What a great episode. So refreshing to escape from the gear lust others try to promote or instill! Keep it simple. Play good parts. Have good tone. Thanks for the reminder of what’s truly important. 👍
As an audio engineer, I agree 100%. As long as you give us a recording that’s not clipped, we can make it sound great. Just get it into the DAW cleanly, we can take care of the rest. And even the cheapest interface’s preamps are fine. All the mojo can be easily added by us after the fact. Just don’t clip and you’ll be good
Thank you, that's good advice! I have been in analysis paralysis for years regarding which interface and mic to buy. It's reassuring to hear that any one I choose will work well enough if I just keep the recording clean (no clipping).
I was with you up until the phrase, "all the mojo can be easily added by us after the fact." (I think its religion, maybe.) of course, I'm not a "pro," I just record at home for my own entertainment. for guitars, I often have delay and/or reverb on the guitar as I record. For voice, I'll add anything like that later. my "drums" are drum pads, and I usually record those as well with some reverb already on them. but I'm not doing stuff that I'm gonna hand off to someone else later to "add mojo" to it. I try to figure out how to do that myself. over the years I've concluded that learned technique is more important than having brand-name gear. although decent gear usually makes things easier.
@@brushstroke3733 the $200 interfaces nowadays sound better than some of the $1000-2000 ones we used to have back in the day! It’s actually crazy. They’re extremely capable for sure. Just get a nice clean signal in and you’re good. Most interfaces will have some type of lighting to indicate if your signal is clipping on the way in (green good level/red clipping). Here’s the easy way to get an optimum signal. Play your guitar as hard as you’ll play at your most aggressive parts of the songs (palm muting is great because the low end energy tends to spike the meters). Play aggressively as you turn up the input knob on your interface (until it turns red), then back the knob DOWN until there’s absolutely no red no matter how hard you play (only green). Now you know no matter how hard you play when you record, you won’t clip, since you’ve already set yourself for the worst-case-scenario. and after that, you can just focus on recording your cool guitar part without worrying about clipping 👍💪
@@danthegeetarman Thank you, those are very helpful tips! Is it the same with monochromatic bars on older interfaces that only show black on a lit background? I always try to keep the bars from going all the way to the top of their range, because I know for sure if the signal tries to go beyond that, it gets clipped. But even doing this, I sometimes hear distortion on the recorded signal, especially on bass and vocals. But I feel like if I record them at reduced input volumes, I can't get them loud enough in the mix. Maybe I'm just afaid to lower the faders on guitar and drum tracks below about halfway point. 😅
@@brushstroke3733 without knowing which exact interface you have, it would be hard to pinpoint, however, you can achieve a similar thing to above in a more trial-and-error method. Record a bass take (or vocal take), playing (or singing) as hard as you can (within reason). Listen back to the take. If it’s distorted/clipped, turn the input down a hair and repeat. Ideally you’ll slowly decrease the input level until you get to a spot where it never clips/distorts. This will be the sweet spot. Unfortunately you will have to repeat this each song as different parts can cause different spikes in energy.
I truly appreciate Justin opening his home to show us the setup in his garage and back up in his studio. For someone who has been a part of the Nashville country scene and sound for so long, your humbleness and ability to share ideas and techniques is really refreshing and I've learned so much with every episode. You're really a stand up guy and very talented. Thank you for sharing your experiences and knowledge.
This is such a great video, and it's great insight on things! The bit at 21:00 ish where "no one has ever said..." is so true. The professionals are focused on good parts, and it always seems to be the hobbyists who say "Oh, but your gear. You're not using the most expensive gear? Oh my god." I definitely agree about having a great sound and capturing it right at the source.
This is a really amazing resource for the learning musician! Recording seems super intimidating and not to mention expensive for the self-taught guitar player trying to learn the ropes of actually making music, and this video makes it seem much more approachable
This is one of the most helpful, down to earth and sensible videos I've watched in a long time. It's refreshing to see a pro at your level taking such a no-nonsense approach. This video really inspires me and reminds me that even in my little modest bedroom ordinary-average-guy hobbyist home studio, I have everything I need (almost! haha) to make music. And making music is why we're all doing this, isn't it? Thanks Justin. I'm a new subscriber and after watching this video you can be sure I'll be here often. Cheers to you my man!
You said "dangerously unprofessional", but the truth is knowing how to get the most out of less is probably the height of professional. I hate to admit how much even as a spare timer I have learned that money rarely if ever yielded more than learning and application of knowledge. Very much appreciate your candor and transparency. Seriously, it is inspriring to have imaginary walls taken down. Thanks for this video JO. No need to respond.
I'm an old man with M.S. The only reason that I record is to be able to write music and capture my music for future listening when I can't make music at my present level. I absolutely hate spending crazy money on musical equipment at this point. Thanks for validating my choices😂😂
@@graemero5532 I use Garageband. It is free with my iPad and very intuitive. Probably not "professional" level but ok for my needs. I hope all is well with you. I know the struggle and the struggle is real. Keep making music, that is the imperative.
@@graemero5532 I have A.D.D and find DAW's way too distracting. I tried for years and never ended up with a full recording of anything, always testing sounds and experimenting. My company even used to sell PC's to music shops for DAW recording packages BUT I use a Tascam DP32. No bullcrap to get in the way and amazing quality recordings. Feels just like sitting at a proper console (albeit a small one :) ) and I've completed and am part way through more than I have ever in my life since switching. Many forum people have said the same thing, struggling with option paralyses and constant VST exploring etc. Best wishes for both of you with your health issues, from down here in New Zealand.
I'm in a similar situation where my health is becoming an issue and want to get as many originals recorded as possible. I have a very minimal setup that works for my needs.
I like that you focus on simplicity and how it sounds to your ear. You do a wonderful service to your fellow guitarists and musicians. Nice job young man. God bless you
Thanks Justin! I’m preparing to acquire my first recording gear and this video informs me that if a simple rig works for a professional it will absolutely work for me. Keep up the good work, I enjoy and learn a lot from your videos.
In april of this year I built a small recording studio at my home. A long-cherished wish. Simple, relatively cheap, but reliable equipment. But one of the most important choices I made, if I may say so, was to turn it into a place where I wanted to be in ALL THE TIME. I spent a good sum of money on wall paint, lots of colorful indirect lighting, a comfy couch for my friends, nice stuff on the walls, a closet with most of my gear and I’m even thinking of buying a tiny fridge and a coffee machine. And lots of fake plants. 😬😬😬 I just don’t want to be anywhere else. It makes me feel young and inspired. I used to have my gear in my living room. That didn’t work for me. Having a nice inspiring place that makes you feel good really made a huge difference. I was stuck in a rut for a long time and I couldn’t understand. This was the answer. I’m happy again. 😊
I live by myself, and my living room IS the studio. When I'm not actually recording, I'll roll up the mic cables and put the mics off in a corner. Most of the time I'm noodling on guitar, searching for the "right" tone (for what, I don't know), etc. Once I know what I want to do, I'll pull out the mics and set things up. I use small 5-10W combo amps with 8" speakers. everything else goes in direct except voice and/or acoustic guitar. works for me!
I have a drri that I got about ten years ago. The Jensen that came in it was ice pick city! I replaced it with a Weber and it was great after that. Great video. Thank you for it.
Thank you for explaining what an interface is and where it fits in. I’ve been looking at these devices for years, clueless about their purpose. My own set up started in the late seventies and was added to during the eighties. It’s all analog with the exception of a few rack mounted modules. My set up was good enough to record several up and coming bands in western Canada in the early eighties. Having lunch with a friend who photographed many of those bands back then, he shared some performance photos of a very young kid lang in a bar on Whyte Avenue in Edmonton, Alberta. Although I remember doing the sound for that gig, I don’t recall if I recorded the sets she played. Even then she had substantial stage presence; I may have been so mesmerized that I forgot to press the record button.
As someone who loves to buy and use gear, you are so correct in that it can be done with a very minimal setup at a high level! So much great advice in here Justin!!
I used to be a analog snob. Tracking on an 8 track tape console, mixing down to an old reel-to-reel. Lots of maintenance and fussing. Now, I use a cheap digital 4 track machine that fits in my pocket. It has two onboard mics that sound fine and the unit mounts on a mic stand. I record acoustic guitar, percussion, and vocals with the onboard mics, and go direct in with electric bass and keyboard. I have a pair of small studio monitors and a decent set of headphones. It takes me about 10 seconds to go from an idea to laying down tracks, which was my goal. Of course, I'm not doing any real professional work with this gear but the quality of recording I achieve with this simple setup blows me away. At times I wish I had some form of limiter or compressor because digital clipping is terrible but mostly I get by just fine. I am always fighting the urge to add a preamp, mics or other outboard gear. I have to remind myself of what my goals are: To put as few barriers between my idea and a finished track as possible. Fiddling with cables, turning dials and trouble shooting problems takes me out of a creative state of mind too fast.
Such a great video. Very practical recording. I love it. Very similar to my setup. I’m a big fan of mono guitar recording and doubling up parts for stereo too. You’ve just confirmed my beliefs. So thanks for that. Also, if folks wanna skip the Avid sub. Luna is pretty good for UAD users. 😊
Hey, I absolutely love your channel - thanks for the great insights into your work. By the way: With most devices with XLR/TRS combo jacks you can bypass the preamp by using TRS cables instead of XLR cables. I don't know if this is also the case with the small Apollos, but perhaps it would be an even better option to connect the Chandler preamp to the Apollo (XLR Female -> TRS)
Hey Justin I just about give up and sell my drums then I watch one of your vids On my way downstairs right now to work with the click Thanks again, bro. You’re awesome.
This is great! Especially for someone like me who sometimes will overthink or second guess myself. I just recently discovered your channel , I really enjoy your content , and find it inspiring! Thank you 🙏 from Maine -John M.
Great video for those of us that prefer to play more than geek out over gear…not that there’s anything wrong with that! 😉 Straight to the point. The way I like it. Thanks brother.
I do not have a small diaphragm condenser yet… But I do have my large diaphragm MXL 990 that I use for acoustic recording, same principal, right at the neck joint. I have not had any real issues getting good acoustic tone recorded.
I finally switched to pro tools , and went to M-Audio interface- I’m really trying to get a more professional sound. Using a reissue 1991 deluxe reverb . I’m still fumbling a bit with pro tools and finding good go to plug ins that come stock with pro tools artist, getting better as I use it more and more. Thanks again for your awesome content! Rob
dibs on the Jim dunlop volume pedal in the tub of "gear Justin's been trying to sell for 4 years"! lol appreciate this video. I do the same for the session work that I do. I always say that artists would be surprised to see "the lab" that cooked up these tracks. Appreciate you and all these posts. hooked on it
One of the most important pieces that you hit on briefly is, playing in tune. Amazing how many ‘levels up’ peoples recordings would be if the guitars were just in tune
Agreed with your philosophy here! I would say if you’re going to much acoustic guitar tracking, spend your money on nice mics. Don’t be afraid of used mics, it’s really the way to go. The most important thing is to get your stuff set up and figure out your work flow. If you can create a template in your DAW, do that so everything stays the way you like it. Then leave everything set up and the same so you can get right to it when needed. ✌🏼
Tim Pierce is jealous of the stack of tires next to your cab. 😊 Clearly, that is the key to your sound. It creates a low frequency sympathetic response that Tim's sound lacks. I KNEW there was something off! I have discovered the secret! Seriously though, I'll take that old Matchless cab off your hands. Hell, you won't even have to pay me to cart it off, I'll do it for free! Love you!
4:28 😂 I was hoping for this video, thank you! I would really love to hear your thoughts on this setup vs load box vs modeler/plugins. Those options seem even more ideal for recording, but clearly you aren’t getting the tones you want out of them and it would be awesome to compare the difference a real amp makes in your recordings.
Excellent information. I love your setup and its so simple and your tone is great. There's no excuse for me not to be recording. Well other than my bad playing......
Thanks for this Justin. I was having latency and interface issues with M-Audio Fast Track. I first dropped Logic (using since 2008) and tried LUNA from UA. I love it. I also put it on a stronger Windows computer. Then the interface was crackling. I got a VOLT UA interface and it has a preamp built in. Wow is it nice! But I’ve never miked a cab. I have a mic and I’m going to have to get an attenuator for my tube amp. I’m so on the fence now because I have a Fender Twin and a digitally modeled Dumble and a Twin with a FRFR cab. I will try the mic this weekend because that would best emulate me through my Twin. Thanks again for the explanation of all this. I’ve been using headphones too and should get good monitors that would work with the UA VOLT interface.
Great video Justin, equipment can definitely shut down creativity - especially steep learning curves with some stuff. Looking at the water stains on your speaker boxes sent chills down my spine as a flood solved a lot of my equipment issues forcing a reset. Simpler is definitely better. Thanks for sharing
Thanks for your content, I really appreciate all the information. I was wondering if you have done a DI UAD simulator amp v real amp recording comparison video?
You’re a hero for showing this. I am a gear nut in many ways, and an audiophile in others, but I am 110% behind your philosophy here. Well said. Music first. Unless you’re into technical ecstacy, of course. 😂 er.. Another problem of mine😊. 👍👍👍👍👍
Really useful video as I’m trying to put together a home recording setup! I sadly don’t have a useless Matchless cab lying around to use as a stand unfortunately ;). I’ll make do. I’ve got mics and have tried using a Zoom H6 as an interface but it is sort of a nuisance to use in that capacity. So monitors and a dedicated interface are up next.
What purpose does the multitrack recorder serve, or as you put it, "a line out direct feed of what's going into the monitors"? Isn't that what the DAW is doing? Very cool video. Subscribed instantly!
It's sound advice. And you can even just get a Captor 16 and skip the cab & mic and play through studio monitors, with reverb ITB too. Depends on the person's plans for it, but if mainly using to mic up guitar or bass cabs ... I'd personally probably skip the Apollo Twin X and get the just as good sounding SSL2 or Audient ID14 mk.II. Then use the money not spent on an Apollo Twin X to get a good versatile condensor mic like an Austrian Audio OC16. Or a workhorse dynamic like an SM7b or an Electro-voice RE-20 and pair with cheap but good ribbon mic like the GAP R1 or Cascade Fathead, or maybe a funky dynamic like the Warm Audio WA-19. Line Audio CM4 SDC is another cheap mic for around 130, that's great in lots of applications, including acoustic guitar. They're versatile mics you'll find other uses for. I'd probably also buy a cheap but good mono preamp like a Cranbourne Camden EC1 (with nice headphone amp too), a GAP Pre73 or a DIY CAPI pre. The GAP Pre73 is a good DI box that's useful for bass too. Apollos are great, but UAD products are expensive, pretty much $$$$!
So true. I've played guitar 40 years, worked in commercial studios, had a home studio for 30 years. My current setup is very minimal, just a laptop and a IK tonex interface. Nothing else is really needed.
Love it! there's a bag of dogfood on my cab! iams, of course!! BUT, it's there for sonic purposes. it keeps the cab "calm". the sound holds together at the bottom end when pushed hard with mids and lows. but it could also be the pot. the ocd/grill cloth comment drew a laugh. i can dig it. i got sloppy tricked out setups too, but i'm damn picky about certain things. funny!
I've had to sleep in my studio over the past year.... just had to move out a lot of stuff to make space. Gone from loads of gear I don't use, to minimalist setup. It's OK, surprising how little you need.
Hey Justin ! Love ur channel !! do you think a pre amp is really essential? I already have really nice pre amps in my interface. What kind of difference would a pre amp like the one you record with make ? Cheers
I don’t know how different mine would sound in your setup. I don’t know what you have. I do think if you’re just starting out with a limited budget, a decent pre should be last on your list, or you can go without one altogether. My TG2 is kind of its own thing, though it does lean more into the Neve family. I think the very early ones even used Neve transformers.
Thanks for the time you put in Justin.A ton of helpful content brother.Can you tell me the name of the tuner company you recommended in a previous video.I couldnt re find it.Happy Holidays!
Luckily not one of those gearfluencer videos stimulating GAS. I feel relieved. ;-) You actually showed me that I have more than enough gear to record with - only the garage is missing.
@@JustinOstrander Yeah, you should check out the Tone King VST. I know you don't like modelers, but it is pretty amazing. Kind of like a Deluxe Reverb.
Ah but you HAVE to make sure you have a good laptop with damn good specs and accept no substitutes. I have old HP that had upgraded specs and still couldn't run a trial of neural dsp or helix native worth a shit. Had to succumb to a refurbished microsoft surface laptop in order for smooth operations. But I supposed it's still cheaper than some flagship modelers. Arguably more powerful than some too🤷♂️
Running a pre into a pre might be why your tracks sound so full and complete! If you ever want to know what not using the UA pre sounds like run a TRS cable in not the XLR. Using the line inputs on the back bypass the Twin's pres. Regardless, if it sounds good it is good! Love what you do dude!
I sit down with the speakers at chin level to ear level two or so feet from my face. Bloomed at just behind 7 on an old Vibrolux. Guitar volume varies for what I need. I just play for me mostly but in band context I gravitate towards my speakers still just so I can hear myself.
Very informative...you have a great tone as well. I'm curious.... you have an ox box a two notes torpedo...yet you still mic a speaker cabinet. Do you have a video explaining that? Thanks 🙂
Funny that you mentioned Webber speakers. I live in the town where Webber speakers are made and used to run a recording studio in the basement of one of their buildings. I also have a couple of friends that work there now.
Thanks for the cool tour of your set up! Simplicity at its finest! I've been going through the speaker search and recently I discovered the Eminence Swamp Thang. 150w in 8 or 16 ohms. It's still in the break in period but already sounds tremendous. Thought I'd throw that at you in case you haven't tried it.
I don’t use one. If I had a bigger garage; I would. My old iso box was too small; my speaker sounded choked in it. You might get more mileage out of an OX Box honestly.
Very informative! I'd love to run speaker and mic cable for a cab and mic setup in my basement. Any recommendations for a long (and cheap) run of xlr and guitar speaker cable? edit - just saw there are recommendations in the video description!
Great video Justin. I'm curious as to your thoughts on screen height and workstation desks. I'm currently battling a new workstation desk and and the iMac screen height being much higher than I'm used to. Are you typically looking dead straight to your screen or slight up? Thanks!
Justin, have you ever heard a final mix with your guitar track altered by an effect that you thought sounded really great? So, an engineer or producer added it to your clean track. Thanks, Ian. Great episode!
How do you set the amp volume up- do you just go to a loud setup say the sweetspot you would hear if you were next to it. Or trial and error till you find the spit that works in your control room- or is it controlled upstairs - i didnt catch if the amp was a combo or a cab in the garage
This is fantastic Justin .! Thank you.! I think I know the answer.. but I guess putting the cabinet and mic in a box in the basement..or garage.. won’t work well..? Needs a room..? Thanks.👍🏼
I had an iso-box for a while. It was a drum cartage case. It just sounded choked a little bit to me, like the speaker couldn’t properly move air in that confined space. It just needed to be an even bigger box with more insulation in it.
What a great episode. So refreshing to escape from the gear lust others try to promote or instill! Keep it simple. Play good parts. Have good tone. Thanks for the reminder of what’s truly important. 👍
This is why I love Justin’s channel
Agreed, and I’m a drummer
I don’t understand 3/4 of what he talks about, but it’s helping my groove and my pocket big time
As an audio engineer, I agree 100%. As long as you give us a recording that’s not clipped, we can make it sound great. Just get it into the DAW cleanly, we can take care of the rest. And even the cheapest interface’s preamps are fine. All the mojo can be easily added by us after the fact. Just don’t clip and you’ll be good
Thank you, that's good advice! I have been in analysis paralysis for years regarding which interface and mic to buy. It's reassuring to hear that any one I choose will work well enough if I just keep the recording clean (no clipping).
I was with you up until the phrase, "all the mojo can be easily added by us after the fact." (I think its religion, maybe.) of course, I'm not a "pro," I just record at home for my own entertainment. for guitars, I often have delay and/or reverb on the guitar as I record. For voice, I'll add anything like that later. my "drums" are drum pads, and I usually record those as well with some reverb already on them. but I'm not doing stuff that I'm gonna hand off to someone else later to "add mojo" to it. I try to figure out how to do that myself. over the years I've concluded that learned technique is more important than having brand-name gear. although decent gear usually makes things easier.
@@brushstroke3733 the $200 interfaces nowadays sound better than some of the $1000-2000 ones we used to have back in the day! It’s actually crazy. They’re extremely capable for sure. Just get a nice clean signal in and you’re good. Most interfaces will have some type of lighting to indicate if your signal is clipping on the way in (green good level/red clipping). Here’s the easy way to get an optimum signal. Play your guitar as hard as you’ll play at your most aggressive parts of the songs (palm muting is great because the low end energy tends to spike the meters). Play aggressively as you turn up the input knob on your interface (until it turns red), then back the knob DOWN until there’s absolutely no red no matter how hard you play (only green). Now you know no matter how hard you play when you record, you won’t clip, since you’ve already set yourself for the worst-case-scenario. and after that, you can just focus on recording your cool guitar part without worrying about clipping 👍💪
@@danthegeetarman Thank you, those are very helpful tips! Is it the same with monochromatic bars on older interfaces that only show black on a lit background? I always try to keep the bars from going all the way to the top of their range, because I know for sure if the signal tries to go beyond that, it gets clipped. But even doing this, I sometimes hear distortion on the recorded signal, especially on bass and vocals. But I feel like if I record them at reduced input volumes, I can't get them loud enough in the mix. Maybe I'm just afaid to lower the faders on guitar and drum tracks below about halfway point. 😅
@@brushstroke3733 without knowing which exact interface you have, it would be hard to pinpoint, however, you can achieve a similar thing to above in a more trial-and-error method. Record a bass take (or vocal take), playing (or singing) as hard as you can (within reason). Listen back to the take. If it’s distorted/clipped, turn the input down a hair and repeat. Ideally you’ll slowly decrease the input level until you get to a spot where it never clips/distorts. This will be the sweet spot. Unfortunately you will have to repeat this each song as different parts can cause different spikes in energy.
I truly appreciate Justin opening his home to show us the setup in his garage and back up in his studio. For someone who has been a part of the Nashville country scene and sound for so long, your humbleness and ability to share ideas and techniques is really refreshing and I've learned so much with every episode. You're really a stand up guy and very talented. Thank you for sharing your experiences and knowledge.
I have to use that line with my wife…all the things lying around in my studio aren’t junk, they are diffusers.
Haha!
I want to take a closer look at the bow wall in the garage. Enjoyed the video.
I also have alot of diffusion!! 😂
This is invaluable because it’s actually how you work. It’s not a producer speculating or someone at a retailer opining on the new stuff. Thank you.
This is such a great video, and it's great insight on things! The bit at 21:00 ish where "no one has ever said..." is so true. The professionals are focused on good parts, and it always seems to be the hobbyists who say "Oh, but your gear. You're not using the most expensive gear? Oh my god."
I definitely agree about having a great sound and capturing it right at the source.
This is a really amazing resource for the learning musician! Recording seems super intimidating and not to mention expensive for the self-taught guitar player trying to learn the ropes of actually making music, and this video makes it seem much more approachable
This is one of the most helpful, down to earth and sensible videos I've watched in a long time. It's refreshing to see a pro at your level taking such a no-nonsense approach. This video really inspires me and reminds me that even in my little modest bedroom ordinary-average-guy hobbyist home studio, I have everything I need (almost! haha) to make music. And making music is why we're all doing this, isn't it? Thanks Justin. I'm a new subscriber and after watching this video you can be sure I'll be here often. Cheers to you my man!
You said "dangerously unprofessional", but the truth is knowing how to get the most out of less is probably the height of professional. I hate to admit how much even as a spare timer I have learned that money rarely if ever yielded more than learning and application of knowledge. Very much appreciate your candor and transparency. Seriously, it is inspriring to have imaginary walls taken down. Thanks for this video JO. No need to respond.
I'd love a video comparing how much of a difference your TG2 makes compared to just running through the stock Apollo Twin pre
I'm an old man with M.S. The only reason that I record is to be able to write music and capture my music for future listening when I can't make music at my present level. I absolutely hate spending crazy money on musical equipment at this point. Thanks for validating my choices😂😂
Hi Jeff, I'm in a similar position to you. I'm an old man with a brain injury so struggle to learn new stuff. What DAW would be easiet to learn?
@@graemero5532 I use Garageband. It is free with my iPad and very intuitive. Probably not "professional" level but ok for my needs. I hope all is well with you. I know the struggle and the struggle is real. Keep making music, that is the imperative.
@@graemero5532 I have A.D.D and find DAW's way too distracting. I tried for years and never ended up with a full recording of anything, always testing sounds and experimenting.
My company even used to sell PC's to music shops for DAW recording packages BUT I use a Tascam DP32. No bullcrap to get in the way and amazing quality recordings. Feels just like sitting at a proper console (albeit a small one :) ) and I've completed and am part way through more than I have ever in my life since switching.
Many forum people have said the same thing, struggling with option paralyses and constant VST exploring etc.
Best wishes for both of you with your health issues, from down here in New Zealand.
I'm in a similar situation where my health is becoming an issue and want to get as many originals recorded as possible. I have a very minimal setup that works for my needs.
Keep at it Jeff! Making music keeps your brain sharp and your hands limber too
Just upgraded my entire system on a budget, and this is exactly what I done. Thanks for the confirmation! Love the channel!
Thanks!
That Matchless is the most expensive amp stand ever… Great video!
“I’m not trying to back the engineer into decisions I’ve made….” Gold
I love the set up mine is mostly in a small room but I love how minimal it is.
Thanks for showing us your garage set up. That tone at the beginning was undoubtedly killer.
Thank you for the ground level explanation and walk through!!
I like that you focus on simplicity and how it sounds to your ear. You do a wonderful service to your fellow guitarists and musicians. Nice job young man.
God bless you
Thank you for the kind words!
Thanks Justin! I’m preparing to acquire my first recording gear and this video informs me that if a simple rig works for a professional it will absolutely work for me. Keep up the good work, I enjoy and learn a lot from your videos.
In april of this year I built a small recording studio at my home. A long-cherished wish. Simple, relatively cheap, but reliable equipment. But one of the most important choices I made, if I may say so, was to turn it into a place where I wanted to be in ALL THE TIME. I spent a good sum of money on wall paint, lots of colorful indirect lighting, a comfy couch for my friends, nice stuff on the walls, a closet with most of my gear and I’m even thinking of buying a tiny fridge and a coffee machine. And lots of fake plants. 😬😬😬
I just don’t want to be anywhere else. It makes me feel young and inspired. I used to have my gear in my living room. That didn’t work for me. Having a nice inspiring place that makes you feel good really made a huge difference. I was stuck in a rut for a long time and I couldn’t understand. This was the answer. I’m happy again. 😊
Very good point. A room with a good vibe conducive to creativity is very helpful.
I live by myself, and my living room IS the studio. When I'm not actually recording, I'll roll up the mic cables and put the mics off in a corner. Most of the time I'm noodling on guitar, searching for the "right" tone (for what, I don't know), etc. Once I know what I want to do, I'll pull out the mics and set things up. I use small 5-10W combo amps with 8" speakers. everything else goes in direct except voice and/or acoustic guitar. works for me!
I have a drri that I got about ten years ago. The Jensen that came in it was ice pick city! I replaced it with a Weber and it was great after that. Great video. Thank you for it.
So true! I’m so used to hearing my amp on the floor behind me reverberating around a room, close mic’ing is so hard to get used to!
'speaking words of wisdom' ...I love your channel, and this is great episode!👏👏👏
Thanks a ton!
absolutely love how down-to-earth this is...start out with the basics, and add what you still needs ("if it sounds good, then it "is" good...")...
Thank you for explaining what an interface is and where it fits in. I’ve been looking at these devices for years, clueless about their purpose.
My own set up started in the late seventies and was added to during the eighties. It’s all analog with the exception of a few rack mounted modules. My set up was good enough to record several up and coming bands in western Canada in the early eighties. Having lunch with a friend who photographed many of those bands back then, he shared some performance photos of a very young kid lang in a bar on Whyte Avenue in Edmonton, Alberta. Although I remember doing the sound for that gig, I don’t recall if I recorded the sets she played. Even then she had substantial stage presence; I may have been so mesmerized that I forgot to press the record button.
As someone who loves to buy and use gear, you are so correct in that it can be done with a very minimal setup at a high level! So much great advice in here Justin!!
I used to be a analog snob. Tracking on an 8 track tape console, mixing down to an old reel-to-reel. Lots of maintenance and fussing. Now, I use a cheap digital 4 track machine that fits in my pocket. It has two onboard mics that sound fine and the unit mounts on a mic stand. I record acoustic guitar, percussion, and vocals with the onboard mics, and go direct in with electric bass and keyboard. I have a pair of small studio monitors and a decent set of headphones. It takes me about 10 seconds to go from an idea to laying down tracks, which was my goal. Of course, I'm not doing any real professional work with this gear but the quality of recording I achieve with this simple setup blows me away. At times I wish I had some form of limiter or compressor because digital clipping is terrible but mostly I get by just fine. I am always fighting the urge to add a preamp, mics or other outboard gear. I have to remind myself of what my goals are: To put as few barriers between my idea and a finished track as possible. Fiddling with cables, turning dials and trouble shooting problems takes me out of a creative state of mind too fast.
Such a great video. Very practical recording. I love it. Very similar to my setup. I’m a big fan of mono guitar recording and doubling up parts for stereo too. You’ve just confirmed my beliefs. So thanks for that. Also, if folks wanna skip the Avid sub. Luna is pretty good for UAD users. 😊
Loved the part where you got into your garage :)
Cool video!
Badass video Justin 🤓👏🏻 Thank you and cheers from Venezuela! 👊🏻
Heil PR30! My favorite mic for guitar cabs. Nice.
I’ve heard that PR30 mic on congas and percussion and thought it was really snappy and sounded great. That’s cool you like it for guitar cab.
Hey, I absolutely love your channel - thanks for the great insights into your work. By the way: With most devices with XLR/TRS combo jacks you can bypass the preamp by using TRS cables instead of XLR cables. I don't know if this is also the case with the small Apollos, but perhaps it would be an even better option to connect the Chandler preamp to the Apollo (XLR Female -> TRS)
Hey Justin I just about give up and sell my drums then I watch one of your vids
On my way downstairs right now to work with the click
Thanks again, bro. You’re awesome.
This is great! Especially for someone like me who sometimes will overthink or second guess myself.
I just recently discovered your channel , I really enjoy your content , and find it inspiring!
Thank you 🙏 from Maine
-John M.
I subscribed just now your so down to earth and honest i feel we could sit for hours shooting the shit about gear my friend
Thanks for showing us Justin. You always go to the point, its just about capturing a good part. Get a good sound from the amp and use a mic correctly
Love the Tone Hammers on the wall next to the amp lines.
You could also use the instrument cable input in reverse to test out the cab in your garage
Great video for those of us that prefer to play more than geek out over gear…not that there’s anything wrong with that! 😉
Straight to the point. The way I like it. Thanks brother.
I do not have a small diaphragm condenser yet… But I do have my large diaphragm MXL 990 that I use for acoustic recording, same principal, right at the neck joint. I have not had any real issues getting good acoustic tone recorded.
This is by far the best explanation of recording guitar on You tube! Thank you so much! Amazing video!
Cheers!
I finally switched to pro tools , and went to M-Audio interface- I’m really trying to get a more professional sound. Using a reissue 1991 deluxe reverb . I’m still fumbling a bit with pro tools and finding good go to plug ins that come stock with pro tools artist, getting better as I use it more and more.
Thanks again for your awesome content!
Rob
“Dangerously unprofessional”. Love it! Great vid!
dibs on the Jim dunlop volume pedal in the tub of "gear Justin's been trying to sell for 4 years"! lol appreciate this video. I do the same for the session work that I do. I always say that artists would be surprised to see "the lab" that cooked up these tracks.
Appreciate you and all these posts. hooked on it
One of the most important pieces that you hit on briefly is, playing in tune. Amazing how many ‘levels up’ peoples recordings would be if the guitars were just in tune
Agreed with your philosophy here! I would say if you’re going to much acoustic guitar tracking, spend your money on nice mics. Don’t be afraid of used mics, it’s really the way to go.
The most important thing is to get your stuff set up and figure out your work flow. If you can create a template in your DAW, do that so everything stays the way you like it. Then leave everything set up and the same so you can get right to it when needed. ✌🏼
Tim Pierce is jealous of the stack of tires next to your cab. 😊 Clearly, that is the key to your sound. It creates a low frequency sympathetic response that Tim's sound lacks. I KNEW there was something off! I have discovered the secret! Seriously though, I'll take that old Matchless cab off your hands. Hell, you won't even have to pay me to cart it off, I'll do it for free! Love you!
4:28 😂 I was hoping for this video, thank you! I would really love to hear your thoughts on this setup vs load box vs modeler/plugins. Those options seem even more ideal for recording, but clearly you aren’t getting the tones you want out of them and it would be awesome to compare the difference a real amp makes in your recordings.
great information here . Plus my dear old dad would be very happy that you turned off all the lights when you left a room 😃
Excellent information. I love your setup and its so simple and your tone is great. There's no excuse for me not to be recording. Well other than my bad playing......
Thanks for this Justin. I was having latency and interface issues with M-Audio Fast Track. I first dropped Logic (using since 2008) and tried LUNA from UA. I love it. I also put it on a stronger Windows computer. Then the interface was crackling. I got a VOLT UA interface and it has a preamp built in. Wow is it nice! But I’ve never miked a cab. I have a mic and I’m going to have to get an attenuator for my tube amp. I’m so on the fence now because I have a Fender Twin and a digitally modeled Dumble and a Twin with a FRFR cab. I will try the mic this weekend because that would best emulate me through my Twin. Thanks again for the explanation of all this. I’ve been using headphones too and should get good monitors that would work with the UA VOLT interface.
Great video Justin, equipment can definitely shut down creativity - especially steep learning curves with some stuff. Looking at the water stains on your speaker boxes sent chills down my spine as a flood solved a lot of my equipment issues forcing a reset. Simpler is definitely better. Thanks for sharing
Thanks for your content, I really appreciate all the information. I was wondering if you have done a DI UAD simulator amp v real amp recording comparison video?
Nope I have not
A very cool useful and helpful episode Justin - thank you for sharing and greetings to you from Ireland.
Good info man, thanks. Guys can go even more affordable if need be. Focusrite 2i2, old Mustang 3 amp, used stuff too, gets you going.
You’re a hero for showing this. I am a gear nut in many ways, and an audiophile in others, but I am 110% behind your philosophy here. Well said. Music first. Unless you’re into technical ecstacy, of course. 😂 er.. Another problem of mine😊.
👍👍👍👍👍
I have the Apollo JUST FOR VOICEOVER and I LOVE IT!
Great video and a very nice collection of bows too! Did you fill any tags this year?
Thanks for the tour, now for the Black Friday deals.
Really useful video as I’m trying to put together a home recording setup! I sadly don’t have a useless Matchless cab lying around to use as a stand unfortunately ;). I’ll make do. I’ve got mics and have tried using a Zoom H6 as an interface but it is sort of a nuisance to use in that capacity. So monitors and a dedicated interface are up next.
I use the low watt setting on my (solid state) amp and mic it with an SM57. Sounds fine every time, no need to tweak amp sims and IRs and all that.
What purpose does the multitrack recorder serve, or as you put it, "a line out direct feed of what's going into the monitors"? Isn't that what the DAW is doing? Very cool video. Subscribed instantly!
That’s only for my TH-cam videos
Phew! I thought I was missing a critical component in my own setup. Good to know another use for those line outs on my Apollo! Thanks man!
Ummm… I had no idea my old high school jamming buddy had a TH-cam channel! Awesome man! Love the message and the setup! Happy Turkey Day friend
Hey Glenn! Happy Thanksgiving!
It's sound advice. And you can even just get a Captor 16 and skip the cab & mic and play through studio monitors, with reverb ITB too. Depends on the person's plans for it, but if mainly using to mic up guitar or bass cabs ... I'd personally probably skip the Apollo Twin X and get the just as good sounding SSL2 or Audient ID14 mk.II. Then use the money not spent on an Apollo Twin X to get a good versatile condensor mic like an Austrian Audio OC16. Or a workhorse dynamic like an SM7b or an Electro-voice RE-20 and pair with cheap but good ribbon mic like the GAP R1 or Cascade Fathead, or maybe a funky dynamic like the Warm Audio WA-19. Line Audio CM4 SDC is another cheap mic for around 130, that's great in lots of applications, including acoustic guitar. They're versatile mics you'll find other uses for. I'd probably also buy a cheap but good mono preamp like a Cranbourne Camden EC1 (with nice headphone amp too), a GAP Pre73 or a DIY CAPI pre. The GAP Pre73 is a good DI box that's useful for bass too. Apollos are great, but UAD products are expensive, pretty much $$$$!
So true. I've played guitar 40 years, worked in commercial studios, had a home studio for 30 years. My current setup is very minimal, just a laptop and a IK tonex interface. Nothing else is really needed.
Love it! there's a bag of dogfood on my cab! iams, of course!! BUT, it's there for sonic purposes. it keeps the cab "calm". the sound holds together at the bottom end when pushed hard with mids and lows.
but it could also be the pot.
the ocd/grill cloth comment drew a laugh. i can dig it. i got sloppy tricked out setups too, but i'm damn picky about certain things. funny!
Really appreciate the scaled down approach. Great work sharing!
Thanks so much for this, Justin. So many golden nuggets.
I've had to sleep in my studio over the past year.... just had to move out a lot of stuff to make space. Gone from loads of gear I don't use, to minimalist setup. It's OK, surprising how little you need.
I truly appreciate your channel! 💪🏾
Hey Justin ! Love ur channel !! do you think a pre amp is really essential? I already have really nice pre amps in my interface. What kind of difference would a pre amp like the one you record with make ?
Cheers
I don’t know how different mine would sound in your setup. I don’t know what you have. I do think if you’re just starting out with a limited budget, a decent pre should be last on your list, or you can go without one altogether. My TG2 is kind of its own thing, though it does lean more into the Neve family. I think the very early ones even used Neve transformers.
Thanks for the time you put in Justin.A ton of helpful content brother.Can you tell me the name of the tuner company you recommended in a previous video.I couldnt re find it.Happy Holidays!
I use Sonic Research tuners on my pedalboards.
Awesome, just ordered one thanks.
@@JustinOstrander
Luckily not one of those gearfluencer videos stimulating GAS.
I feel relieved. ;-)
You actually showed me that I have more than enough gear to record with - only the garage is missing.
I’ve got that Boss reverb pedal and it is so awesome. Always on.
You can get Reaper for $60 and the Neural DSP Tone King Imperial MKII VST for around $110 and be set...
Wow, all for under $200. That is awesome. Thanks for the heads up!
@@JustinOstrander Yeah, you should check out the Tone King VST. I know you don't like modelers, but it is pretty amazing. Kind of like a Deluxe Reverb.
@@gdawgs101 It is a DAW...Google it...
@@gdawgs101 DAW
Ah but you HAVE to make sure you have a good laptop with damn good specs and accept no substitutes. I have old HP that had upgraded specs and still couldn't run a trial of neural dsp or helix native worth a shit.
Had to succumb to a refurbished microsoft surface laptop in order for smooth operations. But I supposed it's still cheaper than some flagship modelers. Arguably more powerful than some too🤷♂️
Great stuff Justin.
Cool, you’ve got an original 59!
Running a pre into a pre might be why your tracks sound so full and complete! If you ever want to know what not using the UA pre sounds like run a TRS cable in not the XLR. Using the line inputs on the back bypass the Twin's pres. Regardless, if it sounds good it is good! Love what you do dude!
I sit down with the speakers at chin level to ear level two or so feet from my face. Bloomed at just behind 7 on an old Vibrolux. Guitar volume varies for what I need. I just play for me mostly but in band context I gravitate towards my speakers still just so I can hear myself.
I can verify results with the acoustic mic. I just tried exactly that with the same mic and im not going back it sounds so great
Very informative...you have a great tone as well.
I'm curious.... you have an ox box a two notes torpedo...yet you still mic a speaker cabinet. Do you have a video explaining that? Thanks 🙂
Funny that you mentioned Webber speakers. I live in the town where Webber speakers are made and used to run a recording studio in the basement of one of their buildings. I also have a couple of friends that work there now.
They really do make great stuff.
Thanks Justin, great episode.
The Kansas tag hanging in the garage, is it Riley county? RL
Yep. I went to KSU
Thanks for the cool tour of your set up! Simplicity at its finest! I've been going through the speaker search and recently I discovered the Eminence Swamp Thang. 150w in 8 or 16 ohms. It's still in the break in period but already sounds tremendous. Thought I'd throw that at you in case you haven't tried it.
It’s a great speaker I’ve been using it for about 3 years
@@johnnychacon9978 I like their Cannabis Rex as well...
Whats going on here? I hit “like” before I start watching. Then I wish I could like again. So here you have a doubble like 😀😀
Thanks for this great inside information, Justin!
Awesome! Sounds killir! Hey justin what about the reflection off the metal garage door? Not an issue it sounds like🤷♂️
Not at all.
@@JustinOstrandercool brother
love the channel!
I’ve been loving Studio One Pro for years. Great video
That was quite interesting...! Thanks for this insight, man. I left an Abo, Thumbs up is obvious.
hahah! Just noticed what is on your shirt. You are not wrong... :)
Great info … Would you recommend an iso box ?
I don’t use one. If I had a bigger garage; I would. My old iso box was too small; my speaker sounded choked in it. You might get more mileage out of an OX Box honestly.
Very informative! I'd love to run speaker and mic cable for a cab and mic setup in my basement. Any recommendations for a long (and cheap) run of xlr and guitar speaker cable?
edit - just saw there are recommendations in the video description!
Great video Justin. I'm curious as to your thoughts on screen height and workstation desks. I'm currently battling a new workstation desk and and the iMac screen height being much higher than I'm used to. Are you typically looking dead straight to your screen or slight up? Thanks!
I’m looking slightly up I guess. Haven’t thought about it much, honestly!
Justin, have you ever heard a final mix with your guitar track altered by an effect that you thought sounded really great? So, an engineer or producer added it to your clean track. Thanks, Ian. Great episode!
Great episode Justin! Love the pragmatic approach. Cheers!!
man, I've been using a PR30 on amps live for years. it's a fantastic mic ✌🏼
Right?!
How do you set the amp volume up- do you just go to a loud setup say the sweetspot you would hear if you were next to it. Or trial and error till you find the spit that works in your control room- or is it controlled upstairs - i didnt catch if the amp was a combo or a cab in the garage
This is fantastic Justin .! Thank you.! I think I know the answer.. but I guess putting the cabinet and mic in a box in the basement..or garage.. won’t work well..? Needs a room..? Thanks.👍🏼
I had an iso-box for a while. It was a drum cartage case. It just sounded choked a little bit to me, like the speaker couldn’t properly move air in that confined space. It just needed to be an even bigger box with more insulation in it.
@@JustinOstrander .. thanks Justin. I appreciate it..
Great vidéo Justin you have a fan from Algéria ,I have question :do you record with FX chain ??or only DI? Thx Justin
Welcome! All the effects you hear are from my pedalboard are going into the front of the amp.