TwinCitiesRecording.com - on-location mobile recording service

The Process

Each project is unique, and my approach is tailored for each situation.

With today's technology, recording gear can be surprisingly compact. Typically I bring in a mixing board, a computer with the proper recording hardware & software installed, cables, microphones, stands and perhaps some acoustic traps. Setup time is usually about an hour depending upon complexity.

Live recording

Microphones are placed near the front of the audience, and near various instruments. I may also take feeds from your sound system, if possible.

All of these mic signals are captured by a multitrack hard-disk recorder. A day or so afterward I mix all these signals so we have a balanced sounding live recording that has sharp focus on the instruments plus the excitement of the crowd.

As an alternative, I may only use two well placed microphones and record direct to stereo for a very accurate but more reverberant live sound, depending upon the kind of production you are looking for.

Afterward the tracks are mixed to stereo, burned to CD-R disk(s) and delivered to you.

Multitrack recording

Most session style recordings are done as multitrack projects. In this case each instrument is recorded on it's own separate tracks, building the project track by track. This process allows musicians to do retakes if needed, and the separation of tracks allows for much finer control and tighter sound at time of mixdown.

I'll arrive at your location, which is preferably an open space that is comfortable, irregularly shaped, and modestly sound-absorbant. I'll set up equipment, place microphones and if needed may place some acoustic traps which help make your recording space sound more controlled and studio-like.

A well practiced band can usually do 3-6 songs in a session.

Bring headphones! You will need headphones so you can monitor and play in-time with the recording. Usually we record the rhythm tracks first, such as drums and bass guitar. Those tracks are then played back while rhythm & lead guitars are added. Lead vocal is added followed by backing vocals and fill instruments.

After the recording session is complete, I begin the offsite process of mixing the tracks into a balanced sounding stereo mix. I provide a sample of the mix and ask for your feedback. Once you approve of the sample, the final mix is burned to CD-R disk and delivered to you.

In just a few days, you could have .mp3s on your website and a CD that is ready for duplication.