How long does it take to record a song?
It typically takes at least an hour per instrument for each song. So if you are in a 4-piece rock band, it will take at least 4 hours per song to record. That does not include mic set-up time, instrument tuning, level setting, and all of the other fun details that come about when you are recording. If the song has not been properly rehearsed, or if the musician is simply having an off-day, it may take longer.
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What order do we record our band?
Usually you start with the drums, then bass, then guitars, then keyboards if needed, then vocals, and you put any extra 'icing' anywhere usually after the guitars have been put down. Icing includes extra solo bits, any electronics that aren't a main key element to the song, etc.
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What are some of the common issues for artists who have not been in a recording studio before?
Being unprepared. Many musicians think that it's simple to just come in and bang out 9 songs in 2 hours. Many forget that they are under a microscope and every duff note, every incorrect bend, every mishit can be heard a mile away. If you don't know how to play the music without hearing the vocals you will have a hard time in the studio. It's your song, so learn it properly before attempting to play it in front of a microphone you are paying to use.
Remember, your project will only be as professional as the amount of effort you put into it!
Many musicians forget to change their skins, strings, and forget drumsticks, guitar picks, guitar straps, patch cords, etc. We are more than willing to lend you our equipment, but obviously it's better to be safe than sorry and bring all that is needed on that day. Bringing extra strings and drumskins is also appreciated and can save a trip to the music shop if something breaks!
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What is Mastering?
The experienced Mastering Engineer can take all of the songs and work with them so they feel like a collective musical experience, rather than a collection of songs thrown together on CD. Every song you have heard on the radio, on CD, on tape, on the net, etc. have all been mastered by professionals who have spent their lives at their craft. A Mastering Engineer also provides an experienced 2nd or 3rd set of ears to your project. There are very affordable Mastering houses out there for you to contact, and at XXII-22 Productions we can direct you and possibly save you some hard-earned money.
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What is a Redbook CD?
A Redbook CD can be read by virtually any CD player.
Have you ever bought a CD from a local band only to find that it won't work on your older car in your boombox at home? That is because it was burned with software that does not conform to Redbook standards. XXII-22 Productions uses Sony CD Architect, which allows us to burn your master copy CD's to industry standards. When taking a CD to a reproduction facility, you must have the master CD burned to these standards or the CD will not be accepted.
You can read up more on Redbook standards here.
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Is it necassary for the drummer to play to a click track?
Absolutely not. However, it will allow the project to go a lot smoother if the drummer can play to a click/metronome. This is due to the fact that the song's tempo will be right where it's supposed to be and parts can be played on top of it later on with a greater amount of ease. Usually artists wish to record all parts seperately, so recording to a click makes this a lot smoother process since there will be much less guessing. Playing as a band live is a lot different than playing the guitar parts on a different day than the drummer layed down his/her tracks. It is possible to record as a band live. read about that here.
It's understandable that music needs to breathe and move, but sloppy playing can't be hidden no matter how much 'Pro Tooling' you want to do. Our engineers are able to fix slight mistakes and mishits, but the better and more consitant the playing the easier it is on everyone, including the band!!
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Can my band play live off the floor?
Sure!
Many bands who do not like to play to a metronome can play live off the floor (meaning all at once in the same room). This may save you money as well since the tracks are mostly being recorded at once. If nothing else, it is recommended that the vocals be tracked seperately to allow for greater control over them. A professional vocal can make or break a song.
Having said that, keep in mind that if everyone is playing in the same room at once, there will be less control over how well the song can be mixed simply do to the size of the room, hence less microphone isolation. XXII-22 Productions is a home-based studio, therefore it is not built to accomodate 5-6 musicians playing at once comfortably. It has been done though!
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Can you supply session musicians?
Everyone involved with XXII-22 Productions is a musician of some sort. We can supply our own talent and help you craft your songs if you are a songwriter with limited playing abilities. Often a vocalist will come in and hope to have some help in writing instrumental parts alongside of their vocals, or a guitarist will need a drummer. This can be done in various ways! If needed, we can get ahold of a talented musician who matches the vibe you want to put on your music as well.
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Can you supply any instruments?
Anyone is welcome to use any of the gear we have listen on this page.
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Can you mix our full-length record within 2 weeks?
Probably not. We all have day jobs and work 40 hrs/wk to pay our bills. XXII-22 Productions is our enjoyment. Please keep this in mind when you are setting a deadline and booking sessions. We will try to meet whatever deadline you give us, but we are not shy about telling you how long it will take in reality.
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