Recording Keyboards and Synthesizers

Sound and Recording
B. Thomas Cooper
Editor

Over the years, I have learned not to be surprised by people who go to great lengths pontificating on subjects they no nothing about. Unfortunately, this happens far too often, and the subject of recording synthesizers has proven no different.

For starters, it is very rare to record a synthesizer running through an amplifier during a studio session. I have known exceptions, of course, but not many. This is simply bad science, and is not indicative of the process. Put away your microphones, we are running this baby direct.


B. Thomas Cooper

As a staff producer for the legendary Power Station, I worked on an array of projects, ranging from standard Jazz to Meat Loaf. Most of the Meat Loaf keyboard arrangements were recorded meticulously over a period of many months. This was usually assigned to a studio wizard by the name of Jeff Bova, who worked in his own facility, with no other musicians in the room. He would have little use for an amplifier under these conditions. A good set of headphones however, were of priceless value.

Live recording is somewhat different, but even then, a direct signal is tantamount. Unless the sound you are trying to achieve can only be accomplished through an amplifier, why would we even haul the amp out of the closet?

Furthermore, and like it or not, when a major act records live, you can bet the bank the recordings were brought back to the studio, where entire parts are added or re-recorded. A keyboard part run through an amp would likely be replaced for fidelity reasons alone. This is big business, folks. We don't make junk when we don't have to.

Still, feel free to experiment as you wish. There are no hard and fast rules that can't be broken. Recording should be fun, and the results artistically satisfying. Approach each aspect of recording with an open mind, and again, by all means, enjoy the experience.