Here is a simple guide to help you become a professional sound engineer.
Steps
Step 1. Get a computer
You will need at least 1Gb of RAM and a fast processor.
Step 2. Get a Digital Audio Workstation (or DAW)
If you own a Mac, you already have one, namely Garage Band. Other widely used DAWs are Logic Express / Pro (Mac only), Sonar, FL Studio (PC only), Cubase, Ableton Live (PC and Mac), Pro Tools (works only with Digidesign or M-Audio interfaces). If you intend to produce only electronic music, you may want to try Propellerhead Reason.
Step 3. Get an audio interface
A basic interface consists of two pre-amps with inputs for two analog-to-digital converters, a two-line output (left and right) and a headphone output. These are available in USB, Firewire, PCI, etc … Usually, with the purchase of an interface you are given a lite version of Cubase, Ableton Live, Sonar or Pro Tools. If you are a PC user, you will have solved your DAW problems. Famous brands to consider are Apogee (Mac9 only), Digidesign, M-Audio, Tascam, Presonus, Edirol, Yamaha etc …
Step 4. Register
There are two ways of recording on a computer. One is to use a microphone (dynamic, condenser or ribbon) and a pre-amp (usually included in the interface). To record in this way, simply connect the microphone to the XLR input of the interface, and, if you are using a condenser microphone, turn on the phantom power (+ 48V) and adjust the gain so that it does not cut the dynamics (above 0db).). If you intend to use an external pre-amp, bypass the interface pre-amp and turn on the phantom power in the pre-amp or in the interface. Alternatively, you can use the second method, which is to record live using the direct inputs (called instrument inputs on some interfaces) of your interface. Typically, this second method is used to record guitars, synthesizers, drum machines, or other external sources. To record in this way, simply connect the instrument to the interface via the 1/4 input and set the gain so that you cannot hear any "clips". Furthermore, if you intend to use a guitar amp emulation software (such as amplitube, guitar rig, revalver, etc.), direct recording will be the only possible recording method.
Step 5. Regarding the synthesizers:
They can be of three types: analog, digital and software. The synthesizer typically uses waves or samples to create sounds. Different waves produce different shades. The most used wave types are: square wave, sawtooth wave, sine wave and pulsating wave. To get different sounds, you can mix the different types of waves together, basically creating your own wave type. There are several tools that are needed by the musician to alter the sounds of the synthesizer, the most important of these are the filters. Filters typically consist of low pass (lp) or hi pass (hp) limiters and resonances. Each filter typically has its own attack, decay, hold and release (ADHR) modifiers. After the filters, there are usually amp / volume and effects modifiers (distortion, chorus, delay, reverbs etc…). Using a synthesizer might seem complicated to you. The best way to learn is to experiment. At first, focus on the Oscillators (waves) and filters.
Step 6. Pay attention to the dynamics
Compression is a good tool for making drums, synthesizers and guitars more aggressive while keeping the volume of the voice constant. The limiters should be used instead to avoid the so-called "clipping" (ie the "cutting" of the dynamics) while the maximizers to make the audio more full-bodied and increase volume.
Step 7. Use effects
They too are important for quality production. Reverb is used, for example, to make electronic drums more realistic by adding depth or even to make instruments seem “further away”. With the delay, you can produce interesting effects and spatial sounds. Generally the chorus and the ensemble are used to make an instrument more full-bodied or produce dissonant sounds. There are of course other effects as well, such as phaser, flanger, filters, distortions and the ring modulator. Using these effects you can produce anything you want.
Step 8. Mix
For this particular stage of recording, you will need a good pair of headphones (flat response) and, if you can afford them, studio monitors. Make sure you have a limiter on the master channel, so that nothing goes beyond 0db. Start by mixing the bass drum where it reaches 0db and then add the bass. Once this is done, the rest should be easier.
Step 9. Mix in stereo
Do not keep anything near the center of the two channels except the bass drum, snare drum, bass and vocals. If you prefer, you could also keep the guitar or synthesizer solo near the center. A good tool for "expanding" the sound is the chorus effect, which can be obtained by turning on the unison on the synthesizer or by slightly delaying the left or right channel.
Step 10. Practice a lot
It will take enough time for everything to sound right. Being able to create a perfect mix is a huge satisfaction and is what you should always aim for.
Advice
- Get a good microphone. A good microphone changes everything, in case you decide to use it.
- Study the equipment listed below better. It is best to work knowing what you are doing.
