my band is going into studio this weekend

[faelun]

Hey guys soo my band is going into studio this weekend and i was wondering if anyone can share some studio experiences with me? I don't want to walk in there blind so to speak like if anyone could share some do's and don'ts etc? anything that you wish you had known going into studio for the first time? it'd be much appreciated

-faelun

[katana_manatee]

Make sure you know the songs inside out, manage your time well and have fun.

[LowExpectations]

Don't let the studio guy push you around, they tend to have a musical agenda of their own. Just remember, you're paying him to work for you.

[Raiven]

My band is recording end of this month, we pretty much have to bring new strings/drum skins and map out all of our songs with metronomes, which is dull as but has to be done.

[faelun]

this place says they have their own 'gear' and i think my drummer is depending on them for a kit...is that a wise move or should i try n get him to bring his own set up?

[SlincoJ]

You really have to make sure you know your songs inside and out.My guitarist always liked to improv his solos,so when we went into the studio he didn't have anything really set or planned.It took a long time before he finally played a solo he and the rest of us were happy with.It took many many takes and was a big waste of time.Since then he has been making sure he knows what hes doing with all of his solos.

[Criss Frantic]

Be prepared for a heck of a lot of sitting around, and not much playing.

[faelun]

that's good to know, my guitarist is the improv type too, but i do think he has like set versions of all our solos and he just picks one and rolls with i, i don't know how he does it

[Radiobass81]

Don't try to add too much fills. In fact, if you sort of improvise the line usually, as opposed to having a solid bass line, just root with a fill here and there. Makes the recording process faster, not to mention, on recordings it's usually too much mess. This is from experience.

[Moon Flavor]

Don't try to add too much fills. In fact, if you sort of improvise the line usually, as opposed to having a solid bass line, just root with a fill here and there. Makes the recording process faster, not to mention, on recordings it's usually too much mess. This is from experience.

Add-on to this:There's nothing wrong with making your studio recordings a little more drab, so when people see you live after hearing you, they get that "wtf, this was quite worth going out to see them and not just sitting home and listening to them" feeling. However, don't overdo this concept (for obvious reasons).

[Radiobass81]

^^ That's another plus.

[faelun]

Add-on to this:There's nothing wrong with making your studio recordings a little more drab, so when people see you live after hearing you, they get that "wtf, this was quite worth going out to see them and not just sitting home and listening to them" feeling. However, don't overdo this concept (for obvious reasons).

i never thought about that....but what about bands who make them selves sound more awesomet then they really are? hows that work :confused:

and what should i do intemrs of my gear? i normally just boost the bass on my amp a little and keep the rest flat, do i need to haul my amp along with me or should i just use what they have?

[Radiobass81]

I'd just take my bass, and effects if you use any.

[Criss Frantic]

Usually they'll just run the bass straight into the desk, and tweak it around on the computer later if it needs it. Very rarely these days do people mic up the bass amp, unless you're a tone freak.

[Moon Flavor]

i never thought about that....but what about bands who make them selves sound more awesomet then they really are? hows that work :confused:



Well, it just seems like that if you have a sloppy live show. Make sure you keep that shizzy tight.

[Radiobass81]

Well, it just seems like that if you have a sloppy live show. Make sure you keep that shizzy tight.

Reasons why recordings could sound better than live shows:

1) Double guitar for bands with only one guitar

2) Lead vocalists doing backup vocals on recording

[if_jaco_was_punk]

I think most of the stuff has been said and it is a good idea to not completely pull out all the stops in the studio. Bottom line is BE PREPARED IMO. Think how long songs will be, how long they'll take to record, be ready for any accidents like braking strings or failing kit, put new strings on before going and give them time to settle in, know the songs inside and out but also make it fun. I've been in studios a fair amount and especially if you're young like me it can get very boring sitting around while everyone else does their part. I have five recording dates over the next month and I've bought four new packs of strings, new leads and am taking my whole stack to make sure I'm comfortable at the studio. I hope it goes well and that you are itching to get back in. There you go.

[Radiobass81]

I'd NEVER change strings before shows or recordings. Detuning = not fun.

[Akira]

Reasons why recordings could sound better than live shows:

1) Double guitar for bands with only one guitar

2) Lead vocalists doing backup vocals on recording

Plus acoustics. In a live venue it can be really hard to get all the levels right.

[Akira]

I'd NEVER change strings before shows or recordings. Detuning = not fun.

He said give them time to settle in.

[naut]

efficiency. in all aspects.

get it done, get out. it's less time you have to pay for the studio, less wasted valuable time, and it'll make the audio engineer happy to work with you, and possibly work with you again.

also remember, in terms of the audio engineer(s), lay off their back. if they're any good at what they do, they'll be able to conceive an accurate portrayal of what your band is like, and what you want to sound like - when it comes to the recording/mixing. of course, good communication is key, as well; but many bands seem to hound their engineer with constant input and requests that really aren't necessary, and will just create unwanted conflict and tension.

anyways, good luck with it; and please share the results, if possible.

[PsychoTronn]

make sure you know your songs well so you can get in record some good stuff and get out so you don't have to pay any more than you have to. have fun

[ihatemybass]

Don't make a big deal out of it and you'll be fine.
:thumb: