Studio time - how to maximize your time in the studio.

Studio Time - tips submitted by RDM/Snake Oil Records & Recording

By Dan-O Deckelman.

Web Site URL: www.MySpace.com/SnakeOilRecording
Country: United States
Name of Recording Studio: RDM/Snake Oil Records & Recording
Studio Location: Hull St. Richmond, Va.

Studio time - how to maximize your time in the studio

Tell us about your recording studio and the services you offer:

The new RDM/Snake Oil Recording location on the Southside of Richmond continues to offer multi-track recording in 1000sq ft. of live space. The open architecture offers a comfortable and creative vibe that accommodates everything from full band projects and solo artists, to mixing and voice over. RDM/ Snake Oil Recording can also provide CD/DVD custom packaging of CD-R/DVD-R's. Living accommodations are also available.

Recording Tip or Tutorial (250 - 600 words):

Studio time - maximizing your time in the studio

Over the years, one tends to see certain patterns working in an environment such as the recording studio. One pattern that emerges on a regular basis is preparation. I'm speaking of band/artist preparation or pre-production if you will. Here's how it usually goes:

Phone call: Hello this is Dan-O Snake Oil Recording.

Caller: Hi, I want to find out about rates to record a CD.

Dan-O: OK, rates start at XYX$$$ a day including engineer, what type of project are we talking about?

Caller: Oh we're a 4-5 piece band and we want to do 12-14 songs for a CD.

Dan-O: Sounds great.

Caller: We want to book 1 day, maybe 2.

Dan-O: Do you think you might need a little more time then that? Have you recorded before?

Caller: Some of us have. We rehearse all the time and we're really tight so I don't think well need more than 1 or 2 days. We'll just run through the songs and be done.

Saving studio time

OK. Here's the problem. When the recording light goes on many things start to happen. And when I mean happen I mean fall apart. The drummer isn't used to hearing the band with headphones or can't hear at all, the room sounds different than everyone’s used to, or now we can hear everything and we're not as tight as we thought. Let's just forget about hearing a playback right now. That a whole other story right now because the bands to busy either arguing or completely silent from shock.

Recording tips - studio time

Here are a few things to keep in mind:

1. Try rehearsing with no vocals.

2. Rehearse at a lower volume to see if things are working together and tight.

3. Try playing to a click. Feed a click to some phones and turn the volume down on the amps. Drummer just layback some if you can.

4. Do this for 6 months. Ok 4 months prior to recording. No kidding.

5. Record your rehearsals. Are the songs working?

6. Play to a click when practicing at home by your self.

7. Play live. Play all the songs live for time.

8. If you have a 4 track or small digital recorder demo the songs you’re self. Do it as a multi-track recording if you can. Then have the vocalist(s) cut their parts to the tracks.

9. Work out your budget in realistic terms for recording in a commercial facility. If you really want results plan on budgeting for it.

10. Go back to number 1 and start again.

Studio time - maximizing your time in the studio

Just these basic things can expand your insights and make your studio experience a positive one with positive results. Nobody likes to be disappointed and studios don't want you to be disappointed. It all starts with good songs and performance. The more of this you have, the most satisfying recording is going to be.

Studio time - how to maximize your time in the studio tips, submitted by Dan-O Deckelman of RDM/Snake Oil Records & Recording

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