Studio Session Tips, Advice, Stories, anything!

[stix_clgi]

What's up LGM!!!

Late last year I was asked to play on a recording by one of the ministers in my church. It was my first foray into the realm of professional studio recording and I was extremely honored and excited to be asked to play on it. I've been to the studio three times this year, along with my sis MyVirtue (she's singing on the recording).

I recorded direct into the board with my upgraded Squier Active Jazz and Line 6 Bass POD XT Live. This weekend I used my Schecter Stiletto to fix a few mistakes (it's amazing that the POD could make to extremely different basses sound alike lol!) The sound engineer really liked how I had my settings configured; he said he really didn't need to do too much to the sound (I guess EQing, compressing and stuff lol). So far this has been a wonderful experience...

My question is for all the studio veterans here and is kinda after the fact but...What are your experiences with recording in the studio? Tips, advice, frustrations, stories...anything.

[Bullitt]

I wouldn't call myself a studio veteran but as far as advice goes, be flexible, open-minded, and efficient/profecient.

If you get the call to play on someones project they obviously have faith in you to get the job done in a reasonable amount of time.  Have confidence in yourself and the ability God has given you (but don't let it become cockyness!).

Also, take comments and input from the producer or engineer as constructive critism.  Depending on the song and vibe they're going for, the way you play a single note can make a huge difference.


-J

[stix_clgi]

I wouldn't call myself a studio veteran but as far as advice goes, be flexible, open-minded, and efficient/profecient.

If you get the call to play on someones project they obviously have faith in you to get the job done in a reasonable amount of time.  Have confidence in yourself and the ability God has given you (but don't let it become cockyness!).

Also, take comments and input from the producer or engineer as constructive critism.  Depending on the song and vibe they're going for, the way you play a single note can make a huge difference.


-J

Great advice bro! So far they've pretty much allowed me to do what I want, which is nice; Recently I've askede the other musicians what they think about my playing, sound, technique etc. They've been pretty positive so far. I asked them because I know they would be honest with me (brutally sometimes lol).

Thanks again. Anybody else?

[sbyrd1978]

First I want to say congrats on the recording opportunity. I've been blessed to do quite a bit of recording over the years. My first major session was in Feb. of 2000. It was a great experience at a top notch studio. I've learned a lot since then from many talented engineers. I used my Ken Smith on most of the sessions I've done. I've always recorded direct. It provides a clean signal and makes overdubs easier. Most good engineers can mix well enough to make different basses used in overdubs sound the same. As long as you use similar settings. some tips... Always be prepared to learn. Every engineer has different methods. Be cool/humble. I've gotten a lot of work just for being easy to work with. also for having a clean and nice sounding bass. take care of your bass. keep business cards. I've been caught off guard too many times and end up writing my info on napkins, flyers, CD cases etc. LOL. Have fun. know the material when you come in. You will surely get more work. Blessings