[Recording Secrets] 8 Tips for Going Into the Recording Studio Prepared

[Recording Secrets] 8 Tips for Going Into the Recording Studio Prepared

by Jessica Brandon

Truth is…there are many more I wish I’d known sooner than the eight secrets I discuss here.

But in the limited space I have, there is no way to summarize them all.

Do you have music you wish to record professionally and ready for the pros and wish to move away from recording at home? Well, you will need a plan. Here are some important tips:

1. Know What You Want & Why You Want It

This is your road map. What are you looking to accomplish? How do you wish to sound like? Like Lady Gaga or Creed’s last album? You want a “Power Pop” sound with EDM? The more specific the sound you provide for your engineer or producer, the easier the session will go.

You need to create a vision on how you wish to sound like, why and how. Bring audio samples to the recording engineer or music producer will really help envision your sound and craft. Do you wish the lead guitar to have a “dirty” distortion on the full F chord over the C bass line?

If you have a band, make sure everybody is on the same page and any ideas have been fully hashed out before the meter starts running at the studio. Having an idea of what you want before you go in to the recording can save you a ton of both time and money. Remember the meter is running as soon as you step into the studio!

2. Visit the Space

Know what you are getting into and do your homework. Pop into the space to see how the vocal booth is like? Talk to the engineer or producer and have a conversation going. Try and listen to their work and see if it is a good fit for you. Find other artists who have worked with them and reach out to them to ask what their experience with that studio or producer and engineer were.

3. Know Your Music Gear

Let’s say you are a vocalist, it will be helpful to research and to find out if a Neumann microphone or a particular Audio-Technica microphone would suit you better. Would the Large Diaphragm Condenser, Small Diaphragm or Dynamic be best for you?

4. Know General Engineering Terms

If you do not know anything about compression, take the trouble to do some research and find out what Compression is, in a way that makes perfect sense to a non gear head like you.

5. Practice to a Click Track
   Rehearse the music inside and out with a click track and know your parts to your songs. Even if you’re great with keeping time, without a click you’re bound to deviate to some degree. It is always good to really know the performance and practice, practice, practice! The bottom line is: prepare well and work hard.

Do you prefer to play guitar standing with a music stand waist-high in front of you, or do you want to lean on a stool?

Maybe you may want to record five lead guitar solos takes and piece together the best parts of each, or record your vocals and guitar in one session and then overdub your keyboards and drums a week later? Using a click to keep your beat steady will make all your tracks sounds better and easier.

6. Create a Check List

Did you re-string your guitar? Did you warm up your vocals? Does your music equipment work? Did you bring over samples of audio you wish to sound like? If you want a particular retro 80’s drum sound along with a new dub step keyboard sound, bring over the samples. The producer and engineer will know in advance what are your goals are.  Do you have a working backup of your files? It may be smart to have one on your laptop, another on the cloud and another on your smart phone. Do you need a guide track when you do your vocals? Did you bring your cables for your electric guitar?

7. Create a Pre Production

It is always good to throw a quick demo together. Have your songs prepared. Start small, or do a trial run at home on your smart phone, your computer, laptop or inexpensive recording device. The more low-tech the better, for a bare-bones demo is like a blank canvas for the engineer and producer with only a hint of an outline.

8. Have a Plan B

Stuff happens and things sometimes do not go according to plan. It is always good to have a “Plan B”. It is always good to allow a buffer in case things do not go according to plan.

Example: if you are a vocalist and if you can’t hit the high notes because you are way too nervous. Have a back-up plan and sing an alternative melody within your range.

You realized that the studio doesn’t have the Pro-Tools plugins that you wish. Do not assume that the studio will have the plugins that you use at home. Bounce to audio all tracks that depend on software instruments or effects. This will guarantee compatibility between your working setup and the setup at your destination.

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