+ Tracking

Tracking is everything to do with the actual recording of the music. It involves setting up and recording the session.

This can involve the following steps:

• Setting up instruments
• Setting up microphones and connecting cables
• Setting up headphone mixes
• Setting up the session on the computer/tape machine

Recording tracks either at the same time as a group (in the same room or separate rooms while listening on headphones); each part one at a time; or a mix of the two. This usually includes 'overdubbing', which means adding parts over something that is already recorded (e.g. a live recording of vocal harmonies after the main vocals have been laid down).

+ Editing

Editing is project dependent and some of it can be done whilst tracking. Essentially it can comprise of; organizing your project in the recording medium (digital software or tape); cleaning up any unwanted sounds (clicks, pops, breaths, guitar squeaks, etc.); editing different takes together to make keeper ones (aka 'comping'); and / or editing tempo and pitch if required.

+ Mixing

Mixing is where the studio magic happens! Mixing is the process of taking all the tracks you recorded during tracking and making them work together. This is accomplished through audio tools like equalization, compression, delay, reverb and a bunch of other tricks; ideally combining all the elements of your music into a cohesive, emotive and powerful mix.

+ Mastering

Mastering is the final step in the process of getting your mixed music ready for release. A mastering engineer will subtly adjust your now-stereo mix to make sure the volume, balance and energy are optimized to sound its best wherever it is heard (streaming, radio, physical copies, etc.).

+ Why can’t you do all these steps at once in the same session?

Some mix / editing choices are made during tracking, but it's best to leave mixing and mastering for a separate time for a couple reasons:

• Firstly, there is a lot to juggle during recording, and trying to mix / master / edit at the same time, arriving at a completely finished project at the end, is usually just not possible.
• Secondly, you need fresh ears for mixing so it’s essential to have a break between tracking and editing / mixing. Trying to cram every process into one session would result in a pretty gnarly end result.

We’re here to help you...so you gotta trust the process.

+ Preparing for your session

Recording is a lot of work but it’s also one of the most rewarding things we can think of. When you’re here, we’re a team – doing everything we can to help you realize your music's potential. That said, recording is also pretty expensive and we want to make sure you get the most out of the experience and that you leave with something you’re truly proud of. You’ll maximize your efficiency and the quality of what you create here if you arrive as prepared as possible.

This means:

• Know all your instrumental and vocal parts to the best of your ability. Don’t worry we won’t ruthlessly mock you unless requested for forgetting a phrase or lick…we’re musicians too and here to help.
• We can do a lot of fixing / perfecting with software these days but it makes it much easier for everyone to not have to fix something that can be avoided by being prepared.
• If you’re bringing your own instruments please make sure they are ready for the session and sounding the way you like.
• If you are bringing backing tracks to perform with, please let us know in advance so we can let you know how to properly prepare / share your files and save time during the session.
• Practice to a click if you intend to record with a click.
• Be organized. Have your lyrics / sheet music on paper or Ipad if you think you might need them.
• Please take the time to read the pre-session packet we send when your booking is confirmed. There is lots of good info in there that will help you arrive at your session prepared. We don’t want you to waste valuable recording time trying to find the studio or figuring out how to give us your backing tracks / demos.