Audio Recording Part 2: A More In-Depth Talk with Isaku Kageyama

This is Part 2 of my conversation series with Isaku Kageyama about audio recording gear and how to use it effectively in your home studio. In Part 1 we covered some basic information to get started, and you can find it here:

https://www.eienhunterishikawa.com/blog/isaku-home-studio-recording-gear

This time, we go further in depth and address some topics which had been requested over the past few weeks. Thank you to everyone who provided feedback and engaged with us through email and social media. I’m also very appreciative of Isaku’s willingness to sit down with me and spend so much time sharing his knowledge and experiences. Largely due to his help, I have been able to substantially improve my own audio recordings and gain a deeper understanding of important concepts and terminology over the past two months.

Isaku and I talked for quite a long time and I have split the audio into four downloadable parts. We readily admit that the sound quality of Part 1 was subpar, especially considering our conversation topic (the unfortunate result of a built-in recorder of a video call software with a name that does not start with z and rhymes with gripe). The Part 2 audio is much, much better.

If you would like to see a Part 3 in the future, please let us know. Feel free to send in topic requests or any questions you would like answered.

Links for the topics we discuss:

Isaku’s taiko mic comparison video
http://isakukageyama.com/best-mic-for-taiko-drums/

UnitOne virtual concert
https://youtu.be/uL2Fdsx_nO0

Isaku’s youtube channel - Garageband Basics, Fue EQ, Parallel Compression, Mixing, and More
https://www.youtube.com/c/IsakuKageyama/videos

Isaku’s directed study program
http://isakukageyama.com/directed-study-program-learn-taiko-music-production-and-more/

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1. Taiko microphone test, audio samples, UnitOne concert audio

2. Tempo changes, mixing, midi keyboard and drum pads, recording fue, reverb, room importance

3. Potential income from recording, livestream concerts, click tracks, simplifying our playing

4. Isaku’s directed study online lessons, importance of feedback for effective learning

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Isaku Kageyama is a taiko artist, well versed both in live performance and in the studio. His resume includes performances at venues such as Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center, networks such as NBC, VH1 and BET, tours with the Japan Foundation, and residencies with The Pew Center for Arts and Heritage. He’s also an overall nice guy. :D:D:D

On stage and in the classroom, Isaku brings a breadth of experience performing and teaching both traditional and contemporary styles. A versatile collaborator in the studio, Isaku contributes to projects by bringing his extensive knowledge of composing, recording, and mixing to the table. When none of that is needed, his job is to make sure there is cold water in the fridge for everyone.

Isaku currently works as an instructor at Los Angeles Taiko Institute, performs with Asano Taiko US UnitOne, and records for virtual reality creators Rhythm of the Universe, and video game composers Materia Collective.

Formerly a principal drummer of Amanojaku, he holds a Bachelor of Music from the Berklee College of Music and a Master of Arts in Teaching from Longy School of Music of Bard College.

He is also a two-time National Odaiko Champion, becoming the youngest person to win highest honors at the Mt. Fuji Odaiko Contest in 2000, and Hokkaido in 2003.

From 2011-2014, Isaku was the resident instructor at Wellesley University and the University of Connecticut, and has held clinics at Berklee College of Music, Brown University, Rochester Institute of Technology, North American Taiko Conference, East Coast Taiko Conference, and Intercollegiate Taiko Invitationals.

A Discussion with Isaku Kageyama about Home Studio Recording Gear

Last week I had a great time talking with Isaku Kageyama about recording gear for home studios. Isaku has a lot of experience as a performing musician, instructor, composer, and producer. He is one of my go-to resources for information about recording music. You can learn more about his interesting background by checking out the interview we recorded previously.

Interview: Isaku Kageyama talks taiko, music school, and teaching

This conversation covers the basic needs for starting out with home recording. I am grateful for Isaku’s willingness to spend time answering my questions and providing very valuable advice based on his years of experience in the music industry. This is how we normally talk while hanging out and exchanging ideas about our work and life. Whether you are a complete beginner or have some experience with modern recording gear and methods, I think there is a lot of valuable information offered here.

I have separated the conversation into six broad topics. The audio files below are downloadable. We are planning a part 2 of this topic where we talk more in-depth about recording. If you have any questions or topics for us to address in a future discussion, please let us know.

Send a question or topic for Part 2

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1. Audio Interface

2. Microphones

3. Headphones & Monitor Speakers

4. Digital Audio Workstation (DAW)

5. Accessories

6. Used Gear, Mic Placement, & Bachi Selection

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Isaku Kageyama is an eclectic music composer and producer. His music has been broadcast in countries such as the United States, UK, Italy, South Korea, and Norway. Isaku is the co-founder of Los Angeles-based music production company Audio Music Productions. His knowledge of composition, production, and Japanese music have led to a resume that includes brands such as BET, VH1, NBC, Microsoft, and the world’s largest taiko manufacturer Asano Taiko. In 2015, Isaku was commissioned by Asano Taiko US to compose a piece for the professional taiko ensemble UnitOne. The composition premiered at North American Taiko Conference, the largest taiko event in the US. As a producer, Isaku’s resume includes projects such as Microsoft video game Phoenix Force, O2O Theatre in Greece, and Kuma Outdoor Gear in Japan. He is currently the rehearsal director of Bataré, a production that combines taiko with progressive metal. He holds a holds a degree in Contemporary Writing and Production with a minor in Writing for TV and New Media from Berklee College of Music, as well as a Master of Arts from Longy School of Music of Bard College.

Isaku’s website
http://isakukageyama.com

Isaku’s youtube
https://www.youtube.com/c/IsakuKageyama/featured