Recording Preparation

• Be well rehearsed. Tighten up the performance as much as possible. Practice as much as you can before you record.
• Drums and bass should be the focus. This is the rhythm section and will dictate how the rest of the song will translate. If the rhythm section plans to play to a metronome—we would recommend a concentrated effort to rehearse to a click well in advance of the session dates as this is the only way recording to a click can be effective. It is always better not to use a click if not prepared to do so.
• Vocalists should come well prepared and rehearsed. The vocalist should always work with someone (preferably a professional) prior to recording so that they can receive feedback on their performance. A second set of ears is paramount as the voice is the most complicated instrument in the world. There is a fine balance between 'pitch' and 'style'. All lyrics should be written and all vocal harmonies planned in advance.
• Writing in the studio for the most part is counter productive and is not the most efficient use of time. Improvisation and creativity is encouraged of course yet there is a distinct difference between these. Having the songs blocked out as much as possible with the effort to form a solid vision of the end product is important. If this is achieved—the rest is what the studio is really for. The magic and spontaneity that will bring the material to a new level.
• Your equipment should be in working order. We realize that most musicians' budgets narrow to say the least—yet this does remain an important check on the recording prep-list. If your equipment is below recording standard—we suggest renting for the sessions from a trusted retailer. Here are some standards for equipment:
  1. Drums- Replace your heads about 2 days before entering the studio. Recommended are the Remo Pinstripe clear heads for toms, Remo Coated Ambassadors for snares, and Double Ply Oil-filled kick drum skins. These skins will work for 90% of the genres out there. Jazz is obviously a different story all together. Old beat up symbals are fine ONLY if they sound good. Recording does not repair bad symbals.
  2. Guitars- Restring your guitar 1 day before recording. Make sure you've had your guitar setup by a professional at least a couple weeks before recording. Bad intonation STOPS the recording session dead in its tracks and can only begin when the proper setup maintenance is done.
  3. Amplifiers- For your standard guitar sound, usually any 4x12 cab with a tube head will sound great. 2x12 combos are good for certain genres but never a 'tiny practice style' amp. Multi effects pedals never sound good in the studio. If you use a multi effects processor—consult with us before, chances are, we'll have the effect you're looking for. Natural tube distortion is the best!