Getting ready to record my first artist

  • Thread starter Thread starter harbingertx
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harbingertx

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I've been home recording for awhile now, started it out with just a Line 6 Toneport UX1 and my desktop computer when I was about 14 with RhythmRascal drum software.
Recently, I've upgraded quite a bit, and been recording my band and in a few weeks I'm recording my first band as a "professional". It's a band we kinda know cause we've played shows with them before.
I want the studio to seem legit so the band isn't all like "oh this place sucks" you know?
I understand I have limits since its ran out of my bed room, but how can I make it seem more official?

Here's my set up -
Control room in my closet - desk, laptop, toneport, mixer. I have a decent sized closet, so i can walk around in there a lil bit.

I do tracking in my bed room, here's my gear.
CAD Pro 7 Pack drum mics
Mackie CR1604 16 channel mixer
MXL V63M Condenser Mic
ART Phantom II Dual Phantom Power Supply

Any tips?
 
I have found that one of the biggest parts of running a studio is making the artist feel at ease and keeping the workflow going. I ran into a computer snag and had to ask a band to return in my last session....boy did I feel unprofessional. Besides that treat it as a learning expirience and make sure the band knows the limitations of your set up. The proof will show in the end. Also, I start by asking the band to bring in CDs of what they would like certain instruments to sound like. KNow your gear...I never truly charged anyone until I did two or three demos for free...just to get my wheels under me.
 
thanks man

Yeah, I've recorded my band a lil bit, but I'm gonna record a song for a band I'm friends with for free before I do anything I think.
 
Take as many pictures as you can and write down as much as you remember as soon as you can. This will be a fun and probably horribly frustrating, but still fun time for you
 
I've got a small home studio, and have had a few bands in to record. I learned the hard way a few things...

Make sure that you have a place for everyone to sit between takes.

Be sure that you're clear on rules about smoking, drinking & eating. Sounds funny, but you don't want a mess to clean up later or equipment/carpet issues from spilled liquids. If you do allow smoking/drinking, make sure you have a big enough garbage can to contain the mess.

Be clear up front on what the band will be able to take with them when they leave. If you won't be ready to give them a CD when they leave, make that known up front.

Keep a written log of everything you do, including setup/takedown time, recording/retakes, mics used, mic placement, song file names, track info, eq settings, etc... You'll be glad you did when the band calls back to redo a vocal or something. Also, if you're billing by the hour (even if you're not) you want to know how much time was dedicated to a client.

I'm sure there's other things I forgot, maybe someone else can chime in here.

Cheers,

Dan
 
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