Day One:

The first day of the session is spent on set-up and getting sounds. This typically takes 3-6 hours, depending on instrumentation. We recommend the drummer show up early as most of this time is spent tuning the kit, and dialing in drum sounds. After we get the drums more or less dialed, we’ll work on getting sounds for the rest of the band. This is a crucial stage of the recording process. After everything is dialed in, we may do a test recording of a song, but are more or less done for the day (or night). Go home get some good sleep and be ready to come to the session fresh the next day.

Day Two:

Once everyone arrives, we’ll recheck headphone mixes again and make any needed changes (which there will always be..). Today we concentrate on the rhythm section, drums, bass, keys, rhythm guitar, etc... Provided the band is rehearsed (which we strongly recommend), we should be able to get what we need in a few takes of each song (hopefully less!). A scratch vocal will be laid down for timing, but it is recommended that the vocalist not strain too hard, saving their voice for overdubbing. All solos will be recorded as they are played live as well, with the chance to change, redo, or add with overdubs later. When all of the basic tracks are laid down, and everyone is satisfied with the quality of the performances, we can move on to instrument overdubbing. This is where we add things like horns, auxiliary percussion, solos, synths, strings, etc. If all goes smoothly and depending on the arrangements of the songs, most basic tracks and overdubbing can be done in one day.

Day Three:

We will finish up any instruments overdubbing that may be left over first. After we are finished with the sweetening tracks, it’s time for vocals. We record and finish one song at a time in the following order: Lead Vocal, doubling (if any), harmonies (if any). It helps if the vocals are arranged and harmonies thought out by the band or a producer, if not the staff of DubMedia has on staff producers to assist in producing and arranging vocals (as well as other instruments). Of course it is up to the band’s budget how much time is spent on vocals, at times it can be a little tedious and slow moving. We suggest you budget as much time as possible to get the vocals recorded. Once all tracks are recorded and everyone is satisfied with the performances, we can move on to mixdown.