Tips for the Studio...

[Wolfenstein666]

I'm heading to the studio to record for the first time in June with my band. We're doing our first album (finally). I've been practicing my ass off (2-3 hours a night, band practice 3 times a week) in preparation to have the process go as smoothly as possible as it pertains to my bass playing.

My question is this; does anyone have any tips, no matter how mundane they might sound to help out? Anything to make the process to go smoother.

Thanks guys!

 

[Derry Murbles]

A few things that you may already know but are nonetheless important:

1) Make sure your gear is functional/ready to go. It sounds obvious, but you'd be surprised how many people go into a studio setting to record with loose output jacks, old strings (unless of course that's part of your sound) etc. I like to have my bass/guitar freshly strung, tuned, and played a bit to settle the strings.

2) Practice to a click if the band plans on using one (you might already be doing so.) I've been that guy who thought my timing was pretty solid until I started the recording process with a metronome. It can take some getting used to, using/listening/recording to a click but once you get it, it's gravy.

3) Be open to suggestions/changes! Sometimes a riff or part sounds great in a rehearsal room live, but once it's tracked it might not sound the same. If you're working with a (good) producer they can usually hear these parts and will suggest something different. Just keep your ears open and don't be afraid to tinker if a riff doesn't sound right.

Aside from that just have fun! I know I learned a lot about technique and dynamics during my studio time since you can hear pretty much EVERYTHING in the studio- errant notes, electronics hum, other strings vibrating, premature notes, etc. It will definitely be a learning experience!

Good luck and have fun!

 

[Wolfenstein666]

A few things that you may already know but are nonetheless important:

1) Make sure your gear is functional/ready to go. It sounds obvious, but you'd be surprised how many people go into a studio setting to record with loose output jacks, old strings (unless of course that's part of your sound) etc. I like to have my bass/guitar freshly strung, tuned, and played a bit to settle the strings.

2) Practice to a click if the band plans on using one (you might already be doing so.) I've been that guy who thought my timing was pretty solid until I started the recording process with a metronome. It can take some getting used to, using/listening/recording to a click but once you get it, it's gravy.

3) Be open to suggestions/changes! Sometimes a riff or part sounds great in a rehearsal room live, but once it's tracked it might not sound the same. If you're working with a (good) producer they can usually hear these parts and will suggest something different. Just keep your ears open and don't be afraid to tinker if a riff doesn't sound right.

Aside from that just have fun! I know I learned a lot about technique and dynamics during my studio time since you can hear pretty much EVERYTHING in the studio- errant notes, electronics hum, other strings vibrating, premature notes, etc. I will definitely be a learning experience!

All good stuff. I will be setting up my gear beforehand for sure, new strings and such. As far as click tracks go, my drummer is playing to custom MIDI files with the clicks included, its hard to use a metronome for a lot of our stuff because of the time signature changes. He's up first, then I'm laying down bass over the top of his drum track. The guy that's producing/recording/mixing our album is an old metal guy himself, so I'll definitely take his suggestions seriously.

Thanks for the tips!

 

[Atshen]

Only thing I can add is know the songs cold. Nothing like having you parts edited or quantized because you were underprepared.

Edit: Good luck and have a great time!

 

[5544]

Record your parts on your own computer to get used to it.

I am able to play a part flawlessly 5 times in a row but the moment I know I am recording, it is a complete mess until I stop recording.

 

[The Chuck]

Time is money so be prepared.... and have fun!

 

[jchrisk1]

Definitely be prepared. Everyone. If not, bring tons of cash. You'll need it.

 

[ZonieBass]

Save the party for after the session.

 

[Rudreax]

Read this article and COMMIT to it!

Invalid Link Removed

 

[P. Aaron]

Whether you are self-producing or not, record ALL your rehearsals of the material you intend to record (the iPhone voice memo app works surprisingly well). Be hyper critical of the content and edit it down (prior to entering the studio) to keep each song's basic parts simple. SPACE (between notes) is your friend and as EZ as a lot of pop-rock (name yer genre) is, too much stuff clogging up your song(s) will bury any good hooks and/or catchy lyrics.

Have most of what you hear (of your music) solidly memorized in your head. The studio will change much of what you've created but having a solid foundation will increases the odds of a good finished product.

 

[Icemanaroonie]

No matter how well you think you have your parts down, you can get them down better. I just finished my first time in the studio a few months back, and the more you practice to just a click the better you will be.

 

[Tritone]

Have more songs prepared than you will need. You will likely find that one or more of your songs that sound GREAT live, don't really "pop" when recorded. Be prepared for surprises like that. Also, be willing to be "produced". Don't be offended or take it personally if your producer makes suggestions or edits that you may not like or appreciate. Your producer will have objective ears, and will be looking at the big picture. Being produced can be frustrating, but you need to keep the big picture in mind as well and be a team player. Finally, be confident in yourselves, work hard, and have fun. Congrats!

 

[edencab]

Don't get upset when things don't go smoothly, things never go smoothly ( for lots of reasons that have nothing to do with you)
and from the above "Make sure your gear is functional/ready to go" = don't forget batteries for active basses, they'll go when you least expect

 

[40Hz]

One suggestion: Listen to the producer/engineer(s) when they make suggestions. They know their equipment and how to do their job. Don't fail to take advantage of the expertise they bring to the party - which you're paying them for. Most times it's smarter to tell them what you're looking for and then let them figure out how to do it. I've seen a lot of studio time and expertise wasted because some band member thinks they're Phil Spector or Don Was when they go into a studio and then try to dictate the entire recording process. And that's just stupid.

Don't try to impress the studio people. Use them for what they're there for - which is to get you the best recording your band and they are capable of getting.

Luck!

 

[ofajen]

Try to imagine you are performing for a live audience, and play like it really matters.

Otto

 

[Londo Molari]

Eat lots of beans and cabbage before the session.

 

[velascorp]

I lived thru this nightmare once …... Have everyone use the SAME tuner . lol
If using keyboards , make sure A is at 440 or whatever everyone is at.
However….with computers being smarter than we were , now its probably easier to fix .

 

[Carl Hillman]

If you are going to be tracking while wearing headphones, figure out how to do some rehearsal/practice sessions that way. Things can sound very different (enough to throw you) if you aren't used to playing with them on.

Also suggested if you'll be using headphones: take your time to get a really good cue mix before you start recording. A lousy mix can lead to a lousy performance.

 

[BassNamedRosie]

Hearing that "tik tak tik tak" in your ears for the first time may be distracting, so click track sessions before a recording session is a wise bit of advice from WhtMtnGrv!

When recording and actually hearing the playback, ones mind start to open to new possibilities and you want to explore with differrent riffs. Again, very wise words from WhtMtnGrv: it doesnt mean because it works live that it will work once recorded.

Have fun, but be disciplined!

 

[okcrum]

Practice keeping a consistent touch with your picking hand. It will help a lot if you do any punch in edits.