Lesson 1Keyboards and synths: direct stereo output vs amplifier/mic blend, stereo image creation and gain stagingLearn when to record keyboards and synths direct in stereo, when to use amps and mics, and how to shape stereo width, tone, and gain staging so layered keys remain clear and controlled in busy pop and rock arrangements.
Using DI boxes for stereo keyboardsAmp and mic options for synth tonesBalancing direct and amp blend levelsCreating controlled stereo widthGain staging keys in dense mixesLesson 2Acoustic drum signal chain: preamps, gain staging, pad and phase alignment, tracking tips to avoid clippingDesign a reliable acoustic drum signal chain from preamps to converters, focusing on gain staging, pads, polarity and phase alignment, and tracking practices that prevent clipping while preserving transient impact and tone.
Choosing preamps for drum microphonesSetting input gain and pad usagePolarity checks on multi-mic kitsPhase alignment across drum channelsAvoiding clipping while tracking drumsLesson 3Layered vocals technique: double-tracking, backing vocal arrangements, bleed control and comping considerationsDevelop layered vocal strategies using doubles and backing parts, while managing bleed, comping, and timing so stacked vocals remain tight, expressive, and easy to balance in polished pop and rock productions.
Planning lead doubles and harmoniesTracking tight double-tracked vocalsArranging backing vocal stacksBleed control in group vocal sessionsComping and editing layered vocalsLesson 4Drum mic placement techniques: close, Glyn Johns, ORTF/XY overheads, room mic positions and phase considerationsLearn how to place drum mics for punchy, phase-coherent kits using close mics, Glyn Johns, ORTF and XY overheads, plus room mic strategies that balance ambience, stereo width, and mono compatibility in dense pop and rock mixes.
Close miking kick, snare and tomsSetting up the Glyn Johns configurationChoosing ORTF vs XY overhead arraysRoom mic distance, height and angleChecking and correcting drum phaseLesson 5Room acoustics and isolation: treatment, positioning, dealing with bleed and room toneAddress room acoustics, treatment, and instrument placement to control reflections, isolation, and bleed, shaping room tone that supports drums, vocals, and amps without overwhelming clarity in multi-instrument sessions.
Assessing room size and decay timeUsing absorption and diffusion effectivelyPositioning drums, amps and vocalsManaging bleed in live band trackingCapturing or minimizing room toneLesson 6Drum recording: mic selection per element (kick, snare, toms, overheads, hi-hat, room) and whySelect appropriate drum mics for kick, snare, toms, overheads, hi-hat, and room, understanding how each microphone’s character, placement, and role supports the overall kit sound in dense, layered pop and rock productions.
Kick drum mic types and placementSnare top and bottom mic choicesTom mic selection and mounting optionsOverhead and hi-hat mic preferencesRoom mic types for drum ambienceLesson 7Recording session parameters: recommended sample rate and bit depth, headroom strategies, clocking and syncDefine optimal sample rate, bit depth, and clocking for pop and rock sessions while managing headroom, gain staging, and sync so that multitrack recordings remain clean, stable, and ready for detailed editing and mixing.
Choosing sample rate for pop and rockSelecting bit depth and recording formatHeadroom targets and gain stagingClocking, word clock and jitter basicsSyncing interfaces and digital devicesLesson 8Vocals: microphone types (large-diaphragm condenser, dynamic), capsule patterns, pop filters, shock mounts and isolation boothsUnderstand vocal mic types, polar patterns, and accessories such as pop filters and shock mounts, plus isolation and positioning techniques that control room tone, plosives, and movement for consistent, mix-ready vocal tracks.
Choosing dynamic vs condenser for vocalsSelecting and aiming vocal polar patternsUsing pop filters and shock mounts correctlyBooth vs open room vocal isolationManaging singer movement and mic distanceLesson 9Electric guitar: microphone choices for cabinets, close vs blended room mics, use of direct inputs and amp simulationExplore cabinet mic choices, close and room mic blends, and DI or amp simulation options to capture versatile electric guitar tones that sit in modern mixes while preserving dynamics, clarity, and re-amping flexibility.
Dynamic vs condenser on guitar cabsSingle mic vs multi-mic cabinet setupsBlending close mics with room ambienceUsing DI tracks for re-amping optionsIntegrating amp simulators with real ampsLesson 10Bass recording: DI vs amp mic, amp mic placement, combining DI with amp, re-amping workflowCompare bass DI and amp miking, refine mic placement on cabinets, and learn how to blend DI with amp or re-amp tracks to achieve tight low end, controlled midrange, and mix-ready bass tones for modern productions.
Clean DI capture for solid low endChoosing and placing bass amp micsBlending DI and amp for definitionPhase alignment between DI and ampRe-amping bass for tonal variations
