Denver Recording Studio

Here are a few things to think about in preparation for a studio recording session.

Number 1: What is your end goal with this recording project? Is it a demo to get gigs, hand-outs, mix-tape, label/radio demo, new album, etc.? Defining your end goal is VERY important in appreciating your time and budget for any project. Your end goal steers the tracking, mixing and mastering decisions as well - ya heard the phrase “there are a thousand roads to China?”

Number 2: Who is your competition? How professional does their disc sound? What are the successes and failures of their recording and how are you going to evaluate those elements in your own recording? Also, take some time to think about any special considerations for your own genre and instrument, whether it be a sonic-style in mind, necessary equipment, processing effects, etc. as they will steer your needs for recording spaces, gear and processing decisions.

Number 3: Rehearse, Rehearse, REHEARSE! Take a break, and then rehearse some more. Yet, just playing doesn’t necessarily do enough either. It is WELL worth the funds to hire a professional for pre-production during rehearsal. It’s cheaper than wasting recording time and allows small problem areas to be fleshed out before the big date. Many smaller groups don’t do this, but aren’t you trying to compete with the big boys? You think that they don’t do loads of pre-production?

Number 4: Be on time, and send the drummer early because he has the most equipment setup, and if an engineer or tech is available, they might get a jump on mic setup. This keeps time efficient and allows the artist to focus on their work and not the ticking clock wasting away.

Number 5: Bring gifts… engineers like that and will often return the favor, perhaps not in gifts or monetary discounts, but certainly in connection to the persons themselves and there music as well. Trust me that engineers do better work when they have more of a connection with their client - it inherently translates into a better finished product.

Any other ideas on the subject? Leave a comment!

— Mike with the Mic

CCM Recording Studios

Denver Recording Studio Blog.com