Studio On A Budget's Home Recording Techniques

This 3-tape series on techniques which the serious home musician can use to achieve the best sound in multi-track recording he or she can on a limited budget is hosted by sound whiz Curt Miller. The opening volume, produced in 1989, teaches the basics of multi-track recording. Following the recording of a song from beginning to end, Miller teaches viewers the jargon of the business and introduces them to computer sequencing. A slick looking production with some clever bells and whistles, Volume 1 serves as a good introduction and also stands alone. Vols. 2 and 3, produced in 1992, are a bit less glitzy, but still offer solid sound tips. Vol. 2 covers doubling vocals for a more full-bodied sound, using a high-tech pop filter (made from pantyhose and a coat hanger), outlines the best methods for recording guitars and synthesizers, and offers a comparison of MIDI and SMPTE sequencing. Vol. 3 focuses on using effects, EQ, and noise gates in the mix, and other advanced mixing techniques. Recording artists who aren't operating on Michael Jackson's budget will definitely appreciate the techniques which Miller passes along in this series, and their recordings will definitely improve. Recommended. (Available from: Mike Craven Productions, P.O. Box 4012, Hollywood, CA 90078; (800) 932-2432.)