Quick Overview

• Booked Studio Time
• Preproduction
• Recording Session(s)
• Pre-mixing (Editing)
• Mixing
• Mastering
• Client Approval/Revisions
• Final Master Copy

In-depth Description

​After studio time is booked, the first item of business is to set up a preproduction meeting. If unable to schedule a meeting prior to the first recording session, or if preferred by the client, we will need to take the first hour or two (depending upon the size of the project) of the first recording session to complete preproduction. Preproduction is critical to the recording and mixing process and to optimize the final outcome of your project. It will serve as my guideline and compass as I engineer your project. It will help everyone keep moving in the right direction, and help me produce the final results that will match how you want your finished product to sound. Preproduction as of now is also a free service included with your initial purchase of studio time. The next step is the recording phase. While the order in which tracks are recorded may vary from project to project, I like to follow a general pattern that seems to work best for most situations when multi-tracking and overdubbing. First, the scratch tracks. You may send your scratch tracks in advance if possible, or scratch tracks may be recorded in the studio. Scratch tracks are usually composed simply of a rhythm guitar and a lead vocal and will serve as a skeleton outline for the song. They are there so as each band member records, they will be able to know exactly where they are in the song at all times, especially those who record first. Scratch tracks will be removed as the song progresses and will not be a part of the final mix. Next, the rhythm section: percussion, bass guitar, rhythm guitar, etc. those that conduct the beat and highlight the tempo of the song. Once those are recorded, all other instruments and vocals will be tracked. Once the final track is recorded, we move to the mixing and mastering phase. On the last day of recording, or shortly thereafter, I will give you an estimated time, based on the size of your project and the number of other concurrent projects I’m working on (if any), of when you can expect your first master copy to be finished. While you wait, I’ll be blending and balancing your tracks using tools such as EQ, compression, panning, reverb, automation, and other effects to make the tracks in each particular song all work together as one. After each song is mixed, I’ll balance and tweak each final mix in a mastering session so that all the songs work together as a whole album or CD. The mixing and mastering phase (which also includes pre-mixing or editing) can be very time consuming, so please allow ample time to correctly complete these processes. Upon receiving your master copy, you can listen and take notes of any changes you would like to make. I will then re-open the project and make the customized revisions, and notify you when your final master copy is ready. It will then be yours to print, duplicate, and share with your fans, friends, & family. I currently do not have the sufficient skillset to do artwork and cover design or the resources to do mass duplication, but I can refer you to some contacts that provide these services.