Recording Session
A recording session is best defined as the coming together of the musicians and the recording company. During the “session” all the raw material is recorded which, following varying degrees of post production, forms the starting point for a demo disc or commercial recording.
The key to a successful recording session is the relationship between the musicians and the recording crew. This starts from the initial planning stage where venues and repertoire are discussed. The right venue can make all the difference not only to the acoustics but also to the way the musicians perform in the space.
For all our recordings we provide at least two people: a sound engineer and a music producer. The sound engineer looks after all the technical aspects of the session which includes correct selection and placement of the microphones, setting the recording levels and monitoring the equipment during the session. By contrast the music producer is there to look after the musicians and ensure the smooth running of the sessions. As a professionally trained musician the producer is responsible for ensuring all re-takes and cuts are accurately noted whilst taking into account what can be achieved in post production.
A typical day's recording consists of two 3-hour sessions each with a short break in the middle and a longer break between the two. This follows the stipulations laid down by the Musicians Union. However, this format does not have to be rigidly adhered to and we will always accommodate the musicians’ requirements above our own whether for shorter or longer sessions. As a guide, one 3-hour session should be sufficient for 20 minutes of finished music, assuming everything is well rehearsed in advance. Where sessions are required on more than one day we advise consecutive days, although this is not essential as we carefully map out all sessions in order to replicate exact microphone placements even after a gap of several months.
As well as all the equipment and personnel we also provide talk back systems meaning the musicians can stay in constant contact with the music producer. We can also arrange for “playback” to occur in the recording space avoiding the musical director constantly going backwards and forwards to the location where our engineers have set up the rig. Unless specifically requested we generally do not put up an “on air” type light whilst recording as this can be off putting for musicians.
Rates for recording sessions start from £300 per day.
