Here’s a small collection of frequently asked questions. We tried to cover all areas like, recording at home, re-amping, mixing and mastering.
Let us know if something is missing, or you think we could improve on some of the explanations. Much appreciated!
Yes, you can! This is a very popular option nowadays, since recording DI tracks only involves a laptop with recording software and a good audio interface with DI. Get in touch to discuss details.
Re-amping is the process of playing back the originally recorded direct guitar or bass tracks, also called DI tracks and sending them to a guitar amplifier, set at high volume. The guitar amplifier connects to a real cab and a microphone records the sound.. Nowadays plugin’s in the DAW can also “re-amp” DI tracks by using special cab simulation software. This is also an option.
A click track is a special track in the recording software that plays back the metronome into the musicians headphones while recording, so they can keep up a steady tempo. It can be freely programmed to accommodate tempo and time signature changes. Using a click track has some benefits in the recording and editing process because the whole song is recorded with the tempo grid laying underneath it. Corrections in timing can easily be corrected and re-arranging or stitching pieces of the song (takes) can be done much faster.
No, you don’t have to. Especially when the drummer has never played with a metronome before this can be very confronting. However, we advise that every drummer needs to get acquainted with playing to a click track as it will largely improve drumming skills and tightness of the performance over time. Once a drummer is comfortable playing to a click track, the previously mentioned benefits can be used.
Depends. Some songs and styles require a steady tempo, where others indeed require some movement in the tempo. In this case we will add this in the click track by incorporation small tempo changes per section. This way we bring back the life and still have all benefits of the click track.
Overdubs are all additional tracks recorded after the initial performance in which these were not, or only partially present. For example guitar solo’s or harmonic melodies, a second layer of lead vocal, etc. The initial recording is played back and the overdubs are recorded.
A full length album of a typical 5 piece rock band can be recorded in 10 to 15 days. Largely depending on the music itself and the musician’s skill level and endurance. Shorter sessions over a longer period of time are possible, especially for vocals this might apply. When the musical arrangements get larger, more complex or demanding for the musicians, the recording will take up the most time.
Both is possible. However, when recording metal it is of not preferred to put all amps on full power in the same room as the drums. This would cause too much leakage of signals in the wrong microphones. This results in less control over the desired sound during mixing. To solve this, the guitars and bass direct output signal will be recorded at the same time as the drums. For the correct feel while playing though, temporary amp simulation software is used. After the recording, all original and direct guitar and bass signals are re-amped.
Sure! Recording at home is fairly easy nowadays and we encourage artists to do it. It will definitely improve your musicianship and it will obviously save some time in the studio once you can get professional results yourself! Just get in touch and we will help you get started.
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