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What to look for when shopping for a recording studio. Gear: Obviously the buzz word to be aware of is vintage. Is the gear really vintage ? And what does vintage gear give you ? When you are looking for a sound, it’s good to know what will help you achieve this criteria. In most cases it is the user and not solely the gear. So we need to add another component to the term “vintage gear” which is, experience. An engineer who has the experience and uses this equipment each and every day is the answer. So the gear with experience on how to implement it to get what you want out of it. This is what you are really after. If it were as easy as a plug and play then you wouldn’t need anybody with knowledge on how the gear does it’s thing. Just because you run a crappy piece of music into a revered piece of equipment, that will surely not give you any different results. It could backfire and show more incompetence on the musician’s part. So, as knowledge is power it’s up to you to look at recording gear as one component to shopping for a recording facility. Engineer: Here’s where the rubber meets the road in making a choice in studios. And we’re back to that term experience. A good engineer will be helpful, patient and project minded. That person understands all of the needs of all the members in the band. That person should be ready for any problems that crop up in a typical session. Again their experience will make the day go smooth. And you can concentrate on musical not other issues. It’s a bonus if, the engineer plays an instrument. Has been in a band and writes music. Again his role is crucial in obtaining a good working environment as well as harmony between all the members in the band. The more knowledge the engineer possesses the more hats he can bring to the session. For example: A recording engineer with recording and musical knowledge could double as an engineer/producer. Thus helping with the recording budget of not having a paid producer as well as an engineer. And don’t be fooled into thinking that one of the band members who just got out of recording school has his act together. That could cost you more in frayed nerves, and band tension. Facility: Maybe you rehearse in a basement, or a garage. That’s fine but when you want to make a recording. A basement or a garage isn’t what you’re looking for unless it’s just a gig demo you’re after. Remember this is what you and everybody else will be listening to for a long time. It’s actually an audio time capsule you’re creating. A representation of who you are artistically. That facility should have some basic amenities like, space for the whole band to play as one unit, because, that’s how you rehearse. A decent headphone system, so they can hear each other. A small kitchenette for coffee and food because some sessions go on for a while and this is one more comfort factor. A clean and organized facility speaks volumes on what the owner thinks of their own place and your business. Extras: Things like a piano, amplifiers, keyboards or a box of percussion instruments. This is one more factor in what a real recording studio has over other semi pro or non-pro so called studios. And could make a difference in what happens in a recording. Additional creativity could be sparked by just these factors alone. Producer: Two heads are better than one. If your budget allows it, or you are struggling with an overall finished vision, a producer can be invaluable. The producer must have musical abilities, technical understanding of recording, patience, and a drive for your project to be the best. In actuality they are a temporary member of your band. In some cases you need a boss to get things done. Or more input for the other members. Another ear to lend for suggestions. Usually the producer is hired before the studio time is set. The reason is that producer will not let you into the session until you are ready to record. By then everybody has had time to work together. Roles are more defined and less time is wasted on issues that should be dealt with before recording. -Mike Talanca |
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If you are in a band. And considering venturing into a recording studio. It would be in your best interest to record as a band. Without question the live , cohesive feel that the unit provides, is what defines you. Now I am not admonishining single take recording. I am talking about a “Band”. Webster says a band is a company of persons acting or functioning together. Playing music with others is the most visceral way to collectively express yourself in an artistic manner. And we’re talking about making music like it was created. You rehearse as a band. You play as a band. So why are you not recording as a band? Budget ?? Well think of this a 4 piece band can go into a cheaper facility.and track,one track at a time. So….. Step 1 clic track , if you use one. If not we’ll skip to Step 2 Drum Track ( or other main track). We’ll suppose a regular session, with normal musicians. I’ll limit each take to 3 takes. Then bass guitar then Guitar 1 , double that, maybe solo guitar. Possible keyboards or other ancillary instrument. Back to the math. 6 musicians passes times at least 3 takes is equal to going thru the tune 18 times to get a basic rhythm track. So an average 4 minute tune times 18 passes will equal 1 hour 12 minutes. Lets allow 18 minutes for listening and fixing. ( thats low but for our purpose ). A total of 1 hour 30 minutes for rhythm track for one tune in piece meal.. Then in that common sense world rehersal should consist of every body playing there own parts one at a time to a recording of some reference and meld all the elements at rehersal. And we haven’t even talked about vocals. Now, If the band played the rhythm track live in 3 takes and lets add another 6 takes for track overdubs. 3 takes will equal 12 minutes add another 6 takes for overdubs that’s 24 minutes. Now we’re at 36 minutes and the additional 18 working minutes equals 54 minutes. Less time and money savings. Add the additional “Vibe” to the track makes it priceless. So when you’re weighing going to a facility that you can play as you rehearse and play live. - Mike Talanca Back to the top of this page |
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