Ground Updates

Above is a picture of my work setup. I did get the table a bit back, but have it all setup now. I still like the OP-1 for being able to work on it anywhere, and I still do that. I might record in another room or outside. However, mixing and vocal recording has been a big problem in need of a fix.

I have learned a lesson regarding mixing on the first 4 albums. The first album was actually mixed using the built in speaker (so stereo was a guess). After that I started to use my computer speakers (Bose) or a headset (Jabra). My final listen before uploading was also on the computer (again using the Bose). I ended up a bit surprised after uploading and listening to it on different services and not being as happy as I was when I uploaded. Then it hit me that the Bose speakers were sort of adding their own sound (that was not present when played on other speakers). So I picked up the JBL 104s that you see in the picture. These are not biased in anyway and are very neutral (they are specifically studio speakers for this). The songs sound quite a bit different on the JBLs vs the Bose. The hope here is that the song will sound more like I expect after mixing (so I will strive for the sound I am looking for, not get it from the speakers and leaving it sounding different to everyone else).

Along those lines I got rid of the Jabra headphones and picked up a set of Bang and Olufsen HX. Both are very neutral, but the B&O have more detail in the sound (not as muddy) making it easier to pick out the individual parts (and I can wear them longer without pain). In general, I mix on speaker though and use the headphones for a check and when recording vocals (I like to feel it as well as hear it).

The first album was recorded using the built in mic on the OP-1. This tended to mean I had to bend over it to sing into it. After that I went to using the monitor out port on a USB mic I had. In both cases, I had to turn the gains up to max on the OP-1 to get the levels close. As discussed, I have added a Roland VT-4. The main goal is to allow me to have some variety to my voice (so each spacecraft can have their own sound). The sound might evolve a bit overtime, but will not change much (consider it the spacecraft growing into it). I can also add some effects to get an Alien type sound better (if an Alien ever becomes part of the music again in the future).

To make the VT-4 work I needed to add some better input, so I got a Sennheiser XS1 mic. Also importantly, I have added a pop filter (so no more singing across the mic, but into it now - this pop filter might be the cheapest, but most important vocal upgrade). This should help out some of the so far poor attempts at vocals (I am already not a great singer, I need every bit of help I can get).

Hopefully these upgrades along with the spacecraft (better control of their sounds and better communications into the OP-1) will help our sound to improve on the coming album and going forward.