HSS Episode 040-Recollection and Free Stuff

On April 13th, in the year 2015, the very first episode of Home Studio Simplified was released.

 Since then I have had the amazing opportunity to interview a myriad of great people:

• Justin Clark Singer/Songwriter
• Don Cherry Founder of "Strings With Wings"
• John Hehman Mix Engineer from Chesterton Indiana
• Maor Appelbaum Mastering Engineer
• Ethan Winer CEO of Real Traps
• Warren Huart CEO of Produce Like A Pro/Producer/Mix Engineer
• Graham Cochrane CEO of The Recording Revolution
• Brian Wampler CEO of Wampler Pedals
• Joe Gilder CEO of Home Studio Corner

 All of this has taken a lot of work. But it's been fun! No, it's not always easy to manage the time that it takes to put together podcasts, videos, upkeep a Facebook Page, and run a blog, as well as work a full time job. However, I continue to do so with the hope that someone out there may find something that is said or done informative and useful.

 I will admit that there have been times I've been wrong, there have been times that I have not covered things the best, or given enough information. There have been time that I have fell short of providing you with the best value, in order to promote an idea or a product that I thought would help to further my own interests. For those times I apologize and would ask your forgiveness.

 I will continue to be a goofball, this is a given, I will continue to post things that are humorous, I may even provide another fake commercial here and there as I did in Episode 026, but I will try my best to always provide something of worth. This is my promise to you. If I should begin to waiver in this area please let me know. I really want to help you. If there are topics that I could cover that I have not, then please let me know.

  This months episode we are celebrating with some offers that you may not know about.

• Focusrite is giving away some more goodies
• Dave Pensado is doing another Mix Contest with some awesome prizes
• Sweetwaters Huge Mic Giveaway
• Softube and Focusrite are teaming up to giveaway a Console 1
• Track SparK is giving away a free Reverb "Manchester"

 If you'd like to support the podcast you can join me on Patreon. A mere $5 a month could allow me to release better quality shows more often, and will help to put instruments into the hands of individuals who cant afford them.

Check out this episode!

HSS Episode 039-Interview with Joe Gilder

Today we interview Joe Gilder of Home Studio Corner! Joe has been another one of my long distance mentors and has helped thousands within the space of a Home Studio make better sounding music. We talk some methods, get philosophical, and even talk a little business as well.

 

Here are some links to find Joe:

Website: http://www.homestudiocorner.com/

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/joegildermusic/

Podcast: http://www.homestudiocorner.com/category/podcast/

The Simply Recording Podcast: http://simplyrecordingpodcast.com/

Music: http://www.nimbitmusic.com/joegildermusic

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/HomeStudioCorner

Twitter: @joegildermusic

 

Here are some more links to find me:

The YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/homestudiosimplified

Show some love, win some gear: https://www.patreon.com/homestudiosimplified

My Music/Portfolio: https://www.reverbnation.com/1sounddoctrine

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/homestudiosimplified/

Check out this episode!

HSS Episode 038-DIY for the Home Studio

In this episode I discuss some of the benefits of DIY for the Home Studio. Below are some links to my recent projects. Enjoy!

 

The DIY Studio: https://youtu.be/dvlthaNNeTA

The DIY Pedal Board: https://youtu.be/vMmM91abGPs

The DIY Desk and Recording Light: https://youtu.be/9rPSbOj3Hcw

 

 

Check out this episode!

HSS Episode 037-Brian Wampler Interview

On today's show we have Brain Wampler the President of Wampler Pedals. We discuss some of the mindsets that go into his pedals and also where the ideas come from. If you have not checked out his YouTube channel, you owe it to yourself to watch some of his gear reviews as well as his great guitar playing. This was the most laid back of all the interviews thus far and one that I honestly have to say was the most fun. Below are all the links you need to find Brian and to join in Chasing Tone with him, as well as some of his other products discussed in the podcast.

 

 

Wampler Pedals Website: http://wamplerpedals.com/

The Wampler FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/wamplerfanpage/

The Wampler YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/wampcat

Wampler on Twiiter: @WamplerPedals

Wampler on Instagram: @wamplerpedals

Wampler on SnapChat: @brianwampler

Chasing Tone Podcast: http://bit.ly/Chasing_Tone_Podcast

DIY Pedals book: http://amzn.to/2lrG6h8

 

*The Rock'em Sock'em Robots Vid: Low Blow Teaser

Check out this episode!

HSS Episode 035-Collaboration

Happy New Year's to all! May your next year be better than ever! In this episode I share some moments that only collaboration can bring and would encourage each of you to find someone to collaborate with next year! It's not only fun but rewarding!

Check out this episode!

HSS Episode 034-Thanksgiving

Not a lot of meat and potatoes in this episode, just sharing some thoughts and a plea for a change of mindset. Also, I am sharing the song that we created in the "My Songwriting Methods" series on YouTube. Hope you all have a blessed Thanksgiving! Thanks for being a listener!

Check out this episode!

HSS Episode 033-Interview with Warren Huart

On today's show we have Warren Huart, Mulit-Platinum Producer, Songwriter, and Mixing Engineer.

His credits are vast, his love for music is obvious, and his knowledge of all things recording seems limitless.

Yet some of his greatest traits are his humility and willingness to keep learning. Those wonderful traits are expounded upon daily in his blog posts, YouTube videos, and his involvement in the community that he has created on the Produce Like A Pro website.

Produce Like A Pro Facebook Page

Warren Huart's Website w/credits

Produce Like A Pro Podcast

PLAP in iTunes

PLAP Soundcloud

PLAP Academy

PLAP YouTube Channel

HSS Episode 032-My Favorite SONAR features

I am not endorsed or paid by Cakewalk. I am not trying to sway anyone in any direction. My sole purpose of this podcast is simply to share my thoughts on my favorite DAW.

 

Also covered in this podcast quickly is some info on the Patreon page I recently launched. You can find out more about it here.

Check out this episode!

HSS Episode 031-Interview with Ethan Winer

 

In this episode I interview Ethan Winer an audio expert with years of experience in recording, mixing, and audio in general.

Ethan is the Co-Owner of Real Traps, a company that produces high quality acoustic solutions for studios of all sizes.

He has wrote articles for several magazines over the years including Tape Op, EQ, and PC Magazine, to name a few. He has been active on forums for years, helping home studio, project studio, and large studio owners from all walks of life better understand their equipment as well as their acoustic issues.

I wanted to bring him on the show because he has a knack for explaining things in a simple and understandable way. He also is a champion of dispelling audio myths, which we talk about!

Here are some links to get a hold of Ethan:

Ethan's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/EthanWiner

The Audio Expert Forum: http://the-audio-expert.freeforums.��net/

Also as mentioned, here is the link to A Cello Rondo! You gotta see this! A Cello Rondo

 

 

Check out this episode!

HSS Episode 029-Debunking EQ Myths

www.homestudiosimplified.com

www.youtube.com/c/homestudiosimplified

www.facebook.com/homestudiosimplified

 

One of the Mixing Engineers best friends is the trusty EQ. It is one of those mysterious elements that can't immediately be heard, whether it is right or wrong, that is unless it is horribly wrong, or incredibly right. It also is one of the areas of Mixing that requires the most patience and training. However, there are a lot of myths surrounding EQ that I would like to dispel.

Myth #1

EQ Can Fix Anything

This is an obvious lie. Yet, so many individuals have this mindset at first. The fact is a bad recording cannot be EQ'd into perfection, and there are times when we just have ti cut our losses and re-record that take. I will never forget the time I spent a week on one mix trying to get the Bass to set in it properly. After many late nights of me banging my head off the desk, and pretty much wanting to throw my computer out a window, the thought hit me.... "Maybe I should just re-record the Bass?"

One take later, I mean literally 5 minutes later, and I had a Bass track that set perfectly in the mix!

Myth #2

You Can Add Bass Later

I have been on a Bass kick here lately, and so here I go again. My recent post was spun to help tame that beast, and this portion of the article is to make sure that beast is still in the cage at all. Thinking that you can add Bass back into a track after you have recorded it is another fallacy. Once a track, especially a Bass track, has been recorded you cannot add anything back into it (using EQ) that you have cut out before the recorded finale. So many have tried, in futility, to add Bass back into a track that they have already removed. You cannot boost or even cut anything that isn't there.

Myth #3

All EQ's Are The Same

If this were the case, why would there be so many? The fact is there are no two alike! Every EQ regardless of its designer has some sonic difference from another. Through trial and error you can pinpoint which one really works for you. The differences in most EQ processors, whether they be outboard gear or plug-ins, are not incredibly noticeable to the untrained ear, but all of them do boost and cut differently for sure. One of the biggest differences is that each one has a different interface and some contain extra elements that others do not. (i.e. frequency spectrum analyzers, limiters, etc.)

Myth #4

You Have To EQ Every Track

When I first started recording, this was my thought. Then I had this revelation one day while recording an acoustic guitar. I went to place it in the mix, going through the usual measures, when I noticed that it fit perfectly. It fit perfectly! No EQ, no compression, no clever mixing tricks, just an amazing recording! Now, I can't say that I didn't still take the preventative approach, (HPF @ 80 hz) but I didn't have to do anything else to it!

 

Check out this episode!

HSS Episode 028-Interview with John Hehman

John and I go wayyyy back. Over the years we both have been music lovers and have even been in a band together at one time. As most of you know I am working in Christian music predominantly and sometimes some Pop sounding stuff. John on the other hand has been working with Metal bands for a long time. So, I thought I'd invite him on the show to share some tips with you that I couldn't provide. Man alive, did he deliver!

In this episode we talk about:

*Recording/Mixing heavy guitars

*Recording/Mixing scream vocals

*Getting Metal drums to set in a mix

*Tape vs Digital

*Adding analogue sound in a digital world

*Deciphering taste terms (Muddy, bright, tinny, piercing, etc.)

 

Enjoy! If you'd like to reach John here are some links that he has provided:

www.facebook.com/brokentoestudio
www.facebook.com/bangrecording
www.soundcloud.com/jhehman

Check out this episode!

HSS Podcast Episode 027-Justin Clark Sneak Peek

Today's podcast has to be a little shorter due to data limits. If you would like to help me get out more podcasts (maybe one a week) go here: http://www.homestudiosimplified.com/p/hss-podcast.html

There is now an option to donate weekly, monthly, or even yearly to help defer the costs of data through the podcast hosting service I use.

Over the weekend, I recorded some more tunes from the very talented Justin Clark. Today we will check out one of those tunes. An original song called "Without You".

*For a FREE printable info graphic that will give you a clear step by step process to achieve a better mix click here: http://bit.ly/1RIiLVL

Check out this episode!

HSS Episode 026-Time Saving Tips

In today's episode we're going to cover various ways to save time in the studio. As a musician and freelance audio engineer, father of two, and one who has full-time job outside of the studio, I know the importance of time in respect to our passion.

On the one hand, we would like to spend hours tweaking knobs and laying down great tracks. On the other hand, we have a job, a family, church, friends,and even pets that we don't want to feel less than important to us. It can be frustrating when you feel like these things are holding you back from productivity and fulfillment.
So today I want to give you a few different approaches on how you can turn the few moments you're given to work on your passion into a highly productive and musically profitable moment in time.
Whether you are recording yourself, mixing, recording others, practicing, or all of the above, I would like to leave you with just a few tips that I have learned over the years that have dramatically improved the productivity and efficiency of the musical moments of my life.

Today we have our first "sponsor" as well! It is a unique perfume company that helps to alleviate some awkward situations in life.

The back story for our "sponsor":
"Pathetica" was founded by Shloogle Flam, a hypothetical company in a city you've never heard of, from a country that doesn't exist, at a moment in time that never happened, and specializes in ambiguous products that aren't sold anywhere.

Okay, so in remembrance of the now passed April Fool's Day, from Home Studio Simplified's team (a team of one, right now)... "April Fools!!"

Now to get serious. In today's episode we will cover various ways to save time and be more productive with the time we are given within the realm of the studio. Listed below are bullet points of some of the topics were going to cover. Enjoy!

*Productive vs busy
*Presets
*Templates
*Bus or Aux Channels
*Big Wins
*Mobile Mixing
*Set up preparations

If you would like to sponsor the HSS podcast you can do so here: http://bit.ly/Patronize_Me

Free Mixing Videos here: http://bit.ly/The_Youtube_Channel

For a FREE infographic that will help you get a better mix go here: http://bit.ly/1RIiLVL

 

Check out this episode!

HSS Episode 025-Forward Motion

If you have any questions, show ideas, songs, or even a mix you'd like to share, you can email me: homestudiosimplified@gmail.com

If you are more of a visual person you can visit the YouTube Channel for Free informative videos on tips, tricks, & gear reviews:

www.YouTube.com/c/homestudiosimplified

Today's Topic: Forward Motion

• It took Paula Abdul's "Forever Your Girl" a total of 64 weeks - a year and three months - to go from entering the Billboard 200 to reaching No. 1

•  Records that took a loooong time to record and release: Portishead - Third (11 years), Guns n Roses - Chinese Democracy (17 years), Brian Wilson - Smile: (40 years)

• Whether its “glacier speed” or “Bugatti speed” it's forward motion that matters

 Major setbacks to Home Studio Hobbyists and Freelance Audio Engineers alike include:

• Fear
• Lack of self confidence
• OCD
• Losing sight of what really matters most
• Thinking in terms of money more than music
• Time

Find That Frequency:

Song: Peace In The Storm

Artist: Robert McClellan

Album: Unreleased Single as of now

Style: Acoustic Instrumental

Difficulty Level: Easy

Check out this episode!

HSS Episode 024-Do Expensive Cables Really Matter?

HSS Episode 24-Do Expensive Cables Really Matter?

In this episode I discuss some results I got when I did some A/B testing on some high end cables. Also, I recently installed a Furman PL-8 Series Power Conditioner. Was it worth it?

HSS Blog-Are Expensive Cable Worth it?

Gear Review:

New to the arsenal is a Nady RSM-4 Ribbon Mic, I cover briefly my thoughts on this new mic I just acquired for $75 on eBay. Full review of the mic soon to come. By the way, I actually used this mic to record the episode you're listening to!

A link to the PSN Podcast episode with Slau, where he gives some great audio examples of ribbon mics.

PSN-Slau Ribbon Mic Shootout

PSN-Slau Ribbon Mic Shootout-Direct Download link

A New Segment: Find That Frequency

Listen to this short snippet of audio and try to figure out what the offending frequency is that's causing problems in the audio.

Thanks to:

Big thank you to Segoviashu who left an honest review in the iTunes store for the podcast!

Thanks to Justin Clark who left a great review on my Thumbtack profile for the Studio work we did together.

Another big thank you to Shi from sunny California for the kind words regarding the Youtube channel and the podcast, as well as John-Paul Ortega who found the episode on Room Acoustics very useful for getting better acoustics in his basement, and in turn he left some kind words in an email.

Thank you as well to all the email subscribers and Facebook “likers”! And thank you to all the YouTube subscribers as well!

If you'd like to join me on Hangwith.com sometime for live Q&A or just general randomness you can do so here: Hangwith HSS here

Check out this episode!

HSS Episode 023-Tax Time Ideas

http://www.homestudiosimplified.com

 

During tax time we all get tempted to buy that shiny new thing that we want but may not truly need. In this episode I talk about two things that you can buy that will dramatically improve the sound quality of your recordings.

Mogami Cables

Furman Power Conditioners

Check out this episode!

HSS Episode 022-Getting A Vocal To Set on Top

In this episode I give several tips to get that vocal to "set on top" of the mix.

http://www.homestudiosimplified

Check out this episode!

HSS Episode 021-Updates and Extras

In this episode I talk about a whole slew of things! (EP Release, Free consultation, the recent video series Creating A Song: Step By Step, and some extras...hint listen all the way through.

If you'd like to reach me by email and ask a question or have some input you can do that here: homestudiosimplified@gmail.com

Please review the podcast when you get a chance, and thank you in advance!

Check out this episode!