HOME RECORDING - TIPS, TRICKS AND TRADE SECRETS

Troy Trigwell Recording Tips

• Back up everything, all the time, everyday. Data does not exist unless it is in two places.
  
• Have a good knowledge of file formats for when you need to transfer to a pro studio or mastering studio.
  
• Listen to the subtlety of compressors, really attack the signal with high ratio and low threshold so it is really slamming then adjust attack and release. With compression, look at the dynamics of the needle so it looks like it is dancing to the music.
  
• With vocal compression watch fast attack times so they don't enhance sibilance or make it worse.
  
• If you are gating a signal adjust the attack so it is maybe 0.5 milliseconds long but make sure it is not 0. This is because many plug-in gates pop with a short attack. A gate is a processor that you don't necessarily need in the digital domain, it is better and more accurate to edit plus you save CPU power.
  
• Another basic tip to save CPU power is to route your plug-in effects such as reverb to a group buss.

Troy Trigwell

Currently In House Engineer/Manager Woodstock Studios
Credits include John Butler Trio and The Pictures.