A few weeks ago I read a blog that a friend of mine linked to on his Facebook page called "Fix It At The Source." It's a great read on mic-ing technique, and even gives a few pointers on getting guitars dialed in to sound great through a PA system. Check it out here: Fix It At The Source Sometimes You Have to Fix the Source

I've had the opportunity to operate many different types of audio systems. I've used anything from beat up all-in-one box mixers to the newest DigiCo and Yamaha digital consoles. (and a lot of stuff in between those extremes.) I always try to do the best I can with what's in front of me. Sometimes there's stuff that I just can't fix.

Now before I go further, I have to confess I am a bit of a gear snob.

-BUT-I like to think I'm practical about it- meaning that there are well meaning and justified intentions behind it. I don't have the absolute best-ever-cutting-edge-gear but I like to have reliable stuff that works, and sounds good. I want to use two illustrations:

I. I'm planning a romantic dinner for my wife on Friday night. So I'm going leave work at the normal time, stop at Harris Teeter, Wegman's, Von's, Safeway, whatever grocery store I happen across -grab two family size cans of Chef Boyardee Spaghetti & Meatballs, rush home and pop those bad boys in the microwave, plop the grub down on some paper plates and dig in.

What would happen if I take off a little early, and stop at Joe's Italian Market? I could grab some fresh pasta, maybe some sun dried tomatoes, some dried herbs. Oh, and we'll add some locally made Italian sausage to that too. Then I go home and bring all of this together, cook it, plate it, and serve it at a candle lit table?

Which one is my wife going to remember longer? Which one is she going to gush to her friends about?

II. Something to think about. The person that works on your car probably doesn't buy his tools at Harbor Freight, or Northern Tool. If he did, he probably couldn't get the alternator off your car without cracking a socket, breaking a ratchet handle, or bending a screwdriver. This stuff is very cheap. It might fine for a few little projects around the house, but you're not doing commercial grade work.

The Point

Having good source material is as important to a good mix, as good ingredients are to a good meal. Having good tools that provide consistent results are also important. They take the guesswork out and allow you to get to building good mixes.

A Fender Squire starter guitar kit is great for the beginning guitar player. A Casio keyboard is fine for practicing at home or learning scales. But there comes a point where you should strongly consider better sounding gear. It might even inspire you to play better!