Tips and Tricks for Engineering Sound

There are lots of different ways to approach audio engineering and lots of methods that can be used. A lot goes into the art of engineering sound and I’m going to share with you several tips and tricks that you can follow to ensure you get the best sound possible ever before you hit the record button. You would think that this would be common knowledge, but there are many sound engineers out there that want to rush into the mix and make the mistake of not taking the time of setting everything up right.

First thing is that you need to have great musicians, vocalist, etc… This is the source of your recording so they need to have talent if you want to end with something great. Your engineering can’t work wonders if your musicians can’t play or sing. If you’re not recording music, make sure your sound source is the best quality possible.

Second, is you need to have the best instruments. There is no point in have great musicians if they have to play on cheap instruments. There is a big difference between a $100.00 dollar keyboard and a $10,000.00 dollar grand piano. Same thing goes for all instruments, cheap tools equals cheap sound.

Third, you need a great performance. This is one reason you invested in the best musicians in the first place. There are those whom argue that they have no control over how well a performance is. But sometimes you have to inspire those you are recording to be their best. I once heard that Dr. Dre would punch Eminem in the face to make him angry before he recorded vocals. This worked great because they wanted that angry sound in the rapper’s voice. I don’t know if the story is true, but you can still learn from it. Everything you do can effect the tone of the recording sessions and sometimes its up to you to make sure they play their best.

Fourth, you need to have good acoustics. You don’t want to record the most amazing track ever and have it ruined because it took place between two cement walls. I’m aware that you might not always be able to choose where a performance and recording session takes place, but if you want that great sound, it needs to be where the acoustics will enrich it.

Fifth, use the best microphones possible. This does not mean use the most expensive. Every studio mic has a time and place to be used and its up to you to know when that is. You don’t want poor quality or broken microphones destroying that great performance.

Last tip, is have great microphone placement. It’s a real art deciding where to place the mics, but if placed properly, they will capture the best quality sound and avoid picking up unwanted sounds.

If you follow these rules, the next part of your job, mixing, will become easy. So many sound engineers struggle because they are fighting to make a bad recording better. You can only do so much as an engineer and its essential to start out in the right direction or you will never achieve that amazing mix you where shooting for.

About the Author

Lots of things can destroy a recording, and sometimes you do it yourself. EQ can be a great tool if used right. Learn the best way to use EQ. I keep a blog where I share more tips and tricks of sound engineering over at EngineeringSound.net.