Because I’ve had a few questions, I’m going to share my technical process here. It’s so simple it seems silly even to outline it, but here it is.
I record using my MacBook Pro and Garage Band. I use an external microphone whenever I can, though I’ve recorded without it too.
Occasionally I use Garage Band on my iPad, but only with an external mic. It is awesome for field recordings, and gets great sound!
The microphone is nothing fancy – it’s a plain old regular microphone with the addition of a jack to make it fit the iPad and MacBook.
I have made a couple of custom settings in Garage Band which work well for the space I have done recording in – one is an adaptation of Minsky Hall, a recital hall at the University of Maine. The one I most frequently use is one I’ve made for recording in my primary “studio” – our laundry room.
Most of the songs have a posting of a link to the mp3, those below are some links from before I regularly recorded everything.
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Angus, Build a House for Me
This song was recorded in my car at Kennebunk Beach in Maine, the day after Crown Tourney. I got the sound of the sea, and then recorded the vocals while sitting in the car.
Oriens Victoriosus!
Recorded on MacBook, with Jean du Montagne at Minsky Hall in Orono, with added parts added at computer desk. Not terribly romantic, but that’s what it is.
O Sons and Daughters
Recorded at St. John’s Catholic Church, Easter 2011
Book Of Love
Recorded at my kitchen table on my trusty MacBook.
Bright the Eyes Behind the War Helm, a song for Her Excellency Baroness Astrid Ulfkillsdottir, the Valkyrie of Malagentia (TM)
Recorded at my desk, on the MacBook in GarageBand, in several parts, written by Aneleda, with assistance from Jean du Montagne.
The Cardinal Ordained
Recorded on MacBook at the kitchen table. Harp first, then vocal line. Effects are a little much, but it was also my first try with GarageBand
The Carnal and the Crane
Recorded by MacBook, in GarageBand. This song is a medieval carol which spans the life of Christ. I only did the Christmas part for this recording, which I posted on Facebook on Christmas Eve 2010.
The Hern
The Hern, a variant (before or after) the Corpus Christi Carol, is a beautiful piece. This was recorded on my MacBook at St. John’s Catholic Church one soft, late, afternoon after a rehearsal.
The Wind that Shakes the Barley
This was my St. Patrick’s Day effort for posting music. Recorded in my basement with the MacBook.
Maiden in the Moor Lay
Recorded at St. John’s Catholic Church, on the MacBook.