ADVICE FOR RECORDING
GET IT RIGHT AT THE SOURCE
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Don't get rely on the mind set of "I'll fix it later". Remember, I will be receiving the raw audio files. For best results make sure the source sound is good. Take time placing microphones, particularly with guitars and drums, to get the sound you want.
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Listen back on your DAW without any process and make sure you are happy with the results. By taking your time, the end result will be much higher quality.
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AMBIENT MICROPHONES
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Using two or more microphones to pick up the room and the congregation can make a massive difference to the mix! It can capture a lot of the energy and create a live feeling. Investing in two of these, stereo pairs, are highly advised. Simple, small diaphragm, condensers will do or to pick up more of the audience, try shotgun microphone such as the Rhode NTG 2.
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Remember not to turn ambient microphones up in the front of house speakers, or you will get some nasty feedback.
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It's worth remembering, the recording won't pick up the same sound you hear in the room, so make sure that if you want it heard, it has a microphone.
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RECORDING TO A DAW
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Most digital desks will allow you to take a USB signal carrying all your channels into your computer to record. You will require a digital audio workstation (DAW) to record with such as Logic or Pro-Tools. If you don't have a DAW there are lots of cheaper options that will allow you to record.
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Have a look at Audacity, Reaper, or Waves has free software, Tracks Live.
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Audacity: https://www.audacityteam.org
Reaper: https://www.reaper.fm
Waves: https://www.waves.com/mixers-racks/tracks-live#presenting-tracks-live
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Apple Macs also come with Garageband. There are lots of tutorials on youtube to help you get started on any DAW.
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GAIN STRUCTURE
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When recording into a DAW you may find the levels are low. When recording you sometimes need to increase the level of your gains on the desk, the faders shouldn't affect the level of the recording. Have this in mind when setting up and adjust accordingly to give a strong signal, but insure the levels aren't peaking.
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Once the recording has started, do not adjust the gains! This will change the levels of the audio being recorded, and make it difficult when mixing.
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I DON'T HAVE A DIGITAL DESK
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If you have an analog desk, you may need to invest in some recording equipment. This could be a new digital desk or an audio interface for recording. Focusrite have the Scarlett 18i20 which is budget friendly and offers 8 channel inputs which you could then send through to your analog desk using one of 10 TRS outputs.
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OVERDUBBING
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Overdubs are common in live recordings to get the best results. This is where you take the live recording and re-record other parts, change elements, or fix mistakes. It's effective for adding parts that couldn't be played live such as guitar textures and riffs, and also cleaning up key parts, like the vocal. The idea is that you match the live take. This way your vocal is isolated and won't be clouded by the drum cymbals for example.
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Please ensure overdubs are added before sending the file. I mix everything together, by adding other parts, more work is then needed to make them fit.
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You may add files later before the final product is put together, however, there is a charge of £20 per song, that have files you want to add.
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IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS OR NEED MORE ADVICE PLEASE GET IN TOUCH
