What I learned @ BIsmeaux

Scott Henderson · Post by **Scott Henderson** » 27 Jul 2010 8:17 am

I goty the opportunity to record at bismeaux studios in Austin Texas and what I saw and heard turned my recording world sideways. I learned the old fashion way of recording is still the best. I've worked for eons trying to simulate sounds in a studio like the real "Live" thing. I found the best way to get it was the old way. A mic and an amp. MOst engineers frown on it and they embraced it. They built me a little hut made of 12" foam and stuck a mic in front of it. THey even liked my profex and told me to set it however I wanted. I used just a little bit of delay and verb. it sounded just like I wanted! It was just that simple. The guitar player did the same. I have seen pics of major players surrounded by gear and thought "Why do they Do that?" Well now I know. Speaking with the engineer I learned the process is taking the live sound, keeping it quiet at it's normal volume, and printing it just how it will end up on the record! (Talk about an easy button) I've been doing it backwards... getting a clean steril sound and trying to add crap to it to make it sound live. This whole thing sounds way to simple but it's mind blowing to me. Plug it, play it print it...wow. Sorry if I sound like a simpleton but it took a huge load off my head and my wallet. I don't need to buy all these simulators and stuff. just a good tube preamp (mainly for bass and vocals) and good mics. (which I all ready have) It was a big revalation to me and It was well worth the drive...
Thanks for listening to me babble...

Bill Terry · Post by **Bill Terry** » 28 Jul 2010 6:52 am

I've recorded there a couple of times, and they DO get it. Ya think it's because they've recorded Ray Benson's bunch about 4 zillion times???

Scott Henderson · Post by **Scott Henderson** » 28 Jul 2010 6:31 pm

I'ld say that would be a big part of it!!!LOL

James Collett · Post by **James Collett** » 29 Jul 2010 10:25 pm

I don't think there's anything wrong with recording direct, if you can dial in a sound you're comfortable with. In my opinion, comfort level as far as your "sound" goes plays the biggest part in how things turn out... I think that as long as the recording and mixing engineer are able to effectively weave what you are sending them into the track, it's not up to them to dictate your "tone". Speaking from a decent amount of home recording and a very small amount of studio work for others, I record the best takes when I'm happy with my sound!

Scott Henderson · Post by **Scott Henderson** » 30 Jul 2010 7:29 am

I get into smaller studios and they are so worried about noise but with todays tech that's a mute point.
I like having the right tone. it does make it easier...