Tip #6
Be on time. If you have made an appointment with me, your clock starts running whether you're in the studio or not. A 24-hour advance cancellation notification is required if you're not planning on being here.
Tip #7
Be sure to set some time aside to discuss your vision for the song before you start the session, and bring reference songs to help explain the sound and feeling of the songs you're about to record.
Tip #8
Determine what format (tracks / resolution / format) you will need as a final output. My studio provides, as standard, Cubase/Nuendo and Protools compatibility at 96kHz, with limit of 48 tracks. If you require a different setup please discuss it with me before hand.
Tip #9
Bring your favorite and trusted instruments, along with your favorite gear you know and trust, and make sure to bring a spare set of strings.
Tip #5
Plan on doubling, harmonizing, and ad-libbing your performance. Whether it's the vocals or guitars or strings, solo may not always work to your advantage.
Tip #6
Don't stretch your limits and abilities. Know when it's time to take a break.
Tip #7
Focus, focus, focus. Try not to bring friends so that you remain focused on music.
Tip #8
Don't listen to your reference monitors / headphones TOO loudly. It will fatigue your ears faster and will distort your perception of the mix at lower volumes. Keep it moderately quiet.
Tip #2
Allow for time and give yourself a day of a break before making final comments on the mix. Sometimes the mix will grow on you even though you are used to a different sound from your live recordings.
Tip #3
The ultimate test - test drive your new mix in your car. :)
Recording Tips for Artists for to Maximize Your Studio Experience
BEFORE YOU RECORD:
Tip #1
Bring a copy of your song with you on a Flash drive, CD, or email it to me prior to the session. Whether it's a live recording or a recording from your practice, it will help me identify your strong and weak points, determine dynamics levels, make preliminary gear selestion, and help discuss your end vision for the song.
Tip #2
Learn to perform your song with a click track. This will help with multiple takes, overdubs, and will aid other session musicians who may not be familar with your song or may not be present during your recording session.
Tip #3
Be prepared and memorize your songs ahead of time. You can also email me a copy of your music and lyrics beforehand so that I'll have it available even if you happen to forget to bring a copy with you.
Tip #4
You may want to prepare more songs for recording that you originally intended to. You never know what will sound best and in which order after final mixdown.
Tip #5
Make sure you're rested. The strength and timber of your voice or your playing technique will slightly change over time - make sure that you're comfortable on spending 2+ hours per song without sacrificing quality of your performance.
DURING RECORDING:
Tip #1
Determine if you prefer to record entire takes, or if you prefer to punch-in, punch-out. Depending on your ability, the style of music and your end goal, one technique may work better than the other.
Tip #2
Be emotionally engaged with the song. Studio space often lacks the energy of a live recording, and unless you are mentally "there", your delivery will suffer. Find that special place in your mind and run with it!
Tip #3
Prioritize and plan correctly. Spend the most time on the most important elements of your song - if it's the vocals, prioritize them.
Tip #4
Be specific with the sound you want, and if it's not working for you, let me know right away. The mixing stage of the project will polish up your recording, but getting it RIGHT at the recording stage is the critical component because not everything can be fixed afterwards.
DURING MIXING:
Tip #1
When listening to the mix, keep in mind that it is NOT the final product - mastering can help enhance the sound, but be sure that the mix is close enough to the sound you want. Bring reference CDs with you when comparing your favorite tracks to your mix.