What software/hardware do I need to make my sound recordings sound professional?
Currently I am using an MBox 2 on my Mac Pro and recording on Pro Tools 8 (upgrading to PT9 soon). I am confident in my music composition abilities so I am going it a shot a becoming a DIY artist using various online tools for most of my marketing like ReverbNation, Headliner.fm, tumblr, Facebook, twitter, SC, kickstarter, pledge music (check those out incredible TOOLS).
My problem is in my sound recording. My recordings even though I am using a korg triton keyboard, IK Multimedia sounds plugins, nice acoustic/electric, condenser mic, etc, I STILL don’t get that “big”, “imaging”, professional sound that would enable me to upload the songs as soon as I am “done” with them.
Any “godsend” mastering and mixing plug-ins/hardware that I might not have heard of. Currently I connect everything straight to the MBox.
Hi.
The reason your recordings don’t sound professional is that you are not a professional. Just because you own the equipment doesn’t mean its used properly. I don’t know what style of music you are recording but here are a few things you may want to look at… unfortunately these are very difficult to describe in words but hopefully they will point you in the right direction.
1. Your monitoring system – Even though your mix may sound good on headphones/in your bedroom it may not sound as great anywhere else. This is because the enviroment you mix in colours the sound and therefore pro studios are acoustically treated to ensure flat response. Google it!
2. EQ & Compression – These are the two items that separate pro from amateur most significantly. Learning how to EQ and judicious use of compression will change the way your mixes/recordings sound hugely.
3. FX – Don’t overdo it. Controlled and timed FX of a decent quality is ten times better than just chucking some reverb on a track.
4. Microphone placement – If the sound coming in from your mic isn’t the best it can be you’ve got no hope. Experiment, take your time and listen!
5. Frequency juggling – Make sure that each instrument occupies its own space in the frequency spectrum. If two (or more) instruments are in the same frequency range it will sound muddy and confused.
6. Watch the low end – Again, a real tell tale sign of the amateur. Boomy, muddy or flabby bass will quickly put anybosy off even though the rest of the track may sound great.
7. Mastering – You can try to do this yourself but ideally take it to a professional. The result of good quality mastering cannot be underestimated.
Final note – You cannot buy a “box of tricks” that will make your recordings sound amazing. There are a few toys, of course, but learning the craft is much more important than buying gear. If it was as simple as buying a box EVERYONE would be making amazing records, its not that simple.
Best of luck with your career!
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