“I plan to buy myself a microphone. What kind do you recommend for me?” Well, what are you going to use it for? If you plan to use your new mic on the stage for amplification you need to check out “dynamic-cardioid” mics, such as the Shure SM58 or the Shure Beta 58A. These are two of the most popular and effective stage mics available, but there are many more. Just go to your music store and ask about “dynamic-cardioid” mics. These mics are specifically designed for stage work. They have excellent sound, cause little feedback from speakers and are very tough (resistant to damage), and they usually run between $100 and $300. (The Shure SM58 costs $100. or less, and is excellent for stage work.)

Most of the mics I’m discussing can also be found on Ebay at reduced prices.

If you plan to use your mic just for recording you’d be wise to look at “condenser” mics such as the Rode NTG-2 or the AKG C 2000 B. These are just two popular, but Continue Reading...

Most of these are old school tricks but can be impressive, if there pulled off right.

Using Two of the Same Records to Achieve a Reverb or Delay

Take two records of the same song and get them in beat with each other so that the songs are literally over layed exactly on top of each other. Once you have this draw the base out of the record you are about to mix in and bring the track in. Now slowly bend the pitch ever so slightly and a reverb effect will occur. Now repeat the same procedure except slip the record out of beat and fade in and out for a delay effect.

How to Play a Record Backwards

This trick may not work with all turntables but it defiantly works with the Vestax PDX-A2’s that I use. Take an ashtray a little thicker than the cartridge on your turntable, and place it upside down and centered on the slip-mat. Now take a piece of gum and stick a record centered on top of the ashtray, the gum helps hold it in place. Now you Continue Reading...