5 Essential Recording Tips - Warren Huart: Produce Like A Pro

Download the Essential Recording Tips cheat sheet here: bit.ly/2GAACuG
These are the 5 tips that I strongly believe are the most important. Some may be obvious, and some are VERY obvious. These are things that I do every single day.
5 Essential Recording Tips:
1. Get the headphone Mix right
2. Templates for Fast Set Up
3. ABR!
4. Organization - Label Your Tracks Properly
5. Click track or no click track?
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Produce Like A Pro is a website which features great tips to help the beginning recordist make incredible sounding home recordings on a budget.

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi Friends, these are the 5 tips that I strongly believe are the most important. Some may be obvious, and some are VERY obvious. These are things that I do every single day. Please let me know your experiences!

[@iwantappledumplings6187]

thank you!!

[@harmonystudios1182]

Great advice Warren

[@miasampaoli7587]

beautiful content warren

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks very much Apple!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks Harmony! You Rock!

[@JohnnyAmato]

ABR. Live by it, so important! Can't tell you how many times simple scratch tracks were used on recordings because the "feel" was fantastic and ultimately couldn't be beat. ABR! Even "warm up" takes that singers might be doing, click that record button! Great stuff as always, Warren! I look forward to your videos everyday.

[@Producelikeapro]

I agree 100%!! Always Be Recording!!

[@terrydoylemusic]

Good tips as usual. I have both record and mix templates at the ready. They definitely get you going quickly!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much Terry!

[@Eventual420]

I still haven't found the 'click track' option in FL Studio, so its only drum beats that get used. A sampler is what I use, it has its own submix to record ideas, and I use it constantly because no file writes, no messy cleanup, one touch foot switch to trigger start/stop. It helps with ideas, and then determining tempo, to re-record it in perfect time against drums. The sampler always has a looser feel, and you can see it miss the grid, and when redone to the grid it changes the feel. I hear a lot of talk about keeping the off grid music, so those add a bit of character. I really love Piano, and have been enamored with Keyscape. It really opened my world of music. Happy Jamming!

[@Producelikeapro]

Fantastic! Agreed! Unless you're copying and pasting parts all over the place there's no need to grid the schnizzle out of our music!

[@Eventual420]

Meep Thanks. I will give that a try as well, and my sincere compliments on such extraordinary singing on your channel. I really 'liked' Isla. :)

[@Producelikeapro]

Meep fantastic! Thanks ever so much for sharing your experiences!

[@Producelikeapro]

Meep your vocals are fantastic!! Let me know more!

[@darrenrea7745]

I love this "5 Quick/Essential ***** Tips/Tricks" series! Golden advice and always handy to have these things in the back of the head when recording and mixing

[@Producelikeapro]

Darren Rea thanks very much! I agree, I remember these things every day by working on them myself!

[@Shuzies]

yes...you make me want to setup a studio......ron

[@Producelikeapro]

Excellent stuff Ron!

[@guitarfreekin]

Nuggets of gold from​ a wise man indeed!!

[@Producelikeapro]

haha! Thank you Kiran!

[@spitfiremusic3997]

Thank you for these amazing tips

[@Producelikeapro]

You're very welcome!

[@darlenesheffield9835]

Wonderful Video and Tips Warren! Thank you!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thank you Darlene! Thanks for watching!

[@sandorkis8813]

Thanx Huart, love these tips!

[@Producelikeapro]

You're most welcome!

[@papa_da_engineer]

Great video as usual, thank you warren 🙏🙌

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much!

[@aarondoering4613]

Thanks for another set of excellent tips, Warren. Cheers!

[@Producelikeapro]

You're very welcome Aaron!

[@malcolmcoote141]

Just remixed a couple of tracks. Sounds better now. Leave the song and come back to it later.

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi Malcolm, indeed! Taking breaks is very important!

[@cyrus1ify]

I could listen to you all day you the man

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much Kevin!

[@ShiningHourPop]

Great tips. Thanks too for the recommendation about the Geoff Emerick book. I’ve just started to read it and it’s great!

[@Producelikeapro]

You're very welcome my friend!

[@tobydavis9209]

One of your best videos. Practical, clearly thought out advice drawn upon years of experience. Good working practices for all studio owners. Excellent work!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much Toby! I really appreciate your amazing support!

[@Eekolooginen]

Warren Huart. Im a hip hop producer. Your videos have nothing to do with my way of working (besides mixing). Still your videos are absolutely fantastic! I love your content. I watch almost every video you upload. I have been adopting many techniques ( mixing and recording) into my way of working as an Hip Hop producer / mixing and recording engineer. And i feel that i have been creating something "unique". I appreciate your work and your effort to teach others as a MASTER! Peace! And thank you!

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi Elias, thanks for your amazing comment! I am so glad to be able to help! Agreed, recording techniques apply in any genre!

[@ktconst]

I just want to say thank you for sharing your time and experience in all of your videos. I cut my teeth on a Tascam reel to reel (the one they called portable) about 25 years ago with no road map and have been abusing recorded sound ever since. Once I switched to DAW, I never looked back. However, much like a bull in china shop, I’ve made many a mess. I’ve learned more about digital recording in the last three weeks with your guidance than I have in 25 years stumbling around on my own. I’ve been having a “marvelous time” applying what I’ve learned and improving many frustrating mistakes. I look forward to all of your videos. The people in the studio are often times the unsung heroes. What you are doing is greatly appreciated. Thank you!!

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi Kelly, thanks for your marvellous comment! I've been a bull in a china shop myself on many, many occasions my friend! So glad to be able to help! Your comment alone helps me and many others! Sharing our experiences is HUGE!

[@theoversouls]

Loved the focus on music, performance and efficiently capturing it in the moment. Great stuff, thanks Warren!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thank you ever so much! I am so glad to be able to help! Thanks for the marvellous comment!

[@ryKirwan1]

All words to live by. Wonderful advice. Thanks Warren 👍🏻

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much Ryan!

[@CazadorNocturno]

Thanks Master!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much Allan!

[@srjackson722]

Great video! Something I've started doing is taking an old Android tablet that I had lying around and having it record in the background while I'm practicing. It's fun to listen back to it at the end of the day and it's a great way to really know exactly how much time you spend practicing

[@Producelikeapro]

That's a fantastic idea Ryan! Capturing every idea as it goes down is very smart!

[@sebastienhaby9561]

The wisest advices I ever saw on the Internets thank you so much!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much Sébastien!

[@inthemix]

Always Be Recording! Couldn't agree more. The number of ideas that you think you'll remember but won't...thanks for another great video Warren 😀

[@Producelikeapro]

AW shucks thanks ever so much! You guys Rock! You have such great content my friends!

[@jonathanmarshall4122]

Fantastic advice. I've got everything (synths, guitars, fx) cabled ready to a mixer with subgroups wired to the interface so we can record keys, guitars and bass very quickly. For drums we have to unplug the interface and setup by the kit. Vocals are recorded in the study so require some setup. With track labels I try to label sensibly - instrument / part - and also use comments for setup info - Synth patch name; strat thu gp5 13 mellow lead etc. Then I duplicate the track ready for several takes. My template has subgroups setup for guitars, keys etc so easy to do a very quick headphone mix.

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi Jonathan, that sounds like you've got your system set up very well my friend!

[@darrenross9168]

thank you warren ,fantastic video ,excellent tips .

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much Darren! Glad to be able to help!

[@JRo250]

I'm barely done with tip #1 and already have something to say :-) You're spot-on with this one, especially for some of us pro-ams with home studios that also get the pro-am artists. I've been on the receiving end of "I sound wonderful!" praise from singers because, as you say, I cranked up their reverb.. ha! In fact, I have an external reverb and delay loop dedicated for singers so their headphone effects are always going. It inspires them to give it their all. Now back to the candy shop to watch the remainder of the video.

[@davidallenhammond2777]

Thanks Warren, extremely useful information/tips.

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi David Allen Hammond thank you my friend!

[@glaubergarcez5182]

the shaker instead of a click it was for sure a life changer for me. loop a couple of bars with a shaker copy and paste, and go for it.

[@Producelikeapro]

Agreed 100%! So much more inspirational than a ice pick sound! Haha

[@Kleyver]

Awesome information, as you have us all accustomed to. Thanks again Warren...

[@Producelikeapro]

Kleyver thanks very much!! I really appreciate it

[@iwantappledumplings6187]

Thank you Warren!

[@Producelikeapro]

You're very welcome!

[@johncore363]

Such great information. Thanks Warren

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi John, thanks ever so much!

[@miketownsend6568]

Great tips Warren. I work a lot with singer songwriters, if they’re uncomfortable with using a click track I ask them to count themselves in so if we go back and overdub or use the take as a template later they have an idea when the track will start.

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi Mike, that's great! I love making tempo maps! That's a great trick!

[@americanliving4473]

I have this conversation about the click with every band I ever work with. Since I mostly work with rock music a lot of the bands don’t want to use a click but without them doing preproduction or wanting to spend the money to spend days tracking drums, I find it helpful for them to use a click. Even if it has no head beat but just a tempo guide. This makes it easier for me to have rhythmic compressors and overall post production. In a pinch I think the click can be helpful for all genres but if I had it my way we would spend days till the track is the Back And Black feel.

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi American Living I agree 100%! It all comes down to what is best for the song! I love the feeling of capturing great performances! Then some songs need to be locked, it’s all genre specific. Thanks for the marvellous comment!

[@frederickthorne2496]

Love the bass between kick and snare - I have done that in editing a comp, but that is a great idea for a go-to (while tracking). // These tips can't be emphasized enough - so important!! Thanks!!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much Frederick!

[@aleksanderdjuran8010]

Wonderful and informative as always Warren :)

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much Aleksander!

[@ardianfajar1024]

Another great tips Warren! and You got me in ABR thing :D suddenly an idea popped out of my head, then I set my guitar for about 10 minutes..and then the idea was gone! Thank you for your tips Warren! And I hope you will make other great content for your vlog! Have a nice day!!

[@Producelikeapro]

I hear Ardian! We've all been through it!

[@networkunplugged]

always be recording is a great advice! Thanx

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks! Yes, it's a golden rule!!

[@yashkummar]

Thanks for sharing Warren. Any tips helps in the long run.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thank you ever so much! Glad to be able to help!

[@harmonystudios1182]

The best advice

[@Producelikeapro]

Thank you Harmony!

[@heavymetalmixer91]

Snapping to instrument instead of a clic, much more musical and I know some musicians that love it that way. Thanks for the tips.

[@IG-xw1sl]

Great Tips🤘

[@Producelikeapro]

You're very welcome!

[@guitari-guitartuition1369]

Fantastic again Warren!! ABR for life!! Lol

[@Producelikeapro]

Manchester Sound Studio haha yes indeed my friend

[@stevegeorge7773]

Had no idea what some of what you where talking about,,,, YET this was really really great. Very interesting and did learn ,,,, as a very new baby on the block. Just started a course on Protools, mainly for film, but subscribed as audio is always neglected. So thanks.

[@splashesin8]

This reminds me of the little Quick Mix app several of us blindies liked to use on our PC's when we got all our sound settings just like we wanted for certain things. We could just instantly save the settings as they were, and name the file so we could load the file and snap them back to like we had them for what we were doing. I miss that little thing. It was on my best sounding HP system. Nothing else has sounded as good as that HP's set up, and sound cards. I think it was the DFX.

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi Audrey, yes, having an amazing headphone set up is a huge deal!

[@MRorPA]

Very good tips Warren! I certainly have a tendency to give my tracks some silly names, especially as I use a ton of background drones and ambient pads, and working on my own it's actually easier to jump between tracks that I remember by name than say, Pad 01, Pad 02, Phased Arp 01 etc. That being said, a friend of mine recently asked to rework my song, and told me to send him an instrumental version with a couple of other things removed. I opened up a session (tbh, one of my better organized ones) and it took me a while to find all the vocal tracks, as some of them (especially harmonies and such) had such crazy names. So yeah, it works when you're doing it alone. Anytime else - have a consistent nomenclature.

[@Producelikeapro]

I hear you MR/PA! I do as well! Haha It's just good practice to try and make it something anyone can understand, but it's also great to have fun with it!

[@MartinLuxen]

Great tips, Warren! When I'm writing a song (I write on guitar, riffs, chords etc.) I just record the guitar with a clicktrack (well... a hihat that is in time) and then build the drum around it (I program the drum on my keyboard (fingerdrummer), with the same face and energy you had on a previous video :)). After finishing the drums I re-record the guitar because it will be (likely) more coherent with the drums. Good to hear that sometimes not even a clicktrack is used! I can imagine it will give a certain energy. I'll have to try that once!

[@Producelikeapro]

Haha I hear you Martin! Finger drumming is the best! Haha There is definitely many ways we can work, depending on the desired result! Sometimes the click is great idea other times just tracking to the lead instrument is amazing!

[@digimaso1]

bro I really dig your work! so good... keep rocking ;-)

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi Juan Gomez you rock!!

[@h1de]

For my self recordings I have my templates saved with lp & hp filters for certain tunnings. I use the same guitars & tunnings so 70% of the time I pass them the same. Also they're cut close enough to be useful for writing. Once I'm doing the real mix I'll adjust, it just helps with the writing flow.

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi Baby With a 6 Pack wow! That sounds very effective indeed! Thanks for sharing your process with us!

[@PeterTentindo]

Great tips Warren! I need to start implementing some of these into my own workflow! Keep up the great work! :-)

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much Peter!

[@MrObelisk2290]

100% on the mark especially when others will work on it

[@Producelikeapro]

HI Jose! Thanks ever so much! I'm glad to be able to help!

[@miasampaoli7587]

MARVELLOUS ! ! !

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks very much Mia!

[@robsmusic7430]

I typically do drums or a rhythm instrument to a click and then use that track for timing. It makes things feel a little more human. Of course there are some projects that are all click too. It really does just depend on if you are going for a tight or organic sound.

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi Rob's Music definitely my friend! If I’m working with a world class drummer why would I time him? Unless I’m working with completely programmed instruments then my drums should be what everything else has to feel good against!

[@pieterbasborger801]

Thank you for all the excellent content Warren! You definitely make youtube a better place. :-) In addition to your track labeling tip: Some people label drums from a drummers perspective while others use an audience perspective. I therfor like to label the stereo drum tracks to hat and ride instead of left and right. Like OH hat and OH ride, room hat and room ride, or whatever you record in stereo pairs.

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi Pieter, yes, that's a great idea! That stops there being any issues! Thanks for the tip!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks for sharing your insight Dave!

[@paulfergonise8008]

Beyerdynamic 201 is my “go-to” instrument mic 👌🏻👌🏻

[@Producelikeapro]

Great mic Paul!

[@martinbiemmi7919]

Hey Warren, love your videos! One simple question: What are your thoughts on the Rode NT1A. Do you prefer the NT1 instead?

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi Martin, I've only used the one mic, so I can't compare! Thanks for your marvellous question!

[@don_ald1]

Always be recording I don't know how many times I've seen an engineer record someone who is practicing their part and didn't even know they were being recorded and got the best take!

[@claudius3124]

Great tips again Warren! Nothing really new here for me - I've worked as a recording engineer for the last (oh shit!) 20++ years or so - BUT it's always important to remind ourselves of those essential things. For the last few months, I've been mostly composing, arranging and editing but the thing I prefer, by far, is working with people. I always enjoy watching PLAP between mentally demanding sessions. Million thanks :-D Until the next time...... ;-)

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks Claudius! I agree, I like to be continually reminded of some of the obvious things I let slip!

[@Jon_Tate]

Sir Warren, I really took heed to your "Always be Recording" tip- and it already has paid off. I now want to keep a few mics, ready to go, so that I can fire things up and hit record at a moments notice. Any tips on how to protect mics' from dust accumulation while on a stand ready to be used?

[@brady-hd]

Love your videos! I feel it must be mentioned however that you seem to have a great many shirts that interact with the camera in an extreme way!

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi Brady! Sorry to hear that! I do't see it on my end, what device are you using? I'd like to know where it seems worse? Glad you enjoy the videos!

[@brady-hd]

Oh it's a long way from a real issue. i'm just getting ready to record some new material and have been watching a good deal of your videos for reference and noticed you have a few shirts that create an optical effect because of the pattern lol. Really only noticeable if you're marathon-watching like me haha.

[@Producelikeapro]

Haha ok good to hear Brady! I'm going to try and wear solid colours depending on what's available that day!

[@martingeler1393]

Hey Warren! First of all, thank you SO MUCH for all those amazing videos an tips, I found your channel a week ago, and I already watch like 50 of your videos. You're definitely the best mixing/producing teacher on KZbin! But I have a question for you. I started producing a year ago and thaught pretty much everything myself. Your tips were already insane and my mixed sound way better. But they don't really sound as wide and stereo as it should sound, and my low mids and low end sound a bit muddy. Yesterday I played with some sample loops from stock logicprox and immediately it sounded full and it was just great to listen to it. Why doesn't my virtual instrument mix sound as great as the sample loop and how could I improve it? I want my mixes to sound as professional as the stuff playing on the radio. Well again, thank you so much for your videos, I just wanted to tell you that I'm a boy from Germany and I have a big dream, I want to make it in the music industry and in a few years I want to be in LA making music that plays on the radio. And you're the one that helps me the most on this journey. I hope someday we'll work together! Hope you're doing marvelously well, greetings from Germany! -Martin

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi Martin, marvellous question! Sampled stuff that you create yourself will always have a uniqueness to it that doesn't sound like a stock virtual instrument! The randomness makes it special! Everyone has access to the same sounds now, so now we are looking for individual sounds!

[@grgschfr8]

Hey Warren, great content as always! Just wondering, do you ever use a tempo map in Pro Tools? I've used it before and just had to go through the entire track from one quarter note to the next (tab to transient), sometimes even eighth notes! Is there an easier way or do you have another way of making non-gridded tracks easier to edit? Thank you!

[@mattcavana]

As much as I dislike click tracks, they speed up the arranging and mixing process immensely, which is what you need to maintain your creativity if you're both the artist and the engineer! But using tempo markers (at least in the Reaper DAW) you can speed up and slow down your click track to taste to give your arrangement that less-than-perfect timing.

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi Matt Cavana I agree 100%! I am so happy to hear comments like this from our community! Also the greater understanding of Reaper is fantastic!

[@philsalter4363]

Hi Warren, I've heard you occasionally speak about techniques you picked up from ex-BBC engineers, the BEST one so far being to mic the acoustic guitar on the lower horn for a rounded sound (used that one so much!). Any ideas where I can find out more BBC standard tricks? Want to learn their ways. Thanks, Phil.

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi Phil, marvellous question! I learned tips from my friends who were BBC Engineers! I'll have to see if I can get a Top Ten tips from them!

[@stebanarias]

First, thank you so much for share this. Second, I have a question about the gain for each microphone... Could the gain applied, changes the mic response for better? Thinking about to go until the limit without distorsion? Third, excusas for my English.

[@Producelikeapro]

Wonderful question! Yes, matching the gain properly with the mic is extremely important! If you high SPL then definitely use a pad on the mic if supplied.

[@ericanderson9383]

Do make sub groups in the mix? such as multiple drum groups.

[@Producelikeapro]

Yes, indeed Eric! I create multiple groups for different instruments!

[@mcsweet1966]

Hello Warren I`m looking for a video you did on vocal paralel procession with comp eq and saturation but I can`t find it ... sorry to be a pain

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi Michel Doucet marvellous question! I believe it was this Alexx Calise song breakdown:- kzbin.info/www/bejne/joPOgIaum9Gdhs0

[@Rudhavendra]

Sir, kindly make a playlist for EDM production and its mixing

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi Kumar, there's a course coming very soon! Thanks for your great comment!

[@Rudhavendra]

+Produce Like A Pro waiting eagerly and welcome sir

[@Producelikeapro]

Kumar Shaan thanks very much!!

[@TheReal_Dicey]

Great tips Warren, thanks! A question on mics: What do you think is the real difference between the highest quality (and highest priced) mics and the cheaper but highly regarded and praised microphones? A studio manager recently put it to me as honestly as he could: He told me that the biggest difference is ambience, not tone or sound. His experience is that the lower priced mics are great when used close to source or in controlled ambient spaces (e.g. booths), but in somewhere like a cathedral with massive and detailed ambience the pricier mics win and the difference in quality becomes horribly obvious. Do you have a professional opinion on this? P.S. Did I see that you use your Cadac console for drums?

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi Dicey, that's an interesting question! There is all sorts of answers to that! The very cheap mics usually are very bright, which some people like! There's a few detailed but overly bright mics like of course Lewitt and Roswell, their higher priced mics ate 1k and above would be very hard to beat until you are looking at 5-10k, so it would be hard to say 'cheap vs expensive' unless you're talking $300 vs 10k!

[@TheReal_Dicey]

300 vs 10k is definitely cheap vs expensive, although I am curious to hear how the modern high quality range (especially clones) compare in that scenario. For studio recording I can't imagine anyone complaining about a mic that costs nearly 1k! If it's for an orchestra then you would want the 'best' mics possible (especially for the Decca Tree), but since we would work with a string quartet at the most I don't see a need for mics like that. You yourself have proven time and again that inexpensive and reasonably priced mics give great results.

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi Dicey, I'm very impressed with both Lewitt and Roswell mics! The LCT940 is an amazing mic and the Delphos is incredible value for money as well!

[@TheReal_Dicey]

I suppose that todays modern is tomorrows vintage!

[@Producelikeapro]

Dicey haha very true my friend!

[@PaulBell88]

i Have a question you probably don't get a lot. What is your favorite Chair for mixing? This is one area I don't think anyone should skimp on. My back is killing me and I am looking for a better chair.

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi Paul, great question! I have a few, although the best one I don't have is the Herman Miller, that's what most people recommend.

[@davidequaranta9425]

Warren when will the winner of the lewitt's mics be revealed?

[@Producelikeapro]

HI Davide, we will notify the winner via email and also on FB!

[@senoirmetal]

Hey Warren! How can i setup a headphone mix for a different output when i only have 1 output? I have a Zoom R8 2 inputs.

[@Producelikeapro]

Great question! I don't know that particular unit unfortunately! I would suggest Zoom's Forum, there must be many people who have that same question!

[@senoirmetal]

Thank You!

[@Producelikeapro]

Senior Metal you’re very welcome!

[@cornerliston]

One thing I REALLY wish Avid would do is allowing longer track names. I just can't stand those abrevations no matter if you try to give them logical and very short names it's just so annoying.

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi Corner Liston, thanks for your comment! I don't usually run out of characters, I agree, I like to have greater detail as well!

[@theforeverlasting6786]

What should a mixing template look like?

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi The Forever Lasting marvellous question! I would create a template that mirrors the common things you do every mix, the best things you’ve done each time. That way you’ll always have a great starting point. Then as you improve techniques you’ll incorporate them into newer versions of the template!

[@MrBeblis]

Hello warren, what is the best way to contact you, I have sent a few messages but have not heard

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi P.o.B pedals thanks for the comment! Which email address did you use? I’ll do a search!

[@plotthirteen1595]

aloha from kentucky

[@Producelikeapro]

Hola in Kentucky!

[@plotthirteen1595]

great advice as always. thanks

[@plotthirteen1595]

When are you planning your trip to blackbird?