msmd

It is a Shure sm57. I've altered my set-up a little bit based on your guys advice. I don't have access to any other mics, and my 8-track only has one mic input. However, it does have an onboard microphone. So, I have the microphone hanging over the drums, and the onboard mic behind the bass drum. It may not be ideal, but the recordings sound a lot better than they did before. Thanks again.

Gentlemen, I see I am the first 6'er to answer. That's fine. You all probably hate me, but you are probably just jealous of my range. I agree with some of the anti-6 sentiment on here. I don't really want to play a 6 anymore. I'm trading down to a 4 string again sometime soon, so I can be more like the rest of you -- regular, boring, etc (JK!! ) . Honestly, unless you are some extreme bass virtuoso, there is really no reason to have a 6-string. I enjoyed playing it while I had it, but I can't look myself in the mirror anymore. So, I'm done. Jack

That helps a lot. These are not songs we have practiced a lot... if any, so that's why I'm doing the drums in reverse order. Thanks again. Jack

Greatly appreciated. I will try and find another mic. Jack.

Hello All: It has been a while since I've posted here. I must say I'm a little dissapointed in myself for not frequenting these forums more often, but I'm here now, and I come looking for some answers. First of all, please keep in mind that I am an amateur. I work very hard, but I don't have a lot of formal training in sound production and recording. My only knowledge of the subject comes from a few years of experimentation with a BOSS-864 digital 8-track. So, my methods may not be the most efficient, and my terminology may be a little bit off. Please bear with me. Here's my situation: I've been working on an "album" since August, and I've been telling myself that I would finish it before graduation. Unfortunately, I've been working so hard on this album that I may get a time extension, if you know what I mean. Finance and music don't always mix well... But that's a another story. I'm finishing up everything, and I wanted to record live drums for all the songs I've been working on, and I need some general advice, so I can get the most out of what I have to work with. 1. I have only one (fairly decent) microphone, that I believe is more of an instrument microphone. In this case, is there a "better" place to put it? Above the drums? Directly in front of the drums? Is this just something I should do by feel, or is there some "trick" that will make the drums sound as good as they can with only one microphone? Should I cover the microphone with a cloth? 2. I'm not sure, but I think I've heard that it's better to record drums in a small (carpeted) room, as opposed to a large room. Is this the case? 3. Do drummers normally try to play with a metronome while they are recording? Does this help or hurt? I generally like synching everything up with a metronome, but I don't want it to turn out to rigid or robotic? (I have the main instrumental parts recorded and will be listening to them through headphones while I try to record the drums) 4. Can you overdub with drums? Or do you have to play a perfect take all the way through with no mistakes? Not sure if any of that made sense. If not, any piece of advice on this subject would be greatly appreciated, even if it's not related to my questions... I may have some more questions later anyway. Thanks to anyone who answers in advance, I really appreciate it. Jack

Could you explain how the bounce feature works? I'm having some trouble with it and there doesn't seem to be anything helpful in the manuel. It seems pretty straight forward, but I keep getting a "codec" error message every time I try to play the mixed down file. Jack

Thanks!

Very much appreciated!

I'm studying abroad this semester and I didn't bring any of my music stuff with me. Does anyone have any recommendations on any FREE software for creating music such as a garage band or anything like that? thanks, jack

Haha, I thought the same thing!

It definately looks good, I use the bigger one, and I'm pretty happy with it. The guitar tones are decent, though I'm not as happy with the bass tones. Boss makes good stuff as far as I know.

I'm interested to hear others methods in songwriting/music making. How do you go about it? Where do you start? rhythm? harmony? Lyrics or poetry first? Or just a general concept of what the song should be?