I could really use some help, guidance, or even resources or a premade template
I’ve been learning about audio engineering, mixing, EQ, compression, etc. for a couple of years now. Granted everything I’ve learned has been through YouTube, Online, or just trial and error. I used to have an ar16c, but I have recently upgraded to a studio live series iii se16 mixer, and Ive FILLED UP my FAT CHANNEL presets, mostly with a bunch of different setting for vocals, some for guitar. All I do is play guitar and sing(not the best singer, but I don’t think I’m the worst either). Anyway, I mostly use a Shure Beta 58A, and I TRY to use my guitars fishman aura system(plugged in), when recording, or playing through my amp/speakers. I also have other mics(sm57, KSM9, mv7x, but don’t USUALLY use them)
For listening/playback, I use Eris 3.5(which always seems very bassy), AND/OR a BOSS acoustic singer amp, that I have ran from the TAPE to the aux input on the back of the amp.
My issue is, I can get it sounding pretty good, out of the amp, but always have issues making things sound good/“glued” when recording. Should I just not use ANY EQ/compression on the mixer before I put into my DAW(studio one)? Or does anyone have any advice or even templates they use for recording vocals with acoustic guitar that I could use? I may be over complicating it, and I also may be just not doing everything “RIGHT”, but I really want to just be good at creating music, and I’m finding myself getting sucked into “mixing” or “pre-mixing” and TRYING to learn about EQ and compression, instead of actually learning/practicing guitar. From what I’ve read, the beta 58a should normally have about 25-35db of gain, but I don’t even reach -12db unless I have it between 40-43db, when I’m setting gain before AND AFTER EQ & compression. It sound best(I think) when I’m at about 32-37db gain, but I don’t reach -12db output then, unless I’m singing the loudest parts. Also I use a hpf at 80-100, but from what I’ve watched and researched, my EQ(vocals) always seems to have WAY MORE bass cut out and way more treble added, than most ppl seem to recommend for it to not sound bassy and muffled. But it’s the only way it ever seems to sound “right”. I’ve created projects and scenes that sound good out of the amp but the speakers(Eris 3.5) always sound too bassy/muffled, and the guitar never sounds good when in the mix(usually too much highs or too loud). There has to be an easier formula. I know I’m not a pro, but mixing ONLY vocals and a guitar shouldn’t be this difficult, right? Any advice is appreciated.