Kraig Greff: DIY Recording

Kraig Greff’s introduction to his series “DIY Recording Tips”.

Videographers often don’t expect to record the same quality of sound as a recording studio, but their audio can sound much better if they understand microphones.

Microphones are designed for different purposes. One important characteristic is the pick-up pattern or polar pattern, which determines how it responds to sound coming from different directions.

One of the most basic recording skills is getting the levels right. If the recording levels are too low, you will need to boost the volume during the edit, which often introduces noise. If the levels are too high, the sound will distort, which is difficult or impossible to fix afterward.

Facing a mass of wires, complicated diagrams, and fine-print instructions when trying to hook up audio recording or other electronic equipment can be daunting. In this episode, Kraig explains the concept of “signal path” or “signal flow”. Following the signal path will make this process less confusing.

In many ways, MIDI has transformed today’s music. The problem is — it can sound mechanical. In this episode, Kraig Greff explains how applying the principles of psychoacoustics and adding in one real instrument can bring the whole composition to life.

In 1971, they didn’t have today’s electronic and computer gizmos, but ZZ Top’s First Album was great then and still sounds great today. They did it without fancy toys — the engineers knew how to position microphones to get the sound they were looking for.

Choosing & Positioning Microphones to Fine-Tune Your Sound

This episode, Kraig explains 3 different mic set-ups for recording an acoustic guitar in stereo and demonstrates the difference in sound.

This episode, Kraig provides several simple but important tips for getting the best voice recordings.

Everyone knows somebody who plays an instrument, raps, sings or does some combination of all three. But actually being serious about a career in music takes a lot of time, money and dedication to keep going.

Some day, you are going to want to leave your basement behind and record in a professional studio. Yes, it’s expensive, but it’s an important investment to move your music career forward.