Beatles Recording Techniques

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dale_c

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Okay, bare with me here (I'm a recording newbie) as I'd like to ask some basic recording questions, specifically as they related to early Beatles recordings. (Please lets not digress into a debate about the Beatles worthiness :-))

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If I'm not mistaken, the Beatles recorded using a 4-track machine in the early years. Typically, they would put (for example) Paul (bass) and Ringo (drums) on one track, George (lead) on one track, John (rhythm) on one track, and then vocals on the remaining track. They more often than not, recorded the songs live (as a band). Questions:

1. Because they were recording live, how would they have overdubbed say a guitar part if the overhead drum mics were also picking up the other amplified instruments and vocals?

2. I've seen lots pics from the early days and I don't recall Abbey Road fitted with isolation booths. How'd they get isolation?

3. In some cases, they obviously recorded the final vocal as an overdub. Did Paul/John/George sing at least scratch vocal tracks? If so, how'd they remove them if all they were using were 4-track machines?

If this belongs in the Newbie section, I'll move it.

Thanks for your patience!

Dale
 
They were using several 4 track machines. They would do reduction mixes to a track or 2 tracks of another 4 track leaving them 2 empty tracks for more dubbing. They were in essence, bouncing down. They would do this a few times until the generation loss was getting out of hand.
 
That's right Track Rat - they also had the latest technology - Dolby noise reduction!!

cheers
John
 
Beatles

But let's not forget the incredible knowledge of their producer.:D
 
For sure Old Guy - he actually gained those skills making the Goon Show radio series. Amazing production for it's time.

cheers
John
 
And don't forget --- those "4-tracks" were not $200 portastudios! Those were SERIOUS analog multitrack machines!!

:)

Bruce
 
plus they smoked the reefers on occasion...which always helps to a certian extent
 
John Sayers said:
For sure Old Guy - he actually gained those skills making the Goon Show radio series. Amazing production for it's time.

cheers
John
Click to expand...

I was under the impression that most of the Goon Shows were done with a live audience - at least many of the earlier ones were. They were broadcast and recorded, and later re-broadcast. The sad thing is that due to a tape shortage at the Beeb, many of the tape of the early shows (early 1950s) were overwritten, and so are gone forever! Bummer!

- Wil
 
Wil - I understand there were around 158 episodes recorded and most of them are still around cos they were sent globally on 14" discs. Some guy in New Zealand has been compiling them but I don't know his link. They still play them on the ABC (Australian Broadcasting System) over here every Sunday afternoon. The ABC must have a huge library of them.

They sure are stunning recordings, especially as they were live and the sound FX were thrown in on the run.

cheers
John
 
yeah...yeah..yeah..
Man, they don't write lyrics like that anymore!!! :rolleyes:
 
Check out the recent back issues of Home Rcording magazine.
The October or November issue I think.

It features the recording of the Beatles at Abby Road and there is some pretty cool detailed stuff.

.......like how for one track(not sure witch) John ran his guitar through each of the console channel preamp/EQ's in succession to build this MASSIVE gain structure and gnarly tone.
Its pretty cool.

I might even have it somewhere if it hasn't passed along to one of my buddies somewhere. Its like the lighter game (which I dont get to play anymore since I quit smoking).

-mike
 
I think the first couple of Beatle albums were recorded on three-track machines. The first album, in particular, ("Please Please Me") was recorded "live," with one track of overdubs (for guitar leads, backing vocals, etc.). There are a number of bootleg cds available which shed a lot of light on the process...one bootleg chronicles their entire recording session from March 3, 1963, when they recorded "From Me To You" and "Thank You Girl." (their follow-up single to "Please, Please Me"). It's really fun to listen to...and the sound quality is awesome.

EMI's Studio 2 at Abbey Road was a very large room, so they (the Fab Four) were physically separated. They did not have isolation booths, per se. For some great photos, check out the new book, "Beatles Gear." It's $40, but you can save the money and leaf through it at Barnes & Noble or Borders!

"The Beatles Recording Sessions" by Mark Lewisohn is also required reading. I've heard that it's out of print, but maybe you can find a copy on eBay.

"Sgt. Pepper" was recorded on four-track machines, with a lot of bouncing!

The Beatles did not use an eight-track machine until "Abbey Road." Can you believe that?! Paul McCartney mentions in the "Anthology" book that, at the time, he thought eight-tracks was "too many." A real luxury!

The Home Recording magazine article is good. EQ Magazine also had Beatles engineer Geoff Emerick on the cover a few years ago...that's a great article, worth seeking out.

Geoff Emerick reports that, beginning in 1966 or so, they always kept one track empty for Paul to overdub his bass lines which, by this time, were getting increasingly melodic and inventive. Also, Emerick says that he never went direct with Paul's bass signal...he always used an amplifier and microphone. That was a surprise to me...it sure sounds direct on "Lucy In The Sky," "With a Little Help From My Friends," etc.

I'm a big Beatles fan. In fact, I just recieved my "Paul McCartney style" left-handed violin bass last night (it's a copy of his Hofner, made by Jay Turser Guitars). It's AWESOME! I've wanted one for 30 years...can't wait to record some Beatle covers this weekend! My wife will be lucky if she sees me for an hour or two!

Regards...BobO.
 
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