There are a few simple things to remember when getting ready to record at any studio. They are as follows. They may be no brainers to most, but there have been instances in the past when this list could have saved a client time and money:

1. Make sure your instrument is in the best possible condition.

guitar & bass
a. Put new strings on and work them in a bit. This can make a drastic difference in whether you get a good sound or a dead sound. The best possible signal is always desired for recording. There is only a certain amount of "fixing in the mix" that can be done, and everything adds up in the end.

b. INTONATION INTONATION INTONATION !!!! If your axe isn't set up properly, tuning will be virtually impossible. What sounds acceptable live is not acceptable in a recording environment.

c. Have a good idea of the sound or sounds that you wish to achieve. We have a variety of methods to record you, via different amps, etc. so a bit of forethought is well worth your time.

drums
Get new heads and work them in a bit as well. A muddy drum sound can literally ruin a recording. There again is only so much an engineer can do to "fix in the mix."

keyboards & synths
a. Place a call to the studio and figure out the best way of tracking your synth parts. If you have sequences that you wish to use, find out ahead of time how to sync your sequence up to an external computer. If you wish to use our wealth of synth sounds instead of your own, figure out how to transfer your MIDI data to our computer so that we can trigger our synths. If you are going to use your own sounds, try to map each part to an individual output if you have that capability. Also, single parts per track are preferred, example: try not to merge your drum parts to a single track, as it makes separation a bit more difficult. Ultimately, your preparation time will save you time and money.

b. BRING YOUR MANUALS !!! This is huge should there be any sync or output issues.

c. If you bring sequences in, make sure that they are properly quantized if need be. We have seen a few "programmers" who attempt to play freely in a sequence and had disastrous results. Also, know what is on each track. Documentation is best for quick and easy referencing.

d. Know how to turn your effects off. Unless there is a specific effect on a track that we cannot duplicate in-house, it is better to turn all effects off (i.e. reverbs, chorus, delay, flange, etc.) Our outboard effects are generally better than those shipped on most synths.

wind instruments
Bring anything that you would bring to a live gig, that should get you through a session. As long as you have a quality instrument, you should track just fine.

2. Know your parts.

This will save you time and money. Unless you are interested in our production services and would like to work with us in writing and developing your material, it would be in your best interest to know what you are going to play.

3. Bring Reference Material.

This helps a great deal in helping us to understand what you are going for, as well as helping in mixdown to achieve a sound.

4. Got a practice tape or cd?

Bringing a "rough draft" of what you are about to either record or develop for recording helps.