Recording on a Budget

Audio recordings are the calling card with which musicians share and promote their work so a knowledge of recording techniques and technologies is essential to the 21st century musician. Recording On a Budget provides a comprehensive introduction to the recording arts from a budget-conscious perspective. Written by a professional musician and educator, this book is idea for musicians, educators, music students, songwriters and hobbyists. A central theme of the book is that it is possible to make quality recordings with a modest selection of recording tools. Chapters cover the selection and use of all of the components of a project studio including microphones, mixer, computer, digital audio workstation software, and signal processors. Additional chapters provide a solid foundation in acoustics, audio recording, podcasting, mixing and mastering. The final chapter of the book features do-it-yourself projects that can be completedwith a modest selection of tools. Most musicians have developed their ears to a high level so a special focus is placed on the development of recording technique through experimentation and the application of critical listening skills. The book is supported by an online resource of nearly 250 audio excerpts detailing all of the primary topics of the book. Recording on a Budget is ideal for:· Musicians who are interested in recording a quality CD or demo· Choir, orchestra, and band directors who want to record vocal or instrumental ensemble· Student performers and composers who wish to record a performance or produce their own music· Bands interested in recording live concerts or recording an album in a home studio· Videographers interested in recording location sound, voice-overs or music· Songwriters who wish to produce a quality demo· Podcasters and ALL who want to make quality recordings without spending fortunes on equipment.Readers will learn · to cut budget corners without sacrificing audio quality· to choose the right microphone for the job (and where to place it) · to assemble an equipment rack, mixing desk, and speakers stand· to avoid common mistakes · And to be creative and have fun with recording technology Visit the companion website at www.oup.com/us/recordingonabudget for free selection of sample recordings!

Remarkably comprehensive in scope, written in down-to-earth language, Recording on a Budget thoroughly explains the recording process and helps the reader assemble a recording set-up tailored to his or her specific needs., Brent has created an indispensable, one-stop resource; thorough, accessible and up to date. If I had to buy just one book as my 'go to' for anything to do with recording, this would be the one., Recording on a Budget is perfect for all musicians, educators or anyone else looking to increase their knowledge of audio recording. The book is concise and well thought-out. It is indispensible for everyone, from the novice to the home-studio owner., A superb discussion of audio concepts presented in the context of what is necessary to know about producing quality music recordings in a budget-conscious setting. Whether a through-read or a reference, Edstrom's Recording on a Budget is a valuable addition to the catalog of audio recording texts; highly recommended reading., Classical Net music lovers who want to take a break from listening and record something of their own could well learn a lot...very informative...The book is very well-written...chock full of up-to-date resources, further reading suggestions, websites and manufacturers' details etc....Appendices, notes and an adequate index round out what it sure to more than meet the needs of anyone interested in making their own recordings. Production levels for the book are as high as its price is reasonable.

Brent Edstrom is author of Musicianship In the Digital Age, Oscar Peterson Plays Standards, and Bill Evans: A Step-by-Step Breakdown of the Piano Styles and Techniques of a Jazz Legend. He has worked as a session player and arranger for many recording projects and has arranged and orchestrated music for national acts including Carmen Bradford, Dee Daniels and Freda Payne. Edstrom currently teaches jazz studies, music theoryand composition at Whitworth University.