Be Prepared

Your experience in the Studio can be greatly enhanced by your own preparation.
Good preparation can save you a lot of time and money.

1. For voice-over and or FX recording, have your script
and notes ready in advance, and bring multiple copies .
One for you (or your producer) , One for your talent, One for the engineer.

2. For music recording, have all your Lyrics multi-copied as well.
It is useful to have one copy in oversize print for the Talent.

3. If any of your music is sequenced on computer or other instrument.
Have it prepped in advance, and discuss it with the engineer beforehand.

4. Have your drummer rehearse many times with a click track.
Start with a very slow tempo to get used to it .
Then work into the desired tempo when it is a tight fit.
Inexpensive units can be purchased at any music store.
Bring it with you to the studio.

5. Go over the program in a pre session with the engineer first.
Mak sure everyone is on the same page creatively.

6. Begin your rehearsals for the studio ASAP.
Record them on a boombox. Look for the weak spots
Even if it is a piece that you have played for years.

7. Know your parts. Know your arrangements.
Unless this is a unique project,
understand that produced songs over 4 minutes, run the
risk of never being heard commercially , or even college radio.
Long intros and "jam sections" put listeners to sleep....save it for the live show.
(don't bore us .....get to the chorus.....)

8. Prepare more songs than you plan to record .
If you plan 3 songs , have 6 ready just in case.
You may find that other songs fit better in the ensemble.
You can save much time and money down the road
by doing prep tracks (drum and rhythm tracks) within the first setup day.
You may also find, that since you were so well prepared,
that you have more time than you originally planned in the studio.

9. Have your instruments Prepped in advance:
New Strings, Heads, Sticks etc...
Be sure to bring spares!

10. Tune all your instruments to the same unit, bring your favorite with you.
Tune up often.

11. Show up 15 minutes early.
Clock starts at scheduled time, present or not.

12. Leave any "Mood Enhancing" substances at home.

13. Leave your best friend "Fred" at home.

14. Leave your dog "Jed" at home.

15. Choose a person to speak for the whole band.
Five opinions take five times as long to mix.
This person has final say for what is done.

16. Let the engineer get a working mix together before you
begin with your needs.

17. Do not cheat yourselves on Mixdown.
Plan your time and budget.
Mixdown can take as much or more time than tracking.

18. After mixdown , plan a budget for MASTERING.