seeds & roots

album sessions have begun

I’ve started work on an album.  The way I see it, the time is now.  I’ve got the musicians who are willing to help.  I’ve amassed enough of the necessary equipment to pull it off.  The master plan/goal is to do it all independently: write, record, distribute (online), promote, & perform.  Hopefully, before the years end, I’ll have something available for download on iTunes.

So the inaugural event took place earlier this week.  I transformed/destroyed my den into a recording space.  I invited my buddy Drew (NC State Architectural Grad Student/Good Drummer) to lay down some tracks with me.

Here are some raw unmixed instrumental snippets. Hook up some good speakers and take a listen:

session 1
session 2

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Here are the production secrets…

DRUM Recording Chain:

Ayotte kit, Tama Bubinga Snare, Drum heads taped with felt, A-Custom Crashes, etc…

Shure PG-81 (overhang) –> Hamptone HVTP2 Tube Preamp–> FMR Audio RNLA 7239 Compressor –>Edirol FA 101 A/D Convertor
AKG C2000B (3ft from the bass drum) –> Hamptone HVTP2 Tube Preamp –> FMR Audio RNC 1773 Compressor –>Edirol FA 101 A/D Convertor
Shure SM-57 (on the snare) –> Sytek MPX4A Preamp –> DBX 1046 Compressor –>Edirol FA 101 A/D Convertor

ELECTRIC GUITAR Recording Chain:

Squier Strat –> Pedalboard –> 66 Blackface Deluxe Reverb –>
Shure SM57 (close miked) –> Hamptone HVTP2 Tube Preamp –>FMR Audio RNLA 7239 Compressor –>Edirol FA 101 A/D Convertor
AKG C2000B (3ft from the amp) –> Hamptone HVTP2 Tube Preamp –> FMR Audio RNC 1773 Compressor –>Edirol FA 101 A/D Convertor

I’m recording onto my Macbook Pro using Ableton Live 7. I love Ableton Live! It’s perfect for me.

Also, I’ve been using my stereo speakers for monitors.  I’ve got a pair of Alesis M1 Actives, but they’re packed up being that I’m moving in two weeks.  I figure if a mix sounds good on my stereo speakers,  it’ll sound good just about anywhere else.

Watch the Sessions Page for progress reports!

This entry was posted on Thursday, July 16th, 2009 at 3:38 pm and is filed under album, my music and tagged with Getting quality recording at home, Home Recording, Jim Stephens Music, Miking Drums, Miking Electric Guitar. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.