5 MISTAKES TO AVOID WHEN SELF-RECORDING YOUR MUSIC
When it comes to recording music, there are endless possibilities for mistakes. From accidentally hitting the wrong button to not paying attention to detail, there are many ways things can go wrong. Here are five of the most common mistakes made while self-recording, and how to avoid them.
1. NOT CHECKING YOUR LEVELS AHEAD OF TIME
This is perhaps the most common mistake made while self-recording. You hit record, start playing, and everything sounds great. But then you listen back and realize that your levels were off, and your music sounds distorted or muddy. To avoid this, make sure to check your levels before you start recording. That way, you can be sure that everything sounds just the way you want it to.
2. NOT HAVING A PLAN
Another common mistake made while self-recording is not having a plan. You may have an idea of what you want your song to sound like, but if you don’t have a concrete plan for how to get there, you’re likely to run into problems. Before you start recording, take some time to map out exactly what you want to do and how you’re going to do it. That way, you can avoid spending hours in the studio with nothing to show for it.
3. NOT PAYING ATTENTION TO DETAIL
When you’re self-recording, it’s easy to get caught up in the moment and make small mistakes that can ruin takes or even entire recordings. To avoid this, it’s important to pay attention to detail and be as meticulous as possible. This means double-checking takes before moving on and making sure that every detail is accounted for. By taking care of the small things, you can avoid big problems down the line. Once you’ve recorded a take, it can be tempting to just move on and try to get the perfect take. But it’s important to listen back to your takes, even if they’re not perfect. You might notice something that you can change or improve upon for the next take.
4. RECORDING WITHOUT A CLICK TRACK
If you’re not using a click track when recording, you’re making a major mistake. A click track is essential for keeping your timing tight and ensuring that everything lines up correctly when mixing later on. Without a click track, it’s all too easy for things to fall apart when recording multiple tracks or adding additional instrumentation later on. So save yourself some headache and make sure to use a click track when recording!
5. FORGETTING ABOUT POST PRODUCTION
Once you’ve finally finished recording all of your tracks, it can be tempting to just call it a day and move on with your life. But don’t make the mistake of forgetting about post-production! This is where things like EQing, compression, and other forms of signal processing come into play. By taking the time to properly mix and master your tracks, you can take them from sounding good to sounding great. So don’t overlook the importance of post-production just because it happens after the fact!
BONUS!!
When self-recording, it’s easy to get caught up in the moment and forget to take breaks. However, it’s important to take breaks every 20 minutes or so to prevent fatigue and maintain focus. Getting up and stretching for a few minutes every 20 minutes will help keep you from getting too tired and will allow you to stay focused on getting great-sounding recordings.
Recording at home can be a great way to save money and get more control over the final product; however, it’s important to be aware of the potential pitfalls associated with self-recording. By avoiding the 5 mistakes listed above, you’ll be well on your way to making great-sounding recordings at home!
