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PREPARING FOR YOUR SESSION:
As with any type of production, preparation before starting not only ensures a better outcome, but will also save you time and money. Nobody wants to spend more than they have to! That is why we have created this section not only to help you get the most out of your recording session, but to also work out any of the details that can be dealt with outside the studio.
Pre-Production:
- PRODUCTION: Try and work out all musical and vocal parts before coming in. You should never attempt to write in the studio. This not only consumes valuable time and money, but slows the session down and breaks momentum
- GEAR: Check and make sure all your equipment is working properly prior to your session. Broken or malfunctioning equipment not only can affect recording quality, but it will also hinder your performance. This includes:
- New strings for all guitars
- Fresh drum heads
- High quality instrument cables
- Fresh batteries for pickups & effects pedals
- Also make sure to remember your power cables, adapters & spare accessories.
- TIMING: Most industry professionals prefer to record with metronomes because timing integrity of all musical parts are very important for tracking, editing, and mixing. Everyone in the band should try to practice and get comfortable playing to a metronome. Your performance timing will be very apparent in the studio and will affect the final product.
- HEALTH: A healthy and conscious mind can make a big difference while in the studio. Everything from what you eat to the amount of sleep you get can affect your performance and stamina. So get some rest and leave the celebration until after the session is completed!
- DOCUMENTATION: Have all your LYRICS and NOTES TYPED on paper with spare copies for all band members and engineers. Not only does this help the engineer in becoming familiar with your songs, it will also increase the ease of communication between the artist and production staff.
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- LOAD-IN: If scheduling permits, try to deliver the drums and acoustic instruments the night before. This allows all instruments to acclimate to a more consistent humidity and temperature level, reducing tuning problems.
- TUNING: Be sure to bring a tuner to your session. Never tune to another instrument if at all possible. This may not only be a poor method of tuning but also can be a problem when re-tracking at a later date.
Rules to remember with tuning:
- Everybody should always tune up with the SAME tuner (this reduces the risk of one tuner being off from another).
- Never tune to another instrument unless it is necessary.
- Always try and tune before each take. Taking a minute to tune can save hours of wasted material.
- TRACKING: Although modern multitasking techniques can open up doors as far as layering and adding tracks, approach tracking with a minimalistic attitude. Try not to over do it! Remember "Less Is More!"
- POPULATION: Recording in the studio can be very exciting, and most people love to share that excitement with friends and family. But a crowded session will not only lead to confusion, it will also reduce the amount of concentration and productivity the engineer has during your session.
FOLLOW THESE SUGGESTIONS WHILE IN SESSION:
The only people in the studio should be the people DIRECTLY related to the session, i.e. band members, producers and engineers. Try not to invite friends and spectators.
While in session, try not to carry on with unrelated conversations in the control room. This disturbs the engineer who is working hard to concentrate on YOUR music!
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