I recently got two letters. The first one is from a good client (and nice guy) with whom I've done several album sessions in the past. The second is from a new reader in Scotland. I wanted to try and address the issues brought up here, and I asked Mike Caffrey to join me with his thoughts.
1. "Hi Larry, I just purchased a 16-track digital recorder and need some basic tips from a pro like yourself. I'd just like some direction on how to mic drums, and the best way to use compression. I have two Rode small diaphragm condensers and one AKG large diaphragm, then a bunch of good to average dynamic mics. I liked the drum sound you got with ___'s kit the last time we recorded, and I'd like to get as close to that with what I have. Hope I'm not being a pain in the ass, and that things are going well for you."
2. "I was saving up to record in a studio, but have been toying with the idea of recording at home. I have a Yamaha MD4S 4-track, a Shure SM57 and 58. What other kit would I need to buy in order to record properly at home? I would have it mixed at a studio but just wasn't sure what else to buy to make this happen. Am I wasting my time financially and better just saving for the studio? I really love a lot of the recordings that you have been involved in so thought, "Who better to email?" I have a couple of songs on MySpace which would give you an idea of my sound. I would be honoured if you could give them a listen. www.myspace.com/grahamrydermusic" — Graham Ryder
These are great, legitimate questions that deserve considerate answers, however they are the result of a bigger picture. We all can make choices. Being honest with oneself is a difficult skill to develop, but possibly the most important life skill to have. If you find yourself in a quandary, why is that? Is it the world or have you made a bad choice? -MC
Much of the content in Tape Op is about empowerment and sharing knowledge. In my opinion, nothing should stop an artist from recording music. One of the reasons I started this magazine was the frustration from talking to people that would be "waiting" for better or more recording gear in order to create their masterpiece, or from friends that would solely judge a studio by their track count (pre DAW!) or their gear list, as opposed to listening to records that had been recorded there.
All along I've walked a line between being an owner of a commercial recording studio (Jackpot!) and an advocate for do-it-yourself home recording (some elements of Tape Op). I believe in the benefits of both, and I've always taken steps to integrate my pro studio with home recordists and their needs, and to provide a comfortable place for people to work.
So what about letter #1? If he really wants the sound I got on his drums last time, he probably needs to book time and track the drums in my studio with me engineering. Maybe he could hire me to come to his space and show him how to better set up for drum recording. Or he could attend one of my recording workshops (if I ever get those back on track). It took me years to get decent at recording drums — is someone gonna steal my "secrets" of drum mic'ing?