Recording With Backing Tracks

[GAJ52]

Hi

I an trying to record some Shads tunes into Cubase using the UB Hank backing track series. I remember some time ago Charlie telling me the UB Hank tracks need a little attention when being recorded i.e. EQ, Reverb etc, the trouble is I can't remember what he said.

Can anyone offer any advice when recording with UB Hank tracks, is it best to leave the backing track alone and just apply EQ etc, to the solo part, or would the backing track also benefit from a little 'tweaking'.

Glen

[Jono]

Hi Glen,
I don't know about Cubase but yes definitely some EQ work will be needed on most of the 'U-B Hank' BT's.
A good set-up for monitoring via either quality speaker's or headphones should keep you on the right side of the track's.
In fairness to Gary Taylor they were recorded many years ago & was really only intended for Karaoke use & never as a serious attempt of doing a cover of the original track's.
By using EQ to basically re-mix the BT's (mostly taking the bass volume down) to acceptable levels should make them more use-able for your purpose.
Hope this help's.
Regards
John

[ubique]

Hi Glen
The link below will take you to a very informative post from Charlie in answer to a recording query by a member. Not specifically about tweaking UBH BT's but very useful. On his recommendation I downloaded JB Broadcast and now use it all the time, with Charlies settings, and it certainly improves most BT's, giving them more punch and sparkle.
Quite a long post but well worth a read

charliehall.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=recording&action=display&thread=8480#ixzz1LOgFVEQfe

Kind regards
Neil

[GAJ52]

John

By using EQ to basically re-mix the BT's (mostly taking the bass volume down) to acceptable levels should make them more use-able for your purpose

.

That rings a bell !, I think thats what Charlie said, they can be a bit Bass'y. I'll play around with the EQ and try reducing the bass a bit - thanks for your help.

Neil

I normally check this forum out once or twice a day but totally missed that thread - thanks for pointing it out. Must go I've got some reading to do.

Thanks again guys

Glen

[GAJ52]

Hi Neil

I found JB Broadcast in one of my archived folders, but have never used it. Following your advise I used Charlies settings as a datum and applied to this to various UB Hank backing tracks. This is probably the wrong 'technical' term but I didn't realise how 'dull' the backings were until I switched on the JB Broadcast. Suddenly the various instruments stand out very clearly, the rhythm guitar, hi-hats seem to become crystal clear.

I did notice I had to vary the threshold levels to keep the 3db limit. I understand the plugin doesn't retain its settings when a song is saved, so do you have to create a preset for each song ?

Glen

[tonybiker]

Hi Glen.

Not sure what recording software your using, but most, if not all VST's will alllow you to save a setting for example GLEN1 so the next time you go to the effect it is there for future.

Tony

[martyn]

Does this plugin work with a Mac?

[ubique]

Hi Glen
Tony is right. There is a save 'settings button' on the top right of th JB panel where you can name and save them. I have saved Charlies settings which I use as a good starting point. I use Mixcraft and once the song is saved the Charlies settings in JB are saved with it.
If I have to tweak the settings, usually just lowering the threshold a bit to tame the bass, then you would have to rename and save. Hope this makes sense
Cheers.
Neil

[GAJ52]

Hi Tony / Neil

Yes, I was aware of the preset save feature, but I thought I read that the tweaked settings could not be saved with a song without creating another preset i.e. Apache - Charlie1, Atlantis - Charlie2 etc, But within Cubase it saves and remembers your 'tweaked' settings without the need to create another preset. So now I only have one preset called 'Charlies Settings' which I load for all songs then tweak as necessary.

The daft thing is I've had this plugin for quite some time and never used it, I didn't realise how useful it was until you very kindly pointed me in the right direction Neil - much appreciated

Regards Glen