Common Mistakes Year 1 Music Students Should Avoid in Recording Techniques

1. Bad Microphone Placement:
   Students often don’t realize how important microphone placement is.
   If the microphone is too far away or too close, it can make the sound uneven or pick up unwanted noises.

   • Solution: Try placing the microphone in different spots. You can use a ruler to measure how far it is in centimeters.

2. Ignoring Room Acoustics:
   Many beginners forget to think about the place where they are recording.
   This can lead to echo or strange sounds.

   • Solution: Use blankets or foam to help soften the sound and make a better recording space.

3. Not Knowing the Equipment:
   Students might find mixers and other tools confusing, which can lead to bad sound quality or problems.

   • Solution: Take some time to learn how to use the equipment before recording. Ask for help from friends or teachers who know more.

4. Forgetting Gain Staging:
   If students don't adjust their input levels, they might end up with recordings that sound distorted or unusable.

   • Solution: Always check your levels and try to keep them between -12 dB and -6 dB for the best sound.

5. Skipping Test Recordings:
   Not doing a sound check can cause problems that ruin your recording.

   • Solution: Always make a test recording before the real session to make sure everything is working properly.