I broke a vertebra when I was 8, the recovery taught me a lesson: you can lie indefinitely in the right position, you can stand as long as core muscles will keep the balance, but the moment you'd sit down the amount of pressure on the spinal cord grows tenfold no matter what.
Ha! Noticed that too. His old one was looking really beaten up (though I bet it was comfy, which is important when you get to Glenn's age (I'm not much younger than him)).
This man knows what he is talking about. With monitors, get good ones, but get some crappy ones too. A mix that sounds good on great speakers, car speaker, cheap computer speakers, etc will take you far. You can make your own acoustic treatment pretty cheap by buying acoustic insulation and creating your own enclosures. Rode NT1 is a great mic, as are Shure 57s. Even 58's can be good vocal recordng mics. Everything else in this video are things I have had to learn to aquire as well.
I really do appreciate the knowledge you are sharing for literally free. Knowledge and experience learned the hard way is priceless man. Much appreciated.
Tutorial idea: how to hook up, route, and utilize outboard hardware. Just something I've been fairly confused about and haven't been able find much info on.
Hey buddy - have a look on your interface manufacturers website, they usually have a few videos or something that's specific to your device. What are you trying to hook up? Someone here can probably talk you through it
@@davelesange8368 nothing specific right now. Mostly just looking for general guidance on the whole thing for future reference. Sadly, I dont even have room for outboard gear where I am currently.
I second this. As mentioned below, there are guides available to find which pokey bit goes in which hole, but that is only the start. For example, I have a DBX 286s and an ART TPS II. Should the channel strip go before the preamp or after or should they not be combined at all. Obviously there is a lot of personal preference and experimentation, but it does seem to be a topic poorly covered.
@@jamescranefinecarpentry7146Always preamp first. Well, second, I suppose after the mic. So in your case (I assume) it'd be Mic>Preamp>channel strip>converters If you look at signal Flow diagrams of channel strips that include a preamp (or any live sound board) , you'll find the preamp circuit is almost without exception the first part of the signal path. This commonality is probably the reason its a poorly covered topic, its assumed that everyone has played around with a little mixer at least.
Amigo! U hit some pretty decent topics. The chair was the best for me. It took me years to understand that one. My chair Has been in my studio for over 5 years. All mesh, best investment. Monitors was second. Great video…and I love the yelling! (Love from Vegas)
I just got done doing the same thing. I don't regret buying moving blankets or acoustic blankets (the best one that is also huge is called acoustic blanket on Amazon). I made a pvc vocal booth but never used it enough. But it left a crap ton of really easy methods of hanging them to the wall
“It’s true I’ve never worked with bands that have sold millions…” The thing is that I doubt much get learned at that level. 1. Budgets can be huge. 2. Wish lists can grow into whimsy and fantasy. 3. People at that level think they know best or they won’t compromise their “art”. 4. Working with a range of skill sets and talents is how you really hone your experience.
@@KyleFalconer1 I don't understand what you're calling out here... Lol I'm pretty sure the OP was saying you don't need to work with artists that sell millions to hone your skills. Learn to read.
@@ToxicTerrance completely that, thanks. I loved his (Glenn Fricker’s) honesty which is why I quoted him. And I too have never worked with bands that have sold millions. But this is my perception based on industries that I do know. Anyway thankfully credentials aren’t a pre-requisite for posting on youtube. As is consistently proved. 👍
My bad, yeah I interpreted “I doubt much get learned at that level” as meaning Glen’s current level, not someone who has worked on platinum albums. I agree that someone working for the major labels might not know as much as Glen precisely because Glen has had to experiment more.
@@KyleFalconer1 exactly that. No worries bud 👍. There’s a documentary about the Beatles and their relationship with the Abbey Road Studios. They talk to one of the top studio engineers of his day. He had worked with them, The Stones and went on to work with Led Zeppelin etc etc etc. The interview asks him what was it like to work on such great albums with such great blah blah blah.. “Er.. a bit boring to be honest. They all knew what they wanted to do and I spent my time setting up mics and changing tapes..” Turns out that he had more fun recording classical ensembles or spoken word albums.
I'll also add stretching routines. Yes stretching. Specifically core stretches (hips and pelvis, hamstrings). Its amazing what you can loose mobility/health wise from sitting all day.
Was curious as to why not to use the headphones in your thumbnail (ATH-M50X), a bit disappointed you never actually mentioned them. I've mixed all of my music for the past five years exclusively using those and I'm really happy with them (and so are my clients)
Yeah, I've got them too and I'm very happy with them. I've also got an mpk mini mk3 (also in the thumbnail) and I'm happy with it. I'm not a pro though, I just make music sometimes.
When he didn't actually mention them, I attributed the thumbnail to the point you don't need to buy m50x's that retail close to $200 for recording. I own a pair for myself, but the headphones I keep around for guests tend to be much cheaper in the 30-50$ range, which is all they really need to hear themselves clearly.
Had the m40x, and if the m50x are anything like it at all, then it's bad. Much prefer DT770s with a tiiiiiny bit of EQ against Mt Beyer. Obv not the same set of headphones, keep your teaspoons and salt ready.
my home recording days are well behind me, but I wanted to watch this just to see where things are at these days. Great video. Also put a smile on my face.
Re: external drives -- they're handy for local temporary backups, but I really recommend a good online backup system. Especially one that doesn't throttle your speeds after a certain point. Personally I use Backblaze, but there are a few other decent options as well. You can set it to back up continuously as long as your disk activity is under a certain amount -- perfect for automagically backing up that brand new project as soon as you're done working on it, but won't hemorrhage cpu cycles while you're recording or mixing.
THIS. External drives are still at risk for bit rot or random corruptions. A NAS with a backup on a cloud server is the only way to go if it's your livelihood those bits are representing
The pop filters and foam covers are such a must-have that I wonder why don't mics always come with those. Just listen to a public speech or lecture coming through a nice PA with a cheap mic and hear all those plosives coming right at ya because despite spending over 20k on the sound system and hiring a technician to make it sound good, nobody bothered with a little foam on the mic!
You don't need pop filters if you talk off-axis but of course the average person doesn't understand mic technique. Too many people cup the mic or shove it up to their mouth or don't think to simply turn their heads.
@@SpectreSoundStudios Fucking rad. BTW I don't even make metal but your channel is still awesome just for general studio/production/recording heads. Keep up the great work.
I can concur. Panty hose over a bent wire coat hanger works well enough between paydays. They aren't expensive at all, though. Also, Glenn's video on diy panels will cost you a touch of elbow grease, but will save you a bunch of cash. I made my own from it. Also, I love your Haynes shirt!
I suffer from chronic migraines. I have noticed it is caused alot by eye fatigue from the blue light from my monitor. Some monitors can be adjusted to tone down the blue light but I have opted for night driving glasses, they work well and can be had for cheap, maybe something to mention. Thanks for all you do brother keep it up.
I am blessed and was able to get a set of ATC 45s and an Adam Sub10 for use in my well treated room. I have never heard such clarity from speakers, ever. Every tiny movement made can be heard. There is no hiding anything. I thought my Adam A7xs were clear…..just wow.
Two Notes Captor X! Recently loaned one and I will definetly get one. If you're living in a small flat or bedroom and want to record tube amps, it's a lifesaver.
Picked up that Lewitt Beat Pro 7 kit, and wow. Snare has never sounded better, the kick is usable, and the condensers sound great. Can't thank you enough for that recommendation.
I have a pair of Kali Audio Lp-6's, and a pair of IN-8's, the IN-8, for around $400 a piece are gold. The LP-6 at around 150 each are also gold. These are fantastic for the price. Even thought the IN-8 are only 8", the bass is so good it made me realize how terrible my room is. LOL!
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU for mentioning that egg cartons are a fire trap. I lived in Rhode Island during the Station Nightclub Fire and applied to be a sound guy at the station the month before so thanks again for saying this important fact.
I learnt about external drives the hard way. Touch wood I’ve not lost any music projects. But I did lose a load of school work years ago. And they saved me in a few other instances. They do so much heavy lifting it’s an understatement. Nowadays I am a plumber and can solder pipes together. I’ve just started a new job where I’m working very close with an electrician. He’s agreed to teach me how to solder my guitar cables so I can actually keep my shit working.
My Setup. Monitors Adam T5V, Treatment none(yet) but it is a large open room, Mics Behringer B-2 Pro, Neweer NW-7 7-pc Drum Kit, 3 boom stands, various brands of shielded XLR cables, Sweetwater pop screen, no DI (yet), WD Passport 512GB + I have a NAS, cheap ass plugin iron, No Golden Channel (yet), Presonus HD9 headphones, never stop taking courses, and may chair is decent. So I have 3 equipment holes. Until I move to a place with more rooms Acoustic Treatment is out, I am saving for a Country Man, and still not sure what to get for the GC. Glenn you forgot one thing... THE INTERFACE!!!!!! I have a Focusrite 18i20 3rd gen and a Behringer UMC 204HD. Both sound amazing, no noise and the only bad thing is the Behringer lacks a software suite like the Focusrite has. The 204 can be a real pain to set up, I's also saving for a Focsrite Octopre that I can ADAT into the 18i20 and add another 8 channels. I also eventually went to get a pair of SRH840 or 940 headphones.
10:35 to add to the point of soldering, you actually can build DIY kits for some music equipment for extremely cheap if you know how to solder. I have found guides on building Re-Amp boxes, DI boxes, and as a Modular Synth guy, you can find modules for really cheap if you buy the DIY kits. Hell just buying a DIY kit for a Re-Amp box is $75 compared to buying it premade from Radial.
And if you like synth and guitar, keep in mind that modular synth and guitar effects pedals are the same thing, just with different IO. Nothing stopping you from DIYing effects that can be used in both contexts.
I have one to add to the external hard drive suggestion: A SECOND, redundant external hard drive that you keep outside your home. I had all kinds of physical backups, and my house fire took away all my projects up to June 2020. Back it all up three times and keep one in your car, or someplace not in the house.
Glen- You said good studio monitors are important because they shouldn’t color the sound you hear. You’ve talked a lot about how choice of amp speakers make the biggest difference over any other factor in guitar tone. So what’s the difference in how the two types of speakers are made and function electronically? By the way, I’m not a metal guy, but-I’ve watched countless episodes and have learned tons of valuable information from you, and been majorly entertained. I’ve made all my musician friends aware of you and what you do. Thank you for what you do. You are needed!
I totally agree that the Drawmer DL421 is a killer. It's subtle but not "soft" - I absolutely love to compress drum loops (like from old drummachines that dont have multi outs) with it and the DL421 glues them together and makes it sound round, even, clear and just good. One of my favorite compressors beside the Kultube
Good episode. These are why I subscribed. As for disk drives have you considered Network Attached Storage (NAS)? In its simple forms, it is a mirrored disk set on your local ethernet network. All of your networked devices can access it, backups can be automated, and they are really reliable. Match it to a UPS and your data is really safe. Also, your data is in one place, not on ten portable drives. You can use one of the portable drives as a backup connected to the NAS! Triple-safe. Paranoia is your friend.
For a chair- it really helps to have a good one where the arms can fold up out of the way to hold an instrument if you end up covering on some tracks or just jamming.
I got a chair without armrests, and tbh since then my back has been a lot better, I don't slump my shoulders as much. It was hell for the first month or so until I started properly adjusting my posture tho
Also for a chair - if you plan on using a chair near recording mics, have a solid kitchen chair or stool on hand. Office chairs are great for comfort, but can produce creaks and pops if you shift your weight around in them, which is definitely one of the lamest ways to ruin a good take. Use noiseless chairs!
The moment you said your from canada, i realised i was in a parallel universe where Devin townsend didn't go bald and recorded bands for the last 20 years, and then i woke up again. Good cast, love the way you F yourself thru the explanation, i really learned something from this and you got yourself a fan......or airconditioner😅
Along with the soldering iron, keep some contact cleaner on hand. Many scratchy cables(?) are actually due to dirty jacks. You KNOW how musicians are...
I took a shower/took care of #13 a few months back. Nearly broke the patient man in the chair shop, he may still be in therapy, but it was worth spending the time to find something with support in the places I needed. Posture has gotten better and pain has decreased steadily since. Now I only feel twice my age.
Dood.....thankyou thankyou thankyou....I've been following you for years and all your stuff is great. But....this one has really helped me put all your info together coherently. Thanks again. Keep rockin
You said Barefoot was expensive and they are but, PMC just said hold my beer! I seen a pair of PMC monitors for $125,000 and I would love to just hear them! Keep up the Great Work!!
I second that external hard drive thing. I tried to make some lo-fi type trip hop like 5 or 6 years ago. Had completed an entire EP and was just getting into the final master when my hard drive died over night and I lost all of it. Probably 300+ hours of work, gone. Killed my desire for music production and I'm only just now trying to get back into it
I did the golden channel thing a few months ago: Golden Age Pre 73 into a FMR RNC. Sounds really great on vocals and bought everything secondhand. I even bought 2 FMR RNCs for an insane low price and sold one of them for that same price so I basically had a free compressor.
Every video is filled with super useful advice, plus it's entertaining funny and intelligent. Never lost my time watching Glenn's vids. Anyone has the video url where Glenn speaks briefly about monitor stands? "open legged" ones against "hexed" stands"?? I thought was on this one but can't find it.
Outstanding video!!! I’m no pro producer/engineer by any means, but have dipped my toe into home recording several times since the mid ‘90’s and I agree 100% with the list you provide and the common sense reasoning is spot on!!!! 🤘🤘👍
I'm not an audio engineer, but I *do* spend almost every waking moment I'm in the house at my computer for work or my own hobbies, and I'll 1000% second the chair thing. I bit the bullet and shelled out for a Herman Miller a few months ago, and it's one of the best decisions I ever made. All those back pains I got from slouching over in my $100 Staples chair vanished in days.
I went with an ART tube preamp and was given a Behringer compressor/limiter/gate. Haven't had a chance to really do any serious recording with them yet, but initial tooling with them has given me hope.
Got a new drum seat and it made life so much easier --less tired all round and easier to play as well. Now looking for one with wheels as it's the best seat in the house.
It is an awesome feeling to make and use your own cables in your studio! If you're pretty confident with an iron, the materials are cheaper than you think. I was able to make 20' XLR's for about $24 per cable, plus my time. Neutrik gold connections, Mogami Cable, so you could theoretically do it cheaper.
This is Totally True! I bought an SM57 and that's what I use for my Acoustic guitar and my voice on my channel with a Pop Filter! At the moment, that's all I need, due to space and not bothering my neighbors even though they bother me... Hahahaha...
Honestly that's not the ideal mic for either acoustic guitar or vocals. If you can get your hands on a used large diaphragm condenser mic, you would notice a huge difference. Most of them need phantom power, but some have a place for batteries inside if you don't have phantom power. An AKG C1000 is an absolutely awesome mic for the money, and takes batteries. The older ones use a 9 volt, and the newer ones use double A's I think. Probably get one for 200 bucks used. Cheers
Hi Glenn, Tbh I thought you might have done this video ages ago, which is why I never suggested you do it. As someone who has suffered from back injuries & aches, definitely make sure you have a good seat; you'll find out why the hard way, else !! As ever, though, the video is informative, educational & entertaining. Good stuff for us newbies to take in (or ignore & whinge about, as seems to be many a case). Thanks, Paul Plymouth, England (Land of the Bad Teeth)
I've spent a fair bit of money on gear in the last 20 years for my home studio - some top mics (Sennheiser MD441) and AEA ribbons, preamps from SSL, Daking, Universal audio, etc. I've spent on setting up a separate tracking room from my control room. The one thing that has made the absolute biggest difference in my recordings was acoustic treatment. Not sexy at all. About 1/7 the price of one of my preamps, but an absolute must-do.
7:40 so glad to hear someone else talk about it cus yeah I've been using that trick for years a real old-timer engineer I worked with years ago told me about it and I've never heard anyone else say it, I've found wire coat hangers bent into shape and taped to the stand works really well
I like the "On-Stage" hex-base mic stands. The base is ridiculously heavy -- about 20 pounds. They're not cheap, but "solid" is an understatement. Another long--lasting piece of gear: I've had the same Furman PL--Plus power conditioner for almost 30 years. Still works as new. For headphones, I like the Beyerdynamic DT 770 (250 ohm) closed back.
The chair is so important. I make a living with photography and video and I produce music at home as a hobby and it's so fucking important to have s good chair.
So I am going to note that I've been watching the show for several years now, and decided to go look up some of Glenn's work. I'm now a big Woods of Ypres fan because of it! Thank you Glenn for all the great advice, joining the discord this weekend (finally).
When it comes to studio headphones there are two sets that come to mind. The Audio Technica Ath M50s and the Sony Mdr 7506. They have both been industry standards for decades. And unlike the vast majority of head phones you see now they have a relatively flat frequency response.
Great video Glenn! Back to basics. On the subject of chairs, don't neglect a chair that you can comfortably play guitar on for hours. That's something I still haven't really found for my set up. Most stools and office chairs aren't great for your posture if you're playing, or even holding guitars for extended periods of time.
Recently found your videos, and I love them! I’m 14 years into a lifelong dream of chasing an audio (music based) career. I went to an audio school that crashed 75% of the way into a degree that really kinda fucked me, in more ways than one. Not only did I lose the relevance of my time invested there, I had to unlearn the BS that they taught as law- that didn’t really work in modern music. I’m at the beginning of producing artists as a living and this channel has WISDOM. I really respect your realist approach to both gear and sound. I really think you’re rooted in the best principles of the “old ways” but very upfront about about what information is truly important and what is a dying practice. Gear isn’t everything- get a good chair! Love your videos. 🤟🏼
I learned everything from hanging out with real rockstars, that play and record. But im a punk. I don't know if the Techno scene, will be able to teach you much at all. Surround yourself with like minded people. And dont get sucked in to the whole image thing. E.g drugs and posing. Keep it real. And find other dedicated people who have devoted their lives to music. Live it. Breathe it. Love it. Hope this helps you out. I grew up on the streets. So, i guess im lucky. Ha. Punkrock saved my life. From Vomit. From Dead Babies in Vomit.
@@deadbabiesinvomit I checked out your music just based on your comment, thought it would be good. You sure you’re not on drugs? I think I’d rather inject meth and bang my head into a wall than listen to that bs again. Not even hating, just being honest, it sounds like a huge chaotic mess.
Haha my chair has a left a bunch of squeaks on a bunch of recordings! Sometimes we went back and rerecorded, but not always, mostly because it was funny for one reason or another to leave it in there. Super comfortable tho!
A couple of DI boxes will also allow you to run really long cable runs from guitar/pedalboard to an amp that is far away. Just convert your signal to balanced line level and then convert it again to unbalanced instrument level at the amp's end.
Couldlifter is also an option for gain hungry condensers. It takes the smallest amount of space and works like a charm. I am not a mixing eng. but I do record location sound for film and tv, and this gadget will not disappoint you. Did I already mention it takes the least amount of space? Keeping the gear bag small and lite is a must when recording on location.
I think you should do a video on all the cheapest viable gear for people who have to save up for everything and have little to no extra cash. Do separate ones for recording, guitar rigs etc.
Believe it or not the comfy chair is probably the best advice. Especially if you're using chairs for the musicians, nobody wants to have to deal with squeaky chairs coming through the mic.
To No. 13: As an addition to a good chair I recommend a height adjustable table. This way you can switch between sitting and standing. I will upgrade soon, because as a historian as well as a musician I also work most of the time sitting, which sucks.
The Steelcase Leap v2 is a buy it for life chair and you don’t have to spend $1,000 if you get one in unused shape from an office furniture liquidator. Best investment you can make into your office/gaming/recording setup
Atlas is my favorite mic stand family. I have some stands that are from the 50's!!! They still work just fine. The NEW Atlas gear is still made great, just like the old ones were.
You can do the pop filter pantyhose’s thing with an embroidery hoop and a some old wire clothes hangers and Mount it on your mic stand. Just make sure there some foam where the wire meets the stand.
The chair bit is so real. Devolving into a human shrimp over here.
glenn took his own advice and FINALLY got a new chair.
I broke a vertebra when I was 8, the recovery taught me a lesson: you can lie indefinitely in the right position, you can stand as long as core muscles will keep the balance, but the moment you'd sit down the amount of pressure on the spinal cord grows tenfold no matter what.
@@chupasaurus this is true.
I imagine a good chair could be seen as a tool required for work if it prevents injury, much like the DI box prevents utter failure.
I liked this comment then unliked it because 69 is a sacred number my dude.
Ha! Noticed that too. His old one was looking really beaten up (though I bet it was comfy, which is important when you get to Glenn's age (I'm not much younger than him)).
Probably one of the top videos for the home studio, well done.
Wow, thanks!
I'd say an alarm clock with big numbers is an essential item in any workspace
Haha. Time flys when ur having fun
This man knows what he is talking about. With monitors, get good ones, but get some crappy ones too. A mix that sounds good on great speakers, car speaker, cheap computer speakers, etc will take you far. You can make your own acoustic treatment pretty cheap by buying acoustic insulation and creating your own enclosures. Rode NT1 is a great mic, as are Shure 57s. Even 58's can be good vocal recordng mics. Everything else in this video are things I have had to learn to aquire as well.
love that gen 3 Robotech/ Mospeada shirt.
I really do appreciate the knowledge you are sharing for literally free. Knowledge and experience learned the hard way is priceless man. Much appreciated.
Tutorial idea: how to hook up, route, and utilize outboard hardware. Just something I've been fairly confused about and haven't been able find much info on.
Hey buddy - have a look on your interface manufacturers website, they usually have a few videos or something that's specific to your device.
What are you trying to hook up? Someone here can probably talk you through it
@@davelesange8368 nothing specific right now. Mostly just looking for general guidance on the whole thing for future reference. Sadly, I dont even have room for outboard gear where I am currently.
@@underworlddeity I agree with you. I would be nice for some of us who still still record " In The Box".
I second this. As mentioned below, there are guides available to find which pokey bit goes in which hole, but that is only the start. For example, I have a DBX 286s and an ART TPS II. Should the channel strip go before the preamp or after or should they not be combined at all. Obviously there is a lot of personal preference and experimentation, but it does seem to be a topic poorly covered.
@@jamescranefinecarpentry7146Always preamp first. Well, second, I suppose after the mic. So in your case (I assume) it'd be
Mic>Preamp>channel strip>converters
If you look at signal Flow diagrams of channel strips that include a preamp (or any live sound board) , you'll find the preamp circuit is almost without exception the first part of the signal path.
This commonality is probably the reason its a poorly covered topic, its assumed that everyone has played around with a little mixer at least.
Amigo! U hit some pretty decent topics. The chair was the best for me. It took me years to understand that one. My chair Has been in my studio for over 5 years. All mesh, best investment. Monitors was second. Great video…and I love the yelling! (Love from Vegas)
bro gear wise you got me spending more money on drum heads (not expensive) than new drums because I was bored. thanks for the channel bro!
I have all these figured out already for my studio. I was just watching this video for laughs. It just gets me every time!
I enjoy watching the green meter behind you going side by side to your voice
i was just going through a headache from looking for a decent home recording setup and i almost gave up but our lord and savior glenn came in clutch
I just got done doing the same thing. I don't regret buying moving blankets or acoustic blankets (the best one that is also huge is called acoustic blanket on Amazon).
I made a pvc vocal booth but never used it enough. But it left a crap ton of really easy methods of hanging them to the wall
“It’s true I’ve never worked with bands that have sold millions…”
The thing is that I doubt much get learned at that level. 1. Budgets can be huge. 2. Wish lists can grow into whimsy and fantasy. 3. People at that level think they know best or they won’t compromise their “art”. 4. Working with a range of skill sets and talents is how you really hone your experience.
Really? Then what are your credentials, that you can criticize someone who is sharing knowledge based on years of experience?
@@KyleFalconer1 I don't understand what you're calling out here... Lol I'm pretty sure the OP was saying you don't need to work with artists that sell millions to hone your skills.
Learn to read.
@@ToxicTerrance completely that, thanks. I loved his (Glenn Fricker’s) honesty which is why I quoted him. And I too have never worked with bands that have sold millions. But this is my perception based on industries that I do know. Anyway thankfully credentials aren’t a pre-requisite for posting on youtube. As is consistently proved. 👍
My bad, yeah I interpreted “I doubt much get learned at that level” as meaning Glen’s current level, not someone who has worked on platinum albums. I agree that someone working for the major labels might not know as much as Glen precisely because Glen has had to experiment more.
@@KyleFalconer1 exactly that. No worries bud 👍. There’s a documentary about the Beatles and their relationship with the Abbey Road Studios. They talk to one of the top studio engineers of his day. He had worked with them, The Stones and went on to work with Led Zeppelin etc etc etc. The interview asks him what was it like to work on such great albums with such great blah blah blah.. “Er.. a bit boring to be honest. They all knew what they wanted to do and I spent my time setting up mics and changing tapes..” Turns out that he had more fun recording classical ensembles or spoken word albums.
I'll also add stretching routines. Yes stretching. Specifically core stretches (hips and pelvis, hamstrings). Its amazing what you can loose mobility/health wise from sitting all day.
Was curious as to why not to use the headphones in your thumbnail (ATH-M50X), a bit disappointed you never actually mentioned them. I've mixed all of my music for the past five years exclusively using those and I'm really happy with them (and so are my clients)
Yeah, I've got them too and I'm very happy with them. I've also got an mpk mini mk3 (also in the thumbnail) and I'm happy with it. I'm not a pro though, I just make music sometimes.
I own them not happy.. Muddy bass screaming highs.. Also i got tinnitus by mixing on those for 2 years.. Just buy monitors..
When he didn't actually mention them, I attributed the thumbnail to the point you don't need to buy m50x's that retail close to $200 for recording. I own a pair for myself, but the headphones I keep around for guests tend to be much cheaper in the 30-50$ range, which is all they really need to hear themselves clearly.
They're über popular for a good reason - they're great.
Had the m40x, and if the m50x are anything like it at all, then it's bad. Much prefer DT770s with a tiiiiiny bit of EQ against Mt Beyer.
Obv not the same set of headphones, keep your teaspoons and salt ready.
Solid stuff Glenn, hoorah for common sense!!
Acoustic treatment. Line your walls with acoustic guitars for a nice reverb. ;)
Lol
my home recording days are well behind me, but I wanted to watch this just to see where things are at these days. Great video. Also put a smile on my face.
Re: external drives -- they're handy for local temporary backups, but I really recommend a good online backup system. Especially one that doesn't throttle your speeds after a certain point. Personally I use Backblaze, but there are a few other decent options as well.
You can set it to back up continuously as long as your disk activity is under a certain amount -- perfect for automagically backing up that brand new project as soon as you're done working on it, but won't hemorrhage cpu cycles while you're recording or mixing.
THIS. External drives are still at risk for bit rot or random corruptions. A NAS with a backup on a cloud server is the only way to go if it's your livelihood those bits are representing
Can also set up a cheap RAID storage with a bunch of 4TB SeaGate Barracuda's
The pop filters and foam covers are such a must-have that I wonder why don't mics always come with those. Just listen to a public speech or lecture coming through a nice PA with a cheap mic and hear all those plosives coming right at ya because despite spending over 20k on the sound system and hiring a technician to make it sound good, nobody bothered with a little foam on the mic!
You don't need pop filters if you talk off-axis but of course the average person doesn't understand mic technique. Too many people cup the mic or shove it up to their mouth or don't think to simply turn their heads.
dude, that cyclone/mospeada shirt is AWESOME.
My Studio Wifi might be named "Reflex Point"
@@SpectreSoundStudios Fucking rad. BTW I don't even make metal but your channel is still awesome just for general studio/production/recording heads. Keep up the great work.
I can concur. Panty hose over a bent wire coat hanger works well enough between paydays. They aren't expensive at all, though. Also, Glenn's video on diy panels will cost you a touch of elbow grease, but will save you a bunch of cash. I made my own from it.
Also, I love your Haynes shirt!
Inexpensive pop filters are inexpensive. But are the more expensive ones any better?
I suffer from chronic migraines. I have noticed it is caused alot by eye fatigue from the blue light from my monitor. Some monitors can be adjusted to tone down the blue light but I have opted for night driving glasses, they work well and can be had for cheap, maybe something to mention. Thanks for all you do brother keep it up.
I am blessed and was able to get a set of ATC 45s and an Adam Sub10 for use in my well treated room. I have never heard such clarity from speakers, ever. Every tiny movement made can be heard. There is no hiding anything. I thought my Adam A7xs were clear…..just wow.
Two Notes Captor X!
Recently loaned one and I will definetly get one. If you're living in a small flat or bedroom and want to record tube amps, it's a lifesaver.
I'm still kicking myself for getting the Captor 8 like a month before the X series came out.
@@SkarrKrow sorry to hear that. It seems that happens to all gearheads at some point
The golden channel tip was so so good. That will improve my gain staging significantly.
Picked up that Lewitt Beat Pro 7 kit, and wow. Snare has never sounded better, the kick is usable, and the condensers sound great. Can't thank you enough for that recommendation.
You might not be a professional but your tips really make sense... Thanks!
I have a pair of Kali Audio Lp-6's, and a pair of IN-8's, the IN-8, for around $400 a piece are gold. The LP-6 at around 150 each are also gold. These are fantastic for the price. Even thought the IN-8 are only 8", the bass is so good it made me realize how terrible my room is. LOL!
Hats off to you Glenn for quitting smoking. I really need to do the same.... just the thought is terrifying!!!!!
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU for mentioning that egg cartons are a fire trap. I lived in Rhode Island during the Station Nightclub Fire and applied to be a sound guy at the station the month before so thanks again for saying this important fact.
Happy to hear Kali getting some love -- I got the LP6's a couple of years ago to replace some cheap computer speakers and they sound great!
I lived in a fraternity and had Mackie monitors but the tiny ones.
But they still made my friends mention how good they sounded for the size.
some absolute pearls in this list. good one Glenn.
I learnt about external drives the hard way. Touch wood I’ve not lost any music projects. But I did lose a load of school work years ago. And they saved me in a few other instances. They do so much heavy lifting it’s an understatement.
Nowadays I am a plumber and can solder pipes together. I’ve just started a new job where I’m working very close with an electrician. He’s agreed to teach me how to solder my guitar cables so I can actually keep my shit working.
Yes! Bass traps! the absolute number one biggest improvement I made was building myself some bass traps.
solid advise here regardless of type of music. Thanks Glen.
My Setup. Monitors Adam T5V, Treatment none(yet) but it is a large open room, Mics Behringer B-2 Pro, Neweer NW-7 7-pc Drum Kit, 3 boom stands, various brands of shielded XLR cables, Sweetwater pop screen, no DI (yet), WD Passport 512GB + I have a NAS, cheap ass plugin iron, No Golden Channel (yet), Presonus HD9 headphones, never stop taking courses, and may chair is decent.
So I have 3 equipment holes. Until I move to a place with more rooms Acoustic Treatment is out, I am saving for a Country Man, and still not sure what to get for the GC.
Glenn you forgot one thing...
THE INTERFACE!!!!!! I have a Focusrite 18i20 3rd gen and a Behringer UMC 204HD. Both sound amazing, no noise and the only bad thing is the Behringer lacks a software suite like the Focusrite has. The 204 can be a real pain to set up, I's also saving for a Focsrite Octopre that I can ADAT into the 18i20 and add another 8 channels. I also eventually went to get a pair of SRH840 or 940 headphones.
10:35 to add to the point of soldering, you actually can build DIY kits for some music equipment for extremely cheap if you know how to solder. I have found guides on building Re-Amp boxes, DI boxes, and as a Modular Synth guy, you can find modules for really cheap if you buy the DIY kits.
Hell just buying a DIY kit for a Re-Amp box is $75 compared to buying it premade from Radial.
And if you like synth and guitar, keep in mind that modular synth and guitar effects pedals are the same thing, just with different IO. Nothing stopping you from DIYing effects that can be used in both contexts.
got me the Kali monitors some months ago and its always nice to hear a pro talking about them.
Another certified hood classic replacement for a pop filter is putting a sock over the mic. Works like a charm
I have one to add to the external hard drive suggestion: A SECOND, redundant external hard drive that you keep outside your home. I had all kinds of physical backups, and my house fire took away all my projects up to June 2020. Back it all up three times and keep one in your car, or someplace not in the house.
Glen- You said good studio monitors are important because they shouldn’t color the sound you hear. You’ve talked a lot about how choice of amp speakers make the biggest difference over any other factor in guitar tone. So what’s the difference in how the two types of speakers are made and function electronically?
By the way, I’m not a metal guy, but-I’ve watched countless episodes and have learned tons of valuable information from you, and been majorly entertained. I’ve made all my musician friends aware of you and what you do. Thank you for what you do. You are needed!
Not a metal player but I do love this channel - rock solid advice! Thanks Glen
I totally agree that the Drawmer DL421 is a killer. It's subtle but not "soft" - I absolutely love to compress drum loops (like from old drummachines that dont have multi outs) with it and the DL421 glues them together and makes it sound round, even, clear and just good. One of my favorite compressors beside the Kultube
Good episode. These are why I subscribed. As for disk drives have you considered Network Attached Storage (NAS)? In its simple forms, it is a mirrored disk set on your local ethernet network. All of your networked devices can access it, backups can be automated, and they are really reliable. Match it to a UPS and your data is really safe. Also, your data is in one place, not on ten portable drives. You can use one of the portable drives as a backup connected to the NAS! Triple-safe. Paranoia is your friend.
Glad to see you FINALLY get a new chair!!!! Great advice my friend!!
For a chair- it really helps to have a good one where the arms can fold up out of the way to hold an instrument if you end up covering on some tracks or just jamming.
I got a chair without armrests, and tbh since then my back has been a lot better, I don't slump my shoulders as much. It was hell for the first month or so until I started properly adjusting my posture tho
Also for a chair - if you plan on using a chair near recording mics, have a solid kitchen chair or stool on hand. Office chairs are great for comfort, but can produce creaks and pops if you shift your weight around in them, which is definitely one of the lamest ways to ruin a good take. Use noiseless chairs!
Second on the noiseless chairs!! I made that mistake a couple times
As an old man with back problems and hemorrhoids, a good chair is #1 on my list for sure.
Thanks for being awesome Glenn, never change!
Glenn your TOPS. Appreciated ALWAYS !
The moment you said your from canada, i realised i was in a parallel universe where Devin townsend didn't go bald and recorded bands for the last 20 years, and then i woke up again.
Good cast, love the way you F yourself thru the explanation, i really learned something from this and you got yourself a fan......or airconditioner😅
Along with the soldering iron, keep some contact cleaner on hand. Many scratchy cables(?) are actually due to dirty jacks. You KNOW how musicians are...
I took a shower/took care of #13 a few months back. Nearly broke the patient man in the chair shop, he may still be in therapy, but it was worth spending the time to find something with support in the places I needed. Posture has gotten better and pain has decreased steadily since. Now I only feel twice my age.
Dood.....thankyou thankyou thankyou....I've been following you for years and all your stuff is great. But....this one has really helped me put all your info together coherently. Thanks again. Keep rockin
You said Barefoot was expensive and they are but, PMC just said hold my beer! I seen a pair of PMC monitors for $125,000 and I would love to just hear them! Keep up the Great Work!!
I second that external hard drive thing. I tried to make some lo-fi type trip hop like 5 or 6 years ago. Had completed an entire EP and was just getting into the final master when my hard drive died over night and I lost all of it. Probably 300+ hours of work, gone. Killed my desire for music production and I'm only just now trying to get back into it
I did the golden channel thing a few months ago: Golden Age Pre 73 into a FMR RNC. Sounds really great on vocals and bought everything secondhand. I even bought 2 FMR RNCs for an insane low price and sold one of them for that same price so I basically had a free compressor.
+1 on the Black Rode NT-1. I have a pair and use them for everything.
Every video is filled with super useful advice, plus it's entertaining funny and intelligent. Never lost my time watching Glenn's vids.
Anyone has the video url where Glenn speaks briefly about monitor stands? "open legged" ones against "hexed" stands"?? I thought was on this one but can't find it.
Outstanding video!!! I’m no pro producer/engineer by any means, but have dipped my toe into home recording several times since the mid ‘90’s and I agree 100% with the list you provide and the common sense reasoning is spot on!!!! 🤘🤘👍
I'm not an audio engineer, but I *do* spend almost every waking moment I'm in the house at my computer for work or my own hobbies, and I'll 1000% second the chair thing. I bit the bullet and shelled out for a Herman Miller a few months ago, and it's one of the best decisions I ever made. All those back pains I got from slouching over in my $100 Staples chair vanished in days.
I've been using hosa cables for over a decade.
Thanks again Glenn for another great video. We all appreciate it.
Yeah boi, Hosa represent. Best value cables I've used so far.
I went with an ART tube preamp and was given a Behringer compressor/limiter/gate. Haven't had a chance to really do any serious recording with them yet, but initial tooling with them has given me hope.
Got a new drum seat and it made life so much easier --less tired all round and easier to play as well.
Now looking for one with wheels as it's the best seat in the house.
It is an awesome feeling to make and use your own cables in your studio! If you're pretty confident with an iron, the materials are cheaper than you think. I was able to make 20' XLR's for about $24 per cable, plus my time. Neutrik gold connections, Mogami Cable, so you could theoretically do it cheaper.
Thanks for everything you’re doing Glenn! Cheers to you 🍻😊🤘
This is Totally True! I bought an SM57 and that's what I use for my Acoustic guitar and my voice on my channel with a Pop Filter! At the moment, that's all I need, due to space and not bothering my neighbors even though they bother me... Hahahaha...
Honestly that's not the ideal mic for either acoustic guitar or vocals. If you can get your hands on a used large diaphragm condenser mic, you would notice a huge difference. Most of them need phantom power, but some have a place for batteries inside if you don't have phantom power. An AKG C1000 is an absolutely awesome mic for the money, and takes batteries. The older ones use a 9 volt, and the newer ones use double A's I think. Probably get one for 200 bucks used.
Cheers
@@66fitton Thanks, man! I have Phantom Power on my Focusrite Clarett 4Pre USB, thinking about the lewitts!! What do you think? :D
@@MilagroRoadStudios I've got no experience with them, but have heard great things about them. Sorry I can't help there.
@@66fitton Don't worry, man! You've helped me tons already! Big hug from Chile!
Hi Glenn,
Tbh I thought you might have done this video ages ago, which is why I never suggested you do it.
As someone who has suffered from back injuries & aches, definitely make sure you have a good seat; you'll find out why the hard way, else !!
As ever, though, the video is informative, educational & entertaining.
Good stuff for us newbies to take in (or ignore & whinge about, as seems to be many a case).
Thanks,
Paul
Plymouth, England (Land of the Bad Teeth)
I've spent a fair bit of money on gear in the last 20 years for my home studio - some top mics (Sennheiser MD441) and AEA ribbons, preamps from SSL, Daking, Universal audio, etc.
I've spent on setting up a separate tracking room from my control room.
The one thing that has made the absolute biggest difference in my recordings was acoustic treatment. Not sexy at all. About 1/7 the price of one of my preamps, but an absolute must-do.
7:40 so glad to hear someone else talk about it cus yeah I've been using that trick for years a real old-timer engineer I worked with years ago told me about it and I've never heard anyone else say it, I've found wire coat hangers bent into shape and taped to the stand works really well
I like the "On-Stage" hex-base mic stands. The base is ridiculously heavy -- about 20 pounds. They're not cheap, but "solid" is an understatement. Another long--lasting piece of gear: I've had the same Furman PL--Plus power conditioner for almost 30 years. Still works as new. For headphones, I like the Beyerdynamic DT 770 (250 ohm) closed back.
The chair is so important. I make a living with photography and video and I produce music at home as a hobby and it's so fucking important to have s good chair.
Found your channel pretty recently. Super grateful for that.
Telling it like it is! That’s why I love this channel thanks for all the great videos!
So I am going to note that I've been watching the show for several years now, and decided to go look up some of Glenn's work. I'm now a big Woods of Ypres fan because of it! Thank you Glenn for all the great advice, joining the discord this weekend (finally).
Good Morning Vietnam to you too, Glen!
When it comes to studio headphones there are two sets that come to mind. The Audio Technica Ath M50s and the Sony Mdr 7506. They have both been industry standards for decades. And unlike the vast majority of head phones you see now they have a relatively flat frequency response.
Great video Glenn! Back to basics.
On the subject of chairs, don't neglect a chair that you can comfortably play guitar on for hours. That's something I still haven't really found for my set up. Most stools and office chairs aren't great for your posture if you're playing, or even holding guitars for extended periods of time.
Recently found your videos, and I love them! I’m 14 years into a lifelong dream of chasing an audio (music based) career. I went to an audio school that crashed 75% of the way into a degree that really kinda fucked me, in more ways than one. Not only did I lose the relevance of my time invested there, I had to unlearn the BS that they taught as law- that didn’t really work in modern music. I’m at the beginning of producing artists as a living and this channel has WISDOM. I really respect your realist approach to both gear and sound. I really think you’re rooted in the best principles of the “old ways” but very upfront about about what information is truly important and what is a dying practice. Gear isn’t everything- get a good chair! Love your videos. 🤟🏼
I learned everything from hanging out with real rockstars, that play and record. But im a punk. I don't know if the Techno scene, will be able to teach you much at all. Surround yourself with like minded people. And dont get sucked in to the whole image thing. E.g drugs and posing. Keep it real. And find other dedicated people who have devoted their lives to music. Live it. Breathe it. Love it.
Hope this helps you out. I grew up on the streets. So, i guess im lucky. Ha. Punkrock saved my life.
From Vomit. From Dead Babies in Vomit.
@@deadbabiesinvomit I checked out your music just based on your comment, thought it would be good. You sure you’re not on drugs? I think I’d rather inject meth and bang my head into a wall than listen to that bs again. Not even hating, just being honest, it sounds like a huge chaotic mess.
Haha my chair has a left a bunch of squeaks on a bunch of recordings! Sometimes we went back and rerecorded, but not always, mostly because it was funny for one reason or another to leave it in there.
Super comfortable tho!
A couple of DI boxes will also allow you to run really long cable runs from guitar/pedalboard to an amp that is far away. Just convert your signal to balanced line level and then convert it again to unbalanced instrument level at the amp's end.
Couldlifter is also an option for gain hungry condensers. It takes the smallest amount of space and works like a charm. I am not a mixing eng. but I do record location sound for film and tv, and this gadget will not disappoint you. Did I already mention it takes the least amount of space? Keeping the gear bag small and lite is a must when recording on location.
I think you should do a video on all the cheapest viable gear for people who have to save up for everything and have little to no extra cash. Do separate ones for recording, guitar rigs etc.
Really enjoyed watching your videos lately. Back into recordings after several years it’s very useful. Keep up the good work Glenn! Cheers from 🇨🇦
Believe it or not the comfy chair is probably the best advice. Especially if you're using chairs for the musicians, nobody wants to have to deal with squeaky chairs coming through the mic.
To No. 13: As an addition to a good chair I recommend a height adjustable table. This way you can switch between sitting and standing. I will upgrade soon, because as a historian as well as a musician I also work most of the time sitting, which sucks.
Yep. And put your cup of coffee out of arms reach so you have to get up every now and then.
I bought the kali lp-6’s on Glenn’s recommendation and I like them. Thanks!
I tell everyone I teach this stuff to get a nice comfortable chair. Your gonna be in it a long time.
The Samson Q Kick mic from that pack is a hidden gem! Always use it
The Steelcase Leap v2 is a buy it for life chair and you don’t have to spend $1,000 if you get one in unused shape from an office furniture liquidator. Best investment you can make into your office/gaming/recording setup
Atlas is my favorite mic stand family. I have some stands that are from the 50's!!! They still work just fine. The NEW Atlas gear is still made great, just like the old ones were.
I never thought I needed this video, but a welcome surprise none the less
A surprise, to be sure, but a welcome one
You can do the pop filter pantyhose’s thing with an embroidery hoop and a some old wire clothes hangers and Mount it on your mic stand. Just make sure there some foam where the wire meets the stand.
Another great affordable mic is the Sontronics STC-2! You have to check that out.
I have the AKAI MPC on your thumbnail. Helps me a lot for my music. I'm a solo artist recording at home. Thanks, Glenn!
Good cables (Mogami, for me) and monitor placement made an immediate noticeable improvement in being able to listen accurately and without fatigue.