The Easiest Way to Record Your Synth (And Other Electronic Recording Tips) | Reverb

Synth players just need a few more knobs and switches to commit exciting music to tape. Even if you're a whiz with modular, Eurorack, or desktop synths, finding the proper balance and the appropriate recording setup can be a major problem. A problem that Reverb's resident synth head, Justin DeLay, is here to help you solve.
Read More on Reverb: goo.gl/GF8tBY
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Watch Synth Sounds Of... on Reverb: goo.gl/XD8m8w
Tips on Recording Bass: goo.gl/mLERGp
Tips on Recording Acoustic Guitar: goo.gl/1r81xK
Tips on Recording Electric Guitar: goo.gl/kBgZ1x
Tips on Recording Podcasts: goo.gl/Rbb23u
Tips on Setting up a PA System: goo.gl/cb4ZwP
For more on this topic, check out this video from BoBeats: • How to record your syn...

[@lucaskamal8094]

Justin Delay.... at Reverb? That’s awesome.

[@NeoBalkanacMan]

Just-in Delay ;)

[@CausticCatastrophe]

Without fail, every video he makes will have this comment.

[@dior096]

not his real name

[@picklepickle1639]

@@NeoBalkanacMan ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;)

[@thecynth3820]

@Caustic I know right, we don't need a chorus!

[@williamscolaro1159]

A cool trick if you have MIDI setup: while recording your audio from the synth, arm an additional track with a midi input to record only the midi. This is useful so that if you decide later you want a different sound you can then output that midi performance back through the synth with a different sound on your synth and not have to complete another performance. Kind of similar to reamping guitar performances with a di box.

[@bhaskarville]

Could you explain this with a few steps? How would I create an additional track with a MIDI input?

[@M3333C]

Apollo twin doesnt have midi :(

[@ryangunwitch-black]

That’s exact what I thought this video was going to do. Lol

[@mikedegrazia]

Good idea, thanks!

[@GregoryDumont2]

How does the midi signal travel from the synth to the computer if you're only connected via audio through the sound card?

[@MakeSomething]

The Reverb channel has been killin' it lately. Always great vids!

[@ricardochavez4036]

What a time to be a muscian everything you need to know is at our fingertips

[@mikeexits]

@@ricardochavez4036 At the same time people are lazier than ever and overwhelmed with options. That's where I've been stuck, lol.

[@losangulos]

Yeah, next video will be about how to turn on your computer

[@joseluque03]

This is ridiculously precise in everything I needed to know about how to arrange the set up I want. Everywhere was overcomplicating it. Thank you!

[@DMRobot101]

Thanks for the step-by-step and easily to follow instructions. I find some videos on KZbin assume you understand all the jargon related to interfaces, mixers and I/O...but us beginners have to search for hours trying to find the basic of the basics to get to "normal" level of understanding. I like it!

[@an0va]

so excited to see Justin back on here! his videos were always the best

[@Stweak]

i dont have a synth, i don't have any music instruments, but damn this guy seems like a really nice guy

[@blviking56]

Justin! Could you do a video explaining midi with synthesizers? That would be super helpful!

[@blviking56]

@Justin Delay Thank you man! You're awesome.

[@RichardDenRooyen1973]

would be nice to see how u manage MIDI and audio recording from the same machine at the same time, using again a mixer.... wondering how u will tackle eventually latency problems

[@iRedCraft]

Great Idea I have the same question

[@coltenmurray5314]

Has anyone found a video on this? Can't believe I'm having so much trouble figuring this out but i am

[@ConwayBob]

@@coltenmurray5314 -- This one is pretty good: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pJa7pKqAf8iUqsU

[@sranug]

This is exactly what I was looking for! Straight to the point, very easy explained, thank you.

[@zztosha]

This was actually a very informative vid for someone who's brand new to all of this. Thank you !

[@Liz-cp4xl]

This is an EXTREMELY helpful video. Exactly what I needed. Thank you very much!

[@jasonbeatty831]

What a great video, I love the step by step you give, helps people like me who have never really recorded at home on a laptop before. You are doing good work so, please keep it up.

[@TheChromaKid]

This was super helpful! Thank you for slightly demystifying the madness that is audio equipment

[@StevenMelin]

I’ve never considered using a mixer between synth & audio interface. Super useful tip, thanks!

[@alecsv3906]

Out of all the guides I watched this was the most complete and easy to understand. Thank you!

[@Catonator]

I was very worried that my mixer-interface setup was overkill and that I should've gotten a bigger interface instead... Thanks for helping with that! I don't think many people actually talk about setting up your studio, just what you can have it. Good video!

[@Beloshytskiy]

this video is what I was looking for as a newbie to synthesizers and making electronic music. Thank you!

[@dreg7305]

Needed a simple, clear explanation of this process. Much appreciated. Now I need to figure out how to get certain sounds from a synth. Cheers!

[@raven_zoe]

Incredibly helpful video for a beginner. Very well done, well explained. Thanks Reverb! Keep it up!

[@RootinrPootine]

How would you know if you're a beginner?

[@GavinMorris1]

Love the way you explain things straight forwardly.

[@GunninRebel55]

Thank you for posting this. It really answered a lot of questions and opened a lot of things up for me in my recording process. Very helpful. Much appreciated!

[@BCTGuitarPlayer]

I’ve got a long way to go yet, but you’ve help put me a few steps closer. Thanks!

[@gynka1996]

Justin is back!!!! Please give us more Justin Delay stuff

[@SDoylerrs]

gynka1996 his videos on John Carpenter and Stranger Things are what go me into Reverb

[@gynka1996]

@@SDoylerrs me too. I really liked Twin Peaks stuff

[@russellredden8590]

This is the most helpful video on KZbin. Great work.

[@kris983]

you have no idea how helpful this was, thank you

[@checkmatenate]

HANDS DOWN THE BEST TUTORIAL I’VE SEEN YET!!! That stereo synth sounds incredible. I have an Apollo x8 and all I have is a vocal chain in it for an input lol.

[@geekag1]

Justin, I like your method of instruction: state a goal, explain stepwise, and summarize. No BS. Thank you for that. Now for the favor... I can't find any decent tutorials on the Korg Volca Drum. You could help lots of folks get on track, so to speak. Thanks again.

[@alchemynd]

This is a killer video about recording synths! You guys are amazing!!!!

[@mysterio77690]

So helpfull!!! Thanks for the explainations!

[@Moruial]

daaaamn That is just what I needed! Building my first syhtn set up right now, somebody gave me a nice 8 channel audio mixer, now, I just need to find a nice audio interface! Thank you for all the tips!

[@dylanhughes4548]

Excellent video - so well explained.

[@LadyMissKris]

Thank you, your tutorials are so helpful!

[@whiskeymike7364]

This was useful. I knew some, but not all that he was speaking of. Any time I learn something, I am happy. TY Justin.

[@plazahotelmusic]

Really simple and easy to understand video - thanks

[@thecolorhero1078]

Thank you for breaking this down step by step

[@AlexanderSir]

Awesome video. Very helpful!

[@FilipLackovicMusic]

Very nicely explained, thank you! 🙂

[@vznquest]

i like this guys presentation style. great info!

[@moshik5]

Simple, Efficient and really helpful! thank you! :)

[@jamman6]

This is such an excellent video, thank you!

[@raulmiranda737]

You just answered all of my recording questions. Thanks!

[@CCL1603]

Amazing video, thanks a bunch!

[@JennaGeen]

This is so so helpful thank you!

[@robertdiloreto87]

thanks. perfect for what i wanted and very well explained

[@MisterExcelsior]

Dude this video helped me so much.

[@ekovv]

Never even thought to use a mixer like that, thank you so much.

[@relikvija]

I like this guy, natural at explaining stuff

[@carlbedford7298]

Great little vid. Thanks

[@Rafael-et6rn]

Amazing video! Thank you so much!

[@darkcity7060]

Thanks just the info I was looking for!

[@nickpritchard7130]

Excellent video for beginners. Thanks for not mentioning connecting via midi as i am not there yet. Bravo !!!!

[@andreumateulamas]

Great video. Good help. Thanks.

[@marianoulibarri]

Excelente vid! Thanks folks!

[@x-JB-x]

brill answered my question on the way the mixer connects up...thanks guys.

[@NickBurgess10]

This answers questions I didn’t even know I had yet

[@Emguilar]

this was really helpfull, thanks a lot!

[@tendingtropic7778]

Thanks for this video, great stuff. I understand the green/red way of metering the synthvolume: but I'm curious to know in terms of db/dbfs: what is the optimal peak gain setting/level for the signal coming in to the DAW? My experience with my synths is that the signal is quite low (coming in my interface, rme fireface). So what is the best place to add gain? on the interface (eg by setting the mixer slider higher than unity gain), or within DAW with a gain plugin?

[@psyzmech9044]

Great tutorial, would you recommend a mixer with usb such as a behringer xenyx qx1002usb between synth and DAW?

[@Wartezimmer]

Nice base level tutorial video. Thumbs up

[@matienazemy1382]

That opening sequence was sick af 🔥 🔥 🔥

[@Anders1236]

I’m new to this (I have a Monologue) and it was informative and interesting. Thank you!

[@juliandelacalzada3031]

I didn't think I was gonna learn anything from this video, but the mixer in front of an audio interface idea is really smart! Great for recording jams too. I haven't mic-ed up a synth and amp yet, but I have a a peavy vyper VIP-2 that can act as an acoustic, electric, and bass guitar amp lol. I've used synths with it already and it does sound pretty good. Just gotta try recording that combo with a mix now.. That'll be my next experiment! Cheers Reverb!

[@chadsix4838]

great video! thanks so much

[@mrbigh36]

Pretty helpful video, Thanks! But I wanted to know, how would that work with a volca that only has a headphone audio out channel? Cheers!

[@mukunddhore5210]

Thank you.your video helped alot

[@lilwater9960]

very clear. thank you 👌🏾

[@BboyEMC]

informative!! thanks REVERB

[@justinlonghofer]

Fantastic tutorial

[@DK-qe6uo]

Hey Justin and Reverb thanks for doing this video. Will you do a video on using the Minilogue with midi and options for using the trigger in and out? I have difficulty with the moment I hit record on my interface or play on my Drumbrute where it immediately wants to play the sequencer for me when all I want is the clock to play my arppegiator in time

[@masseffect3922]

Thank you pal! I use a Focusrite 2i4 to record my synths

[@megabugginout]

You are an amazing teacher.

[@zachdamore6977]

Super helpful video fo beginners!

[@klaytonvonkluge4905]

Very cool, informative, thank you,!!

[@vijayanand1154]

Great video !!!!

[@jakeyboy2929]

Great tip on the mixer. Connecting all your synths to one mixer and having the mixer going to interface saves a lot of wires etc

[@joshuamejia2496]

That Prophet 😍😍😍 , that's a big flex. Great video! Thanks

[@eliahlopez]

thanks for this!

[@ZoeSummers1701A]

So helpful! The only thing I wish was discussed was how newer synths have a daw output over usb and how to use that too.

[@bendipper5490]

Thanks for posting the video. Anyone know what the larger mixer he was using was?

[@yreham3]

but tell us when do you set you audio interface level ?

[@synthax6767]

Thanks awesome vid!

[@drnoelpapa]

hi there guys, awesome work with the vids! i am going to buy a stereo synth to complement the mono, but i do not have enough inputs on my UAD Twin.could i plug the mono synth into to “guitar” input on the front of the panel? does not sound right at first :) connected to it: if i buy a cheap mixer won’t it be very noisy and or diminish the sound of the moog? cheap meaning around 400-500 dollars. or should i just save up for the ssl six a spare the trouble of juggling mixers. thanks for your time!

[@Phillyfast]

I have a Behringer 12 channel mixer that I feed via XLR outputs into the XLR inputs of my M-Audio M Track Plus interface. Works like a charm. I keep just about all of my gear hooked up to it so I don't have to constantly plug and unplug when I'm recording different instruments.

[@AlexWhiteVideo]

Hey just wondering, you're pretty much only using XLR I/O for instruments that are mic'd right? Or is there some reason you prefer using XLR over line-level I/O

[@dimex1930]

Is there an advantage to using the mentioned mixer setup vs. using an ADAT device for expanding your audio inputs?

[@theoliviaarchives4794]

I run my synths through an old tube amp and it sounds awesome.

[@bachelorgamer8001]

Thank you so much

[@nyguezz]

Hi there, I really follow your videos to get more knowledge on these stuff :) here comes my newbie question: Considering I want to record on my laptop what I do with my synth, drum machine and guitar, and I do have only one active speaker. I am wondering if connecting the synth and drum machine to a mixer and then the speaker (sharing the same speaker through mixer) and after the mixer comes the audio interface to be able to record all these into my laptop using a DAW. Am I right? Thank you in advance.

[@Paradroidx]

Hey Justin , I recently picked up a Monologue, at an excellent price. Kind of new to hardware synths. I have an M Audio M Track 2x2 interface, and picked up some 1/4 ts cables, but they are interconnected. Question is, will they still work? I have an electric guitar, and some cables laying around but wanted some shorter ones for my desktop setup. Thanks!

[@dakotahrivers6640]

When panning the stereo inputs, do you hard pan 50/50 left and right? Or pan only partially to the left and right?

[@turteschris3191]

Thank you, thank you, thank you. You made this super simple and that's all anyone really wants haha thank you

[@mikedegrazia]

Thanks for this video, i literally did this the other day and it was Godly. I was literally using the 402 vlz, i was using the eq and literally thought the same thought...its like a filter...glad to see i was right...

[@richardwalley2862]

Thank you !

[@keshavjagannath5854]

'Calls the apogee duet affordable' hmmm, sure sure.

[@amf7650]

newbie question right here let's say i am plugging some synths into my mixer and then into the interface, but also i want to use my expander/comp/limiter in the chain what would the routing be? mixer-compressor-interface? i used to input into the interface, take an specific thru output from the interface to the compressor and then back to another interface input (the interface is a focusrite saffire pro 24) thanks a lot to any good soul that might answer this

[@christianlowensprung3149]

Excellent :) ty

[@elieee88]

great video but what do u reccommend bitdepth and samplerate to take a good quality of recording?

[@brianboyer6801]

I am interested in several units in sequence with a MIDI controller and multitrack recording from audio interface or mixer as an audio interface.

[@AshokSingh-bc1zl]

Should I buy a Mac or an iPad or a Windows laptop I have to record guitars, bass, synthand vocals. Btw Great Video Justin.

[@BobIrving2]

Thanks for this aimed at n00bs. We need the help!

[@olw4196]

Any recommendations on how to sync a clock between a Mac and Korg monologue XD?