One-sentence advice/knowledge thread

[jagarock]

Found this idea of a thread on another forum, might as well do one here.

Instructions: One sentence advice/techniques, clear and to the point.

EXAMPLES:

Background vocals sit easier in the mix with a bit of reverb.

-or-

Do not Dither when going from 16 bit (upwards) to 24 bit, only when moving downward.

-or-

Using a fast compressor before a slow compressor on a track can create interesting pumping motions.

 

[ScootBaloo]

1. A guitar tone that sounds great on its own may not be appropriate when mixed with all instruments.

2. When rating someones mix you should not just mention the negatives.

3. Try to get the best possible tone while reamping such that minimal post processing is required.

 

[greyskull]

get the sound in the room first. above all else. before a mic gets any where near it. Garbage in - Garbage out. I can't stress that enough

 

[ahjteam]

highpass everything that doesn't belong to the subwoofer. In rock and metal music that usually means everything else except bass, kick and subdrops

 

[SocialNumb]

Don't copy idmforums because that turned into a mess.

 

[schust]

Less is More.

 

[arvoitus]

For musicians: Know your shit WELL before you go into the studio.

 

[shred101]

For anyone:

Get rid of the ego and be objective and honest about your songs/music/mixes/whatever. This is part of the learning process.

For any musician looking to go professional:

Do not go anywhere without a condom.

 

[Trevoire520]

get the sound in the room first. above all else. before a mic gets any where near it. Garbage in - Garbage out. I can't stress that enough

+1 billion million trazillion

The sound of the source in the room is EVERYTHING!
If it doesn't sound awesome before you record it then no amount of mic tweaking, eq'ing, compressing, enhancing or anything will make it sound awesome later. EVER!

 

[JeffTD]

The tightness of a mix is dictated by performance/editing, above all else.

 

[John_C]

Edit the OP to include all of these perhaps? Ordered into sections such as "General Life" "guitar" "gear" etc....

 

[Let it burn...]

1. Don't use amp sims
2. Get it right at the recording process
3. Sometimes boosting with an EQ can be nice to add some character / color
4. Everybody uses Slate samples these days. Make your own or people will notice

 

[FIXXXER]

for guitar tracking/sound

1. get a GOOD guitar
2. tune your instrument before tracking!!!!!!!!!!!
3. don't waste time trying to get fat guitars until you have fat drums and fat bass!
4. FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU

 

[ScootBaloo]

1. Don't use amp sims

This comment doesnt belong I think because it is a matter of personal taste
rather than a general truth.

 

[abt]

Practice makes permanent.
Perfect practice makes perfect permanent.
Imperfect practice makes imperfect permanent.

 

[abt]

This comment doesnt belong I think because it is a matter of personal taste
rather than a general truth.

General taste, personal truth.

 

[abt]

Talk is cheap.

Less waffling, more waffles.

 

[Lasse Lammert]

if you can't hear it already before you start mixing (or even tracking), don't even start.

 

[Dalinkwent48@aim.com]

a wise squirrel says, PROTECT YOUR NUTS!

Make sure all volume levels are set accordingly prior to tracking

 

[shred101]

Dont mix for too long without a break.