The Studio Rats Podcast

In this episode of the podcast, I discuss how to improve or drastically change your guitar tone for 34 cents or less. Yes, I’m talking about guitar picks. How does this relate to recording? Well, using the world’s best microphone and preamp isn’t going to help you if the sound isn’t happening at the source. Skeptical? Check out the screenshots below to see just how different guitar picks can sound. For the test, I played one note, five times in a row for each pick. My goal was to get a good average response for each pick and to eliminate some discrepancies in my playing. I then used Logic’s Match EQ to “learn”  the response of each pick in turn. The results confirmed what I heard and offers a nice graphic representation. All samples were recorded one after another without changing any settings. The recording chain was a Shure SM-57, API 512c and Apogee Ensemble. Listen to the podcast from more information and to hear the audio examples. Subscribe to podcast Dunlop Tortex .88 mm My old standby guitar pick – the Dunlop Tortex .88 mm. I have always struggled with a shrillness or bitey edge to my tone. No wonder. Compared to the other picks, note the almost 5 dB bump at 2k and the added bite just above 3.5k. Telefunken 2 mm My first test subject – the Telefunken 2 mm. This pick was a freebie that came with my Telefunken CU-29 mics. Note the improved low end and subdued highs. This pick didn t have enough attack for my taste. V-Pick Large Rounded 2.75 mm My new favorite guitar pick – the V-Pick Large Rounded 2.75 mm. Note the extended low end, fuller mids, and nice high end response. More tone and less annoying bite. Awesome.

In this episode of the podcast, I discuss the differences between “colored” and “transparent” microphone preamps. I explore why you might want to choose a “colored” preamp instead of a “transparent” preamp when mic’ing up a drum kit (hint: achieving a more analog sound). For some additional reading, check out this blog post I wrote a few months ago – The Benefits Of Upgrading Your Mic Preamp. Subscribe to podcast

In this episode of the podcast, I expand on our discussion last week about gear shootouts. I explain why I think it’s time well spent to shootout gear you already own – not only for discovering what gear sounds the best, but also from a workflow perspective.  In other words, what gear gets you the desired sound quickly and with minimal fuss. Here’s a link to the Music Think Tank article mentioned in the podcast. And remember, if you are in a band, don’t forget to add a MUSIC link to your website. Subscribe to podcast  

In this episode, I evaluate a handful of software limiter plug-ins.

In this episode of the podcast, Jeff and I discuss topics that are only sometimes tangentially related to the topic! Along the way, we mention; Mumble, Crane Song HEDD, George Lucas, the excellent book by Howard Massey called Behind The Glass Volume 2, Daniel Lanois, Brian Eno, stereo and mono guitars, panning, stereo delay instead of double tracking, the importance of arrangements, American Idol, networking, BARMMAP, AES, EARS, Steve Hindalong of The Choir, and finally, spontaneity and inspiration. Special thanks to Mark Marshall for providing the music. Subscribe to podcast

In this episode of the Studio Rats Podcast, Jeff and I discuss recording the acoustic guitar. We touch on topics such as microphone placement, the merits of recording that really horrible sounding direct output found on most acoustic guitars these days, and emulating the Beatles’ white album acoustic guitar sound. Additiional topics include; our take on Apogee’s new Symphony I/O, the Ovation guitar as a paddle, why I remind Jeff of his Aunt, mixing Mumble, and King Never rehearsals. Special thanks to the band Triangle Exception for providing the music. Subscribe to podcast

In this episode of the podcast, I review Studio Six Digital’s RTA app for the iPhone. Don’t have an iPhone? No worries! I also touch on the following topics; calibrating your monitors (how do article by Bob Katz), Fletcher–Munson curves, Radio Shack SPL meter, Fuzz Measure, iPhone mic frequency responses (Faber Acoustical articles here and here), and more. Special thanks to the band Chute for providing the music. Subscribe to podcast

In this episode of the podcast, Jeff and I discuss recording the electric guitar.  Topics include DI vs. mic’ed cabinets, wet or dry, favorite microphones and placement, the merits of double tracking and more. In no particular order, we mention the following gear: AKG 414, Shure SM57, BLUE The Ball, AT 4033, Shinybox 46, Electro-Voice PL80, Apogee Duet and Ensemble, MOTU 2408, M-Audio Fastrack Pro, Euphonix MC Mix and Avalon 2022. Intro music by King Never Subscribe

Matt McCabe and Jeff Elbel interview Will Willard from the band Willard Marcell Theory. We discuss the Space Modulator, vintage 57s, recording the Chapman Stick, guitar synths, eBows, printing effects, cheap recording software, composing via email, and more.  All music by Willard Marcell Theory. Subscribe

Matt McCabe talks with Jeff Elbel about his trip to the 2007 TapeOp Conference. Topics include crazy micing techniques, mastering, and the grunge hose!  Intro music by King Never. Subscribe.