Emulating a (60s/70s) 4-Track Tape Recording: Artificial Limitations in the Studio

[@joproductions2009]

Boring !!!!!!!!!!!

[@kitwheston]

Pin of shame, pin of shame

[@AldeanLeger]

Promote! You gotta tell me ten times before I remember to take action

[@alexanderdragiev2050]

You quickly became my favourite music youtuber! There's no one that covers these topics better than you. Keep up the awesome work Mario!

[@snarfusmaximus]

Was going to bed and then you posted this. Gonna stay up for another half hour now.

[@Mario_DiSanto]

Why sleep when you can listen to me endlessly ramble. Well maybe that'll make ya fall asleep anyway :)

[@crashsvault]

I love your music. So nice to hear sound recorded through analog equipment, you keep me inspired in my musical journey. You're a true artist, thanks for taking the time to make these videos!

[@BadChizzle]

Yes!

[@Mario_DiSanto]

Happy to hear that, CC!

[@Hartlor_Tayley]

You sound like a sixties band. No doubt. Love the songs. Four analog tracks is plenty for rock and roll. Keep it up. Thanks

[@shaft9000]

The only 'giveaway' that I'm hearing is that the kick level/size is of a more '90s onward temperament; perhaps just a simple EQ fix to the master is all it needs. 1950s-60s engineers tended to keep the mic at least 6-8 feet from the kit pointed at the snare or omni pattern, possibly mixing in a room mic 15-30 ft away.

[@Hartlor_Tayley]

@@shaft9000 yeah those old mono 45s weren’t really about wide frequency spectrum. They kept it midrangey for impact through a crappy system, don’t want rumble distortion and ice pick highs. So I think maybe not exactly like a sixties garage 45 is the better decision.

[@Mario_DiSanto]

I agree 100%. Bass drum is always the key indicator of a drum sound and mine is seldom 60s.

[@boyman7823]

You're videos just keep getting better man.

[@beautysfield]

Hi Mario, the recordings sound fantastic. Very 60's sounding but possibly through the distorted lens of an 80's band; a la 'The Dukes of Stratosphear'. keep up the good work mate! Cheers, Simon.

[@Mario_DiSanto]

Hey Simon I'd say that's a pretty accurate description! Kinda what I was thinking with my Agent Orange comparison. Thanks for commenting man cheers!

[@beautysfield]

@@Mario_DiSanto I'm not familiar with Agent Orange, I will check them out. Looking forward to your next experiment, maybe the Motown sound? Cheers!

[@castawaymusic144]

Best Home recording channel on KZbin! Even this old dog is learning new tricks.

[@Mario_DiSanto]

That's so great to hear!

[@EricStPierre]

This video hit it out of the park for me. Amazing deep dive on this transition songs. Keep self-promoting. Don't stop! I hope you can see it you heart to eventually re-hire Slim Jim Joe though.

[@Mario_DiSanto]

We'll see if the IRS let's him out in time. Also I finally received your package today! Fun things to come soon.

[@lunasparadise]

Jen Bon is a great tune Mario. Lots of great tunes in the LP actually. All the best brother!

[@thechannelforeverything2170]

I really appreciate your laid back approach to making music. It's a breath of fresh air in todays world where everyone is trying to be scientists, and forget about the art behind the art. Not to mention that you're getting some fantastic results 🤘

[@BadChizzle]

Very cleverly done Mario. Your xtra characters were great. Also… I always enjoy your superimposed text and funny pictures pertaining to your passing subject matter. You keep it interesting for us couch slugs… uuuum, I mean KZbin users. Thanks for the video, Buddy!

[@Mario_DiSanto]

You bet Chuk! I like to keep people on their toes.

[@jessevoccia5173]

Mario, another great video. Don't waste a second thinking (or talking ) about the haters. Keep doing what you do for the people who actually enjoy it. Congratulations on another video that effortlessly combines music, education, inspiration and humor. This is the highest level of quality one can aspire to in the art of KZbin. Much future success to you.

[@dirtmelchizedek8311]

Will you make a video on your take of a psychedelic/garage rock pedalboard?

[@Mario_DiSanto]

Possibly. I don't have much of an opinion on pedals. I use my reverb knob on my amp as a pedal really. Most of the times I am plugging directly into the amp no pedals needed.

[@nilsgrafo5999]

Great video - limitations are my best friends. Don’t change - stay creative!!!

[@solesust]

Rock on Mario… dig the sounds. Thrift shop Q.

[@Mario_DiSanto]

Cheers mate!

[@mythcrab6047]

Your skills are on another level! Jem Bon is a banger.

[@Mario_DiSanto]

+1 for Jem Bon!

[@kellypeterson2625]

Ignore those who diss self promotion. I think the point of putting a video out makes the idea of promotion self-evident. That person has the option to not watch

[@wehappyfewmusic]

Love it - Artificial limitation’s = Increased Creativity in the recording studio. Another great video, Mario!

[@Mario_DiSanto]

I know you utilize limitations plenty in your workflow! Thanks for watching brother.

[@wehappyfewmusic]

@@Mario_DiSanto 👍

[@TheHomieUG]

Man, forget that fool, his comment and his hate. PLUG AWAY MY MAN. Besides that, you’re an inspiration. KEEP ON KEEPIN’ ON+

[@obdmpod]

Great break down and description on how you get the sounds. You write good songs too. I’d buy an album

[@rickyjamarazmusic]

wow, i love this so much!!

[@Mario_DiSanto]

Thanks for watching

[@NateTheMeh]

Keep promoting bro!! We love seeing all of these techniques applied so creatively through your sick jams

[@Mario_DiSanto]

Thanks Nate!

[@russiangoose7053]

I really enjoyed this one, great work as always Mario and thanks for sharing your process. I'm currently stuck using a DAW but I like to keep tracks minimal and the overall mix as raw and unprocessed as I can. Partially because I want that old school live recording vibe but also because I don't like having a bunch of tracks and stuff going on because it's overwhelming and I already don't know what I'm doing 😂 Also I would say the recordings in this video had a very 60's vibe but I think that's more due to the style of the songs themselves. I love your album too by the way, I was so excited to hear Little Yellow Bird in full because I heard bits of it in your videos and it's just awesome, again great work as always!

[@Mario_DiSanto]

Thank you! I think keeping tracks minimal is a great approach if you are still learning. Too much busyness in the mix is never good.

[@saggygnaw]

Great video! I literally just bought a TASCAM PortaStudio 414 MKII this past week so I could get away from my DAW and be able to lay down tracks without staring at a screen and also to use as a performance tool with tape loops. Thanks for putting in so much effort and adding something unique to the oversaturated landscape of KZbin recording tutorials.

[@Mario_DiSanto]

Thanks so much for watching man! Yes I try to break up the monotony of the DAW laden recording videos. Cheers mate

[@donek179]

Great work! You're way ahead of most studios with 100 times the gear budget.

[@someoneontheweb4303]

I absolutely love your style dude. Great video!

[@Mario_DiSanto]

Thank you for watching!

[@TheProducers]

You are one hell of a creative guy Mario. Splitting a 16 track tape into 4 songs that use 4 tracks each and then slowing the tape down to get more recording time? Man, I would never have thought of that trick! You like to record pretty hot, did you have any issues with track bleed? Also, the organ sound in The Lost Organ Jam is just awesome and unique, now I understand why! Your go to setup for guitar recording inspired me to try something different from my usual setup of 57 to grill cloth kind of a thing. I captured something very interesting with a AT2020 at about three feet from the speaker. The New Hey Song is one of my favorites, and seing you play and mix it is so much fun! Your videos are gems to be treasured. Long may you run Brother, and self promote all that you want!

[@Mario_DiSanto]

Hey Claude! I do record VERY Hot. Track bleed can sometimes be an issue but usually not because I record equally as hot on the other tracks so it masks any issues. There's one point on the album where I did make a critical error in this regard however. In serial skinner where I take a pause before the outro of the song you can hear me whisper "1, 2, 3, 4" faintly in the background. The track with that whispering was recorded during the initial piano tracking session for the song, where I had a microphone next to my mouth to record a "cue" for the rest of the instrument to kick in after the momentary pause. That cue/scratch track was meant to be recorded over once I overdubbed the other tracks. But I accidently had the gain way too hot on my console as the piano is rooms away from my tape machine and board. So when I recorded my whispering some of it bled onto the piano tracks and was impossible to entirely remove. I didn't notice until it was too late in the mixing process. Hopefully I explained that sufficiently ha. Glad you were able to get creative with your guitar recording process too! Always fun to switch it up. Cheers brother!

[@scottkeenan1646]

This is so good Mario! I've been home recording since 4 track era, but I do love my DAW. Your point about restrictions is spot on and one i use all the time. Limiting the number of tracks used is a great place start. One last thing, your alternative universe of characters was such a laugh out load unexpected bonus. Very unique, Keep them coming.

[@Mario_DiSanto]

Hey Scott, thanks for the comment. Glad to hear you are keeping the home recording process alive regardless of medium! Cheers.

[@Danieljfern]

Sounds great and I love the process

[@aftertheendtimes]

Amazing recording, performance, and piece of art,

[@Mario_DiSanto]

Thanks for listening! Cheers

[@martinlehfeldt5514]

This is a really fun video to watch for many reasons. I like going back to old gear, and comparisons. And your entertaining to watch. Good stuff.

[@Mario_DiSanto]

Glad you enjoyed it, Martin!

[@KristianPaulsen1977]

Greetings from Denmark. Keep up the good stuff and shameless self promoting Mario. I'll be recording my album soon, and will use your fine tips and recommendations. So thank you for that. Cheers!

[@Mario_DiSanto]

Big hello and thank you for the US! Would love to hear your album when it's done.

[@blkPhillip]

You're awesome, and I was lmfao at the Slimjim Joe self-promotion song! Hands-down, you've been producing my favorite content on YT. I'm always stoked when I see you've put up a new video. Thanks!

[@Mario_DiSanto]

Thanks so much!! I was worried people might not laugh at all and think I was nuts lol.

[@jonesvox1]

Great tunes and production!! I always prefer the limited track exercise. My best compositions are typically done as demos to 4-track…then when I go to do a true, multitrack production it never seems to capture the charm and feel of the demo. New subscriber and glad to discover your channel. Keep it going!

[@Mario_DiSanto]

Ahhhhh man I totally sympathize with the missing charm bit. Because of this I like to record almost all of my songs in one phase. No demo recording, all final takes. I like to write on the spot this way too and I sometimes come up with some great improvisation this way.

[@BlenderheadX]

Flaming grooves! You're a vert good drummer man!

[@Mario_DiSanto]

Thanks man

[@billymcguiremusic]

Always love your videos, and I definitely enjoyed hearing about your process on these songs!

[@Mario_DiSanto]

Thanks Billy! Always appreciate your perspective.

[@iRevolVeR21]

More vids! Get on it Mario! 😊

[@owlwoodsouth]

Excellent! Super enjoyable process and am always a fan of limitations. Love the tone of your Tascam setup and the Shure mic mixer. Cheers!

[@larkywhite4865]

Hang ten was one of my favorite tracks on the album. Love the drip on the riff and how the song turns into a tense freakout kinda thing.

[@Mario_DiSanto]

I also love the DRIP. I don't understand how people use their amps without their reverb pinned to 10!!!!

[@larkywhite4865]

@@Mario_DiSanto totally agree man. A drippy spring reverb can create some of the coolest sounds. I been trying to write some spaghetti western tunes and wanna find a good spring unit somewhere.

[@Mario_DiSanto]

@@larkywhite4865 Big thumbs up for some spaghetti western.

[@BobHarley]

I strongly disagree about self promotion issue. You teach us about retro audio recording and your albums is the best example that it works and you know what you're talking about. Also I'm glad that someone too thinks that limitations increase creativity. I've been thinking about it for years.

[@Mario_DiSanto]

I like to apply the limitation principle to all my hobbies/interests. Great tool and it's FREE!

[@funlittlefish]

Mario you should check out a band called The Doublejumps i think you'd really like them. Love your videos, your sound is always so authentic and your ethos is admirable

[@Mario_DiSanto]

I have listened to the Doublejumps before and I dig. Never had someone comment on my ethos before, I feel important now. Cheers

[@funlittlefish]

@@Mario_DiSanto You are important! Keep it up and i'll keep watching :)

[@ubertuber222]

Great video as always man, love the info! And would be keen AF to hear that beastie boys type stuff when it's ready!

[@Mario_DiSanto]

I am going to have to plan a lot for that song. I want to do it RIGHT, ya know?

[@ubertuber222]

@@Mario_DiSanto for sure man! Take your time coz I know you're gonna nail the vibe 💪

[@enragedhippy]

Hey Mario! Huge fan of your videos! Your channel has influenced me so much! one question- how do you tackle possible mic phasing issues with the analog setup? let me know! Would love to see a video comparing your pre-amps as well im so curious!

[@Mario_DiSanto]

My board does not have a polarity switch button so the only choice I have is to move mics around if my ears hear something fishy. I try to follow the 3:1 mic positioning rule to avoid any phase issues. I find this works 99% of the time. I really only turn into issues with drum mics, sometimes. Truthfully I rarely am concerned with it, as I said the 3:1 rule is crucial.

[@MrGerky]

Amazing video brother

[@DennisMC1974]

Really Cool Groovy Stuff Dude I really dig what you're doing I've been working on doing some garagerock garagepunk stuff myself 🔥😎🎵☮️🤝🤘

[@Mario_DiSanto]

Hell yeah Dennis let's hear some of this garage punk!

[@DennisMC1974]

@@Mario_DiSanto 🎵🏴‍☠️👍☮️😎💥🖤

[@iliavr]

Great video and music, a bit noodly on the solo guitar (as in busy) on the Lost Organ one. But 'medly'? 😊

[@Mario_DiSanto]

You are correct. In general, I need to leave more space for the solo to breath. Phrasing is everything for a good solaa

[@Luci-fd6ny]

Another great video, that yamaha mixer looks pretty interesting fairly sure i saw something similar to it for sale a while back, i know there was an EM-300 and i know i got an MQ-1602 😅

[@Mario_DiSanto]

Those MQs look like they got some MOJO though! Basing that purely on visual aesthetics lol.

[@Luci-fd6ny]

@Mario_DiSanto it's pretty solid if you're going rock and roll, at least that's what sounds best with it and my MDU-29 Mic

[@kniferideaudio]

Great work. Jam Econo!

[@mikebassy]

Another brilliant presentation. I have an 8 track Porto studio tascam DP 8 that is use to take to a friends house and record sax or Hammond organ then edit at another friends studio in protools . Then another mate calls my stuff low fi . Then I don’t care . I have a jazz fusion EP coming out next week hopefully. Keep up the good work

[@Mario_DiSanto]

That sounds really cool and what home recording is all about , fun with friends. Send the EP my way I wanna groove.

[@felipegonzalez7972]

Man I love your videos, it's fun watching you have fun experimenting with recording techniques. I can relate! Was wondering, do you record drums to a metronome or the other instruments for that matter..?

[@Mario_DiSanto]

99% of the time I'm free-ballin' it. No metronome needed when I record the "scratch track" before the drum take. I like to change my tempo a lot from section to section of a song, and I also think it gives a song an organic/live band feel. I think the only time I ever used a metronome was on the last organ part of "The Electric Organ Acid Test". For that song I actually recorded all my final organ parts before my drums instead as the organ was meant to be the driving force behind that song. I tried for over a month to get that part right without a metronome and I eventually gave up and caved in.

[@felipegonzalez7972]

@@Mario_DiSanto Cool, did you have to go through a learning curve in order to learn to play drums by feel in the recoridng enviourment? That takes practice!

[@Mario_DiSanto]

@@felipegonzalez7972 I have been drumming for many years and in band environments for a while, so the "feel" comes naturally now. That's why I recommend all instrumentalists learn the drums to some degree.

[@damienf.7543]

Great video as always (always like I've been watching since the beginning. I've been watching a week.) If you want silly and noise my old band the Blue Cheese Pancakes (on bandcamp on We Have no Records (sorry self promo can't help it)) there's a ton. Also those noises you made were TOP NOTCH I admire them.

[@SolarLantern424]

Definitely bounce some tracks on the next project also the wierdest thing might be to work out how you can share tracks between different songs. Like maybe two songs could have the same bass track or you could record a song backwards and a song forwards and then use some backwards track from one song as the trippy bit in the other song. Good Luck. Try and find a reel of cheap tape and come up with some tape saving ideas for it! :) I like where you are going with this.

[@Mario_DiSanto]

Wow dude that is a fantastic idea!

[@GladeSwope]

6:05 - I actually had one of those Teac Simul-sync 4-Tracks, from 1991 to about 2006. I did more with it than was considered possible.

[@Mario_DiSanto]

I wanna hear some of those recordings man

[@GladeSwope]

@@Mario_DiSanto Of course. All of my material prior to 2002 was recorded on the same 4-track deck shown in that picture. Each of these two songs had three layers of stereo mixdown bouncing, and I had a few dirty tricks up my sleeve to mitigate degeneration losses. The Missing Years music.kzbin.info/www/bejne/l4HHgXmbZ9lrrs0 Sea of Tears 2 music.kzbin.info/www/bejne/qoPYYZuOl79rmrM "The Unfinished Requiem" (1998) and "The Time Traveler's Symphony" (2001) were originally homemade cassette albums; lots more where that came from.

[@CharlesK441]

Ok so was sat next to my partner whilst listening to the tracks. As she was bopping along, i asked when do you think this music was from. She said 60's! There you go job done! 👏🏾 Majority of people will not know anything about production, engineering etc, just the music. PROMOTE ❤👏🏾🙏🏾

[@Mario_DiSanto]

Thank you so much. Totally agree that most people know zilch about production and engineering, so to a certain degree the nitty gritty details are irrelevant.

[@typewritermark]

I love this!

[@simondanielssonmusic]

Just found your channel. This is STUPIDLY original. Subscribed :) Love from Sweden

[@Mario_DiSanto]

Cheers from the US! Thanks for stopping by :)

[@scottshields3054]

Mario I did similar things when I was in school were we had to come up with something with track limitations. It really forces you to start thinking about different mic techniques, how to use space differently and a whole lot of other things. One of the things that I found out doing stuff like that was that bass sounds way better when you record it through a guitar amp instead of a bass amp. The other thing that I started doing was modding some of my gear to see if I could get a more unique sound out of my recordings. Keep up the shameless promotions!

[@Mario_DiSanto]

Dudeee, I am always so scared to put my bass through my twin amp. I sear it feels like I am going to blow out my speakers even though they are some beefy things. Am I just crazy? Do I need to indulge more into this world?

[@scottshields3054]

@@Mario_DiSanto Hey Mario! It'll be fine. Way back in the day they didn't have bass amps. It was all pretty much the exact same stuff for bass and guitar. Look up something like 'The Ventures Live in Japan 1965' on KZbin and you'll see 3 identical amps. If you're really worried about hurting your amp just turn down the volume of your bass and bring it up slowly or look into doing something like re-amping. Or even just get something cheap like a Fender Frontman 2x12 to experiment with. I'm pretty sure that's what I used the last time I did it and it sounded great. They're like $200 used and if you blow it up no big deal. I think even Glenn Fricker over at SpectreSoundStudios did a whole video on plugging a bass into a guitar amp and it's crazy how much of a difference it makes. If you need help with it just reach out and I'll give you a hand with it. Your channel is really something cool and unique in this day and age so I'd like to see you do more stuff.

[@Mario_DiSanto]

@@scottshields3054 Alrighty Scotty ya might have just convinced me. I am going to give it a whirl when I get home today from work. That Venture performance is great too! Wow, can't believe I haven't seen that before. Cheers

[@scottshields3054]

@@Mario_DiSanto How did your experiment go?

[@Mario_DiSanto]

@@scottshields3054 just plugged in right into my valve Jr. Very fuzzy gave me a lot of inspiration for some fuzzed out riffs!

[@StrawberryWindowpane]

Very insightful video Mario! I’ve been using a tascam 4 track cassette recorder for my songs but I’d like to buy and learn how to use a 1960s reel to reel to get that authentic 60s garage sound. I saw that your using a 70s? Silver face twin reverb, I’m thinking about picking up an original 70s one as well since they go for about $1,500 aud here in Australia which is pretty cheap. I wanted to get a 60s reissue blackface fender deluxe reverb but they’re too expensive at around $2000 aud haha and I’m trying to save up to go to the very hippie town of Byron Bay with my girlfriend. Also I’m trying to get a band together since I’m playing every instrument myself with mixed results haha, for my drum tracks I’ve been using a cheap Casio keyboards drum loop. Have a great day mate! Peace and love😊

[@Mario_DiSanto]

Many great things have been made with a cheap Casio drum loop going! Definitely, pick up a Twin. You won't be disappointed. I an being buried with mine. And get a band together man! How hard could it be!!! (This is sarcasm).

[@Mario_DiSanto]

What sorta 'artificial' limitations do you all impose to your recording process? (Mario's House Recording Studio is not responsible for Slim Jim Joe's thoughts, opinions, or actions)

[@Thr3-Words]

I only record sober. It's been three years since I last recorded something, but I might be getting there next month...

[@damienf.7543]

I have no equipment except for my guitar and amp and computer, and the computer has no storage, so I use bandlab. I no longer use any midi drums, I now bang on a cookie container with a stick.

[@crashsvault]

Full takes only and and a physical rig recorded through a microphone. Still on the hunt for analog gear!

[@EricStPierre]

Rhythm guitar & drums must be recorded live off the floor. It glues performances together greatly & allows for the capture spontaneity. The goal is to be able to capture an entire song live off the floor. Closest I've gotten is lead vocals, guitars & drums done in single take, alas need more man power! Another limitation I like to use often is only have one instance of reverb that all other tracks get routed to. It really helps gel performances together.

[@BigSlimMoody.247]

Does a lack of talent count? If so then all of my recordings possess that limitation.

[@edjefferson9175]

I think that is the same model EV mic on display at Graceland. I think they call the design variable D? Basically you get a dynamic cardioid mic without the booming proximity effect. Love that!

[@Mario_DiSanto]

Yes exactly. Most of mine are supercardioid too. Makes those mics great on so many sources. Fairly true to ear in my opinion.

[@hansmjakobsen6865]

Excellent

[@kevinsturges6957]

Your recordings sound great! Someone should release some plugins or impulse captures based on your workflow. I’m serious.

[@Mario_DiSanto]

That could be interesting. I did have a fella model my MN-50 for a plugin before.

[@mattmurray517]

Oh yes

[@shaft9000]

New sub, just landed here 4-5 min ago from a 'studioprojects C1' condenser search(?!) and we haven't gotten to the meat of anything yet lol...the skit was enough, and I'm generally a YT snob

[@shaft9000]

okay, got to the end...'Hang Ten' is a banger! Dick would smile ;o) entire medley is a fun listen, reminds me of They Might Be Giants' approach some but it's all you, so KEEP AT IT One of my top period references is Peter Thomas' 60s soundtrack work for the German TV shows 'Space Patrol', 'Jerry Cotton' and others. For retro it's hard to beat Mr Bungle _California._

[@Mario_DiSanto]

I am definitely gonna check out Space Patrol. Never heard of Peter Thomas before. Thanks for the suggestion.

[@kilgoretrout3966]

Ami Missing something, or does that 1" Tascam record 16 tracks? Maybe dual metering?,,,I dunno. I can't recall seeing a 1" with 16 tracks, if so, that's cool! Where I worked we had a Studer 16, And I believe the Telefunken was 24 track 2", all mixed down to an Ampex. Love your channel on first watch. Subbed.

[@Mario_DiSanto]

I am a little confused what you are asking me. But yes, the Tascam has 16 tracks on the 1" tape. A 24 track would be nice but I seem to do just fine with the limit of 16 tracks. I have an Alesis HD24 that I use as a 16 track machine even though it has capabilities of 24 track recordings. I don't use the whole 24 because my board only has a setup for 16 tracks.

[@davidjperkins1710]

RIght on- although I can't grasp the literal sense since I still think like it's 4 track (still have my tape decks) and never went to anything resembling DAW. Love your perspective mate.

[@Mario_DiSanto]

Thanks for watching David, cheers.

[@connerstines1578]

Very timely for what I'm about to embark on. That '68 sound of British psychedelia is what I'm shooting for.

[@Mario_DiSanto]

I'd like to hear your end result!

[@dariomercuri]

The new hey song was my favorite from the album. But I do have to ask, is there an "old" hey song? Will there ever be a "newer" hey song?

[@Mario_DiSanto]

Garry Glitter's "Rock and Roll Part 2"

[@MsSoundmaniak]

I'm getting a shure mixer tomorrow... gotta give it a try

[@Mario_DiSanto]

Let me know how it goessssssssssss.

[@dillipphunbar7924]

Not what I was expecting, but pleasantly surprised by the process. True musicianship is a rarity in this algorithm-led, digitally saturated world. BTW, Taxation is Theft.

[@Mario_DiSanto]

I appreciate the compliment. Slim Jim Joe also appreciates the comment.

[@dawnviola3258]

I liked that organ. Push the saturation and cover Dream Baby Dream. 🥰

[@elcaminocarcrsh]

I love the word “ruched”. Rough and Rushed. Or vice versa.

[@Mario_DiSanto]

Just scribbled it into my personal dictionary.

[@jerrylada461]

Borrowed your FOK ribbon + EV635a snare technique and it sure is a keeper. Also, more self promotion please!!

[@johnkaplun9619]

Great work as always. Promote away, your musics how you make your points. As a question towards the totally opposite type of production, do you use the VCA automation on your desk at all? I have an M520 and I'm jelly of the automation consoles

[@jackcrook4435]

I have an m520 too man. Respect. I always see people bashing them but I reckon it rules.

[@Mario_DiSanto]

I have no idea what VCA automation is, can you explain? You don't mean automatic fader control do you?

[@johnkaplun9619]

​@@Mario_DiSantoyeah Voltage Controled Amplifiers, it's automation but the faders don't move the. The channel volumes just controlled electrically. Do you have the 3500 or the 3700? I just looked it up and realized apparently only the 3700 has the VCA automation so my b.

[@Mario_DiSanto]

@@johnkaplun9619 I have the 3500.

[@funkmachine6420]

Funny, cos I've been thinking about doing exactly this. I normally make 80s style music, so there's lots of layers of production going on. To mix it up I'm thinking of basically doing a "garage demo" EP only using my daw as sort of 4 track. Cool vid bro

[@Mario_DiSanto]

Yesss. I would like to hear the result!

[@Tosoruth]

Listen to Distorted Proportions by Mario DeSanto. Listen to Distorted Proportions by Mario DeSanto. Listen to Distorted Proportions by Mario DeSanto. Did I mention- Listen to Distorted Proportions by Mario DeSanto. It’s a great album.

[@Mario_DiSanto]

Lol I am going to check Blue Cheese Pankcakes out tomorrow at work. I hope this isn't like the Blue Waffle.

[@falcxne]

Love the video Mario, I greatly respect the level of detail you provide about your process. Do you still find yourself using the Sansui Reverb box as an outboard Reverb? Curious what use cases you have for it if you still use it (and what you don't like about it if you don't) - just managed to grab one on the cheap on FB marketplace.

[@falcxne]

That Fostex looks (and certainly sounds) fantastic

[@Mario_DiSanto]

I haven't used the Sansui on any recordings. I did try it out for fun one time and it sounded very similar to my Pioneer SR-202W. I used that a few times when I first started recording. It get's the job done if it's all ya got but really isn't mean for recording. The gain is VERY low on those machines and as a result you have to bump up the volume quite a bit if you want a lot of reverb (which obviously I love a shiz ton). More volume gain means more hiss and background noise. If you just want a little 'verb though it does great. Once I got the fostex Reverb there was no use for the Pioneer anymore so I moved it back to my record player permanently.

[@falcxne]

@Mario_DiSanto thanks for that Mario! Super detailed and exactly what I needed to hear 🙏, gonna be keeping an eye out for something along the lines of the Fostex cause it sounds killer on your recordings (which are all fantastic)!

[@jackmmarsden]

The organ into the amp sounded so so sick

[@Mario_DiSanto]

For sure! Just the right amount of shittiness

[@falcxne]

Promise I'll stop bugging you, Mario haha - I think the Shure Mic Mixer you've got is the M67. Have you ever used an M68? Or a M267/268? I can't seem to find any M67s near me but there are some of these others listed and I was curious if you've ever tried them and, if so, how their sound coloring compared to the M67. Cheers, Mario!

[@Mario_DiSanto]

I have an M68. As far as I know it's the same as a M67 just without the VU meter. My tests sound the same between the two units. Someone recently gifted me an m267 as well which is cool because there is a built in limiter. I haven't used it on a recording yet but I am sure it's "close enough" to the M67. The transformers are probably different and you'll get some jabrons telling ya there completely different sounding but I promise ya it'll be good for your purposes. I would buy any of these four models. Cheers Mario

[@falcxne]

@@Mario_DiSanto you're a legend, sir - thank you very much!

[@gelsol]

Hey Mario! So when you sum your mics, whether it be drums, organ, whatever, do you make a few test recordings first, or just sort of "earball" it through headphones? I'd imagine you're pretty good at dialing it in now, since you do it all the time, but just curious about the process. Thanks!

[@Mario_DiSanto]

Great question. I always do at least one test recording. For drums my "go-to" mic setup changes little so I pretty much know exactly where the gain levels need to be for each mic. After the first take I adjust the levels to fit the energy of the song as some songs I play in a 60s type of jazzy-light rock style, and other times I am going full Bonzo and hit shells hard. I also like to boost or cut the snare drum mic a smidge. For other stuff like a guitar amp with two mics I usually try to match the levels for each mic using the VU meter. I don't get to particular with this. As long as the first test take sounds good I move on. Any minor adjustments to EQ can be done when mixing. Maybe with something like my organ where I am miking two separate amps and two completely frequency ranges of notes there is more trial and error. Maybe 3-5 takes until I get the lower deck of the organ to be at the right level in comparison to the upper deck. VU meters can be deceiving when comparing different frequency ranges of an instrument. Hope this helps, Mario

[@gelsol]

@@Mario_DiSanto Awesome, thanks so much for the reply. I'm gonna have to try some summing limitations with my own studio!

[@JenonCo]

SPECTACULARRRR

[@TheMirolab]

There’s a current band called The Mystery Lights that nails this 60s sound in a punk/alt rock style. They’re great live too!

[@Mario_DiSanto]

I am gonna checkkkk it out now!

[@SMUZHILL]

Like you mean that I could use a suitcase as a drum set and that would be considered being creative?

[@Mario_DiSanto]

Definitely.

[@paolocogo8232]

Great!

[@bety.suhartini]

I love your mysic

[@tripkovsky]

You still rolling with this same setup? The issue you ran into with recordings sounding over-saturated at 7.5 IPS after gain-staging, is probably because your machine is calibrated for 15 IPS, or possibly for a different kind of tape formulation at 7.5 IPS. I personally stick with at least 15 IPS for most things, but especially delicate or quiet sounds, and final mixdowns. Drums and punchy bass can sound great at 7.5 IPS. For these needs I keep 2 tape machines, one calibrated for 15 and another 7.5 IPS. They both sound smooth as velvet.

[@Mario_DiSanto]

Same setup. Until I convince myself to get a proper mixdown deck I am stuck with the Tascam 22-2 which has very little capacity for calibration. I don't have much thought behind what speed to use when and where, other than '7.5 is more GARAGE MANNNNN!'. Honestly my experience has shown the sonic differences in 7.5 and 15 ips on that specific machine are small enough to be compensated very easily with a small hi-end boost during my 'mastering' stage. I usually boost 16k by 3db to 6 db.

[@roseoddments]

Love the deep dive into the 4-track medley! I really am a fan of Jem Bon. Can't wait to see what you do with those two bars for your Beastie Boys type track!

[@Mario_DiSanto]

Yeah I have to figure out the best way to loop it first! I am excited for that one.

[@lennonnicolas5994]

Do you have any videos on a good starters set-up for analog recording?

[@Mario_DiSanto]

No but that's not a shabby idea

[@BadChizzle]

“Distorted Proportions” is out now!!!

[@Mario_DiSanto]

It's true, It's true!

[@BigSlimMoody.247]

Every musician should be promoting themselves. Whether you are promoting a gig, selling t shirts or your music. If you're just practicing in your mom's basement then yeah, you should probably keep it to yourself. As for your 4 track medleys: I think they make great transitional songs on your new LP. Out of context of the LP I feel that they are not as strong of tracks (stand alone) such as "Squash me like a bug", "the electric organ acid test" or "Pretty girl". If that makes any sense. Peace. -Big Slim Moody

[@Mario_DiSanto]

Big Slim Moody, your name has an uncanny resemble to Slim Jim Joe. Are you two related by any chance? I agree with your assessment of the four-track medley. Next time around I am going to flesh out the songs more. Also glad to hear "Squash Me Like a Bug" is a strong track! Cheers,

[@BigSlimMoody.247]

@@Mario_DiSanto Yes, Slim Jim Joe is a 3rd cousin from my fathers side of the family. We don't like to talk about him in the Moody household. He's a bit awkward to be around in social situations. Big fan of your music Mario. Keep it up! And if you're at all curious; I can be found on Soundcloud. See how I just promoted myself there.

[@Mario_DiSanto]

@@BigSlimMoody.247 Man, your one slick puppy!

[@Mario_DiSanto]

@@BigSlimMoody.247 rockin' to vampire lover! Very cool! Like an early Gary Numan. I wanna hear that with a live drum track!! Sounds killer already boiii.

[@BigSlimMoody.247]

@@Mario_DiSanto Thanks Mario. Gary Numan is indeed one of my influences.

[@rawpoweraudio]

Liked the video as soon as I saw no mood lighting

[@Mario_DiSanto]

All sunlight baby

[@SolarLantern424]

Back in the day the pressing plants would only take quarter inch tape at 15ips (or 30). Stick with 15. It has that classic sound to it!

[@torocruz1192]

🔥🔥🔥🔥👍🏽

[@OriginalMixedUpKid]

More selfpromotion!!❤

[@dudearlo]

that guitar on that one track is so drippy :D

[@suspiciouswatermelon7639]

Technically, you only should have put 3 songs on that length of tape... leave track 1 empty, then use 2-5 for the first song, leave 6 empty, 7-10 for the second song, leave 11 empty, then 12-15 for the third song... and leave 16 empty. I used to do this with 16 track tape long ago to save tape if I knew I was only going to record 4 tracks! The empty tracks act as a buffer so there is no crosstalk between programs.

[@oleplanthafer7034]

Yank style, alright, but Joe Meek would love you to bits for this, no doubt! Bravo! 🤗👍👍👍

[@Mario_DiSanto]

Wow, thanks! Are you across the pond?

[@martinhorstrecorder7866]

Slim jim best man! 🎉 Promote yourself!