Choosing the Right Studio

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Category: Recording Studio

Published on Tuesday, 27 December 2011 00:11

Written by R. H. Amaro

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What's the most important thing to look for when I chose a studio to record my band?  Everyone as a musician has asked that question.  And then a good salesman will begin by asking a series of questions.

"How big is your band, sound, genre, etc?  that is because where you decide to record has to fit your band per se.  Common sense should tell you that you would not record a Punk band with a guy that only has recorded symphony orchestras.

But, then what are the basics? It is a tough question because many factors are involved in the decision from budgets right down to acoustic treatment, and engineer's experience.  But why break your head with more to think about? I will at least lead you in the right direction with the basics.

Most professional recording studios are well equipped, so I will skip all the obvious points here which involve pre-amps, mics, amps, etc., etc. But I will mention that wherever you go, whoever it is, if you cannot find an Shure SM57 Dynamic microphone, you may need to just walkout right there and then (every studio should have at least one if not several!).  Trust me when I tell you this.

1.  Location - Obvious? Maybe too much but do you have the budget to record at Paisley Park Studios in Minneapolis, Min, with Prince?  Exactly, so obviously local studios have to be narrowed down.  And there's nothing harder than driving 30 miles + after a recording session; and I will admit that if it is worth it, than do it!

2.  How Much? Your budget should tell you exactly the range you will have to choose from.  So cut the crap and stop wasting time looking at Paisley Park Studios knowing you can't afford it.

3.  Sample music recorded at this studio, along with an email of the bands or another means of communication so that you can contact them to get their true opinion, and verify that it is them on the CD samples, etc.  Not by flat out asking them but by asking about a song that tickled your "I dig it" bone.

4.  Less is definitely More, and More is Bullshit!  Don't be dazzled by all the little lights in the control room that gives a visual picture of all the gadgets and equipment they have.  I guarantee you that they do not use most of that on any recording!  Rather look for a more efficient looking studio where the engineer will give you the vibe that there is no time to waste, so everything is accessible and readily available for immediate performance and great results.

Maybe even choose a person that has only what they need to do the job right, rather than someone that has too much, because you may end up paying for that "too much" yourself.

5.  Make sure the band fits!  Overdubbing is great! I've been doing it for years, but nothing beats a recording with most the tracks recorded as a band! Of course, there are engineers that can overdub and make you sound as if you all recorded together... check out Nirvana's old hits and others.  The drums were sometimes recorded else where.  Bottom line, you don't want to record in a closet where your amazing solo gets swallowed up by the bass amp even with headphones.

6.  Although you want to find someone that works fast and efficiently to get your recording finished, you have to find someone patient enough to deal with the reality that your lead vocalist will NOT get it on the first take.  I say this because engineer impatience = pressure on vocalist = bad performances = more time = more $.  The experience of the engineer should be enough to coach your vocalist into performing great and efficiently to save time and for your band, money.

7. Ask if they do Mastering on the same control room.  Mastering engineers usually have their own separate rig which has even more sophisticated equipment (NOT FOUND at Guitar Center).  If they record, mix, and Master on the same set up, the final product may be shaky (cheap, but not great).  Be sure to have your CD Mastered else where, unless of course they Master in another set up entirely along with a Mastering engineer.  Usually Recording engineers, mixing engineers and Mastering engineers are three separate guys.

Mastering engineers are the DIVAS of the recording world because of their special "gift", or the ability to hear stuff that you and I will never know existed. I mean, I have problems hearing my wife out sometimes. So I am no DIVA.

OK well, there you have it sound advice direct from my headquarters, you can open my eyes to something I missed or that I happen to be misinformed about!  I have my moments of glory and gory, so don't worry, I won't hold a grudge it's how I learn too! Peace and good luck with your CD!!!

RA-

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