TIPS

Generally do not use EQ until mixdown. If you are using microphones try moving the mic to change the overall tonality instead of rolling EQ.

When working with EQ instead of boosting a certain frequency try cutting other frequencies around it. You will end up with a better overall mix (much cleaner)

Compression can be used throughout the recording/mixdown process. However, during the mixdown process, use the Peak/RMS (if you have one)button in the "Peak" position. Keep your ratio around 2:1 or less at this stage.

Keep your decks clean whether it's ADAT format or DAT or cassette, if it's cassette don't forget to demagnetize periodically. NEVER use anything but rubber cleaner on the pinch roller.

Experiment with different setups, what works well for one song might not necessarily work well on another.

Open mic; if you lack isolation then, turn everything else OFF (including your computer -- NO noise)

If you are limited to tracks and need to put several instruments on a single track, try (if you can) to avoid "like" instruments (really like frequencies)on the same track. Example avoid drums and bass on the same track try putting drums with higher pitched instruments. This way if you have to adjust EQ it will affect the other instruments less.

Use SMPTE syncronization instead of midi clock (except to trigger musical instruments)

Mixdown as hot as possible, without "pegging" the meters (this will cause unwanted distortion -- and generally sound terrible)

While it is advised to mix as hot as possible, it is advised to monitor at barely audible levels to test your mix. It's easy to make a mix sound good at loud volumes, but the true test is how good does it sound at extremely low volumes.

Test recordings on different systems (boom boxes) different speakers is the key

When going to cassette (many machines will) tape saturation may increase bass db, add siblance (unwanted) add distortion at various frequencies etc... be careful and keep mixing

Be patient with your songwriting, great thought takes time to produce well arranged music and well written lyrics

If you use a PC as a midi sequencer/recorder try using stereo imaging, in other words copy an instrument to another track, then hard pan (opposite) both tracks and change (slightly) something about one of them (maybe a different but similar instrument)

Keep drums from being the dominate instrument (listen to other recordings -- drums are NOT the dominate instrument).

Subscribe to magazines like EQ, Electronic Musician, Recording, Home Recording. I have found an enormous amount of GREAT information in these magazines. Also there are plenty of Newgroups on the Internet that can provide excellent information. One such group is called PCDAW, you can subscribe at http://www.missionrec.com

Other Suggested Reading; Modern Recording Techniques (Huber & Runstein), Writing Better Lyrics (Pat Pattison), 88 Songwriting Wrongs & How To Right Them (Pat & Pete Luboff)

*** If you are planning to go into a professional recording studio, I STRONGLY SUGGEST picking up a copy of "How to Run a RECORDING SESSION" by Jayce De Santis. The book costs about $10 but will save you hundreds if not thousands of dollars helping you prepare for a trip into the recording studio.