The very first tracks I record in my Home Recording Studio are what I like to call control tracks. For the control track, we will ignore the standard guitar mic set-up…you can use it, but you won’t be able to hear the voice as well. For this, I usually set-up one microphone, placed at vocal level. The Neumann 49 picks up both the vocal and guitar nicely. The downside of this technique is one has no control over the vocal or guitar separately. But that shouldn’t matter as it is a control track and will be used to create a drum loop.
Again, I am presuming those that read this have a basic knowledge of Logic 8. The reason you’re hear is to learn how someone else comes up with a song using Logic 8. At least, that’s my presumption. This for me, is about the process…not a total how to, but the steps to get there with a few tips that have worked for me along the way.
The percussion loops are the bed that drives the song. I have both BFD drums and the Logic 8 drum loops to draw from. Both packages provide robust sounds. BFD’s advantage is it is a real drum kit triggered by a midi device.
Drum Loops
Once I have laid the control track, I use the M-Audio 49 to create drums. I do this by essentially playing through the whole song, experimenting along the way. If you’re a pro, you’ll know which keys to use, if not, experiment. I only do the bass and snare for the control track. I add the cymbals and other percussive sounds later.
You can also use the Logic 8 or BFD pre done drum loops. They are quite good, but I’ve never been one for that.
Don’t forget to arm the track by clicking on the R. My favorite kit in Logic 8 is the Indie Kit. I like the sound it provides. Please note, with the preset EQ for the toms that I add later, I get some really nice percussion for drum rolls. Hit record, or a shortcut I like is to simply click on the * on the keyboard.
Once I come upon something I like, I create a drum loop. The trick is to give it enough space before and after (this take some practice) so it works like clockwork…which is precisely what it is for the song, a clock to help you keep the beat for the next part of the process — laying guitar tracks in a multitrack recording environment in your Home Recording Studio using Logic 8.
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