Uploaded November 2016 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
I definitely want to dive deep into specifics of recording and setting up tracks for a song, but let's first today see what it would look like to record in a real mix context. This way we can get into the meat of the series and see where we are going. We will come back later and fill in those gaps.
Since I do not have experience in miking guitar cabs, we will be focusing on recording DI (direct input). Simply put, we are recording a dry signal of the guitar. The advantage is the ability to change the tones afterwards live in the mix instead of being stuck with was recorded in an actual amp.
Should we edit the takes as we record, or wait til everything is recorded? Depends on your philosophy. I edit (clean up) takes as I'm recording so I know whether or not I need to re-record as I'm building the track. I like to have as much of a finished project as possible as I'm going - but that's just personal preference. You might be of the persuasion to never edit anything! And that's ok!
Do we double track or quad track guitars? Also personal preference. I tend to have two rhythm guitars panned almost hard left and right, and two background guitars panned left and right also but pulled in a little more. That's not what is meant by quad tracking. That's usually referring to four rhythm guitars, but you have to be really tight!
Just don't interrupt your creativity with over editing your work. Try to keep recording.
- - - -
Set your levels for recording:
- Ensure plenty of headroom to avoid clipping (sound check loud)
- Adjust input signal accordingly (whether hardware/software)
- Some interfaces (UX2) will not have guitar input control
Before recording:
- Ensure your strings are fresh and in-tune; check intonation also
- Be sure you're warmed up (I like to jam first)
- Create a positive atmosphere for recording
While recording:
- Match your playing & attitude with the music mood - "feel it"
- Metal Context: want aggressive sound? play like it!
- Don't be afraid to redo mistakes (don't take out human error completely)
Recording in Reaper:
- Remember to play as tight as you can!
- Set record mode from Normal to Time Selection Auto Punch
- - - -
▻ Today's video is sponsored by:
▻ mixmytrackz.com
▻ Get your tracks ready for radio without the price tag!
-----------------------------------------------
▼ Support me on Patreon! ▼
patreon.com/brandonburch
▼ Connect with me & my band! ▼
Brandon's Instagram ▻ instagram.com/brandondburch
Drummer's Instagram ▻ instagram.com/dano14svt
Drummer's YT ▻ youtube.com/user/DANOA7X2009
Facebook ▻ facebook.com/analyzedwithin
Band's Twitter ▻ twitter.com/analyzedwithin
Drummer's Twitter ▻ twitter.com/ortega1117
I definitely want to dive deep into specifics of recording and setting up tracks for a song, but let's first today see what it would look like to record in a real mix context. This way we can get into the meat of the series and see where we are going. We will come back later and fill in those gaps.
Since I do not have experience in miking guitar cabs, we will be focusing on recording DI (direct input). Simply put, we are recording a dry signal of the guitar. The advantage is the ability to change the tones afterwards live in the mix instead of being stuck with was recorded in an actual amp.
Should we edit the takes as we record, or wait til everything is recorded? Depends on your philosophy. I edit (clean up) takes as I'm recording so I know whether or not I need to re-record as I'm building the track. I like to have as much of a finished project as possible as I'm going - but that's just personal preference. You might be of the persuasion to never edit anything! And that's ok!
Do we double track or quad track guitars? Also personal preference. I tend to have two rhythm guitars panned almost hard left and right, and two background guitars panned left and right also but pulled in a little more. That's not what is meant by quad tracking. That's usually referring to four rhythm guitars, but you have to be really tight!
Just don't interrupt your creativity with over editing your work. Try to keep recording.
- - - -
Set your levels for recording:
- Ensure plenty of headroom to avoid clipping (sound check loud)
- Adjust input signal accordingly (whether hardware/software)
- Some interfaces (UX2) will not have guitar input control
Before recording:
- Ensure your strings are fresh and in-tune; check intonation also
- Be sure you're warmed up (I like to jam first)
- Create a positive atmosphere for recording
While recording:
- Match your playing & attitude with the music mood - "feel it"
- Metal Context: want aggressive sound? play like it!
- Don't be afraid to redo mistakes (don't take out human error completely)
Recording in Reaper:
- Remember to play as tight as you can!
- Set record mode from Normal to Time Selection Auto Punch
- - - -
▻ Today's video is sponsored by:
▻ mixmytrackz.com
▻ Get your tracks ready for radio without the price tag!
-----------------------------------------------
▼ Support me on Patreon! ▼
patreon.com/brandonburch
▼ Connect with me & my band! ▼
Brandon's Instagram ▻ instagram.com/brandondburch
Drummer's Instagram ▻ instagram.com/dano14svt
Drummer's YT ▻ youtube.com/user/DANOA7X2009
Facebook ▻ facebook.com/analyzedwithin
Band's Twitter ▻ twitter.com/analyzedwithin
Drummer's Twitter ▻ twitter.com/ortega1117
