We have compiled a few pointers that should help you have a more productive and enjoyable recording session. Please contact us with any questions or comments.

Preparation

       In order to maximize your time in the studio, as much preparation as is possible should be taken before your session. Some things you should have worked out include: what are your goals for the session? How many songs do you want to record? Which ones? Try to make sure that all musical, lyrical, and arrangement ideas are already worked out. Knowing the material as much as possible before the session seems like a given. Often musicians get onto the studio and become inspired to experiment or try different approaches to their songs. While this can be very rewarding and is certainly not discouraged, it is important to keep in mind that being too creative in the studio can drastically increase the time needed to complete a project. Try to have as many details as possible worked out before hand. These may include vocal harmonies, guitar tones or solo parts.

Click Tracks

       While recording to a click track is very helpful to the recording process, it is not absolutely necessary, and as such should only be used if it is not going to hurt productivity. If you or your band has never recorded with a click track, it is much preferred to know before hand which way you're going to go. Bottom line - if your band, (most importantly the drummer), tries to use the click in the studio and is not prepared, time is wasted, and it would be more productive to not even bother trying. The solution - practice. As a band you should determine the tempos of your songs at rehearsal by playing with the feel you want for the song and then recording the B.P.M., (beats per minute), using a metronome. The drummer should then be playing/practicing along with the click track leading up to the session date. If he/she is not comfortable using the click by recording day, it is better to go ahead and record without it. If your band is going to use the click in the session, please make sure that you bring all needed tempos with you, and double check to make sure they are accurate. Another great tip for drummers is to practice playing with cymbals and hi-hats raised a few inches as this can significantly improve seperation - a very good thing. Also, a lot of drummers simply play the hats too hard, it may work well for playing live, but in the recording it can take away from the overall drum sound. If you or your drummer fit into this category, try practicing more controlled hat playing leading up to the session.

Equipment

       Try to bring in everything you need, in good working order. This includes not only your instruments, and any amps or effects you wish to use, but also tuners, batteries, AC adapters, extra strings, cables, guitar stands, etc.. The studio has plenty of quality gear that we are happy to let you use but any specific equipment requests or concerns should be addressed before hand. If there is 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. Guitars that don't stay in tune can cause real problems on recording day. Any issues with cables, compatibility and formats should also be investigated and addressed before the session.