Preparation work:

Start by practicing and then practicing more. Studio time is paid for on an hourly basis. The more you can work it out on your own, the less pressure you will feel, and the smoother your recording session will go.

Ways to Record:

Most bands will record live down to track. This means the band will all play at the same time while keeping the individual instruments separated on their own individual track. This usually excludes the singer or soloist who plays over the prerecorded band after the initial tracks have been laid down.

Singer-songwriters, who typically don’t play with a full band, record tracks. This is when one instrument is played at a time and the song is built instrument by instrument until all sounds are layered in order to produce a full band sound. 

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Both types above come with an additional step called the “mix-down”. This is when all the recording is complete and the sound engineer tweaks the sound using EQ and effects. The engineer will adjust volumes and blend the individual tracks into a cohesive recording. 

 

Recording Layout:
With all recordings the time it takes can vary depending on instrumentation, preparedness, production and how picky you are. Typically most recording time is cut into thirds not including set up time.

One third is the band actually playing together through the song(s) without solos and vocals.

One third overdubbing; recording the solos, lead and backup vocals as well as any other add-ons needed. One third would be mixdown. Fine tuning the individual tracks, equalizing sounds, adding effects and blending the music and recording it to a master.  ​​