How to Get the Best Out of a Recording Session

How to Get the Best Out of a Recording Session

Whether you are a singer recording with a backing track, a band, artist or any other type of musical ensemble, it is important to know what to expect before you enter the studioandhow to get the best results possible in whatever time scale you have chosen. The more you carefully consider all the factors involved, the more effectively and efficiently you will produce your tracks.

Choosing a Studio: Don't be afraid to shop around, you should never feel pressured into choosing one studio straight away. Find the one most suitable for you, if possible it is a good idea to listen to examples of projects relevant to yoursundertaken at the studio under the same sort of conditions as you are planning. Many studios will offer package deals and you should weigh up all the options.

Knowing and makingit clear what you want: A good engineer/producer should want to know what you are looking to achieve so that they can advise you on a good way to go about this. For example 2 days is a good time scale for 3 highquality demos from a bandbut if you want album standard, you may wish tohave an extra day.If you are a band/artist it is great if you have rough live demos or canhave themsit in on a rehearsal to familiarise themselves with your music, sound and vibe. It is also very useful to an engineer to have a "guide track" (a song that has a mix/sound that you wish your final product to sound like).

Pre-production:

Pre-production isan incrediblyimportant aspect when it comes to any type of recording, here is advice on preproduction for different types of recording

Singers with backing tracks: Once you have chosen the tracks you wish to record and told the engineer this, your recording will sound better if you get the best quality backing track that you can. Many singers prefer to record their own harmonies so this is something to consider when choosing a track with or without backing vocals. Many good studios will be able to provide backing tracks for you so if you wish to use this service, it is always worth asking. Know the song inside out, it saves a lot of time and frustration when you are absolutely clear on everything you are doing. There's always a chance of something changing on the day but at least if you have everything clear it will be far less stressful if things don't quite go according to plan. Also the engineer will find it useful if you can bring a copy of the lyrics

Bands/artists/ other music ensembles: Every member of theensemble should be completely preparedfor whatever role they are playing in the recording. Firstly every member should be absolutely aware on what is happening on the day and everyone should know the material inside out and back to front! The whole recording will only be as strong as the weakest link in the group so it is important for everyone to be completely clear on what is happening. As well as your tightness with the music and material, another important factor to consider is equipment and instruments. An important question to ask is if yourmusical instrument/ equipment such as amplificationup to the standard of the soundthat youwish to achieve? If not, often studios will hire out equipment but you should notify them of this in advance. If you wish to hire from elsewhere, it is a good idea to get any instruments at least 1 or2 days in advanceso that you can check them out andpractice on them to get used tohow they play.Also think about all the extrassuch as drum skins whichare good to change around a week or twoin advance and new (about 2 days old and well played in!) guitarstrings. The singer should also be prepared and warmed up having been taking appropriate vocal care such as avoiding cigarettes, alcohol and dairy productsas well as doing things likesteaming, getting themselves into a good frame of mind and drinking a lot of water andwarm (non caffeinated) drinks, herbal teas such as peppermint are great for the voice. It is useful for the engineer to have a copy of lyrics or if you are instrumental perhaps an outline of the structure.

Be prepared: You will get your best results and save a lot of time and stress by making sure you know exactly who is providing what, your methods of transport, what you will be doing for refreshments and making sure you have all your equipment with you. Think about the easy to forget but essential details such as spare guitar picks/ drum sticks,drinksetc and have a clear view about what is going to happen on the day

Most importantly, have fun!: It is a great feeling, especially with all bases covered, to get a good result and exciting to watch all the pieces you have worked so hard on finally come together into a finished product. If you don't take yourself too seriously, relax and enjoy the experience, there are a lot of laughs to be had in the studio.

Good luck!

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