OT: Recording

[hankSRay]

So my band is heading out to Rhode Island to record our first demo in about a week and half. All of my bandmates have already experienced what it is to record a cd except myself. Just wondering if you guys have any tips before heading in. Mainly things like if I should have a fresh set of strings ( I use rounds ) What type of EQ settings work best, and just some general things to know. I look forward to your responces, thanks guys!

 

[Randracula]

I prefer to put strings on a couple days before I record to give them time to break in a little bit. It would probably be a good idea to get a setup done on your bass also(or do it yourself). Make sure you have your parts down before you go in the studio and practice playing them with a bit lighter touch than you would live. Everything comes out in recording (string noise, bad timing, etc....) so just be prepared but try to relax once you are playing. As far as EQ, I set everything flat w/ the bass boosted slightly.If I feel I need to cut through more I might add a little mids or highs but nothing too extreme.That's about all I can think of......

 

[NoFrets80]

expectations

the main thing i have realized is that you have to be comfortable with hearing things in your playing that you normally ignore or gloss over in live playing, or even in everyday practice, and work to smooth them over. also, i have discovered that no matter how long i've lived with a song, i will change my parts in songs that i normally would play live in order to better accomodate a studio setting. i find that my parts become more interesting after hearing them in a studio setting, because after living with them in the mix during the entire process i can truly absorb what works and what doesn't. from there i adjust things and go into composing mode. additionally, you truly discover how your bass sounds in a raw, naked setting like the studio, and you discover how to touch the bass in a way that really brings out the best in it.

the final tip i can offer is to not get too caught up in "retake-itis". i am guilty, from my jazz background, of insisting on playing a take all the way through if i screw up at some point. this usually turns into me taking a lot of full takes through a song to get it right, and the only purpose it served was to convince me of my 'artistic integrity. ' i have realized since that it's not efficient and does nothing but frustrate you, waste your time, the engineer's time, and the band's time as a whole. make a couple of full passes, get the best out of those, and then punch in to get the other parts down. a couple of punches does not make one a bad bassist or bad studio musician. if you're messing up significant portions of a tune, rehearse it and relearn it before attempting to record it. there will be no love lost and more respect gained from everyone involved for sure.

hope these tips helped... it's a bit past twelve and i'm drinking coffee. it will be a late night. haha.

 

[Psycho Ward]

I've done a lot of sessions over the years, but none as a bassist. My basic advice would be to show up on time, have fun and don't take any crap.

Good luck, you'll do fine.

 

[tkarter]

Listen to Chuck is my advice. Been there done that as long as he has he has it figured out.

I could have just said +1 but it would have left out the b7th.

tk

 

[bovinehost]

1. Learn to love the 'punch-in' concept.
2. If you're trying to decide between six notes or one, take one. And make it count.
3. Wear comfy clothing.
4. Remember that the engineer/producer works for you, not the other way around.
5. Don't be afraid to experiment.
6. Be prepared to sit around a lot. Bring a good book or an easy girl.

Jack

 

[Mobay45]

1. Learn to love the 'punch-in' concept.
2. If you're trying to decide between six notes or one, take one. And make it count.
3. Wear comfy clothing.
4. Remember that the engineer/producer works for you, not the other way around.
5. Don't be afraid to experiment.
6. Be prepared to sit around a lot. Bring a good book or an easy girl.

Jack

I agree completely with almost everything Jack said.

My only comment would be to leave the book at home.

I love the "punch in" concept. What I do is, during the playback, I look over the engineer's shoulder. When I hear something that I want to correct with a punch in, I note the time on the display to make it easier for him to go to when I'm ready to record it again. I find that it really speeds up the process.

Most of all, have fun. It's really different from playing in a rehearsal or playing live. Just don't get bogged down over a mistake. It's too ez to go back and correct.

 

[Randracula]

Nowadays I think there is alot less punching in due to most digital recording software giving you the ability to "move" notes around . Alot of times it's quicker for the engineer just to fix it themselves than you playing the part over....

 

[Dr Stankface]

Make sure they leave your EQ flat on the board. Don't want anyone screwing with your tone.

When playing, put a little extra oomph into each note just to give a crisp signal.

Have fun.

 

[RitchieDarling]

Hmmmm.....

Try your very best to resist the urge to kick the engineer up the arse when he gives your EBMM a scornful look and asks "Don't you have a Fe**er Precision?"

It will be hard. And you might have to bite your lip a bit and clench your fists. But it WILL pass.

Of course, you could always do what I do. Put on an air of smug superiority, raise one eyebrow and say "No, I do not. And why do you let your mommy dress you that way?"


Oh well, just have fun and pay attention.

Ritchie

 

[pauldogx]

You will get red lightitis at first------but dont worry--this is normal and everyone whose ever recorded has had to learn to deal with this. When that record button is pushed you will have a tendency to freeze-up and become very self-consious. This is totally normal and EVERYONE does this until they have a little experience--and even then it takes a few takes to loosen up if you havent recorded for awhile.
As others have said, relax, have fun and dont worry about mistakes--they can be fixed.

 

[SharonG]

Definitely wear something comfortable - you won't know if it's too cold or too hot till you get there, and being uncomfortable is the last thing you need. I found it was just so amazing to hear my playing recorded - I learned so much! Some stuff I thought sounded great didn't! And other parts surprised me that worked much better than I thought. Relax - and have a great time!!

 

[Aussie Mark]

Try your very best to resist the urge to kick the engineer up the arse when he gives your EBMM a scornful look and asks "Don't you have a Fe**er Precision?"

In my experience sound engineers love Stingrays.

 

[Lazybite]

Try your very best to resist the urge to kick the engineer up the arse when he gives your EBMM a scornful look and asks "Don't you have a Fe**er Precision?"

It will be hard. And you might have to bite your lip a bit and clench your fists. But it WILL pass.

Of course, you could always do what I do. Put on an air of smug superiority, raise one eyebrow and say "No, I do not. And why do you let your mommy dress you that way?"


Oh well, just have fun and pay attention.

Ritchie

hehe...I have never actually recieved that kind of negative attention when people see my sterling... in fact most people act a little awed..... granted they do say something along the lines of "ooh nice stingray"....

back on topic..... having been on both ends the best advice I could give you is understand that the engineer generally knows what he is doing.... if you treat the engineer in any other way.. it will put them on the back foot... if you want to do something different to the engineer always be tactful and fair.

Also have an idea on what you want to achieve tonally etc....