To get the best sound from the band you are recording, you have to be able to isolate the microphones. I always start with capturing the drums. You will get your best recordings that way. More on that as we get started on your journey to the best home recording. Most of the best recording set up has nothing to do with equipment. You are here to capture a moment. Expectations are key.
Make sure the whole band shows up on day 1 with all the equipment for the recording they want. If the whole band can't make it, reschedule it. Usually the critical figure in the band is not there. That just starts a cascade of rework you do not want to get into. Because the secret leader is not there, it would not matter how perfect you made the recording, you are gonna do it again. Trust me on this one. The super band member usually shows up when all the set-up and "grunt" work is over.
Make them set up like they practice or how they set up on stage depending on the skill level of the band. Have them play a couple of the their songs. It gets the room right, they get their comfort zone for the week or sometimes month that they are with you. Even when they come back for album 2, 3 and 4 they will go to that same spot when they walk in the room. I am usually piddling with microphone set up but mostly we are given two ears and one mouth for a reason. Just listen to them set up and their conversations. Most bands get closer than family, you will learn all you need to know on day one by mostly listening. You get paid as an engineer for your ears not your mouth.
Key Questions You must get out of the way in the beginning will set you up to win or fail. That is tomorrow's topic.
See you then.
No comments:
Post a Comment