First paid recording session

  • Thread starter Thread starter Jburn34
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Jburn34

Jburn34

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Hey guys I own a small home studio setup: Tascam 788, computer, maudio dmp3, a few condensor mics, preamps, and compressors, studio monitors,etc.

I have a 5x5 closet completely acoustically treated so now it's a vocal booth. I've done recording for friends, etc., but now I'm going to have a paying client.

What are some tips for the first session? What should I do before anyone gets there? What kind of questions do I need to ask before hand and what's the best way to go about running the session?

There are no drums this time, just a few guitar tracks and vocal tracks.

Any advice would be great.

Thanks
 
Before a client arrives (prep time):
* Make sure the following are agreed to and clearly understood by both sides:
How much, when and how payment is made
What will be delivered to the client and when
* Set up all the equipment you plan on using and make sure everything works, is in tune, etc.
* Try to have backups/extras of everything on hand

When the client arrives:
* Try to make the client comfortable and at ease
* If the client is bringing an instrument, make sure it is in good working condition, in tune, etc.
* If you can and haven't already, get an idea of what you will be recording
* Go over the game plan with the client. Depending on the client, you may be able to just suggest what you want to do or you may have to go to the options and explain pros and cons. For example, tracking gtr and vox separately vs. tracking both simultaneously

During the session:
* If you have a choice, try and get the most appropriate mic and mic pre amp combination for each thing you are recording.
* Watch your levels - not too low or too high
* Listen to the performance with a critical ear. It's usually easier to re-track than try and fix it later.
* If the session gets stuck somehow and it's not an equipment issue, it may be time to take a short break.
 
What Riffing Said!

Plus,
keep plenty of scratch pads and log sheets around. Once you get a good set up you will want to document everything (mic used @ what position/cmpressor settings etc.) Just in case you have to do overdubs on a different day. There is nothing that sucks more than overdubs that sound significantly different, you usually have to totally re-record and often at your own expense.
If the person you are recording is typical of mine, you will be extremely fotunate to get all your tracks at one sitting.
 
All great advice so far

My 2 cents

Little glitches, or big ones, keep right on smiling. The client doesn't need to lose confidence in you or your equipment.

Never use the word OOPS!!:cool:
 
You don't want to seem like a know it all, you just want the client to have the sense that they are making a wise investment in your ability.:cool:
 
And don't be anal.

It can be easy for us techie types to be really anal.:rolleyes:

Close to having a senior moment:D
 
And always have extra notePADs.

Yeah, PADS are really handy.

For getting to 100.

:D
 
Thanks for the tips! Keep them coming too....I can never use too much good advice.

Is there any kind of form/chart etc. to get info about them and also to keep track of songs and tracks? Does anyone have any of these made up?

Thanks,
Jeremy
 
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