The Stark Realities of Recording in a Home Studio

[@The_Absurdistt]

Dude, I truly dig that shirt and tie... very sharp looking. Cheers.

[@PRCRSTNTR]

"overcome your limitations and find your sound naturally thru that process" ...well said brother !

[@kinkaidlee360]

I've been in the music business 25yrs and from what i see in the background you have more than adequate gear for professional recordings. 90s studios had less than you. Keep going you're doing well.✔️

[@JakeStrange66]

My band used to record in a studio that didn't have half of that stuff & could still make really good recordings. Heck, I literally only have a mixer/recorder (Tascam model 12,) tape deck, a condenser mic, & of course the instruments. That's it. I don't even have an amp at the moment, though I plan on getting a new one soon as I can afford to. I also don't use a DAW...ever. Never, ever. The only time a computer is used is after everything is finished & it's being uploaded online or I'm burning a few CDs. That's it. I can make some pretty good recordings with just that. Studios cost a lot of money, so me & a friend chipped in together on one of the better 4 tracks in the early 2000s because we just couldn't afford studio time except on occasion. As a result, I was forced to learn how to make the best recordings I could with literally just instruments, amps, mics, & a decent way to record it all. After a while you can get really good at it. I've been recording since the late 90s, starting in a real studio & then started doing it myself, so it took a while, a lot of trial & error, & experimentation to get good at it... especially working with the bare minimum. & For some reason I prefer it that way. I like to see what I can accomplish with what many, even most, people wouldn't even consider _trying_ to record with.

[@noahdommaschk]

Yes please make that video about how to record music in the analoge world and show us that it is not rocket surgery!

[@jaymzgaetz2006]

I use multiple cassette recorders with built-in mics. A pianists metronome is recorded on one then played back while I play a bass line and record both. Then I play the guitar over the bass and metronome track while recording it. Then play back the metronome, bass, and guitar track while I sing. It's crude but enough to make rough drafts of my work for future artists to work out the finished piece for the studio track that I pay a studio nerd to master. I've bought all the modern equipment to do it digital but got tired of spending all day getting nothing done because of software passwords and prenups, storage space, incapapatibility between software like apple,windows, and Android, software disabling adapters, bricking of equipment with software like my $400 boss katana air, and spending stupid amounts of money for gear that ends up becoming a paperweight because even if you get it to work, it gets updated, something becomes outdated, or something you added won't play nice with a competitors software. It's cheap, and crude, but at least I can move forward. I'm waiting for the breakthrough in tech that makes all this crap easy to use. Hardly any musicians even know how to read music or maintain their instruments let alone have a college degree for studio tech. The only time you need an actual studio quality recording is when you release an album. Turn up your nose at this method if you want but plenty of rock stars use this method to this day for the same reasons. Creativity is fleeting so it should be captured immediately. Messing with all that stupid gear will kill your music boner every time...your welcome.

[@Mario_DiSanto]

Definitely agree with creativity is fleeting you gotta capture it before it gets lost.

[@voxcapacitor]

Great video Mario! I love the message of “do it anyway and learn”. Good luck with your album!

[@Mario_DiSanto]

Thank you dearly!

[@timjonesfilm]

Hearing your issues with your recording studio & knowing the killer music that comes out despite of it, makes me feel a lot better about my struggles with my own space. Gives me hope. Can’t wait for your music video!

[@mikebassy]

I admire your talent and knowledge and it’s great to see you enthuse about your musical endeavours .never stop .

[@andrewmire9493]

Your videos are pretty much my favorite thing on YT, thank you for quality content.

[@Mario_DiSanto]

Very honored to hear that, thank you.

[@BadChizzle]

Fun watching you once again, Mario! I started with a Teac 1/4 4 track reel to reel long ago… and had years of fun with it before I moved on. Had one Shure PE56d mic, (Awesome mic you can get cheap by the way), and my pop filter was that I sang across the top of the mic instead of straight on into it. Works! My preamp was a Yamaha guitar amp tapping out of the headphone out into line in of any channel of my 4 track. Yuuuuuup… EQ and built in reverb! Boom!! Ha Ha!! Would mix to cassette and then back to two tracks for two new tracks open. Made a lot of bad recordings and a few gems. Thing is… I Mainly stayed in creative mode, which makes life rich! ✨ Your videos also make life rich, Mario… cuz I’m vicariously enjoying your journey, even though I jumped in at a stage of your experience that is well down the road, it’s videos such as this that catch me up with where you are, where you’ve been… and you know the rest of my life mission and positive intent. 💫 Thanks again for the video! Chuk

[@Onlyanaccount]

Right on

[@Mario_DiSanto]

Chuk, The experience of making what you have work is where all the creativity comes from. And you are right it does make life rich! That shure mic into your guitar amp was not only "using what you got" but I am certain you got a unique sound out of utilizing the amp that way. To me the more unique a sound the more I get interested. I wish we could listen to these 4 track tapes I bet they are all gems and a nice "time capsule" for you. Thanks for sharing as always, Mario

[@scottshields3054]

Mario just use what you've got! One of my teachers at Berklee said that they would have people come into his studio and be amazed at the quality of stuff that was coming out of the gear they were using, so as long as you know your gear, you're good.

[@Mario_DiSanto]

Amen

[@snarfusmaximus]

My "studio" is a bungalow in the back. I have similar problems as you with acoustics and the lack of a separate control room. One of my neighbours appears to find me a bit weird so I practice my drums with the heads muffled using cut up yoga mat, coupled with low volume cymbals. I'm an average drummer (being a guitarist) so it takes me a bit to nail my part so, after I get it right, I remove the yoga mats and put the proper cymbals back on and track it quickly before anyone potentially gets annoyed. Thumbs up for the Sound Skulptor MP566 preamp. I built their MP-AB528 EMI TG-style preamp and it rocks. Am about to start building their 1176-style compressor. I'm finding 500-series DIY is addictive. Actually, recording and audio equipment is addictive.

[@Mario_DiSanto]

I am conflicted about the 500-series gear. I find a lot of the clones are missing some of the functionality of the original so I weight the option of saving space and loosing some features. The MP5.66 is the only 500 series thing I own as of now. I don't love the single system I have with it as I can't mount it anywhere, it's a pain to turn on and off, stuff like that. I think it would be much better to have a full 500 series lunchbox chassis so I could fit 6 or so units. Is that what you have?

[@snarfusmaximus]

@@Mario_DiSanto I have a really cheap 3-slot lunchbox made by Alctron with a power switch on the front that I bought as an interim while I save for a 10 slot chassis. I had to bypass two PTC resistors in it with a wire short that were causing the power to dip on my preamp at high gain settings. Three slots is a good number as it allows you to put together a channel strip consisting of a pre, eq, and comp. Even when you outgrow or upgrade the chassis, it's still useful for something portable. I haven't abandoned 19" rack units but my two 12U racks have almost been filled over the last couple of years. I like 500 as a compact DIY solution which gives me clones and workalikes of famous professional gear at a fraction of the price. I also love building stuff.

[@aftertheendtimes]

Just love your channel 🥰 Thanks Dear Mario🙏

[@Mr.Monster1313]

I love that you have an old tape machine in your livingroom...awesome.

[@wehappyfewmusic]

Enjoyed the video, and looking forward to hearing your new album!

[@OldStationRecords]

Mario, you are fantastic. Your songs are cool, your approach is cool, and these videos are top. I found you today, and I ll be here around. I record too, and find amazing the chance to explore your world. Thank you Mario, you are so humble and talented, Cheers, Joe Galvan

[@Mario_DiSanto]

Joe, excited your stickin' around. I aim to keep posting similar videos to keep the conversation moving forward. And of course I won't stop recording some tunes! Cheers, Mario

[@Skiantoss]

These videos are pure gold!

[@void0094]

Nice shirt Mario

[@Mario_DiSanto]

:)

[@WublerDublerCubler]

I like how wholesome this is :)

[@millennialanimal]

I record all live instruments and your recording time window is exactly the same as mine. Great video!

[@thewatersofdream]

Great talk , yeah, The trials and tribulations of the home recording artist. Damn I remember how happy I was when I could stop being forced to put everything away after a session. Just having a space to leave things ready to go was such an improvement. Lol , I can’t remember how many times I forgot to turn the refrigerator back on 😂

[@Mario_DiSanto]

Haha that's funny with the refrigerator. And I am so anal that I force myself to put everything back every session. My mind get's overwhelmed if I don't! Usually at the end of the day of a long session my recording space looks like a bomb blew up.

[@prospectnyc]

I really dug the context and history.

[@jimmyj4811]

I was doing home recording back in the '60s with a reel-to-reel tape recorder.

[@Mario_DiSanto]

Very cool would love to hear more about that.

[@shannonfrench6893]

I love my little bedroom studio. It's been a work in progress for about 3 years but it's ready now. I still use 3 1990's Tascam 424MKII 4-track's then mix and master them down to CD. I took everything out and started with soundproofing even though like you I have never had any complaints from my neighbor's and I live in an apartment complex. It's cramped because I have 8 guitar's, 7 amplifier's, 5 keyboard's along with a full set of drums and various other equipment. But also like you I live alone and enjoy the fact that if I feel like writing, recording or anything else the only thing I try to be careful with is not disturbing my neighbors. However my studio is in a room that sits by itself and I have cranked up the volume and walked outside and never heard a thing so I guess my soundproofing paid off. But like you I could use more space! Love your channel and keep doing what you're doing. I've recorded at some big time studio's but I get a very professional sound with what I have. Love the Beatles stuff too!

[@fenecofeneco]

this channel is fantastic, i learn more here than other channels of the same type

[@Mario_DiSanto]

That's what I like to hear!

[@EricStPierre]

I really dig your setup & the timbre of the recordings you get. I really appreciate deep diving on your studio. I've been building a studio over years & deal with all the same pitfalls. Just be glad you've got a dedicated space for your studio. For years my entire setup had to be mobile due to my accommodations. Glad I don't have to drag my channel strips, mics & the birds nest of cables around anymore. Gotta count our blessings. Looking very forward to snapping up a copy of your upcoming album as it comes out. Keep us posted!

[@Mario_DiSanto]

Very true Eric. Being stationary is an undeniable benefit.

[@michaels8607]

You have skills, you have reliable gear, you will be fine. I use my books, clothes, gear, a time delay, and some common sense, and that's enough..There's plenty of great musicians who record, track, and monitor in the same space. That is why many commercial studios have CLOSED, because he have already bypassed much of the 'advantages'. As for the cables, who cares what it LOOKS like? Does it work? If it works and it's not unsafe, use it. You can easily replace and update cords and cables. Get a power conditioner, get a UPS system, and change your power strips if they get frayed. It is not expensive and I can provide proof, so make sure you take care of your electrical requirements.

[@LeoFazio]

Nice video! Getting used to a new room, new house, new everything is always a chalenge 😵‍💫

[@crashsvault]

So inspiring as usual, thanks for your videos!

[@Mario_DiSanto]

Thank you CC!

[@DUNGEONMUSICTHEATRE]

Love this video Mario! Entertaining! Ha!

[@nervousnedmusic]

Awesome - I can relate on so many levels - I live alone and my living room doubles as my tracking room, filled with so much equipment and many many toys. I'm spoiled. It'd be impossible for me to share this space and record like I like. I have no idea what I'm doing but it sure is fun.

[@Mario_DiSanto]

Two peas in a pod Ned.

[@later_daze_4080]

Your house is awesome, man! Total rock and roll pad!

[@Tyredbrandon]

I’m 17 just starting out in my bedroom. All of my instruments have taken over its like a music store with a bed in it. Ha! I record a lot of stuff on my computer and even just my phone. Looking at more gear soon, very inspired!

[@Mario_DiSanto]

That's a good age to be starting at.

[@davidhoffmusic]

This chanel is such a gem !! Thanks for the amazing effort Mario!! Cheers from Québec

[@Mario_DiSanto]

Thank you so much David!

[@TheProducers]

Amazing video Mario. I loved the history of home recording and that you gave Les Paul his due. Overall you touched pretty much at everything that makes a home studio what it is, with the convenience of being right there when you need it, to all the little and not so little things that make it not so convenient. Thanks for sharing your insights and knowledge!

[@Mario_DiSanto]

I think people tend to default to seeing Les Paul as the "guy who made nice guitars" when in reality he was much more pivotal in the development of music recording. Very inspiring to read about him. Thanks for the support Claude.

[@soysos.tuffsound]

Don't forget the 8 track modular format wars of the early 90s! Alesis ADAT vs Tascam DA88. I chose ADAT because my friend's studio was going with it and that meant I could bring projects between spots. It was literally 50/50 in our area of Pittsburgh PA. I also had the BRC (Big Remote Control) which meant that I could sync multiple machines ( I never bought a 2nd machine) and also send MIDI Time Code to my computer running Performer, not Digital Performer, MIDI only 😆 I think you're great BTW. Only half way thru your video and it sounds so much like my journey. I'm 59 and about to move to my 6th studio location. In this case it'll be the best designed rooms I've ever had. I've made so much great music in "sub standard" rooms.

[@Hartlor_Tayley]

Great vid. All true.

[@MONTOYARECORDS420]

nice content as always Mario!

[@bobjames1933]

Bruce springsteen recorded Nebraska on a tascam 4 track. It's a challenging but its fun when you have finshed product.

[@RogerHeathers]

great video as always!

[@slothbeatstore]

great video!!😂 and great message!

[@Onlyanaccount]

Well, in my experience chord management is key. In my bedroom, I have a small stereo, a phonograph, a plugged-in disassembled VCR, TWO TVs (one of them Is an analog tube tv hooked up to my disassembled VCR), a heater, an air conditioner, a DVD player, (I might add that I'm only listing PLUGGED IN electronic devices) a tape deck, and two guitar amps. Also, I only have one ungrounded two-prong outlet here, both outputs of which are going through a homemade adaptor (two-prong into three-prong) going into two power strips WITH extension cords running out of them for lights and lamps, and for chargers and other stuff (Two-prong, again). HOW IS MY HOUSE NOT BURNT TO A CRISP ALREADY???? I also add that I do not turn these off when I leave my house, sooooo... yeah. Edit: Can't wait for the album! I bet it's a good one.

[@Mario_DiSanto]

Oh my Lord you just gave every fire marshal in a 10 mile radius heart attack with that comment lol

[@Onlyanaccount]

@@Mario_DiSanto haha I know (I also add that the power strips are DANGEROUSLY close to my bedsheets, which are 100% cotton. This pretty much insures my death in any potential fire)

[@JakeStrange66]

😂 I'm in an older house, & while my recording set up is minimalist, I also have a stereo system, complete with a stereo receiver, separate tape deck, turntable, CD player, TV, etc etc etc, all in one room, I unplug anything I'm not using.

[@Onlyanaccount]

@@JakeStrange66 lol, I should do that!

[@csturg]

Constantly going through every point, lol. Why do we do it ?? ain’t gonna stop

[@dannydaniel8975]

That's why I do EDM I don't have to worry about all that...

[@stephaniemiller2879]

Loving these types of videos, Mario! They've been really helpful & super relatable when comes to the trials of home recording. My "studio" setup is literally my current computer, two Lenovo tablets, a cheap pair of speakers that I ripped off my old computer & the tape deck on my stereo with a combination of Audacity & Bandlab for mixing & mastering. Probably the cheapest setup imaginable but at least it's been working so far! 😂 Either way, great video & keep up the amazing work! 😄👍

[@Mario_DiSanto]

That's more than enough to get a killer track going! Let's here some of these tunes I wanna listen.

[@christopherJSmokeandMirrors]

Great channel man! Amazing stuff, awesome taste. Instant sub. Ill be checking out all your vids.

[@Mario_DiSanto]

Thanks Christopher I appreciate all the support ya boy can get.

[@oinkooink]

Most people don't even have a relatively random space like yours. Lots of people just have typical square spare bedrooms with low ceilings, carpet and dry walls. My spare bedroom is 3x4 meters! A postage stamp.

[@Mario_DiSanto]

During the Covid Lockdowns I had to temporarily move to a different house. There was literally nothing in this house except open space. No furniture, no blinds, no bed, no nothing (the natural room reverberation was amazing). I lived there for a few months and all I had was a blow up mattress and some recording gear. I was doing a lot of recording and doing a lot of learning. I surprisingly got some "okay" garage sounds in a small room with all bare walls (blankets do not help in the slightest I learned). If you listen to my early demos a lot are from that time there ("It's Here", "Tetralogy of Fallot", "Handyman", etc..).

[@Polentaccio]

I've never seen super clean cabling in any studio really...that's why we have front of desks and back of desks. .my cables are short runs to my console and outboard and it's spaghetti too no matter how you tie it. BTW , for your issue with not wanting acoustic panels in live room, you could pin up some moving blankets on mic stands to help cut some reflections for drums and you could do the same to tent around a speaker cab. When it comes to mix down though...yeah, use a reference track because sound is gonna be a bouncin' qll over that room.

[@mitchelldries6628]

great vid! don't get down on what you have gear wise. we all started somewhere. it takes time to amass what will serve you when you need it. my buddy and i started with the same tascam tape machine. (i still have one!) the advice we got from a friend back then for great recording is get the best you can afford of microphone-preamp-and especially cables. never skimp on cables!! i think eventually you might want to look into going the direction of a balanced system spesh on the patch bay... i don't normally plug anything i've done, but search for "the etiquette ages" and you'll likely find a music service where you can hear an album i played on/recorded with buddies our selves 20 something years ago on the same Tascam machine... cheers!

[@followthebeat66]

TEAC TEAC TEAC!!!

[@noahpauley]

I probably have the most average "home studio" set up ever: macbook pro, scarlett 2i2, and JBL speakers all in a studio apartment. Probably won't be able to have a more proper setup with outboard gear and mixers until I move somewhere a little bigger. All this is to say that while I may not have much, it is definitely enough to record myself when I'm already doing everything in the DAW.

[@Mario_DiSanto]

Exactly! The computer has given every amateur the same tools as a professional. This is true for a multitude of other hobbies as well. Time to record some tunes baby! Mario

[@rainydaycafeband]

This is sweet! referring to what you were saying about accurately monitoring microphones on loud guitar amps. I use Shure SE215 sound isolating in ears to combat this, they were an absolute game changer for me and allow me to stand right in front of a roaring amp and still hear what my mic sounds like. they're not expensive and you can probably get better IEM's but this is one of my main pieces of advice for when recording and monitoring in the same room. just wanted to share this:) love what you do x

[@rainydaycafeband]

They help with drum mic placement too!

[@Mario_DiSanto]

I would really like to try those except I can never get in-ear earbuds to stay in my ears. I have tried every type of earbud under the sun but nothing works. Have you tried a noise isolating over the ear heahphones?

[@rainydaycafeband]

@@Mario_DiSanto Ah that sucks. I haven’t tried any special headphones myself, I have DT770’s but they let loads of outside noise in so I prefer the in ears for tracking.

[@ego_friend]

nice rugs

[@Mr.Monster1313]

I live on the 2nd floor of a 3 story appt building..and i play drums. Lol im right in the middle..im trying to build a drum riser..to muffle sounds and vibrations..imma make it work

[@Mario_DiSanto]

I've heard good things about drum risers. In my dorm room in college I was on the bottom floor so I only had to worry about the rooms above me. I use PLENTY of towels and always played soft and never had any complaints.

[@castawaymusic144]

I still have my Teac 144 that I got in 1986, it needs some love in the transport area. Have a safe full of 144 tapes. Hopefully I can get it running again soon. Would love to transfer some of those tapes into my DAW in the future.

[@Mario_DiSanto]

Those things cost as much as a down payment on a house these days! Cherish it fully I wish I had one. I was thinking about getting an Aria R 504 but for now I just dream. Cheers, Mario

[@schlaflabor1]

Great video and mindset! Use what you have and make music! If you can´t or don´t want to afford something....solder it find a workaround! Subscribed....

[@Mario_DiSanto]

Thanks so much for subscribing!

[@tallmccartneymusic]

last time i checked, roland space echos are like 2-3k... not budget lol. love the videos keep it up man

[@Mario_DiSanto]

That's an absurd amount for a space Echo. I definitely didn't pay no 3k for mine! Although it was my first "big gear" purchase. Surprisingly I don't use it as often as I should. Use my fostex reverb way more . Mario

[@taberkotik2898]

Hi Mario! Can you please make a video just on the wiring of your studio? Like what is connected to the patchbay and what’s not… I found my self in situation with my analog studio that I want to have everything connected, but that would require too many cables and multiple patchbays and cable snakes right?I am interested in what compromises you had to take and if you have any tricks to have less messy signal flow without having every in&outs in a patchbay. Thanks!

[@MeOwOgai]

Making the most out of your analog setup: *Grandpa is moving out to the nursery home because analog mixing desk takes up entire room*

[@aarons6617]

New subscriber, and I'm loving the channel and overall old school vibe. If I had your setup, I'd build three 6" Gobo panels. When tracking you can have one on each side of your kit, and the third either in front or behind your kit, or to separate the rooms for a band or a distant room miking setup. When mixing you could have one of each to your sides at the first reflection points, and the third behind you at the back wall (with a slight air gap). I really think this would help you and your situation out a lot, even though you're making great music without it! Also, you were concerned about putting up treatment/diffusion in your living space... well you could replace panels where pictures go on your walls during recording, and then put the pics back once music time is over. As long as you use proper drywall mounts for your screws it should be an easy swap, and also keep your natural aesthetic when those friends come over. And my EV 635A from 1969 is one of my favorite mics. Peace brother!

[@Mario_DiSanto]

I definitely need some gobo panels. I drew out plans of an idea I had where I had a gobo system that folded up like one of those "Chinese wall dividers". This way it would be really compact when not in use and I could fold it out easily. t would be heavy, but I think it is a really good idea. I haven't seen anyone make ones like that, probably because of the weight. And yes!! EV635A for life baby! Such a fun mic.

[@8L155]

Put a super cardioid microphone on the ac unit during tracking, then while mixing phase reverse it and slowly bring it up until the ac disappears 👍

[@8L155]

I do it and it takes out 95 percent of the noise

[@Mario_DiSanto]

Hmmmm..very interesting idea. I wish I had phase reversal on my mixing desk!

[@vask8ers1]

You should definitely make a video on how you connect some of your outboard gear to your patch bay/ mixer and what not, I have a fostex A8 LR that I use with a Tascam m-30 mixer at the moment and I’m just trying to learn how to patch in my effects n what not efficiently, feels like it can get a bit confusing, I also have the same Tascam patch bay you have I believe. I would really appreciate a video like that, it would be a major help, also keep up the sick channel n music!

[@gelsol]

A vid on your patchbay settings/routings might be cool. Is it more in a set-it-and-forget-it mode, or do you frequently need to patch it on the front?

[@Mario_DiSanto]

I'm frequently changing my patchbay. I think it's important to try new things frequently especially since I am in the "green days" of my recording expertise. Mario

[@jessefillmore]

@ 12:29 & 14:02 Dude , I laughed so loud at these HAHAHA . I'm starting a lil late in life . I'm 42 and I'm trying to create a recording studio for me and my music peers . I really enjoy your videos ! I'm kicking myself for not acquiring gear in the late 90's early 2000's . I live in Greenfield Ohio . It's the hometown of Johnny Paycheck . The Recording Workshop school is 40 mins from me in Massieville , Ohio . I went there in Feb 2011 . Brother , if you are looking for type of gear or instruments let me know . I hit the flea market up and thrift stores . I'd ship it to ya . Your bandcamp says you live in NYC . I bet you have to pay top dollar for stuff . My house looks the same . I have tape machines , vinyl , stereo receivers , guitars everywhere LOL .

[@Mario_DiSanto]

Very cool Jesse! I live in NJ (in a suburb of NYC technically) so the prices I pay for stuff is not NYC prices lol. Occasionally when I am in Brooklyn I will go to stoop sales, flea markets, vintage stores, whatever..you wouldn't believe some of the prices I see! It makes eBay prices look like pocket change. Those hipster cats in Brooklyn are especially impossible to get reasonable prices from. And I think the best way to fuel my junk buying addiction is to have "soldiers" like yourself to go search all over the US for me lol. I am going to need a warehouse soon for all my junk. Mario

[@fatmatrow]

After taking acoustics and psychoacoustics 2 years ago, I learned that a home studio is always going to have compromise, but if you learn how to work the room and do some acoustic reinforcement to get rid of the bad stuff, you can get really great recordings. I'm working out of a 10 ish ft by 15 ft room with one wall with stair step kind of cutouts and an open closet (for the client couch) and I get ridiculously good drum sounds. The "live room" and control room are the same thing. You're never going to get "perfect" acoustics unless a room was built for that.

[@Mario_DiSanto]

Excellent point to make. What do you recommend for removing excess reverberation?

Dude, thank you for mentioning not being a dick in choosing when to play and record loud instruments. It's really not hard to be a decent human being lol I switched to Kemper a number of years ago, and got the tiny little Roland kit. The loudest thing I record is my own voice. Digital definitely makes that easier, but I really love your analog approach and sound. I'm always a big advocate for engaging with art in whatever way feeds your creativity.

[@Mario_DiSanto]

Thanks for watching and commenting friend. Being a decent human being is essential in making any recording studio work right. Big or small.

[@killertimes]

the clip you used to show you getting a blast of feedback noise by not muting your monitors had me laugh out loud. That has happened to me too many times. Also, check out R. Stevie Moore, he's a multi-instrumentalist who was home recording loads of cool stuff with multiple 2 track reel to reel recorders in the early to mid 70s- before that fancy 4 track cassette recorder was released. Check out his song "i like to stay home" -which was 80's but may be helpful to go down that rabbit hole. Anyways, cool vid!

[@Mario_DiSanto]

Damn I can't believe I forgot to mention Moore! He's one of the GOATs for sure.

[@RasCuban33]

I live with my brother who’s a correctional sgt who works at night and sleeps during the day. I record as much as I can with load boxes and preamp/DI setups, but vocals and mixing is a big challenge. I usually record as much as I can silently to then wait till my family goes up to NYC so I can finish off those songs. It’s rough, but 5 years in I’ve got it pretty much down at this point. Side-note: I made sure to swapped the 2 prong cords on my older racks to 3 prong not to have any issues with noise and potential ground loops. Everything is either plugged into a Furman PL-Pro DMC or Furman 6 outlet strip which I have two of each one.

[@Mario_DiSanto]

Do you think the Furman's are worth the penny? Does a power conditioner really make a noticeable difference.

[@RasCuban33]

@@Mario_DiSanto I’ve found with the old racks, having them plugged into the same power conditioner my Tascam Model 24 is plugged into reduces a lot of the 60hz hum. Changing all of the power cords to 3 prongs helped greatly as well. Having the power surge protection is a life/gear saver, plus here in Charlotte the voltage can start at 123v and slowly keep going up. One time it went as high as 126v and everything shutdown avoiding any issues. Back in NY in a basement apartment with old wiring, it actually sent the spike in current backwards frying the old cable (on the wall) instead of frying my gear. In that aspect, yep it’s totally worth the money depending on how old the wiring is in your living space. Better safe than sorry.

[@Mario_DiSanto]

@@RasCuban33 Thanks for the info man

[@followthebeat66]

Taperecording is sooooo much easier than working in a DAW... Limitation is king!

[@jaredholton3145]

I might have missed it somewhere, but what is the mixer you use?? Great channel and I’m enjoying the music you are creating!

[@Mario_DiSanto]

Tascam M3500

[@tristannofuxks]

i aspire to do what you do with these videos and techniques in my own home studio/room (lol) but for now i only do live sound/video at some LA shows, very awesome video i love your vids and music!

[@Mario_DiSanto]

Experience with live sound translates very well into the studio!

[@ineedstuff8286]

up top there… is that a fostex somethin or other?.. and a UA set of preamps? How much was the tape machine?.. do u maintain all equip?

[@CARLiCON]

before the porta studio cassette decks, people with $ had 1/4" reel to reel decks, some of which could do multi-track. I had an old sony that would let you record 4 tracks at once, or 2 tracks sound on sound. If you were creative you could make it work, at least for demos

[@jamesmoore2223]

Solid content! As someone who fears the extent of maintenance costs, I am reluctant to move to tape. Would you say there are significant recurring expenses? Or has it always felt entirely manageable?

[@Mario_DiSanto]

If you get a quality machine maintenance isn't an issue. You will occasionally need to repair stuff but nothing that's "too much to handle". As long as you know the basics of soldering and have a drive to make your gear work again you'll figure out 95% of the stuff yourself. Mario

[@sovietpotatoes3578]

I don't have a microphone that can work with my computer so I record onto cassette and then record the cassette onto the computer and just keep doing that for every track. I hit play+record on the cassette recorder (I use a very old version of Audacity because I have Windows XP from 2002) then hit play on the computer play along with the track then I stop the recording, take the cassette out put it in a cassette to mp3 transfer thing I got from cheap, and luckily works with audacity. I hit record on audacity and play on the transfer thing and then after its played I have to align this track with the previous ones, this step takes the most time. (easily 15 minutes) but this depends on the length of the track. That is my recording. I record in my bedroom after school. I have 16 recorded songs, and non of them are finished because of how long the alignment step takes. (I am not that patient plus I think the songs bad because I can't write good lyrics).

[@Mario_DiSanto]

Let's here some of these mixes And I rip all my music to computer using audacity and holy crap is it frustrating just to do basic things. I also use audacity to record my voice overs for these videos and that too is nothing but trouble and I don't even have to align everything! I do not envy you at all. You should get something like a Tascam MODEL 12. No computer needed with that and you'll be able to record without having to align tracks! Cheers, Mario

[@sovietpotatoes3578]

@@Mario_DiSanto Alright, I'll check out the Tascam, thanks for all your videos!

[@user-zr2pz8rr2l]

Sorry if you already answered this, but what's that song in the beginning of the video? Gotta hear more.

[@Mario_DiSanto]

"The Electric Acid Organ Test"

[@GladeSwope]

About the "recordio" (A one-off lathe was actually possible for 78s?!)... perhaps someone will invent the "LP-R". It's ironic how we go to extremes to get rid of the studio room's physical reverb, then we add reverb.

[@Mario_DiSanto]

An LP-R! That's funny! I mean it really is the same technology. You just need an acetate disc and it should be possible.

[@GladeSwope]

@@Mario_DiSanto Wax might sound really scratchy at the slower speed, but may be worth an experiment.

[@ineedstuff8286]

and Tascam m216 or so ething like that

[@captmcgravy2669]

fostex peripheral gang ...

[@ineedstuff8286]

how can you afford this stuff?.. what do you do for a living?.. 2 yrs in and you’re finally buying a 16 track tape!!😳😳 Imma still waitin tilll I can buy that.. are you an electrical engineer?

[@Mario_DiSanto]

I am a mechanical engineer. I was saving all my surplus wages after my bills were paid for the tape machine for about a year. This was during the height of COVID so I was able to get away with not spending cash on other disposable income expenses. Besides the tape machine, all of my other equipment was bought for real cheap, often in need of repair.

[@ineedstuff8286]

​@@Mario_DiSanto wow!.. I worked in the mech eng. field years ago. I only have an Assoc... but I worked with airfoil tooling mainly... some conveyor systems. Engineering prolly comes with the territory of analog equipm. Your channel is the best.. so inspring and informative 🙏

[@suntzu4718]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/gnWucnaeisR8jNU Hello Mario , if you have time can you please tell me how to get a similar sound to the song I sent a link to . I'd really like to know how to get this sound for a song . I'm taking a guess that it was recorded on a tape recorder of some sorts .

[@Mario_DiSanto]

Sounds like a sole crappy mic hanging in the middle of a room while the band played. With exception of the drums, the other instruments and vocals are REALLY pushed back far in the mix. I didn't there was a close mic in sight. The recording level was also really hot id assume as it sounds blown to bits. Tape can help hear but by no means a necessity.

[@dennisholmann4798]

❤

[@davidhrivnak]

I'm pretty sure you already know this, but in case you're starting to arrive at the conclusion that you need to be in a professional studio and get better gear to make incredible recordings, you honestly really don't. You've already made a ton of great tracks in your home, and they're messy in a cool way, but you could also make pop-pristine ones in there if you wanted to. Just take time to experiment with your gear and your ears, and if you want to minimize the acoustics of your space, don't use omni or figure 8 mics and put your cardioid mics way closer to the source. Some of the mic techniques you tend to use are specifically only recommended by people working in professional studios, and it's OK and important to know that you can stray from what they say in your own way. You have all the gear, time, and space you need to get a polished sound that's not just "shitty is pretty," but I selfishly hope that you continue to make raw and messy tracks. They sound especially good because of how much you care about the art and craft of production even if you feel like you're approaching it at a slant. You know how amazing guitar players can make a cheap guitar with a bad setup sound really good? Great engineers can do that same kind of thing with bad rooms and whatever recording gear is in there

[@Mario_DiSanto]

I don't think you have to worry about me moving on to a more polished pristine sound anytime soon. Every time I try to go that route I wind up going back and recording the track again for a more raw "garage" sound. There's something intoxicating about using something like an omni mic in big open room like I have. And I agree whole-heartedly with "Great engineers can do that same kind of thing with bad rooms and whatever recording gear is in there". This is very true and this comes to mind whenever I see people on forums argue about the most pedantic topics. For example, people are always arguing certain gear is unusable for a variety of reasons: low quailty, no low end, distortion, etc etc. But then you'll get a few people who say they've never had any problems with said piece of equipment. It's THOSE people who are the good engineers. They don't look for reasons to hate their equipment, they use it to their fullest potential and they learn to get a great sound out of it. Being a good recording engineer is about being adaptive. Well....I guess you can say that about any profession. Mario

[@LA7Rose]

IMO, You will start caring less and less about your neighbors the older you get haha

[@poweredbyWatts]

It’s almost like you build skill and enjoy the process when you have less than ‘perfect’. Almost.

[@poweredbyWatts]

Mini split > central air. FWIW

[@jeremyrichey268]

I wish i had a Akai Terecorder deluxe. That's my dream recorder.

[@Mario_DiSanto]

That's a beaut.

[@jeremyrichey268]

Yea i would use it for a vintage analog studio.

[@BasedFrequency]

Buy 2 or 4 power conditioners

[@mullydoesmusic-ishstuff5506]

If you want to listen to maximum fun with minimum equipment really check out Ween’s first three albums: God Ween Satan, The Pod, and Pure Guava. They literally had a song charting on the alt rock chart in the 1990s that was recorded in a bedroom on a 4 track with a drum machine.

[@Mario_DiSanto]

Wow cool! Didn't know that about Ween.

[@ineedstuff8286]

disregard my last 2 comments… i didnt watch whole thing… guilty… i hope they deleted… my iPad is old, and Brave sux for it