Below is a detailed walk-thru of the recording process from start to finish. It outlines the step by step tasks and the goals for each part of the process.
Records aren't made the same way in two places. This humble studio is designed specifically around this workflow, with one key outcome in mind: an easy and comfortable user experience for the recording artist.
One that feels more like business-as-usual and less like a pain in the ass.
The below process is a nuts-to-bolts process from recording they mixing and mastering. If you’re only interested in mixing see phase 5 and beyond- but understand that we may want to iterate on previous steps to get the best possible product. Mixing is fun and can lead to great results when the source recordings make it possible 😎.
Well, maybe a little. But most likely not. Because I get to do this for free- I get to choose to do, and refrain from what I don't enjoy. Tuning vocals is one of them.
No samples, no quantization etc.. I'm all for sensible edits where needed. This isn't as inflexible as you'd might think. But maybe for you it's not the right choice. A great drummer or one that stinks, what goes in the mic is what we'll have. This includes digital drum programming.
Or single, EP, etc.. Nada. Zilch. You know your tunes the best. I'll be too busy trying to make sure we capture your music as accurately as possible. A really accurate snapshot of your art. I'm full of tips and advice- but that's where I draw the line. I'm an engineer, and an enabler.
All gear needed for the session is loaded tested and ready for 'record'.
Artist monitoring is set up - giving all artists a headphone mix that sounds great and enables a great performance thats fun and not just an awkward pain in the ass.
Drum sound is discovered, designed and finalized. Drums are ready for recording final takes. Through iterative experimentation the band has a broad stroke understanding of what the albums sound design will be (vibe, tone, feel, theme, etc..).
The band performs and records a scratch track/demo track for each song in the project. We use these scratch tracks to make final arrangement adjustments, formulate sound design basics for guitars, bass, and other instruments (keys/synth/etc..) and to finalize the sound design (tone, mixing-strategy) for the drum kit.
The band will record together, with amplifiers isolated from the drums. The band will record each song in the same way as the Phase 1 demo: but the goal in mind is to prioritize getting final 'drum takes'. if the bands recording of other instruments also sound like 'keepers' then great. But that is not the top priority.
After the demo the band has the opportunity to refine the sound design for the drums and commit to the sound. Once recording begins it is best for all artists aside from the drummer to prioritize the comfort and support of the drummer: the goal is to assist our drum friends in any way that makes capturing a great take possible.
The group- spearheaded by the bassist, works on setting up recording equipment to discover and commit to a bass sound, tone, and approach for each song.
The Bassist has ample time and support provided by the group to capture keeper bass tracks for each song.
The group- spearheaded by the guitarist(s), works on setting up recording equipment to discover and commit to a reasonable amount of core guitar sounds, tones, and approaches for each song.
The Guitarist(s) has ample time and support provided by the group to capture keeper guitar tracks for each song.
With all instruments minus vocals recorded the band and engineer worl together for a quick rough mix. This is to build a foundation for which the keeper vocal takes will rest upon.
The group- spearheaded by the vocalist(s), works on setting up recording equipment to discover and commit to a bass sound, tone, and approach for each song.
The vocalist(s) has ample time and support provided by the group to capture keeper vocal tracks for each song.
The band performs and records a scratch track/demo track for each song in the project. We use these scratch tracks to make final arrangement adjustments, formulate sound design basics for guitars, bass, and other instruments (keys/synth/etc..) and to finalize the sound design (tone, mixing-strategy) for the drum kit.
At the start of Phase 5 the engineer will be able to provide a window of time that will be used to mix the songs. Said songs are mixed and shared with the band.
The Mixes are handed off to the group. After an agreed up on time the engineer will make noted edits. Two round of edits will likely be the winning formula.
The engineer works with the group to determine specs for handoff (loudness, fades, format, etc.. ). Options for archival storage to 2" analog tape are available. Once the songs are mastered the studio offers a round of edits.
The handoff of digital and physical assets from engineer to group occurs. Maybe we share a beer or a high five.