So You Want to
Record an Album ?
How to get started and get the best
result for your dollars
The Process
What is involved in producing an album ? The
recording process has 5 main stages
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1. Arranging |
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2.
Pre-production |
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3. Recording |
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4. Mixing |
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5. Mastering |
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6. Duplication |
1. Arranging
- The Arranger (who is sometimes also the
Producer) begins by first determining the size and nature of the
overall project. For example is it full orchestra and classical in
feel ? Or is it rhythm section (keys, bass, drums, guitar) and
contemporary in feel ?
- Once the size and nature is determined,
then the songs are roughly organised into instrumental groups,
deciding what songs to use which instruments on. The arrangements or
chord charts are then written for the individual instruments.
2. Pre-production
- If some of your songs suit being performed
on keyboards with synth and samples etc. then those parts can be
recorded first on a computer before going into the studio.
3. Recording
- The rhythm section (keys, bass, drums,
rhythm guitar) is the first group of instruments to be recorded.
They are the foundation for all of the other instruments and are
therefore one of the most important sessions. During the session the
Producer directs the Engineer, directs the Musicians and interprets
the arrangements making any necessary changes while always keeping
the end result in mind.
- After the rhythm sessions are over, a
rough mix is made on cassette (or One-Of CD) for the Producer and
Artist . The Artist uses it to practise their parts to and the
Producer uses it to plan any additions or changes to the
arrangements.
- "Overdubs" are all of the recording
sessions following the rhythm sessions. The final overdub will be
for the vocalists. As you sing the Producer listens from the Control
Room telling you and the Engineer which phrases need to be re-sung
and where to "punch-in" and "punch-out". "Punching" allows you to
work on a small portion of the song rather than sing the song
through entirely. Having a Producer for vocal sessions will save you
hours of recording time and cause you to sing your "better than
best" performance.
4. Mix
-
- The Mix brings together all of the musical
elements that have been recorded on a multiple of separate tracks
which are not necessarily on one machine. Each track can be changed
individually – louder, quieter, brighter, more echo, more reverb,
etc. It is also during the Mix that special treatments are added to
sounds, for example delays for doubling effects.
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The final mix is recorded to a 2 track stereo
Master Tape (Reel-to-reel, DAT, Hard disk etc.). This is then
finished recorded
product from which cassettes and/or CD’s will be manufactured.
5. Mastering
-
- The mastering engineer will
"tweak" the overall sound of the mixed track to be consistent with
other recordings of a similar style and may do different versions in
the case of a single for album, AM radio, FM radio and music video.
Also in mastering an album the engineer will adjust the track order,
gap and relative levels to give a smooth transition from track to
track.
6. Duplication
-
The mastered two track recording is then
taken to the Duplication Plant
where it is re mastered into the
format that is used by that Plant. Early in
the recording process
you should meet with your Graphic Artist to design
your album cover.
The artwork should be ready for printing by the time
the recording
is ready for duplication
