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The author of this appendix, in addition to several years of teaching electronic music and recording techniques at the college level, has recorded and produced numerous recording projects during the last twenty years, most of which involved the euphonium. The perfect recording, like the perfect performance , is an elusive goal. Making matters more difficult is the fact that there is no consensus, even among the most accomplished and experienced recording engineers, as to the best method of capturing the true sound of an instrument. There are several reasons why experts differ in their opinions and methods, not the least of which is that assessment of the final product is almost entirely a subjective matter. Also significant is that a multitude of acoustic variables may affect the recording process. I do not profess to have all the answers for those in search of the perfect euphonium recording, but in this appendix I will endeavor to provide general guidelines and practical advice that may assist you in the creation of a quality recording that matches your hopes and expectations. Project Planning When planning a recording project, there are many factors to take into consideration such as time and budget constraints, and available facilities and equipment. Also to be taken into consideration is the intended use of the final recording. In other words, are you putting together an entire solo CD intended for public release and sale, are you preparing an audition recording for submission to an audition or contest, or do you just wish to record a recital for the benefit of friends and family who are unable to attend the live performance ? These various projects require varying levels of planning, time, and commitment. Of the three examples given, the CD project will require the most time and effort. You cannot afford to take any aspect of such a recording for granted because the final product is likely to be closely scrutinized and critiqued by many listeners, and you will have to live with the results for a long time. There are several different paths that may be taken to complete such a daunting task. One would be to rent studio time and pay recording engineers to record and edit your project . This can, of course, be very expensive. In addition to the heavy financial burden, you may also feel rushed for time and pressured to accept a final product with which you are not entirely satisfied. Your expenses can be reduced if you have free or low-cost access to a recording space such as a church sanctuary or school auditorium. If you are further able to borrow quality recording equipment for use in this recording space, you will save even more money. However, be aware that setting up equipment for recording and monitoring (listening to playback) in a space not designed for recording may be a time-consuming task. Also, because the project may require days, weeks, or even months to complete, you may have to frequently tear down the equipment to make room for other events taking place in the same space. Another option would be a home studio setup. This is likely to be the least expensive option, and will offer you the most scheduling flexibility. The performer will be more likely to feel relaxed and unhurried, and there will also be plenty of time for experimenting with alternative microphone placements and other aspects of the recording process. One can repeat the cycle of recording, followed by listening and evaluation, at leisure until satisfactory results are achieved. The opportunity to experiment unhurriedly, coupled with today’s relatively low costs for renting or purchasing professional-level recording equipment, makes home recording a viable option for creating a quality CD project. There are, however, some disadvantages, perhaps the most notable being that the average home doesn’t include a large performance space with good acoustic properties. Some shortcomings in this area may be overcome by altering the acoustics of a room through various means to include the strategic placement of sound-absorbent materials or sound APPENDIX B: Recording the Euphonium Neal Corwell 548 A P P E N D I X B diffusion panels (a topic that will be discussed in more detail later). The decision to record in a small space with its inherent lack of natural quality reverberation makes it more likely you will be dependent on digital effects and equalization to enhance the original recorded signal. Such enhancement, if done poorly, can detract...

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