"Miguel" wrote in message
ups.com...
Here is some background:

I am in the process of trying to perfect some of my recording
techniques: trying out all kinds of different styles, recording
methods, mixdowns, EQ's, setup, you name it. I have three different
recordings to demonstrate, and I would appreciate any feedback in terms
of sound quality, mix proportions, frequency response, etc:

All of the following is just my own opinion, and we all know what opinions
are like.

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Recording #1 - Heavy Metal
http://www.llamamuds.com/uploads/TheGrindOwnzJ00.mp3

This song clip is mostly recorded direct on drum parts, bass part, and
rhythm guitar part. Distortion is coming from a Vamp into a cabinet
simulator. There is significant compression on the rhythm and bass
parts to get that 'squashed sound'. Also, the guitar parts have some
amount of low-mids chopped out to clean up the mix.

You probably don't need this mush compression on a heavy guitar that's
already super compressed. I'd either try less compression of open the attack
up more. The drums really need some room - try a medium to small room
simulator on your reverb.


Recording #2 - Middle Eastern Instrumental
http://www.llamamuds.com/uploads/PersianMoon.mp3

This features an acoustic guitar, recorded direct through peizo pickups
blended with a large diaphram condensor mike for some string click
effect. The drum part was recorded live using two SM57's. This is
mostly recorded in a more traditional fashion, using mikes on the
instruments. The high pitched tones were recorded direct using an ebow
and a cabinet simulator. No EQ'ing done, however the is some
compression on the entire mix. The asoustic guitar part sounds heavily
compressed, however that 'thump' is coming from the peizo pickups
responding to the pick on the strings.

Just MHO, the guitar needs more mic and less peizo. Play around with the
position of the mic and the guitar in the room to get the tone you're
looking for.

This sounds the best out of all three samples.

Recording #3
http://www.llamamuds.com/uploads/slow-blues.mp3

All parts are direct except for rhythm and lead guitar parts. The drum
part is a Roland Vdrum kit set in brush mode, bass is recorded direct
using the RBI. Guitar parts were done with a class A tube amp recorded
with an SM57.

I can't get past how the drums sound, but I'm a drummer and I can't really
listen objectively.

Overall it sounds good, but even on gear that you may feel is limited
there's still room to get even better. Not like I'm a bigshot - I started
out on about the same level of gear a couple of years ago. Get at least a
couple of good preamp channels (the RNP is a good value), and a couple of
good mics. That will make a surprising difference in the quality of what
you've recorded.

Again, just my opinions,
Sean