Register the quality of my recordings

[Pasqal]

Well, I thought, why not start now? I'd like to leave a record of the quality of my recordings, marking a before and after acquiring the DP-24SD.
The first samples are recorded with absolutely basic equipment and with hardly any production knowledge, based purely on intuition and hearing. I'll note the relevant information in the description of each audio...
Thanks for listening! I look forward to the good and bad reviews!

 

[Pasqal]

Improvisation recorded with a simple UM-2 sound card, edited in Cubase 5 and using the EzDrummer virtual drum kit.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kGi8gIYRuU3TDmBzT_UGPeGLpRRta2l9/view?usp=drive_link

 

[shredd]

Yeesh. Excellent jams and impressive recording/sound (especially since you're new with your DP-24!). I suspect they'll just get better as you find your way around the Tascam!

I would LOVE to be that good with EZDrummer...

 

[Pasqal]

In the audio sample above I am recording even without using the DP-24SD. The guitars are a Dean V connected to a Peavey Bandit 112 red strip, through a PG-58 connected to U-phoria UM2 running in Cubase 5. The clean guitar 2 and a Yamaha bass connected directly to the interface.

As I capture the musical ideas, he edits the audio and the preset EzDrummer midi patterns he improvised on.

The mixing process is based on equalization, maximizing and normalizing the guitar and bass. On other songs I experiment with various effects plugins, but I don't usually do mastering.

I've only been using the Tascam for a month, I want to stop experimenting and establish a coherent mixing and mastering from start to finish, I think the DP-24 is the perfect tool for this...

I'll have some audio samples soon to compare the before and after!

Thanks again!

 

[Pasqal]

Here I leave another recording with the same characteristics as the previous one, but with some more effects... The second solo is the negative audio of the first solo!

ijij.mp3

drive.google.com

 

[shredd]

Jeez. Pretty dang good. Very "tight" sounding. Very clean recording. Good Jamming!

So - I'll add a couple of (hopefully!) constructive "criticisms":
->As you venture into your DP (or even in your DAW) - get used to using the processing/effects capabilities to add some "dimension" to your recordings, to give them more "feel". By that I mean effective use of reverb, delay/s, etc to add interest to the sounds, make them blend together well, and accentuate different parts where you want.
->Pay attention to "dynamics". I've had very capable producer-types telling me this a very important (yet often under-emphasized) characteristic of a good/great recording. Compression is just the beginning!
->I'm a HUUUUGE advocate for the importance of songwriting - so I always advise people to take their ideas and "flesh them out" - meaning add different/varying parts (choruses, bridge/s, key changes), instrumentation, or timing, to make the finished song "complete", and grab interest. My pro-musician/producer pal calls it "make their butt move"!

Your stuff is great. Keep it up!!!

 

[Pasqal]

Shred

I became aware of the "Dimension" issue by studying Mark's incredible production tips, I'm working on it... Thanks for highlighting its importance!

Ok, I pay attention to the dynamics... But don't they say that compression reduces dynamics? Would you be so kind as to explain to me why you consider it the beginning?
...out of pure curiosity

And finally, I also consider this topic very important, I think I could present some more complete work with est, bridge, etc... I will gladly listen to your good criticisms!

 

[Mark Richards]

don't they say that compression reduces dynamics?

@Pasqal, effective use of compression is a broad ranging topic best addressed in the "Recording 101" area.

The short answer:
When used as an intentional FX, yes. It can significantly and obviously reduce dynamics.
Otherwise, compression should work in the background to improve the overall quality of the track; the mix; or the master; and never be obvious to the listener.

 

[Pasqal]

Ok i understand! Thanks Mark! "...and never be obvious to the listener" I take note of this