Recording

What can you expect during your recording session at Edgewater Studio?

 

When you arrive for your session we will take a few moments to discuss the goals and desires for your project.  We will form a plan to best accomplish your goals.  Once we have laid out the plan, we will begin by laying down the foundation of the first song.  This is typically a piano, guitar, or some other chording type of instrument.  If drums are being used, it is best to include them on these first tracks.

 

Once the foundational instrument tracks have been laid down, the additional instruments or vocals will be layered on top of the foundation.  Layer by layer we will add the additional instruments and vocals.  While it is possible to record all of the tracks at one time, it is usually much faster and certainly results in a far greater quality if the tracks are laid down one at a time.  This allows myself as the producer the most control over each aspect, or voice, of the song. 

 

After we record a track, we will listen together closely to determine if that take will meet your needs.  There is always the option to overdub or punch-in corrections or additions without doing a complete retake.  Once we are completely satisfied with that track, we will move on to the next one.

 

My job as a recording engineer and producer is to provide you feedback from start to finish.  While my job is to coach you along the way,  I appreciate your continual feedback so I know I am meeting your needs. 

 

Once all of the tracks of the first song have been recorded, I will do a rough mix- down of all the tracks to get a feel from you as to how you would like the finished song to sound and feel.  Once we have roughed in the correct mix for that song, we will move on to the next song.

 

Frequent breaks should be taken and are usually combined with evaluating tracks.  We will provide plenty of water to help refresh your vocal cords, however, you should do your best to pace yourself.  Unless you are accustomed to recording for 8 - 10 hours a day, I suggest you limit your first sessions to 4 hour blocks.  We should never be in a hurry to complete a project.  If you are feeling tired or rushed, it will show through in your music.

 

You should plan on each song taking at least an hour to record.  How long it actually takes depends on a lot of things; number of tracks, difficulty or complexity of the tracks, preparedness of the musicians, etc.  It is wise not to underestimate the time needed to produce an album.  I will be happy to help you estimate the time based on individual requirements.  I'm here to help you succeed!

 

 

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Audio Formats

 

There are basically two types of audio formats used in the recording process, MIDI and Analog.  

 

MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) is where an instrument such as a digital keyboard is played by the musician and the musician's input is converted into data in the form of note numbers, pitch, velocity, tempo, etc.  This information is recorded, then played through a sequencer/sampler which then produces the desired sound.  This is the easiest type of music to manipulate, as every aspect of the music can be manipulated on the computer.  Make a mistake while laying down the track?  No problem, it can be corrected.  Want to change the pitch of  a note?  No problem, simply click and drag to the pitch you would like.  

 

The MIDI portion of the song can often be recorded by the artist ahead of time on your own digital keyboard.  The MIDI file can the be sent to me prior to your studio date, allowing me to get a head start on your songs, saving both of us a lot of time in the studio.

 

For a demonstration of MIDI, click here or go to the Demo link above.

 

Analog is typically captured by one or more microphones and converted into digital information by the computer.  This type of audio can also be manipulated in number of ways.  We can change the pitch, tempo, key, etc. of the entire song or any single note.  We can also add or delete individual notes, whether vocal or instrumental.

 

There are many schools of thought about manipulating recording performances.  Our goal is to let you know what we are able to do for you but to also promise you that we are committed to do as much or as little manipulation to your music as you desire.

 

 

 

 

 

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