HOW IT USUALLY GOES DOWN CLICK TRACKS ARE A MUST FOR POLISHED PRODUCTS I ALWAYS RECORD WITH A CLICK TRACK
The first thing to be recorded is generally the drums. Usually, the drummer loads in, sets up and we tune the drums to achieve the desired tones. This generally takes the first 2-4 hours of a project that is to be fully produced. Then, the drummer will track their parts. Sometimes, the d
rummer may track by themselves (happens most often when planning to record to a click track). Many times, someone (if not everyone) will play while the drums are being recorded on the first day. These tracks are generally considered scratch tracks with fully produced projects. Usually, guitars, bass, etc. are to be re-recorded after the drums are completed. The vocalist being present for drum tracking can often be helpful as they can conduct the band and to make sure that there are no parts of songs left out (this actually happens with about one out of every five projects). The drum tracks should be recorded on the first day to three days of the recording. Generally, the drums will need to be quantized to a click track with full production record. This can take an hour per 1-3 min. of audio depending on hour complex and progressive the drum tracks are. If this is to be done, it obviously must be done before tracking anything else. The band will often have 1-4 days off while the drum quantizing and post is being done. No one needs to be present for this. I prefer that the rhythm guitars be tracked next if the band is a guitar driven band. Bass if they are a bass driven band. Keys, Horns, Percussion etc. can be recorded after the primary rhythm tracks are done if there are no parts that rhythm tracks have to sync to. Only the performers that are actually recording need be present to record their parts. No one needs to be present for the digital editing. Any member can be present for tracking although I prefer that we keep guests to a minimum. A digital editing reference will be given to the bands for the approval of all editing and reconstruction. . It is also not necessary for anyone to be present for the mix. If there is a scheduled mix session, it is up to the band as far as who attends the mix session. I recommend that only one or two people attend the mix session. Select the person(s) that is the producer of the band. Someone who will listen the mix and not individual instruments. Someone who understands the collective compromise on how the band should be mixed. The mix can be done remotely by uploading references for the client to download and sending adjustment list. This is generally the best method to use for ensuring the mix sounds it's best outside the studio. Ultimately, whoever is commissioning the project has final say so with me so make sure that you guys and that person or those people are in an agreement with one another on how the project should sound. STUDIO RULES
-No Smoking inside studio. Food and Beer and such is fine but no smoking Just keep any food and drink away from equipment for obvious reasons. You can smoke outside no problem. ...
-Park only on studio property. No pulling into or parking in neighbor's driveways or yards. If parking seems difficult upon arrival, consult me about the options. There should be plenty. Keeping vistors to a minimum and carpooling when possible will keep this from being an issue. ...
-No coming before the scheduled session or hanging out after the scheduled session unless I am present... .
-I do not provide sleeping space. No exceptions. Please don't even ask....
-Keep noise to a minimum if session go after 10:00pm as I have people sleeping upstairs. .
-No loitering around the neighborhood. People tend to wander while talking ..phones and such which freaks some of the neighbors out for some reason. haha ...
-There is no provided lodging at the studio. There are many local hotels. Some are really affordable. Some are nicer. Just inquire if you are in need of lodging and I will give you the info. ...
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-Have fun and don't try to take it all too seriously. I think we all got in to music for the love and enjoyment of it so we should try to keep it that way even through the business aspect of things. ...
*I really hate to have all these rules. Many of which are just silly to me. Just a too many inconsiderate, disrespectful give and inch, take a mile type people in this business. A few have ruined it for all. Please, just be considerate and respectful to me, my family and the neighbors and everything with be cool. .......... RECOMMENDATIONS AND REQUESTS.
-discuss the sounds, production and mix that the band, producer and commissioner are collectively going for and bring CD examples if possible...
-have guitars and bass set up to eliminate problems with intonation, fret buzz and noisy pots and switches if possible...
-make sure tube amp tubes are not too old...
-buy new strings for both bass and guitars unless a flat dull sound is desired.
-buy new attack heads for drums unless a flat dull sound is desired (have the drummer contact me about the proper drum head selection for the desired sound).
-check resonant heads (make sure they are matched single ply like Remo Ambassador and don't have any dents or holes) (snare side ambassador for Snare)...
-check snare strands (no broken or loose strands)...
-no broken cymbals (I have studio cymbal but I have a break it, you buy it policy)...
-nylon tip sticks are probably best for heavy styles of music to get attack out of rides cymbals and such. ...
-get plenty of rest the nights before tracking (especially for vocals. People's vocals sound best for a span of six hours after the person has been up for three hours)...
-have everything worked out (have completed lyrics and vocal melodies and/or patterns worked out, have guitar solos worked out, samples and extras worked out and collected) (improving can run into hours of uncalculated recording time)...
-record the material prior to coming into the studio on anything including a jam box, four track, hard disk recorder or computer recording software to point out weaknesses in performance and the material. ...
-Above and beyond all, come in with an open mind. Try to be as descriptive about your sounds as possible and let me do what is necessary to get those sounds even if that means tuning the drums and tweaking the amp tones...
