

• All about equalizing and blending tracks

• Hints for synchronizing devices

• How to create a performance that never happened

• How to record on a tablet PC

• Ten innovative ways to promote your music

Learn to:

• Record with a PC, studio-in-a-box, or tablet

• Create recordings for demos or commercial releases

• Capture sounds from guitars, drums, piano, horns, and vocals

• Edit tracks, mix, master, and distribute your songs

Part I: Home Recording Studio Basics 7

Chapter 1: Understanding Home Recording 9

Chapter 2: Getting the Right Gear 19

Chapter 3: Getting Connected: Setting Up Your Studio 49

Part II: Recording 101 81

Chapter 4: Meet the Mixer 83

Chapter 5: MIDI and Electronic Instruments 99

Chapter 6: Understanding Microphones 115

Part III: Getting Ready to Record 143

Chapter 7: Getting a Great Source Sound 145

Chapter 8: Taking a Look at Microphone Techniques 159

Chapter 9: Miking Your Instruments 173

Part IV: Laying Track: Starting to Record 197

Chapter 10: Multitrack Recording 199

Chapter 11: Recording Audio 209

Chapter 12: Recording and Editing MIDI Data 217

Part V: Turning Your Tracks into a Finished Song 233

Chapter 13: Editing Your Performance 235

Chapter 14: Mixing Your Music 255

Chapter 15: Dialing In Signal Processors 281

Chapter 16: Mastering Your Music 305

Chapter 17: Creating Your Finished Product 319

Part VI: The Part of Tens 339

Chapter 18: Ten Ways to Distribute and Promote Your Music 341

Chapter 19: Ten Invaluable Recording Tips 355

Index 361