Oxtrack Studio - Session checklist

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Here's a quick list of things to do or consider when preparing for a recording session:

Come prepared to perform the songs you want to record. Treating a recording studio as a practise room is a very expensive hobby indeed.
Wear comfortable clothing and remember to leave at home anything (jewellery, mobile phones etc.) that might make a noise and spoil the recording.
Rehearse only the songs that you'll be recording for at least 2 days before the session. For clean starts, use an 8 beat count-off instead of a 4 beat count-off, with the last two beats silent. (Example: 1 2 3 4, 1 2 - - )
Practice the songs straight through, including intros, endings, and dynamics. Work out all your solos before you get to the studio.
If needed, put on new strings and drum heads at least 2 days before the session. Bring extra batteries, strings, and cables, just in case.
Get a good night's sleep and make sure everyone is in a good mood before the session. Don't party.
Start the songs cleanly and wait till the tape is rolling before turning up your volume (unless we've gated your instrument). Don't talk, play, or move for a count of ten after you finish a take. Wait for the last notes to die away completely.
Don't jam or play between takes or songs. Either tune up or sit quietly. Messing about just wastes everybody's time.
You may have to change your normal amp settings to get a better sound on tape. Sometimes your stage settings don't work in the studio and we may have to experiment to get your sound back - even to the point of switching amps or going directly into the mixer.
If you make a mistake, don't panic, but point it out. Most of the time, we can punch in a replacement later. If one song isn't working as you want, forget that song and move on to another song, or we'll take a short break. Don't bother with "I'm sorry" or "I'll get it this time." You're just putting more pressure on yourself. Mistakes happen. Just relax and try it again. Recording can be very stressful when you are new to it - don't make it any harder on yourself. If you feel yourself getting tense about a song, take a break. A break after every couple of songs can help a lot. Be open to suggestions and changes. "Screw-ups" sometimes turn out great. Maybe you didn't hit the note you wanted - but the note you hit may be better.

That's about it. Above all, have fun. Remember, your attitude will come across on the finished product.

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Last modified: 30 July, 2002