Here are a few helpful hints in how to have a successful recording session. Some are dead obvious; some of them you might not have thought of. And if you have any of your own to contribute, submit it to us and we'll include it here.
Preparing for your session
You should always try to be as prepared as you can for your session, in terms of organization, your material, and your equipment. You want to come in having an idea of what your goals are for a particular session. Do you want to record one song or three? Which songs? A written list of songs can be a great help when keeping track of what's been worked on. Same goes for lyrics and charts. Remember, your engineer doesn't know the material as well as you, and anything to help clarify lyrics, arrangements, etc. can allow everyone to work smoothly as a team.
For mastering or mixing, make sure you have all the right tapes/CD-Rs/etc. together, and labeled properly. It's pretty obvious that everyone should know the material as much as possible before the session. At the same time, everyone is different, and some people like to use the studio time to experiment and be creative. However, if you're on a budget, the more details you can cover, the more time and money, you save. Sometimes when it comes time to do vocals, the backing parts haven't been thought through clearly. It can be tempting to add harmonies and double and triple parts, but when parts need to be figured out and learned through trial and error, the time spent recording can increase significantly.
Other often-overlooked details are: practicing songs to a click and recording the tempos, specific drum parts and fills, solos, and getting session musicians a copy of the music ahead of time. In terms of equipment, it's crucial to bring in everything you need, in good working order. Don't forget your drums, amps, pedals, tuners, batteries, AC adapters, extra strings, cables, guitar stands, etc. and not expecting the studio to have it, or else time might be wasted sending someone out to pick something up. The studio is responsible for microphones and recording equipment only. If there's something you may need that you can't bring, you should check with the studio to see if arrangements can be made.
Guitarists and bass players may want to put on new strings a day or two before the session, or even get their instruments set up with us, prior to your session. MIDI and electronic devices often have very specific requirements, and any issues with cables, compatibility and formats should be investigated and addressed before the session.
In the session
While you're at the studio, it's important to stay focused. Eating properly and not over-indulging can go a long way towards increased productivity. Also, the occasional ear break allows you to maintain objectivity. While someone is working on a part, distractions should be minimized, so anyone that doesn't need to be involved in the session, should relax somewhere out of the way.
And most importantly, remember to relax. Outside pressures and worries about money and time can keep you from focusing on what really counts - the music - and in the end, that's what you'll be walking out with. So come prepared, have some fun, and remember what you are here for ....... good times and great music!!!
Bonus: Free Rehearsal Time!! Your pre-recording, rehearsal time is FREE!!! However, you must have a deposit of $300 toward your recording session to get this deal and you must arrange your free rehearsal session(s) so that it is just before your recording session (i.e. the day before recording or earlier).
This is especially advantageous for many reasons, including: If you come in a bit earlier on the first day of your rehearsal session, we can mic up your instruments before you start, particularly the drums. This way we can work on getting great sounds for tracking your instruments, as well as getting started on an awesome mix for you prior to your recording session ....... while you rehearse!!! This will save you time any money on your recording production. Also, equally advantageous is our ear. It would be beneficial to you, financially and time management wise, to let us give you and extra ear for the continuity of your material. It is also a great way for us to get familiar with your material prior to recording you.
Our 36' x 15' "Live Room", has a carpeted concrete floor and ceiling height of 8'. It is professionally acoustically treated with strategically placed diffuser panels, absorption panels, bass traps and acoustical blankets to provide an excellent acoustical response, as well as, reduce feedback and standing waves. This room is ready for you to get working on your material before you record. We are fully equipped for your rehearsal needs. Your session will include the use of our "live room" and associated gear including drums (5 piece Tama Star Classic kit) Drummers are reminded to PLEASE bring your own cymbals and sticks., guitar amps and PA system or you can use your own gear if you like. Of course, highly recommend and encourage you to bring your own gear in case you change your mind about using ours, at last minute. Our 16 channel rehearsal mixing board has on-board FX and will remain in the rehearsal room with you to tweak.
This service is intended for the band(s) wishing to refine their music and smooth out their parts and work flow, prior to a recording session, it is NOT a standard rehearsal facility. However, we have made exceptions to clients that we have previously worked with in a recording session, that need to tighten up their act prior to a show. So if you've worked with us in the past and need a place to practice a couple nights before a show, give us a call ... we may have some time available.
This is especially advantageous for many reasons, including: If you come in a bit earlier on the first day of your rehearsal session, we can mic up your instruments before you start, particularly the drums. This way we can work on getting great sounds for tracking your instruments, as well as getting started on an awesome mix for you prior to your recording session ....... while you rehearse!!! This will save you time any money on your recording production. Also, equally advantageous is our ear. It would be beneficial to you, financially and time management wise, to let us give you and extra ear for the continuity of your material. It is also a great way for us to get familiar with your material prior to recording you.
This service is intended for the band(s) wishing to refine their music and smooth out their parts and work flow, prior to a recording session, it is NOT a standard rehearsal facility. However, we have made exceptions to clients that we have previously worked with in a recording session, that need to tighten up their act prior to a show. So if you've worked with us in the past and need a place to practice a couple nights before a show, give us a call ... we may have some time available.