I just got done posting 3 sections of audio files in a new “Download” section. Before making my own files, I researched the web for a product out there that provided these type of tracks. I found none. The 1 product I did find was $80 plus shipping from the UK, and it was produced in a recording studio! My files are NOT produced, and it’s on purpose.

What I recorded is the same audio most sound guys will get on any given Sunday morning. This is not studio-quality gear, mics, room acoustics, etc. By no means am I insulting my musicians, but my point is that I didn’t hold auditions to find professionals. The performers (who I promised will remain nameless) are just like most church musicians- volunteers.

When I recorded each source, I used a mic or DI, ran it through a preamp, and sent it straight to my laptop. There was no EQ or compression or anything. The thought is that you will get to play with those components and hear how they affect the audio.

One thing I decided against (for now) is multi-tracking a full band. I didn’t want this to turn into a studio/ recording mix session. Please fully understand there is 1 thing these files CANNOT reproduce- stage noise! That’s why I’m offering 1 input at a time. The point is to listen to how a compressor sounds when it’s working, or what different pre-delay times sound like in a reverb, not blending 16 inputs at once. So, go nuts with that EQ now instead of during the real rehearsal. Try a fast delay on a lead vocal and see if you like it.

Experiment and have fun, but remember, less is more! If you are going to add more than 6dB of EQ, you’d better have a good reason, and it better be your 3rd or 4th choice. Don’t add ethereal delay FX just because you learned how to make the EQ decay time 8 seconds long. A compressor should smooth out a sound, not suck the life out of it, but too many guys think it’s an auto pilot.

Hope you have fun. I’ll be adding more soon. I’m thinking bass, aux perc, and acoustic piano. Any other requests??