144 Preliminary recording test
Walking into the recording studio, there are two rows of different models of guitars, two bookshelves of different models of drumheads, and a variety of musical instruments. It is a dazzling array, but it still cannot steal your attention. The behemoth in front of you is firmly attracted. eyeball——
The sound console, which is about three meters wide, has hundreds of buttons on it, which can make people with trypophobia faint. The solid oak wood is tightly bound, and it has a beautiful luster under the creamy yellow light. There are two ashtrays filled with cigarette butts and a microphone sponge randomly placed on it. You can clearly feel the traces of the work just now..
That is the famous Neve-8028！
Why does the City of Sound have such a strong appeal, attracting countless great singers to come here to record, especially rock bands? The reason lies in this Neve-8028 recording console and their outstanding drum recording technology.
In the new century, digital technology is developing rapidly. If an amateur singer stands in front of a recording microphone, even if he is tone-deaf, the sound engineer can use computer technology to repair it frame by frame. The finished product will have no problems. It has also caused the proportion of idol singers to skyrocket. As long as the appearance is good enough, pitch, pitch, and timbre are not problems, and the recording studio can turn decay into magic..
On the contrary, those singers who lacked distinctive appearance but were exceptionally good at singing did not get a chance to come forward. This is also an important reason why "The Voice of America" became so popular..
However, in the era of traditional record production, recording studios did not have such technology. They could only rely on huge recording consoles to complete the recording over and over again, and then find every flaw in the sound. The singer learned lessons and experiences and went back to recording. Over and over again, without getting tired of it. The power of Neve-8028 lies in this. It presents the most essential, original and delicate sound effects, interpreting the meaning of the singer to the extreme. This is also the greatest charm of the City of Sound..
In the contemporary digital age, a singer may only need an hour, or even half an hour, to complete the recording of a song, and the rest is left to computer technology; but in the traditional era, a song needs to be repeated, If you repeat it again, it is very likely that you will not be able to complete a three-minute song in a week..
Renly's expression of astonishment and surprise was barely concealed. The middle-aged man who walked towards him caught it immediately. He turned his head and pointed at the sound console, "This is really a beauty, isn't it?"？”
Renly nodded vigorously, "Of course, I want to go out on a date with her now, do you think I have a chance?"？”
The middle-aged man was amused, "No problem, then let me see how the spark between you is." He turned around and introduced himself politely, "Herbert Jones. ), you're Renly, so get ready to record a little excitement？”
Renly rubbed his palms and said, "I can't wait." But then he paused, "But before the official recording, can I have a glass of hot milk?"？”
“Haha, you sound just like Kurt Cobain, except he wants alcohol." Herbert laughed heartily, "Young man, this is not Century City. If you want anything, you have to find it yourself. Come on, even a cigarette butt.”
Andy walked up and asked, "Renly, are you okay?？”
Renly nodded, "I just need a glass of hot milk." Milk can more or less relieve the tumbling of the stomach, which is still helpful for sobering up..
Andy took a deep breath and looked around, "God, you really need to hire an assistant." Then Andy saw Renly's surprised expression, as if this was a fantasy, and Andy immediately said Realizing that he was a little too ahead of himself, he shook his head and said, "I'm going to buy hot milk, and you can start working first." After that, Andy strode out of the recording studio..
“Cat version of Cobain, you should know that Sound City can only record physical singles, not digital audio sources, right? "Herbert sat down in front of the sound console, skillfully took out a cigarette from the cigarette case, and lit it immediately, "Andy just said that you want to record two singles. I was about to tell him. As for this matter, it ended up being interrupted..”
Cat version of Cobain……
Renly said that he was unable to complain, but that was not the point now. "I know now." Looking at the recording equipment in front of him, Renly felt that he was not surprised..
Renly's knowledge of the history of music development in his previous life was very limited, and he only scratched the surface. However, he remembered that the City of Sound gradually declined. He didn't know the specific year, and finally closed completely..
Now it seems that the reason is obvious - digital audio sources cannot be recorded, this is the root cause.
After entering the 21st century, album sales in the U.S. market have been declining. By around 2013, single sales had gradually begun to overtake them, and the focus of artist development gradually shifted from albums to singles. Digital audio sources played a role in this. Irreplaceable role. Therefore, a recording studio that cannot record digital sound sources will inevitably be eliminated by the times..
“So you're like Christopher Nolan? "Renly said half-jokingly. Christopher Nolan has always insisted on shooting movies using the most traditional and original film method. This has been criticized by many people in Hollywood, but Christopher Nolan has always been able to shoot wonderful works. Naturally, he is I don't care about these controversies.
Herbert showed a puzzled expression, "What?？”
Obviously he didn't understand Renly's joke. Renly rubbed his nose and shook his head with a chuckle, "It's okay. I mean, physical singles are no problem. Computer technology is so advanced now that CDs can be converted into Digital audio source, it couldn’t be easier.”
It's just a hassle. If everyone made albums like this, first recording a physical version and then transcribing it into a digital version, it would not only be troublesome, but the cost would skyrocket. The record company would probably riot. Fortunately, Renly only recorded two songs It's just a single, not that troublesome.
“Very good." Herbert took a drag on his cigarette. "I haven't heard the master tape. Can you play it live now? Or should I say, you brought the master tape over?？”
“I can play the original song again." Renly walked to the guitar stand and picked up a guitar slowly. The tone of each guitar will be slightly different, and everyone has their own habits and preferences. Real professionals will carefully select.
Herbert was not in a hurry and watched Renly's audition quietly. After briefly trying out four guitars, Renly chose an acoustic guitar and turned around, "Shall I go directly into the recording studio?"？”
It can be seen that Renly is an expert, very clear about his style, preferences and habits, but he is also a newbie in the recording studio. There are fewer and fewer independent musicians like this now, just like the ones in Sound City The status quo is the same. "Yes, you can just go straight into the recording studio. Leave the rest to me.".”
Renly pushed open the glass door next to him, and then his whole body was bathed in the warm yellow light. The spacious space was about half the size of a basketball court, with messy connecting cables piled all over the floor, and even some clutter. sheet music, with a microphone stand placed in the center and a large pile of sheet music stacked on the music stand next to it.……
“The bar stool is next to it, you can move it over." Herbert's voice came from the speaker, "Those sheet music belongs to David, you can just throw it next to it. Their own new songs, they remember them..”
Renly glanced at the stack of sheet music and asked loudly, "Is this the Foo Fighters' new album?" This was the reason why David and the others were here just now.？
But Herbert didn't respond. He pointed to his ear, and then pointed to the microphone next to the music stand. Only then did Renly react and asked the question again into the microphone. Only then did Herbert hear clearly. , "Yes, I have been recording for more than a month, and I have only completed three songs. The progress is slow." After complaining, Herbert then said, "Start when you are ready..”
Renly moved the chair in front of the microphone, adjusted the height, then sat on the chair and started tuning the strings. It was ready after a while. He looked around and saw a headset hanging on the music stand, and pointed. He gestured to Herbert, "Do I need to wear one?" Herbert shook his head, which made Renly softly whisper - in the movies before, they all had to wear headsets in the recording studio, and he thought This is necessary. Now it seems that he is obviously an absolute rookie..
He adjusted his sitting posture, and then his fingertips began to outline the strings. He chose "Cleopatra". The brisk melody seemed a bit thin without any accompaniment, but it was a graceful melody. But it is floating throughout the recording studio, and every musical note seems to be injected with life, making people truly feel its existence..
After the song was played, Renly did not pause, and then played "Ophelia" on the guitar again. Compared with the keyboard version, the guitar version was too clear, lacking the loneliness and coldness hidden in the keyboard sound, and Lack of drum accompaniment, the melody also seems a bit monotonous, and the layers are not rich enough.
Despite this, Renly still enjoyed it, recalling the purity of last night's street performance again in his mind. Renly felt that this was a brand-new discovery. He had never performed on the street before, that kind of pure joy, that kind of simplicity. Touching is indeed a kind of enjoyment.
After the two songs were played, Herbert did not speak immediately, but thought carefully, "For the first song... would it be more appropriate to use an electric guitar? The tone lacks a bit of clarity, but it is richer. Then with some drum beats, the entire emotional level will become richer.”
“I have also considered whether the part that cuts into the chorus can be replaced by an electronic keyboard. After the rhythm slows down, the monotony of the guitar can be replaced by the richness of the keyboard; moreover, if the guitar can assist a little bit of the bass tone to control the rhythm and feel Would be nice. Or do you think a bass guitar would be enough?？”
Both songs were original versions without arrangement, but that doesn't mean Renly hasn't considered the arrangement aspect. Now that he's in the recording studio, it's time to implement the ideas in his mind..
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