FAQ

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know

Here’s a small collection of frequently asked questions. We tried to cover all areas like, recording at home, re-amping, mixing and mastering.

Still something missing?

Let us know if something is missing, or you think we could improve on some of the explanations. Much appreciated!

Recording

Can We Record DI Tracks At Home And Re-Amp Them In The Studio?

Yes, you can! This is a very popular option nowadays, since recording DI tracks only involves a laptop with recording software and a good audio interface with DI. Get in touch to discuss details.

What Is Re-Amping?

Re-amping is the process of playing back the originally recorded direct guitar or bass tracks, also called DI tracks and sending them to a guitar amplifier, set at high volume. The guitar amplifier connects to a real cab and a microphone records the sound.. Nowadays plugin’s in the DAW can also “re-amp” DI tracks by using special cab simulation software. This is also an option.

What Is A Click-Track?

A click track is a special track in the recording software that plays back the metronome into the musicians headphones while recording, so they can keep up a steady tempo. It can be freely programmed to accommodate tempo and time signature changes. Using a click track has some benefits in the recording and editing process because the whole song is recorded with the tempo grid laying underneath it. Corrections in timing can easily be corrected and re-arranging or stitching pieces of the song (takes) can be done much faster.

Do We Have To Record With A Click Track?

No, you don’t have to. Especially when the drummer has never played with a metronome before this can be very confronting. However, we advise that every drummer needs to get acquainted with playing to a click track as it will largely improve drumming skills and tightness of the performance over time. Once a drummer is comfortable playing to a click track, the previously mentioned benefits can be used.

What Are Overdubs?

Overdubs are all additional tracks recorded after the initial performance in which these were not, or only partially present. For example guitar solo’s or harmonic melodies, a second layer of lead vocal, etc. The initial recording is played back and the overdubs are recorded.

How Long Does It Take To Record A Full Album?

A full length album of a typical 5 piece rock band can be recorded in 5 to 15 days. Largely depending on the music itself and the musician’s skill level and endurance. Shorter sessions over a longer period of time are possible, especially for vocals this might apply. When the musical arrangements get larger, more complex or demanding for the musicians, the recording will take up the most time.

Do We Play Together As A Band Or Individually While Recording?

Both is possible. However, it is not possible to put all amps on full power in the same room as the drums. This would cause too much leakage of signals in the wrong microphones. This results in less control over the desired sound during mixing. To solve this, the guitars and bass direct output signal will be recorded at the same time as the drums. For the correct feel while playing though, temporary amp simulation software is used. After the recording, all original and direct guitar and bass signals are re-amped.

I Want To Record Myself At Home. Can You Help Me With That?

Sure! Recording at home is fairly easy nowadays and we encourage artists to do it. It will definitely improve your musicianship and it will obviously save some time in the studio once you can get professional results yourself! Just get in touch and we will help you get started.

MIXING / Editing

What Is Mixing?

Mixing is the art of balancing all the recorded tracks containing the individual instruments or instrument parts. The balancing takes place in several domains: loudness, frequency, dynamics, stereo position or panning and depth. It is not a matter of fixing all tracks on a set value for each domain. The values will continuously alter during the song (automation) to get maximum impact towards, and emotional engagement from the listener. For music recording, the result of mixing will be a stereo file (left and right channel) of each song on its own.

What Is Editing?

Editing is all activities related to the correction of the initial performance of the musicians, using the recorded material. This can include timing errors, tuning errors etc.

Can You Mix Our Songs That We Recorded In Another Studio?

Yes, absolutely! Fill in the contact form and we will take it from there! Obviously the individual recorded tracks of a representative song are required so to judge the quality and determine what needs to be done. In some cases we provide a free test mix.

MASTERING

What Is Mastering And Why Do I Need It?

Mastering is the art of balancing all the recorded songs. Again, the balancing can take place in several domains (see mixing). You need mastering to give each song the same subjective volume and frequency balance so that the resulting album will feel like it is a coherent piece of music. The mastering process will also take care of the required loudness depending on the required medium (CD, vinyl or online streaming) and other technical aspects of the recorded file (dithering, bit depth, sample frequency, etc.)

OTHER

How much will it cost?

This question is so frequently asked that we added a contact form to the website here.

Fill it in, send it and we will get back to you ASAP!

Can You Put Our Songs On Spotify And ITunes?

Yes, we could but we don’t do this, simply because anyone can do this themselves. Just check www.cdbaby.com or www.distrokid.com. There are a few others. Google it. Make it work!

Do You Provide The Service Of CD Re-Production?

No, we don’t. We provide a single master DDP file which is a link to a zip file containing all the required information for the label or CD pressing plant. Digital WAV files for vinyl or online streaming will be provided as well.

We Need Someone To Do Our Artwork And CD Layout. Can You Help?

Yes, we have several contacts in the industry doing this type of work. Get in touch for details.

We Need A Record-Label. Can You Help Us?

Although we do have several contacts with labels, all initiative should come directly from the band. The music and everything related should be directed to the music fans in the first place. Go out, gig, build your brand, gig even more, grow a fanbase. After that…the labels will come to you!

FAQ