Making of “Seirenes”

I’m going to do a couple blog posts about the process and recording techniques we used to make “Seirenes”.  I’ll try to be descriptive and provide some helpful links to anyone who has interest in recording songs at home and how to get the best sound possible.  Hopefully someone can learn from all the trial and error that we’ve already been through and can benefit from our lessons.  I’ll start off with the basic gear:

Microphones: Shure sm57, Sennheiser e835, AKG Perception 220, Audio Technica At4047sv

Audio Interface: M-Audio Fast Track Ultra

Pre-Amp: Studio Projects VTB-1

DAW: Logic Pro

We tracked both songs in a very similar method so I’ll just do a rundown for both.

DRUMS: We used the “recorderman” technique on drums to get a basic balance in the overhead mics.  For the mics, we used the AKG and Audio Technica (both large diaphragm condensers) and then close mic’d the snare (SM57) and kick (Sennheiser) for some extra punch.  The drums were treated with some software reverb and parallel compression during mixing.

GUITAR:  The guitars went through a modified Tube Screamer and then an Egnater Tweaker head turned the entire way up.  A 2x12 cab with Celestion Vintage 30’s was close mic’d with the AKG.  For leads, a Big Muff was also used for extra gain.  An old Boss chorus pedal was used on clean guitars.

BASS:  Bass went direct through a DI and then the VTB-1 pre-amp.  Some cabinet modeling software was used during mixing.

KEYS:  Keys were tracked in MIDI and software patches were used for tone.  ”Leaving Her  Behind” features a piano sound that was created during the making of “Party Monster”.  ”Crashing In The City” is a take on a Hammond B3 through a Leslie cab.

VOCALS:  All vocals were tracked with the SM57 through the VTB-1.  All compression and effects were done through software.

Mixing was done with Logic Pro and Presonus Studio One was used for mastering.  Whew, that’s a long post.  Hit us up with any questions or comments.

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