READ ME FIRST: Rules & FAQ for the Recording Course!

Welcome everyone to "Recording for Guitarists", our first course of the tonebase Academy! 🤩🎉🙌 Together we will untangle the mysteries of digital audio production! Coil your cables, point your mics: it's time to hit the record button! 🎚🎛🎧

5 Weeks - 5 Livestreams

Download the syllabus for the entire course HERE

Over the course of five weeks, we will explore all the steps from tracking your signal to editing a master take, from mixing your signal to syncing it to a video file. The idea is to deeply integrate the workshops in the forum, each lesson will have its dedicated thread and a workbook!

 

I. The First Steps (+ Workbook)

II. The Edit (+ Workbook)

III. All about Dynamics (+ Workbook)

IV. Critical listening (+ Workbook)

V. Audio & Video (+ Workbook)

 

How to get the most out of it

  1. Although not required, the workbooks give you a great introduction to what we will cover, so you will greatly benefit from working through the pdfs!
  2. Some lessons will give you different assignments. Share these with your fellow recording artists in the thread and let's talk and discuss them!
  3. I will post the answers to the questionnaires (which are at the end of each workbook) a couple of days after the individual live stream took place. If you have questions concerning the topic, ask them in the thread of the lesson!

Timeline

  • Kickoff: 11th January, then each week on Monday at 11am PST.
  • In between: Work on your assignments and the questionnaire, post questions in the forum and discuss uploads by other users
  • On day before the next lesson: Answers to the questionnaires will be posted!

Frequently Asked Questions

I have no experience in recording, but I am very interested, should I take part?

Yes! We designed the lessons to get you acquainted with all the tools necessary in order to get started in recording!

 

Do I need special equipment?

If you don't have a USB-Mic, a mobile recorder or a microphone with an audio interface, that's totally okay, you can get started in recording with your smartphone and a laptop, or even with a tablet. We will cover basic concepts of recording that apply for various technical levels - but, of course, we will be covering the use of microphones in conjunction with a computer as well. Editing our takes will require a DAW like Reaper, but the basic concepts of editing apply to any recording software as well.

 

↓ Reply with other questions below ↓ 

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    • Derek
    • Derek
    • 3 yrs ago
    • Reported - view

    Hi Martin. I've just seen your post on Facebook. Do we have to register for this course? Thanks Derek

    Like 1
      • MirceaTeam
      • Head of Guitar
      • Mircea
      • 3 yrs ago
      • Reported - view

      Derek Hi Derek! You don't have to, you can also just watch the livestreams (link to the first, second, third, fourth and fifth - links will be live later today) and contribute in the dedicated thread, here's the first one. 

      If you do register, you will get some more emails from us, to remind you of all of Martin's sessions and other activities, but in general, there is no obligation there. The registration link is more for people who are not currently taking part in a lot of live / community activity, but would like to check out Martin's Recording Course.

      Like 2
  • Great Martin, I'm there

    Like 2
    • David Krupka
    • Amateur guitarist/lutenist
    • David_Krupka
    • 3 yrs ago
    • Reported - view

    Hi Martin - I'm looking forward to this! (Just downloaded the trial version of 'reaper'.) I have two possibilities for the USB mic: a Blue 'Yeti', and a Zoom H2n recorder. Do you have an opinion on either of these? Is there any other product that you would particularly recommend? (These microphones are generally inexpensive, so I don't mind purchasing another.) I don't at the moment have an audio interface (nor a proper microphone) but I have been thinking of acquiring something basic. Is there any 'entry-level' equipment that stands out? (In my local music store, the Focusrite 'Scarlett' was recommended.) Thanks!

    Like 2
      • martinTeam
      • LIVE
      • martin.3
      • 3 yrs ago
      • Reported - view

      David Krupka Hi David, both options would work fine. The Blue Yeti has an integrated audio interface, so you would only need to plug it into your computer via USB, so it's probably a quite easy workflow to get the signals into your DAW. I'd also recommend buying a mic stand to be more flexible in terms of positioning!

      The H2n is a mobile recorder that has an interface option which you can to activate (that's one option within the menue of the Zoom somewhere). You would have the advantage that you can record with the H2n without the need of a computer (which is quite handy if you are playing a concert and want to record without needing to bring a lot of gear).

      I personally would recommend to get the Zoom plus an additional mic stand. That way, you are very flexible in terms of mic position and can record without the need of a computer by only importing the recorded files into DAW for post production. Furthermore, I would recommend to invest 60-70$ more and get the Zoom H4 Pro, because then you have a mic which is more suited for music recording (due to the xy-configuration of the mics) AND - that's the best thing - it comes with 2 XLR-Inputs. So if you decide to dig a little bit deeper into recording, you could invest in a pair of Microphones and still use the Zoom H4n as an audio interface capable of handling those inputs (the Zoom H2n only has the built in mic).

      Concerning the Focusrite Scarlett: I use my focusrite for almost 10 years now, it survived countless recordings and one repair by my very own hands (I needed to exchange the headphone jack). I still use that interface for quick and dirty on-location recordings. But keep in mind that you would need to additionally invest in one or two microphones if you go for the Focusrite Scarlett. In terms of quality are the Focusrite Preamps probably a bit better, but the differences shouldn't be too big between the Zoom and the Focusrite.

      So in conclusion, I'd recommend you to get the Zoom H4n Pro and a mic stand, that way you have the most flexibility and are future proof if you want to invest in additional microphones for more sophisticated mice setups!

      Hope that helps, let me know if you need more input :) 🧙‍♂️

      Like 2
    • martin Hi!

       

      Do you have an opinion regarding H4N vs H5? Their prices are similar, and it looks like the H5 is newer. Are there any advantages/disadvantages that you're aware of? 

       

      Thank you!

      Like 1
      • martinTeam
      • LIVE
      • martin.3
      • 3 yrs ago
      • Reported - view

      Walter The H5 has a system if interchangeable mic capsules while the H4 has a fixed XY mic configuration (i think you can point the mic at a 90° or a 120° angle). The H5 is actually older than the updated H4. Given the option between those two, I'd personally go for the H4 for 3 main reasons:

      1. Since the updated h4 is 5 years younger, the pre-amps are probably better with the newer version. 
      2. Both the H4 and the H5 allow additional 2 XLR inputs, so both mobile recorder are modular enough for more sophisticated mic setups with additional microphones in the future.
      3. The system of interchangeable systems might be interesting for journalists who need something compact i.e. with a hyper cardioid mic capsule for speech recording. But those specialized adapters come at a price!
      Like 1
    • David Krupka
    • Amateur guitarist/lutenist
    • David_Krupka
    • 3 yrs ago
    • Reported - view

    Thanks for the very detailed response, Martin! I'll keep an eye open for the H4n.  I'll also look around for a mic stand. At the moment, I use a camera tripod, which can be adjusted for height. It's not perfect, but it works ...

    Like 1
      • martinTeam
      • LIVE
      • martin.3
      • 3 yrs ago
      • Reported - view

      David Krupka that should work as well! I always try to optimize my workflow in terms of efficiency and ease of use as the technical aspect might distract me from getting creative!

      Like 1
    • Robert
    • amateur guitarist, guitar addicted
    • Robert
    • 3 yrs ago
    • Reported - view

    I will try to make it on Monday! Sounds great (the syllabus; and hopefully the results, too 😉), and it covers exactly the topics that I am interested in for further recording videos with good sound quality. I am excited about the opportunity to participate in this.

    Like 1
      • Robert
      • amateur guitarist, guitar addicted
      • Robert
      • 3 yrs ago
      • Reported - view

      Now, I installed Reaper and plugged in a new fresh USB Mic, purchased a few days ago, in order to be well prepared for the exciting course. At first, I got error messages in Reaper right at the beginning with the device (ASIO) options (only "Realtek ASIO") was available on my Windows 10 notebook (with Audacity, there were no issues and I was immediately able to record something). Then I installed "ASIO4ALL", selected it in the device settings, and after some additional struggling I now have at least some action on the metering. Hope, that this will work then... 🙂

      Like 1
      • martinTeam
      • LIVE
      • martin.3
      • 3 yrs ago
      • Reported - view

      Robert Awesome to hear! I have heard about the Asio4All driver, but haven't dug too deep into as I was always using sound cards / external audio interfaces that have their own dedicated ASIO drivers. In general, ASIO is a protocol that enables your DAW to communicate directly with your sound card, thus skipping the windows drivers which enables lower latency. This is especially true when you're working with your integrated sound card.

      The fact that you needed to install ASIO4ALL in order to make your USB-Mic work might indicate that you haven't installed the proper drivers for your USB-Mic, but this is a little hard to tell from afar. Can you specify what USB-Mic you are using?


      I have found this tutorial that covers ASIO4ALL specifically for the use within Reaper: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=435nHPVShvM

       

      I will show in the live stream a way to make sure that you set your correct input devices, chances are that the metering you get at the moment are from an integrated microphone of your computer. Then again, I have never worked with Asio4All, so maybe I am completely off. It's always best practice to get the latest drivers for your audio equipment! 💪🎧

      Like 2
      • Robert
      • amateur guitarist, guitar addicted
      • Robert
      • 3 yrs ago
      • Reported - view

      martin Thanks for your comments, Martin! I found a recommendation to use ASIO4All driver in case of failure with other ASIO, and therefore I just tried it. Before that, I had always the Reaper message "Error initializing ASIO buffers...", and I had "Realtek ASIO" as default and only option (I have a notebook with an integrated sound card. For the USB-Mic there was no software or hint to a software/driver in the package. Since this is my first approach with recording not with a smartphone only, I tried to invest not too much (maybe a mistake, similar to playing a very very cheap instrument, which I do not do; but on the other hand one can usually get proper equipment for a reasonable price... as I said: I am a beginner in this recording world). It is a "t.bone SC 440 USB" (Thomann...; Supercardioid characteristic, 20 - 18,000 Hz, max sound pressure level: 134 dB, field transmission factor -13.3 [dB re 1V / Pa] - whatever the two last figures are indicating... 🤓). Maybe it is an Windows 10 problem, although it should properly with Windows 10.
      I will try to check further some aspects (metering etc., as you mentioned) before the workshop starts.
      Btw: I have an external mic for smartphone, too. And an older Olympus Linear PM Recorder LS-11, (working with a memory card).

      Like 1
      • martinTeam
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      • martin.3
      • 3 yrs ago
      • Reported - view

      Robert Alright! I just read that the t.bone mic doesn't seem to have a dedicated ASIO driver, so going with ASIO4ALL was definitely a wise choice when you want to use it in a DAW. With some other DAWs the mic seems to work instantly, in Reaper you could try to go into the ASIO configuration (via control+p -> Audio -> Device), there you can specify details about the Asio4All configuration! It could be that your usb mic is already working, but that way you should be able to clarify whether you are using your internal mic or your usb-mic 🧙‍♂️🎧

       

       

      Like 1
      • martinTeam
      • LIVE
      • martin.3
      • 3 yrs ago
      • Reported - view

      Robert Oh, the last figures are indicating your sensitivity!

      Like 1
      • Robert
      • amateur guitarist, guitar addicted
      • Robert
      • 3 yrs ago
      • Reported - view

      martin Thanks, Martin! I checked it again, disabled the internal notebook mic (in the notebook's control panel for sound input), plugged in the t.bone USB mic, choose the right options in reaper and ASIO config (as your screenshot indicates) - the "USB Mic" was visible as option then -, and recorded voice and guitar as test. Both are fine, i.e., they have been recorded. 😅🧠🎉 And I can clearly see, oh no: hear the supercalifragilisticexpialidocious, oh no: supercardioid characteristic of the mic when turning it a bit in a different direction away from me/my guitar.
      I very much look forward for learning all the details from you: how to record guitar in a good way and finally how to synch that with a video (for example for uploading it her for a masterclass...).

      Like 1
      • martinTeam
      • LIVE
      • martin.3
      • 3 yrs ago
      • Reported - view

      Robert Awesome, I am very happy to hear that you got it working! 🍻 See you later!

      Like 1
  • I Hope to make it Monday.  Things being a bit um... crazy here int he states to put it mildly... :(

     

    My mind is not focused.  Hopefully I can focus on my guitar and my students and let the other stuff stay out.  Blessings friends 

    Like 1
    • David Chidsey my thoughts are with you and all the other decent citizens in your country. Hopefully this craziness will be over soon. 

      Like 2
  • Have you included working with a green screen? Clothing selection, position, lighting, editing, etc? It would be very helpful.  Thank you.

    Like 1
      • martinTeam
      • LIVE
      • martin.3
      • 3 yrs ago
      • Reported - view

      Martha Kreipke I have not planned it, but I can cover it in the 5th lesson when we will talk about video! Although I cannot demonstrate too much since I don't have a green screen. But it's perfectly possible to work in DaVinci Resolve with a so-called keyer, though it might not be as straight-forward to use as in different applications.

       

      Lighting, Editing, White Balance etc. will be covered! I probably cannot demonstrate too much live since encoding the live stream AND video post production might be little too much heavy lifting for my PC, but I'll definitely show you how to do all these things!

      Like 1
    • Michael
    • Michael.3
    • 3 yrs ago
    • Reported - view

    Hello martin  and thank you for the course! I am looking forward to it. My only question is does the Live session start at 11 AM or 11PM PST? the email I received said 11 AM PST, but here on this readme first page it says 11PM pst, Fortunately Im available for both times...

    Like 1
    • Michael Thanks for this! I was going to ask the exact same question. 

      Like 1
      • MirceaTeam
      • Head of Guitar
      • Mircea
      • 3 yrs ago
      • Reported - view

      Michael Hi Michael and Ronald ! Sorry about this. All events will start at 11 am PST - which is 2 pm Eastern, 7 pm UK, 8 pm Central Europe. The "pm" was a typo in Martin's opening post, I've gone ahead and corrected it (it's fun to have admin powers 😁) Hope to see you both there!

      Like
      • martinTeam
      • LIVE
      • martin.3
      • 3 yrs ago
      • Reported - view

      Mircea Woops, sorry about that 😅

      Like 1
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