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These common sense tips and techniques you may find useful.
 

Before you enter the studio.

Have all the musical and vocal parts worked out. (Know your guitar solos!)

Using a Computer, Sampler, or sequencer prepare all sequenced material or samples before the session.

If you plan to use a click track, make sure your drummer is comfortable playing to it. (to get tight, practice to a click (metronome) at a very slow tempo.)

Rehearse more songs than you plan to record.   You never know which songs will sound strong on the final tape. (if you plan to have a      four song EP, prepare six songs just in case.)

Take care of your body before and during your recording sessions. Eat well, get enough sleep, and keep your ears rested and clear.
 

Setting up

Be Early! The clock starts running whether your there or not.  See Studio Policies regarding cancellations etc.

Make it fun, relax, your comfort is important to us.   let us know if there is something we can do to help.  within reason we probably will.

Plan out how you will leave room for all the essential parts. (based on the number of available tracks.)

Use new strings, cords, drum sticks and heads.   And bring spares!  I will make a difference in the sound.

Don't use new gear or equipment that you have never used before.  Even if it's "better than what you have".  surprises can cause problems. The studio has some equipment available for your use, just ask.
 

The Recording Process

Remember, It's emotion and feeling that make the best song, not necessarily the best technical rendition.

You don't have to fill all the tracks on the tape!   Don't try to force something that won't fit.

Don't necessarily double track everything.   Doubling a lead vocal can hide all the subtleties that make a song personal and likeable.  although it can work well for a chorus.

Know when to quit for the day.  When your tired it will show.

Keep guests out! It's your recording.  Guests will distract you and may sway your opinion of how the music should sound.

Tune often! String your guitar correctly click image to enlarge.

Vocalists... Drink water, but don't use Ice! Ice constricts your vocal chords.  Hot tea with lemon and honey works just as well.

Get an accounting for studio time and get an invoice after each session.
 

Monitoring The Mix

Listen to the music at moderate levels.  Loud levels will fatigue your ears and distort the "true" sound

Sometimes it's good to take a day off and come back to listen.  ears don't last very long in the studio.
 

Mixing

Mixing is the process of adjusting and setting channel levels, EQ's, compression, expansion, delays, effects, etc. There are many factors involved in mixing and it is an art all by itself. Many engineers specialize in mixing. This process can take time. It is not un-common to have to redo a mix after having listened to it outside the studio environment. Adjusting one tracks EQ or level can and will effect how you hear other tracks and therefore is not as easy as you may have thought.

Extra Bonus Tip

Always make a backup of your master CD. 
 

The Next Step

We provide top-flight cassette and CD manufacturing for a true major-label-quality product.

Graphic Design

Proof positive reference CD

Fast turnaround time

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