COMMON MISTAKES BEGINNERS MAKE WHEN MAKING MUSIC

As we touched on before here at Flipside, making music takes courage. So, congratulations on finally deciding to take this crucial step in your journey as a musician.
Recording and producing your own music in a studio can be a highly rewarding experience. At the same time, it can be costly both in time and resources. And if you want to make the most out of the experience, here are some tips for avoiding some of the most common mistakes newbies make in the recording studio.

​Neglecting to use a metronome. The metronome has been around for over 200 years. In fact, wqxr.org recalls how Beethoven was the first to give his pieces metronome markings. Even the world’s greatest classical musician used a metronome to maintain tempo. Today, the device helps musicians in studios keep perfect timing during takes. This is crucial because any slightly off-tempo performances in either vocal or instrumental tracks can throw a wrench in the entire recording process. And this can be avoided by simply utilising a metronome during recording sessions. An instrumental guide track can also be used in the same way.

​Using the wrong mic. The type of music you’re planning to record will determine which mic you should use. For instance, brands like Shure and Audio-Technica have affordable mic kits designed for drums. According to shout4music.com, these brands also have some of the best and cheapest high-quality vocal microphones. If you’re planning to start recording tons of either vocals or acoustic instruments, consider investing in a high-performance Neumann or Sennheiser mic. If you want to maximise your resources, the best vocal mics from any of these brands can also be used to record percussion and different instruments with clarity. However, if you’re focusing on recording drums, saxophones, or flutes, there are mics designed for these instruments – and those always result in better takes. As much as possible, always strive to use the right mic for the right job.
 
Not accounting for noise. Unwanted noises can kill the vibe of even the most tightly produced, heartfelt tracks. These noises can come from static in the studio, ventilation systems, loud conversations in nearby rooms, and many other sources. Apart from stopping the noise at the source, there are many other ways to deal with this problem. According to fastcompany.com, filling the room with porous fabrics increases acoustical absorption, which can lessen noise. At the same time, you should also listen for how curtains, carpets, and other fabrics can change the sound of recordings so you can adjust their placement accordingly. Using headphones during recording or listening back to tracks can also help you to more closely identify noises so you can shut them down.
 
Getting an inexperienced sound engineer. Great musicians aren’t always competent sound engineers. While learning how to mix tracks can be highly beneficial for any recording artist, sometimes, this job is best left to the pros. Experienced sound engineers are not cheap to hire, but if you can find the right one for the job, they can help bring out the best of your sound. Furthermore, with a professional engineer at your side, you can more easily avoid making common mistakes while in the studio.

Author

Rose Wiggins gave Flipside the honor to write this post exclusively for our blog.