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Recording
Session Planning Information from Back at the Ranch Studio  x
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A
Primer for Planning Your Recording Session
(An article
by Brian Konzelman)
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"Each
recording is unique, and requires careful planning to guarantee
the best sound quality and the most appropriate use of time and
finances for your project. Here are some guidelines to help with
your planning..."
How much time
and money should be budgeted for your recording project?
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Most
of our projects at Back at the
Ranch studio are a release quality
recording. This is a product that will be similar in sound
quality to a record store product, suitable for radio airplay
and marketing to the public. Such a production will normally be
about 45 minutes in length, and include from 10 to 12 songs.
The
studio recording process for release quality production normally
involves...
1.
Basic tracks - The initial recording process in which
the rhythm and chord instruments are recorded. Time is spent
setting up, maximizing the sound quality of each instrument,
adjusting microphones, mike placement, preamps, etc., and finally
getting the performance down to the satisfaction of the musicians
and producer.
2. Overdubs - Additional components
of the music are added to the basic tracks, (lead vocals, harmony
vocals, percussion, strings, solo guitars, midi/keyboards, etc.)
3. Mixdown - When all the parts
have been recorded, the mixdown process blends each sound with
the others, massaging the sound into a composite stereo image.
4. Mastering - Preparing the
final product for duplication. This involves putting the songs
in the correct timing and sequence, balancing their overall
volumes, tone, and dynamics to flow from one song to the next,
and putting the final "spit and polish" on the master.
This is the least understood part of the process, but can make
the difference between a good product and a fantastic product.
WHY MASTERING?
Typical
budgets for projects...
For
small acoustic ensembles, a release quality
production of 10 songs can often be done live in the studio,
and will usually require only basic tracks, a few overdubs,
mixdown and mastering. This type of recording generally takes
6-10 production days, and may range in cost from $3000
to $5000 or more for a finished release quality master. Check
out "AT HIS FEET", and "A PEARL IN
YOU" on our MP3
Soundbites page for examples.
For
a larger 4-10 member music group with drums and more instruments,
a release quality production requires more complex basic
tracks, many overdubs, more mixing, and mastering. This type
of recording ranges from 10-24 production days, and generally
ranges in cost from $5000 to $12000 or more for a finished master.
Check out "ROCK OF MY SALVATION", and "WONDERFUL
WORDS OF LIFE" on our MP3
Soundbites page for examples.
Remember
that a release quality production is one that:
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Is suitable
for radio airplay and marketing to the public
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Will have
the sound quality you expect from a commercially available
CD
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You won't
have to make excuses for
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You can
continue to be proud of and market for years to come
You could
spend less on a recording, or you could spend more, but you
should always get the best-recorded product for your dollar.
Remember that a cheap hourly rate at a studio does not necessarily
mean you are getting a good value (see our CHOOSING
A STUDIO web page). The reason that
experienced artists and producers record in the better studios
with the more experienced engineers, is that the recording quality
is consistently better, the actual value is much higher, and
you'll always get that major-label-sound and more bang for
your buck!
For some good
ideas on how to raise funds for your recording, and to find
out how your CD can be used as a fundraiser, see our
PRAISE AND WORSHIP
RECORDING web page. For
more information on Back at the Ranch rates and services, see
our RATES AND SERVICES
web page.
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Your
music is unique. Back at the Ranch studio can help you with
the individual attention and planning your project needs to
guarantee a successful product.
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The
Role of the Producer.....
At
all sessions there is one person who has the final responsibility
for the music and the production. It is the producer's job to
oversee the recording project as a whole, including the creative
direction and the business aspects.
The
right producer will greatly enhance the quality of your project
because he functions as an objective partner. The producer's job
includes ongoing evaluation of the recorded performances with
respect to how they fit together to create the best, highest quality
end product. With the "big picture" in mind at all times,
the producer is able to take the project from the first run-through
all the way to the final master.
If
you need some production guidance or help, Brian Konzelmans 30+
years of major-label production experience is available.
Preparing
for the sessions...
Guitars
and basses, bring your own instruments to the sessions.
While Back at the Ranch has many instruments available, your own
equipment is a part of your signature sound. If you are an electric
guitar player be sure to bring your own guitar and amplifier
to the session, and bring your favorite amp-modeling pre-amp or
effects too. There is no guarantee that you will be able to get
"your sound" on different equipment from what you normally
use. Bass players generally do not need
to bring their amp and speakers because they usually record direct
through one of our many tube or solid-state pre-amps and direct
boxes. Put new strings on your guitars one day before the session
so they have a chance to stretch out. Make sure you tune guitars
several times so that they get used to being at the correct pitch.
Check your 12th fret notes vs. harmonics and adjust your bridges
accordingly.
Keyboardists
should bring their own keyboards and keyboard stand. Bring your
owner's manual, power supply, pedals and cables. We have loads
of midi gear and voice modules available if you wish to use them,
but your own sounds will be much faster to setup and record.
Drummers
need to bring their own sets. Remember that microphones will be
very close to each drum and the smallest rattles and buzzes can
ruin a take. Make sure the heads are reasonably new, and the pedals
do not squeak. While we can mike your kit in twenty minutes and
have it sounding pretty good, be aware that most release quality
recordings take from 1 to three hours of fine tuning the drum
setup for optimal sound on an album project. This extra time is
always a good investment into your overall project, and can bring
your overall sound to a much higher level.
Vocalists,
know your vocals. People singing background vocals that
do not sing any lead vocals, must rehearse the pronunciation and
intonation closely with the lead vocalists. What sounds perfectly
acceptable live can sound pretty ragged when exposed to the intense
scrutiny of the recording studio. Rehearse group entrances and
the cutoffs at the end of long held notes. The lead vocalist should
direct the cutoffs, with the other singers watching the leader's
lips.
Don't
bring friends to the session who are not directly involved
with the project. They will take your attention away from the
recording, and cost you quality and dollars.
Know
your music completely. The more prepared you are, the
better your recording will be. The studio is not a rehearsal hall.
Nail your performances. The best sounding recordings are generally
the best prepared. Do your rehearsing at home. If you have a home
studio of any type, record your entire project on your boom box
or 4-track at home. Doing this will reveal unforeseen problems
and will provide a good reference for the engineer to hear your
direction when you get to the session.
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Remember,
recording should be fun. Relax and enjoy your Back at the Ranch
recording experience. Take some pictures. Take a break often,
and go for a walk on our beautiful wooded property to clear your
ears.
Picture taken early
one morning at our gate.
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