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tips for recording
If you are fully
prepared for the session then you will save time and money.
Here are a few tips to make sure everything will run smooth.
before the session
1. Get a very good night's sleep.
2. Agree on which track(s) you are going to record and get them rehearsed as
well as you can
(with and without vocals if you are a band!)
3. Change the strings on your guitar or bass the day before, and make sure they
are stretched in.
They will sound new on the day, but probably won't need re-tuning as much!
4. Re-Skin your snare or whole drum kit if you are bringing your own.
5. Make sure you have plenty of plectrums, drum sticks, leads etc.
6. Bring some throat soothers for your singer...
7. If you are going to record to a click track, make sure your drummer and bass
player are comfortable with it.
during the session
1. Arrive on time, and get tuned up.
2. Bring some CD's to show the engineer what you'd like to sound like.
3. If you are used to your own amplifier bring it along, you know how to get a
good sound out of it!
4. Keep your guests ( friends and mother ) out! It's your recording.
Guests will distract you and may sway your opinion of how the music should
sound.
5. Unless you have unique effects, record individual tracks clean and add
effects later
- this way you can change your mind.
6. Get the sound you want while recording. We don't buy "fix it in the mix" as
many studios do.
Never assume that you can fix an issue in the mix.
7. Determine a band spokesperson ahead of time. An engineer getting five
different opinions on how to mix will grow tired and might cause him/her to rush
through the job. Ultimately, too many opinions will wreck your mixes.
8. Guitarists, Bring a different guitar along with your main one, using a
different guitar for overdubs can make them stand out!
9. The voice is an instrument.....honestly. Practice before going for a take.
11. Bring any previous recordings with you, pick out bits that you don't like
with them,
and make the engineer aware of them, and any suggested replacements etc.
guitarists
If your paying money for an important project, it makes sense to spend a little on your main guitar so that it's sounding the best it can.
If the guitar is old, or has had a bashing during
gigs, it's probably a good idea to visit the internal wiring, or get it seen by
a professional tech. Over time, especially in smokey atmospheres, the solder
joints tend to become less conductive. A professional tech will normally change
the solder for a small fee and
check out the neck alignment.
Keep a tub of fast-frets or lizzard spit handy to preserve the freshness of the strings and frets during the session. Taking spare sets of strings or even a spare (re-strung) axe is a good plan.
Make sure all your FX pedals have new batteries.
If you haven't rehearsed your material, you will hold the session back, and maybe create friction within the band. Ideally the band should have discussed and agreed on everything about the material before the session, if you want to save time. The engineers are available for going over any sounds you would like to achieve, or giving suggestions.
drummers
If this is your first time in a studio, you should always practice to a metronome or a click track, if you want your band to sound professional. Timing is the key. There are ways around the problem if the timing is completely off, but its always a pleasure to hear (and record) a tight drummer.
If you know your songs like the back of your hand,
you will cruise through the session. Leaving more time for those who need it.
vocalists
You should keep your throat healthy! Drinking alcohol and smoking heavily might loosen you up on stage, but in the studio, this dries out the vocal cords, which means your more likely to damage your voice. The excellent quality microphones we use for vocals will pick up every detail in your voice. What's the point in wasting a session because your throat caved in during the opening scream? Bring plenty of water and no alcohol or smoking the day before!
You should seek advise on the best vocal exercises to do before the session. This will make sure your voice sounds the best it can for the record.
Practice microphone technique when you get a minute alone. You should get used to moving your head back (from the microphone) when the vocal gets louder, and closer when it gets more quiet.
Telephone & FAX Postal address
01875 821102 Heartbeat Studio, Guildie Howse Farm, North Middleton, Midlothian EH23 4QP
Email info@heartbeatstudio.co.uk
Main Pictures Designed by Kenny Herbert of KHD