A Basic Tracks Session Checklist

There are more and more small recording studios than ever before, but many of the owners don't yet have the experience of doing a session beyond their own bands. Here's some help in prepping for that first outside session that I took from the latest 3rd edition of The Recording Engineer's Handbook

Before you can prepare for the recording you need some essential information first. Here’s a list of the minimum that you must determine in advance of the session.

This will usually be provided by the producer, artist or band leader, and assumes that you’re unfamiliar with the act. Here’s what to ask:

• What type of music will be recorded?

• How much recording time to do you think you’ll need?

• How many songs do you expect to record?

• Who are the musicians (If you know some of them it might affect your setup)?

• Who’s the producer (if you’re not talking to him already)?

• What time does the session begin? Does that mean the downbeat of recording or when the musicians are expected at the studio to load in?

• How long do you expect the session or sessions to go?

• How many musicians will be playing at once?

• What’s the instrumentation?

• How large is the drummer’s kit? How many toms will he be using?

• Will the guitarist(s) be using an acoustic or electric? 

• What kind of amps will the guitar player(s) and bass player be using?

• Do any of the players expect to use house gear like drums, guitar amps, or keyboards?

• How many cue mixes will be required?

• Will there be a scratch vocal tracked at the same time?

• Will they bring any special outboard gear or mics that they’d like to use?

• Will they be tracking to a click or loops?

• Do they require any particular instruments, amps or effects?

Determining the above before the musicians arrive at the studio can go a long way to achieving a quick and easy setup and an efficient session. 

TIP: Don’t ask for the setup information too far in advance since much can change by the day of the session. Getting the info the day before the session is usually sufficient.

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Cream "SWLABR" Basic Track Outtakes

The great bassist/vocalist/songwriter Jack Bruce passed away last week so I thought it appropriate to post a tribute to the man. Here's a fascinating look into the making of Cream's "SWLABR" that was recorded in March of 1967 for their Disraeli Gears album. What you'll hear is 4 takes of the song.

The song was recorded on 8 track, and what you'll hear is 3 tracks, with the drums in mono on their a single track (as was the technique back then). The first take begins around 2:00.

1. It's interesting to listen to the band try to tune up (Bruce and Eric Clapton never quite get there). It's hard to believe that there was a day when guitar tuners weren't available, but you're listening to live proof here.

2. The band clearly overplays in the first few takes before it settles in. The overplaying is mostly from drummer Ginger Baker while bassist Bruce holds it together.

3. The solo in Take 3 is interesting in that the band clearly goes to another level.

4. The take that begins at 10:28 finally has Bruce doing his vocal along with the band. He really was a fine vocals as well as a great bass player. This take also features a harmonica solo at the end.

5. A bit trivia: SWLABR stands for "She Was Like A Bearded Rainbow."

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Producer's Checklist For Basic Tracks

When you're the producer, it's pretty easy to get overwhelmed with the details and demands of the session and forget some of the things that can really help the musicians and the session along. Here's a checklist from my upcoming book, "The Music Producer's Handbook":

• Do the drums sound great acoustically in the room? If they don’t, rent a new kit or hire a drum tuner.

• Are the drums tuned properly? They should have new heads and have no buzzes or sympathetic vibrations before recording begins.

• Do you have a variety of instruments available? The more different instruments you have, the better the parts will fit together and the more interesting the recording will sound.

• Are all the instruments in tip-top condition? Is the intonation set correctly? Is the instrument clean of any buzzes, hums or intermitents?

• Is everyone happy with their headphone mix? Can you give each musician their own mix? Is a personal headphone mixer available for each player?

• Does the click the have the right sound? Does it cut through the mix? Is it musical enough that the drummer can play along? Is it too musical that the drummer can’t groove to it?

• Does the click groove? Does it work better as ¼ or 1/8th notes? Is there a different sound for the downbeat?

• Is the click bleeding in the microphones? Can the drummer use isolating headphones? Can you roll the high end off so that it doesn’t leak as much?

• Do you have the studio talkback mic on? Can you hear the musicians in the studio at all times between takes?

• Do you have the control room talkback mic always on? Can the musicians hear you at all times in between takes?