Peak Level Productions - Production Tips 101-02
Written By Jeff Peaks
It is common today with most independent rap recording artist that they purchase or record using 2 track beats with producer tags mixed in them. You can find these from many sources such as: Sound Click, YouTube or websites where you listen and download leasable beats from. The common factor about these beats are they have been mixed and mastered as a finished composition. Therefore the artist are stuck with the arrangement and the mix. That means if a sound is too loud or too low in the mix such as kicks, snares, bass, and ect. not much left for a mixing engineer to do to adjust the levels within a 2-Track mix. As a mixing engineer the majority of songs that are sent for the mixing process have these types beats. The common problems with recording with these types of beat are, that there mixed in a manner that leaves no room for the vocal recording process and most independent artist just import the track and try to record over the beat. This causes several issues that can be avoided in the recording process. Let's talk about the issues then the solutions.
ISSUES:
- When recording over the mastered beat your recorded vocal level is to Hot or High which causes your vocals to be abrasive and harsh.
- Overall to loud which results in digital distortion.
- Another common issue the headphone level bleeds out into the mic and causes low level phasing.
SOLUTIONS:
- When recording your vocals turn down the level of the beat (-5db to -10db) so that you make room to hear your vocals while recording.
- The recorded level of vocals in a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) should be no louder than -6db to -10db. Anything close or in the red is way too loud and carries digital distortion in the signal.
Take your time when recording, choose beats wisely and while recording your vocals, remember lower levels are much better for the end result of your song. Keep the headphone level to a minimum. The mixing engineer can adjust lower levels but cannot remove digital distortion of a loudly recorded vocal.
The next level of this process and best solution for your sound as a independent artist. Find a solid local producer who can produce you a beat for the sound your looking for and provide the stems of each sound separated. This process will cost you more to purchase the beat. Respect the producer and his talents and your sound will grow. The mixing engineer has the flexibility with the arrangement and sound of your final product. This to will cost you more in the post-production process. It will take you from sounding like a local independent artist to sounding more like a major recording artist.
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