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ALEXANDER ADVANCED TRAINING MAGAZINE

VOLUME 1 - ISSUE 1 - MARCH, 2000

ABOUT THIS ISSUE
MASTHEAD   Copyright notice, credits & other information about this issue.
FROM THE EDITOR    Wow!
PREVIEW OF NEXT ISSUE What kind of articles and features you can expect in the next issue.
A NEW APPROACH FOR WEB TRAINING AND STUDY
After two years of publishing and offering music recording training on the web, Bob Dennis decides on a new approach for the new millennium.  Launching Alexander Magazine is his answer.
ALEXANDER GRAHAM BELL - GRANDFATHER OF MODERN RECORDING
Alexander Graham Bell started it all and every manufacturer and professional in the business acknowledges it, whether they know it or not.

RECORDING

COMPRESSION
A COMPRESSION KICKSTART
All the basics about how compressors work and how to use them.  This is a coop article with The Recording Website and written by our new Home Recording Contributing Editor.

BASIC
COMPRESSOR DEFINITIONS AND EXPLANATIONS
Find out what all those technical terms mean and what all of those settings do.

INTERMEDIATE
THE EXCITING COMPRESSOR
How to make a vocal sound "right there" and "clear" without squashing the life out of it with too much compression. Here's a "trick" used on many hit records from the past.   Republished from a previous REQ issue.

INTERMEDIATE
USING THE SIDECHAIN FOR REDUCING THE "S-SOUND" AND THE POP
Find out how to use a compressor to reduce those annoying sounds that can sneak into vocal and instrument recordings.   Learn how to "make" a sidechain or deesser if you don't have one.

INTERMEDIATE
MORE SIDECHAIN FUN: DYNAMIC EQUALIZATION
Find out how to use the sidechain of a compressor to smoothly enhance the attack of an instrument.

ADVANCED
PERCUSSIVE ATTACK & COMPRESSION
Increasing apparent loudness as well as enhancing or dulling the transient quality of percussive instruments is explained.

ADVANCED
ADVANCED USE OF A COMPRESSOR
A comprehensive article written on advanced compression techniques by Ben Blau, Recording Institute of Detroit instructor, Ben Blau.  This article is part of RID's Advanced Recording Course materials.

ADVANCED

MIXING
RECOMMENDED METHOD OF OBTAINING A MIX
The first 15-30 minutes gets your mix started and determines how well your session goes.  These techniques will get the session started right. (use back button on browser to return here)

BASIC
USING COMPLIMENTARY EQUALIZATION
A technique of EQ'ing that maximizes clarity and distinction on instruments. Originally an REQ Tip article edited from RID Basic Recording materials.  (use back button on browser to return here)

BASIC
RECOMMENDED EQUALIZATION FREQUENCIES
Key frequencies to try when using EQ. Originally an REQ Tip article edited from RID Basic Recording materials. (use back button on browser to return here)

BASIC
USING THE EQUALIZER'S Q CONTROL
A complete look at this poorly understood and often misused EQ control.  Edited from a series of tip articles with added advanced  information. 

ADVANCED
DECIBEL: THE HARDEST & MOST IMPORTANT TERM IN AUDIO
The title says it all.  Your results will improve by fully understanding this term.  Edited from the RID Advanced Recording materials.

ADVANCED
EQUALIZATION & MIXING INTERACTIVE STUDY MODULE
A complete look at this poorly understood and often misused EQ control.  Edited from a series of tip articles with added advanced  information. 

ADVANCED

PRODUCTION
WHAT IS A PRODUCER?
A producer/songwriter who has earned over a million dollars with hit records gets together with Bob Dennis to explain what a producer is, what a producer does and what qualifications are needed. 

ADVANCED
PLATINUM STANDARDS
If you want to engineer, produce, write or perform a national hit - you need to use professional standards and "tune into" professional viewpoints - Bob explains how you can accomplish this.   Republished from a previous issue. (use back button on browser to return here)

BASIC
DOUBLE PANNING
Double tracking has been a widely used production technique since the 60's.  Bob explains the different approaches used and the best way to set them in the final mix.

BASIC
ADVANCED DOUBLING TIPS & TECHNIQUES
Lots of tips about doping doubles, including singing techniques, routing & mixing techniques, double simulation with one track, etc...

ADVANCED
MAKING DOUBLES WITH ONLY ONE RECORDED PERFORMANCE
Two techniques to get the benefit of double tracking without performing the part again.

ADVANCED

PROMOTION & MARKETING MUSIC
THE NECESSITY OF TEST MARKETING
An award-wining record promotions persons explains why you want to release the record yourself before "shopping" it to major record companies.  Originally an REQ Tip article but updated for the situation present at the beginning of the new millennium. 

BASIC
WHEN AND WHEN NOT TO TEST MARKET
Your release has the best chance if released at certain times of the year and practically no chance if released at the wrong time - here's why. Originally an REQ Tip article.

INTERMEDIATE
HOW TO SELL TO THE RECORD COMPANY
When you're ready, it's not as simple as just submitting your material. Originally an REQ Tip article.

INTERMEDIATE

HOME RECORDING
BUILDING YOUR COTTAGE RECORDING STUDIO
A recording studio in the garage rather than the basement.  The why and how to build it is covered in this article.   Republished from a previous issue.

BASIC
THE BAFFLING WORLD OF HOME RECORDING
Part of the reason that professional studios get such a good recorded sound is through the use of sound-absorbing baffles.   Here are plans for inexpensive baffles you can make for home recording and suggestions on what to do if you can't even afford the "cheapie" baffles. 

INTERMEDIATE
SHIELDING BASICS
A good recording doesn't have hum or buzz.  The home recordist needs to understand the basics of shielding to get the best recording.  Edited from two Recordist training articles with added information.   

ADVANCED

Copyright © 2000  by Robert Dennis - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

USE OF THIS ARTICLE SUBJECT TO USER AGREEMENT