The Essence Experience

What to expect in the studio:

 Step 1:

The first step is to get a solid rhythm track.  There are several ways to go about this.  A lot of musicians will all want to play at the same time, and of course no one can play to a click track.  This causes some problems: First, one track bleeds into another which causes problems when trying to redo tracks or edit, equipment limitations may not allow everything to be miced correctly.  My current sound card limits me to 4 analog, 1 digital, and 2 MIDI connections.  Not using a click track makes multi-tracking more difficult.   What happens is that if the first tracks tempo fluctuates at all, the next person has to try and match the same fluctuating tempo without a reference point.  Usually this isn’t too difficult to do for the next couple of tracks but it always seems to be impossible when you get down to the last few tracks.

 The recording process and the finished product will be much better if the recording is done to a click track.  This can be done several ways; as long as someone or everyone can play with the click track it is ok to record everyone at once.  Maybe just to come up with a “dummy” track and everything will be over-tracked later or maybe some of the original parts will be kept.  This process works best if you can record any of the parts direct-such as a keyboard, bass or a guitar modeler.  Keep in mind my current input limitations.

 Another option is for one musician, like the rhythm guitarist, to lay down their part with the click track and then everyone else can play along with this track.  This requires one player to know their part well enough to be able to play it by themselves.  If you want to have an easier recording session, make sure everyone knows their parts this well.

Step 2

Start building rhythm parts.  Make sure you have a solid rhythm and song structure so that the drummer can easily lay down his parts.  After the drums, record the bass, any additional rhythm parts, and the vocals.  It’s important to get the vocals recorded before the song gets too busy.  Be prepared to make mistakes while tracking.  Mistakes will happen and it's all just part of the process, don't worry about it and move on.  At this point step back and evaluate the song.  Does it need more or less?  If needed, add additional rhythm parts, percussion and solos.  Recording is very different then playing live.  Just because a song works very well in a live situation does not mean that you want to record it that way.  Most studio musicians will tell you to play less when in the studio.  A simpler mix can come across stronger then a busy one.

 Step 3

Walk away.  Mixing should never be done the same day as tracking.  Usually when tracking, a part of the volume on the current track is set louder then everything else; your ears get used to this part being louder so you mix that way as well.  Let things sit for at least 24 hours, maybe even a couple of days.  At this point I’ll put together a rough mix-this may take a couple of days depending on how many tracks and/or songs you did.  As soon as possible I will get you a copy of the rough mix.  This will be a very rough mix; it will not include any effects and will not be as hot/ loud as the final project.

 Step 4

Listen to the rough mix and make notes of everything.  This or that needs to be louder, punchier, sound more like such and such...  This section in this specific song needs to be louder… being as specific as possible.  Maybe we need to go back and re-record something.  Keep in mind this will only be a rough mix, but things should be headed in the right direction.  Some reference CD’s of other bands may be helpful to show what you are trying to do.

Step 5

I will take your requests and run with them.  This process can be time consuming but I will continue to refine the mix implementing your suggestions.  I will have stages throughout the mix process that I will request input.  This is your project and I am working for you.

Step 6

You will receive a master CD ready for professional mastering and or duplication.  I can recommend some companies that can help you out but you have decide how many copies you will need, if you want to spend the money for ink jet printing, silk screening or magic marker, and if you are going to do Jewel case inserts.

The recording process does not always move forward.  Be prepared to make mistakes, stop, restart, re-record, change the song, deviate from your normal setup or equipment and to take breaks.  The big plus of using The Essence Studio is that time is NOT money.  Ministry is the goal, God is the purpose.  We do not charge by the hour so  we can take whatever time necessary to give your project the attention it deserves.  within reason of course.