Hitting the studio Sunday - any advice from the vets?

[solacematt]

So after spending a year away from music I reformed my band with a new drummer in May and we're off to the studio Sunday to record our third disc.
Gotta admit, a bit nervous. The studio has worked with quite a few biggies and here we are, a 3-piece melodic hard rock band of nobodies hoping that
the end result is something we can be truly proud of. Any advice from my fellow PRS players and studio vets before heading in?

 

[sergiodeblanc]

Pretend being not nervous for your bandmate's (drummer) sake and bring a fun attitude, everything else can be fixed inside the box.

 

[vchizzle]

Be prepared for the unexpected and roll with the punches. I had an E-clip fall off the saddle on one of my older adjustable stoptail pieces. The saddle moved a bit and intonation was off. Had to grab a different guitar to track with. I was bummed because I really wanted to track with that specific guitar. But ya just gotta push through.

 

[László]

The more time spent working on vocals, the better the record. A vocal that really delivers the tune and the goods - within a given style - is the key.

No need to go over the top - I mean, Lou Reed is an example of great vocals that were low key.

But attitude, going for the brass ring in the delivery...that's the deal.

No one really cares about whether you used a fancy guitar or amp or whether the kick drum has the right mic.

 

[solacematt]

The more time spent working on vocals, the better the record. A vocal that really delivers the tune and the goods - within a given style - is the key.

No need to go over the top - I mean, Lou Reed is an example of great vocals that were low key.

But attitude, going for the brass ring in the delivery...that's the deal.

No one really cares about whether you used a fancy guitar or amp or whether the kick drum has the right mic.

Oh yea, believe me I am definitely most worried about the vocals. I have a very weird voice that takes alot of getting used to.

 

[WeFixFlats]

Make sure all the guitars and basses are perfectly intonated up the highest frets. Use a loud click track. If your not in tune and in time then nothing will sound 'just right' going forward, in my opinion.

 

[solacematt]

One thing missing here that I hate to have to re-track...all guitars. It seems the cab was not mic'ed at all. My Mesa head went directly to board apparently. I only found this out AFTER all guitars were done being tracked when I went into a seperate room to create 'feedback' guitars and a cabinet was set up for my head. The end result - my guitars sound more like the distorted guitars on a Gin Blossoms record, castrated and balless :/ This in turn effected how my vocals were perceived. Hoping to go back into the studio in the next few days to re-track all of my guitars with a mic'ed cab to get the proper heavy guitar sound.

 

[watelessness]

there is no such thing as a wrong note , only a poor resolution.

and record the warm up renditions.

 

[Brad737]

I'm certainly no studio veteran. (I just started playing with a Focusrite Scarlett about 3 months ago.)

BUT!!!

I'd recommend following the lead of some pros like Jimi Hendrix, SRV, etc..

I think you need to drink 2 or 3 bottles of scotch, a couple lines of coke, etc. You know, just to take the edge off.

 

[vchizzle]

One thing missing here that I hate to have to re-track...all guitars. It seems the cab was not mic'ed at all. My Mesa head went directly to board apparently. I only found this out AFTER all guitars were done being tracked when I went into a seperate room to create 'feedback' guitars and a cabinet was set up for my head. The end result - my guitars sound more like the distorted guitars on a Gin Blossoms record, castrated and balless :/ This in turn effected how my vocals were perceived. Hoping to go back into the studio in the next few days to re-track all of my guitars with a mic'ed cab to get the proper heavy guitar sound.

oh nooooo....
how did THAT happen? That really sucks. Did the studio think they they'd get legit tones that way? I've heard decent, even good tones outta cab clone type boxes, but...

 

[Deleted member 2284]

Wow. Unbelievable. Did they put the cleaning lady as an engineer, or what?