resources

as a life-long practitioner of the techno-art of recording and music production, I have lots of favorite tools, tricks and concepts that are best shared with the comunity at-large and not held as closely-guarded secrets... as always, this information reflects my own tastes, biases and loves. I sincerely hope that they help you to think and to make informed desisions about how to best put your own toys, tech and tools into practice - both in the studio & on-the-road...

anti-virus, spyware, etc.

1. my personal favorite antivirus program for the pc is free... check out AVG Free.

books

1. modern recording techniques - probably the best and fastest way to get this industry-standard book is through amazon.com
2. here, there and everywhere - this book is a must-read for beatles and recording history buffs..., as a writer, howard massey totally ROCKS! you won't want to put this down!
3. recording the beatles - The details and the pics in this epic for the technology of the beatles and abbey road is amazing, although, the writing is less than inspiring.

cd and dvd tips)

1. restoring scratched CDs & DVDs can be done by using a clear plastic cleaner such as Meguiars Mirror Glaze Plastic Cleaner (you can get it or something like it at Schucks or most auto parts stores). Just rub a few drops of the mild abrasive onto the disc, rub in small, circular patterns with your fingertips and then wipe off the dried residue with a non-abrasive cloth. The disc'll be restored or ready to copy to a new disc. As you might expect, a small bottle of this stuff will last for years
2. you don't need to buy a CD or DVD destroyer to obliterate data that you don't want to get into the wrong hands... simply throw a disc (or discs) into a microwave for a few seconds... a fun lightshow is guaranteed for all! Remember, just "bake-em" for a few seconds. I've never had a problem with this over the years, but I can't be held responsible for any actions (dumb or otherwise) that are taken by the reader.

daws and workstation tips

1. one of the best things you can do to improve your workflow and to save your sanity when working with a computer/DAW setup is to use two graphic monitors... dual-head is definetely the way to go!
2. article on dual-graphics monitors (from guitar world mag)
3. for someone who'se just starting out, "cubase LE version 3" DAW Mac/PC software is by far the most powerful DAW for the buck. You'd be surprised how small the differences are between LE and its cubase/nuendo big brothers. Cubase LE Version 3 is often bundled free with certain audio interfaces.
4. The most cost-effective way to get running with pro-tools is by using m-audio's PT m-powered 7 software with a compatible m-audio interface.
5. One of the more versatile mic-preamp, interface addons that I know of is the behringer ultragain ada8000 preamp. this puppy offers 8-high quality mic pres and 8 outputs that can be accessed by a digital interface or mixer via ADAT lightpipe.
6. Windows XP Tweaks For Audio - Craig Anderton's useful tips & tricks

free plug-ins

1. sony software offers a free version of acid express, free loops, etc.
2. i've heard that kristal audio engine is a decent free daw
3. luna free
4. audacity 2-ch editor
5. wavosaur
6. audour for the Mac

dsp and signal prosessing

1. article on EQing your tracks (from guitar world mag)

dsp plug-ins

1. the UAD-1 from Universal Audio is a computer-based hardware accelerator card that comes packed with plug-ins that accurately emulate some of the best-known hardware devices in the biz. In addition, a number of software-only plug-ins are available that are superb in quality, emulating hardware devices from Neve and other manufacturers. My personal favorites include the Precision Limiter and Presicion EQ plug-ins that are good enough to be used in transparent mastering applications.
2. the tc electronic powercore family of accelerator cards (and firewire external devices) from tc electronic also includes a wide range of DSP hardware emulations that are likewise superb in quality. (note: both of these accelerators not only take much of the workload off of the processors, they include time-tested effects processors that would literally cost tens of thousand of dollars in eqiuvalent hardware. My feelings on the matter are that the UAD-1 is amazing when it comes to compressions and gain-related DSP... while the Powercore reverbs are amongst the best in the biz. That's to say, each ones weekness is the other one's strength! Together, you'll literally have the best DSP plug-ins in the biz for less than $2000 (if you shop wisely, far less)
3. free plug-ins
4. maxim digital audio has a free suite of plug-ins that are amazingly useful
5. luxonix lfx-1310 free multi-effects processor
6. bluecataudio also has a free suite of plug-ins that are amazingly useful
7. i've heard that jb_ferox is a really good tape sound simulator

headphones

1. for on-the-go mp3 sound, my faves are the Sony MDR-J10 phones. At $10, their over-the-ear design stays on... and they sound really good. They finally came out with a Mac white color model that looks cool.
2. for pro applications, my personal faves is the Sony MDR-7506 model.

hearing is important

1. check out www.hei.org and protect one of your greatest investments... your hearing!

history of recorded sound

1. historical article on alan dower blumlein (from mix mag)
2. historical article on capitol records (from mix mag) (capitol records site)
3. article on the history of magnetic recording (from mix mag)

magazines & online sources

1. eq magazine
2. mix magazine
3. sound on sound
4. tapeop

microphones

1. MXL mics tend to be my fave for the buck... They have a good heart and their mics sound really good! I use the v67i on all of my vocals. (mxl article from from eq mag)
2. article on miking electric guitar amps/axe (from eq mag)
3. article on getting more space from your recordings (from guitar world mag)
4. article on "re-amping" (from guitar world mag)
5. philosophical article on miking (from eq mag)

midi

1. article on drum controllers (from eq mag)
2. CME UF Series keyboards not only look cool and cost-effective, they're really good! Check out what Craig Anderton has to say about 'em
3. what can one say about the M-Audio line of USB keyboard controllers, except that they work and travel really well... the O2 and triggerfinger are lifesavers on stage (I just wish they had a MIDI IN port)

mobile recording

1. one of the most important tools that I have when I'm on-the-road is my M-Audio studio pack... check it out on their “gig bags” page!
2. the zoom h2 stereo and surround (actually quad) handheld recorder offers one of the best ways to capture audio to an SD memory card. it sounds great and can act as an interface to your pc or mac...

money matters

1. One of the most important gifts that you can give yourself is the gift of finacial responsibility! Learning how to manage your finances can help give you a degree of independance (freedom from the shackles) that you wouldn't have thought possible. Remember, the bank should work for you... shou shouldn't work for them! These sites are for kids... but often, us grown-ups haven't learned the abc's of $$$:
2. themint.org (even us big kids can learn lessons here)
3. Check out the money savvy piggy bank... or better yet, the coloring and activity book

mp3

1. my absolute fave CD ripping program for the PC is Easy CD-DA Extractor from a finnish company called Poikosoft

musician tools

1. copyright registration - Always copyright your work! form SR facts - important reading! also, here are some basic answers to copyright questions.
2. how to make a press kit - What you need to include in your epk, press kit, or promo kit that will get you the attention your music deserves.
3. Three Ways to Obtain Mechanical Licenses, for Legally Recording/Distributing Cover Versions on CD (an awsome resource for a potentially daunting task)!
4. Here are my notes on the musictech07 Northwest Grammy Summit at the EMP... and here is the brochure.
5. ascap, bmi and sound exchange are several performing rights organizations that can help collect royalties and act as a business resource... here are a few postings that can help provide background info - 1 2 3
6. Here's a youtube video on music marketing basics that's always important to keep in mind.
7. what is music publishing?
8. Music Distributors: How to Attract them and How to Work with Them

my 2 cents

1. article outlining my basic philosophy to researching and buying equipment
2. article on some of the more important basics (from guitar world mag)

organizations

1. aes
2. aprs (uk-europe)
3. naras (grammy)

podcasting

1. Sweetwater made a couple of pages explaining how to make a podcast in simple terms: how to make a podcast & what is podcasting?

radio stations

1. filtermusic.net - A collection of superb internet stations from around the world
2. kuow.org - npr station in Seattle
3. nwpr.org - npr and classical music to the greater northwest US
4. wfiu - npr and classical radio in bloomington, indiana
5. wwoz - jazz from new orleans

speakers and monitoring

1. I'd like to post an update on the above speakers (alesis m1active 520's)... it's interesting that i'm spending so much time talking about these lil' puppies, but they do sound better than many small powered speakers in their class. i've noticed that the mids and highs have an interesting boost in them - there are controls for this (which i havn't tried to compensate for yet)... oh, yea, i forgot to mention the big + of the easily-accessible power button with the cool, blue led strip on the top for easy access (you don't have to reach around to the rear!). ok, i've said enough, they aren't the best speakers i've ever heard but they're definitely quite acceptable, especially for the $$$.

studio tips

1. an “important” article on documentation (from eq mag)
2. Dave takes time out from behind the board at supernatural-sound studios in Portland, Oregon to talk about the importance of documenting your sessions. By saving session docs, photos, scans, etc. within your DAW’s session’s directory, you can save a lot of time, money and frustration at a later date, when you need the info the most… Literally, the butt that you save might be your own! (Courtesy of www.crossfader.com)
3. since most production folk sit on their bums for extended periods of time... a comfortable chair is an important piece of studio gear

women in audio

1. Dave takes time out from the TapeOp 2007 Conference to meet up with members of the Women’s Audio Mission (www.womensaudiomission.org) at the Pot Luck Recording Studio. “WAM” is a San Francisco recording organization that exists to promote the education and support for women in the audio recording and media production community. (Courtesy of www.crossfader.com)

Modern Recording Techniques

As the most popular and authoritative guide to recording available, Modern Recording Techniques provides everything you need to master the tools and day-to-day practice of music recording and production. The sixth edition has been expanded to cover the latest digital audio technology and features a new section on surround sound. For those who are just starting out or are looking for their next job in the industry, this edition also provides essential advice on career options and networking.

David Miles Hubers approachable writing style, coupled with over 500 technical diagrams, screen shots and product illustrations, makes this an essential resource which you will want to refer to again and again.

Everything you need to master the tools and day-to-day practice of music recording and production. The sixth edition has been expanded to cover the latest digital audio technology and features a new section on surround sound.

The MIDI Manual

The MIDI Manual presents a complete reference on MIDI that gives you a clear explanation of MIDI, how to use MIDI instruments, and a complete description of sequencers and how to use them. The MIDI Manual is filled with photos and screenshots, adding to the clear, concise, and practical advice given throughout the book. From a basic description of MIDI all the way through setting up an efficient MIDI system, this book provides an incredibly useful resource you'll return to again and again.

Professional Microphone Techniques

It's the ultimate guide to microphone placement, applications, and techniques by one of authors of the industry best seller, "Modern Recording Techniques." It focuses on microphone usage for dozens of instruments and vocals. Comes with an audio CD that allows you to hear the different effects of mic placement, and teaches you how to get the best recordings from the types of mics you have available. 200 pages.

Hard Disk Recordings for Musicians

Hard Disk Recording for Musicians by David Miles Huber is a complete guide to the equipment, techniques, and processes of digital audio. Covers computer-based sound editing, digital audio workstations, digital signal processing, real-world applications, sampling, and more.