The Record

https://www.facebook.com/events/456182284449897/

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 11:27:29 -0400

https://www.facebook.com/events/456182284449897/

iTunes Featuring for Seirenes

Tue, 05 Mar 2013 11:17:36 -0500

We got a nice surprise this morning when our friend sent us a screenshot of “Seirenes” sitting comfortably in the “New and Noteworthy” section of iTunes. There are a lot of good and bad things about the music industry in 2013, but it’s pretty damn cool that we can put out music by ourselves and release it to the world. The direct link to the EP is https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/seirenes-single/id598796684

Photo

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 11:23:46 -0500

Organic recordings in the digital realm

Mon, 11 Feb 2013 12:05:06 -0500

Organic recordings in the digital realm:

This is an interesting article (and quick read) from Graham Cochrane over at Recording Revolution. The take home message is that digital recording programs are transparent and don’t make your tracks sound “cold”. Overuse of your DAW (digital audio workstation) is what makes your music robotic. It’s OK to let mistakes through and you don’t have to quantitize everything. Most people won’t hear your mistakes.

Event on Facebook

Fri, 08 Feb 2013 15:07:32 -0500

Event on Facebook

Making of "Seirenes"

Tue, 22 Jan 2013 12:48:29 -0500

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.

Free SEIRENES download

We have just released two new tracks, “Leaving Her...

Tue, 22 Jan 2013 11:44:09 -0500

We have just released two new tracks, “Leaving Her Behind” and “Crashing In The City.” We would love for you to give them a listen and grab a download. Pay whatever you want for them. If you are short on cash, just enter $0.00. If you like the songs and want to throw us a dollar or two…thanks!

Listen to Seirenes by The Record.

Digital liner notes for Seirenes which we will be releasing on...

Wed, 16 Jan 2013 12:05:27 -0500

Seirenes Liner Notes Cover

Seirenes Liner Notes Page 2

Seirenes Liner Notes Page 3

Seirenes Liner Notes Page 4

Digital liner notes for Seirenes which we will be releasing on 1/22/13.

1.22.13 - Seirenes

Mon, 14 Jan 2013 08:31:17 -0500

1.22.13 - Seirenes

Robbie and I cheesin it.

Mon, 07 Jan 2013 22:06:18 -0500

Robbie and I cheesin it.

Altec Lansing 1674c pre-amp project

Thu, 03 Jan 2013 13:00:26 -0500

This is a post about a DIY project I did to turn a 80’s automatic microphone mixer into a 4-channel preamp that The Record can use for recording. We currently use an M-Audio Fast Track Ultra for A/D conversion and it comes stock with 4 preamps. However, it has line in inputs for up to 6 preamps so we were looking to expand (cheaply!)

I picked up an Altec 1674c Automatic Microphone Mixer from ebay for ~$40.00 with the intent on modifying the circuit and gaining access to the preamps in the unit. This is the finished unit but you can see the model number, etc on the case.

The original unit function like this: You plugged four microphones into the rear inputs, set the relative levels between each with the “mix” controls on the left and set the master volume out with the control on the right. To access the preamps for recording purposes, you need level and gain control on each microphone and a direct output for each. Luckily, the direct output is already featured on rear of the unit (see photo below).

In order to achieve level control on these line outputs for each channel a simple modification can be done using the existing potentiometers of the stock unit. You can simply cut out some output resistors in the circuit (R136, R236, etc.) and run a wire to the center lug of the “mix” pots giving you line volume control with the unit’s existing knobs. Rad.

For preamp gain adjustment another simple mod can be done. Find resistors (R103, R203, etc) and cut them out. Then solder in another potentiometer, replacing the resistors. I chose a 10K pot to replace the original 560 Ohm resistor. Through internet research, I saw that others chose a 1K pot but then had trouble with clipping when recording really loud sources (think close mic’d snare) so I went a lot higher with hopes of increases my dynamic range. It seems to work fine with at 10K pot.

Now all you have to do is drill out the faceplate, mount the gain pots and put everything back together. The total project cost about $45.00 and now we have 4 new microphone preamps to add to our sound arsenal. Pretty killer. Final thing, if you follow these instructions, unplug the thing before you work on it so you don’t get zapped.

We are excited to play our next show with The Young...

Wed, 02 Jan 2013 17:04:22 -0500

We are excited to play our next show with The Young Rapscallions on January 10th at Local 506 in Chapel Hill.

Mega Fun Fact: The Young Rapscallions feature actor Christopher Mintz-Plasse on drums, famous as McLovin in Superbad, as well as Role Models, and Kick-Ass. Come and see him shred drums!

Free show at Motorco Showroom tonight. 8PM

Tue, 18 Dec 2012 15:14:53 -0500

Free show at Motorco Showroom tonight. 8PM:

The Record with Black Heart Kings at Motorco (Durham NC). 8PM || FREE

Damn, that feels good.

Mon, 17 Dec 2012 21:43:32 -0500

Damn, that feels good.

Home Recording, Mixing, Mastering Resources

Wed, 12 Dec 2012 13:40:17 -0500

I recently had a conversation with a buddy of mine who asked where I get my information on the home recording process. I have scoured the internet over the past few years since learning to record, but always come back to a few favorites. I find these site the most practical and accurate resources for recording yourself or your band.

RECORDING REVOLUTION: http://therecordingrevolution.com

Excellent videos. Check out the “5 minutes to a better mix” vids.

HOME STUDIO CORNER: http://www.homestudiocorner.com

Nice tutorials. Check out the Best of and Archive sections.

PRODUCTION ADVICE: http://productionadvice.co.uk

Mastering information. Best description of multiband compression in mastering I’ve found.

OTHER RESOURCES:

I’ve also recently began reading a book, “Mixing Secrets for the Small Studio”, which has a ton of information on topics such as controlling your room, mixing with a purpose, and using common plugins.

I typically find discussion boards/posts/etc really terrible for advice. Everyone’s recording is completely different so it IS NOT smart to listen to someone tell you that you need to boost at a certain frequency for “Cool Nirvana vocals” or compress the hell out of guitars for “nastiest metal sound ever”. Just ignore these people and focus on your own sound and your own studio.

-Tyler

We are playing 12/13 in Raleigh NC at Deep South

Mon, 10 Dec 2012 13:49:30 -0500

We are playing 12/13 in Raleigh NC at Deep South:

Here is a link to the facebook event with more information. Info on Deep South can be found on their website. We look forward to seeing some familiar faces!

Motorco || Durham NC || 2012

Mon, 12 Nov 2012 10:15:31 -0500

Motorco || Durham NC || 2012

November Update

Mon, 05 Nov 2012 12:57:00 -0500

We have a lot going on these days with The Record so we wanted to make a quick post updating you guys on some news. Here we go:

1. Will pointed out over the weekend that we never made an official announcement about our lineup changes. In September, our bassist decided to leave for another project. Tyler has shifted to bass guitar and we are playing as a 4-piece. We re-worked some old material and wrote new songs with the new lineup and are very happy with the results.

2. We are almost finished recording two new songs that we are putting together on a EP, entitled Seirenes. Sean sings leads on one, and Will takes lead vox on other track. The songs are a little heavier sounding than Party Monster but it’s definitely still The Record.

3. About a month ago, our practice space was robbed and we got our PA equipment stolen. We’ve been practicing without vocals until we can afford a replacement. The best way to help us out is to head to http://therecordmusic.bandcamp.com and pick up a copy of Party Monster directly from us.

4. Thanks to our friends and fans that came out to support us over the past couple weeks of local shows. We appreciate it more than we can even express.

Photo

Wed, 24 Oct 2012 10:56:17 -0400

Raleigh 10.19.2012 || 4-piece lineup || New songs || Old...

Wed, 10 Oct 2012 11:46:13 -0400

Raleigh 10.19.2012 || 4-piece lineup || New songs || Old songs.