Articles

Audio Recording - Four

Steps  Pt. 1

 

Audio Recording - Four

Steps Pt. 2

Recording Guitar Tracks

with Distortion

 

Welcome to AffordableProduction.com, where you can find comprehensive reviews of audio recording gear, information on how to set up your studio, recording tips and techniques and much more.  As an amateur audio producer for many years and project studio owner as of recent years, I see a lot of misinformation, bad information and most often, a lack of information about home audio recording on the net.  One of the most common misconceptions about home recording is that it takes a lot of money to get a "polished" sound. While that may have been the case when choices were limited to either incredibly expensive 16 track reel to reel recorders or grainy 4 track cassette recorders, the introduction of digital audio has placed quality production firmly within the grasp of most. That doesn't mean anyone with an interface, microphone and recording software can create a masterpiece, but it does mean that with the careful selection of the best gear for your needs and a commitment to getting the most from it, you can do in the comfort of your own home what was once only possible in a recording studio.

 

The primary purpose of this site is to offer comparative reviews of consumer grade recording gear, and as time goes on, more individual product reviews and "shootouts" will be available.  When possible, I'll add sound clips to let you make your own value determinations, though it should be noted that sounds are subjective to taste and MP3's don't exactly capture the nuances of most gear, especially the inherent differences.  Still, I never learned much about a piece of audio recording gear, instrument or effect from a brochure, and while unbiased written reviews offer a little more in the way of information, it's the sound that matters in the end. 

 

Like many who record as a hobby or labor of love, I have some gear to test out and plenty of gear to borrow, but by no means can I cover everything.  If you can formulate a sentence (or don't mind me editing for punctuation, spelling and grammar) and want to submit a comprehensive review, you can contact me at Alan@affordableproduction.com.  Whether it's a stomp box, plug-in, John Hardy preamp or AWS NEVE console, I'll be happy to include it.  You can also send your comments and suggestions as well.  

 

Having said that, I want to stress that the majority of the reviews available here will focus on affordable gear within the reach of most home based musicians and producers. Time permitting, I'll also include articles on various production techniques that can help make good gear sound great, information on how to shop for gear and whatever else I can pass along.  Unlike many sites dedicated to home recording gear with specialists or well seasoned producers and engineers writing about their particular area of expertise, I'm in the learning stages when it comes to many aspects of home recording.  Hopefully, I can share what I do know, learn from contributors and make a few friends along the way.