Recording Studios
"So you want to record a CD"

There are some things you should know about the recording studios process.  To some…the following information will be
a refresher course.  For others…valuable information.

Unless you have some major backing or label representation, chances are you will have a limited budget to work with.  So when planning and deciding on a Studio…keep in mind that to complete the CD process, there are normally Steps To Follow which should include… 


The Planning Process – Determine what you’re trying to accomplish.  Here are examples of some questions your might want to consider…

• Is this for your own personal enjoyment or are you planning on marketing a CD for retail distribution?

• Are you going to need any studio musicians or supporting vocals?

• How many songs are you planning on recording…a full length CD or a couple demo tracks?

Not enough material to fill a full-length CD?
There is another option... consider mini cd replication.

Write everything down and come up with a solid working plan that makes sense for the goals you want to accomplish. 

The Budget - What sort of budget do you have to work with?  Are you going for a professional sound and look?  Keep in mind that in addition to the CD recording process, there is the mixing, and the Audio CD Mastering which should be used in the production of any CD.

Depending on what your goals are, you may also have the marketing and advertising of your CD.  Graphics and/or Artwork design for the CD itself, CD cover, tray card insert and inner sleeve.

Then there is the CD Replication process where an exact replica of the CD master is made…a process which allows for worldwide retail distribution and licensing. CD Duplication differs from the replication process. Duplication is where a CD is just copied…hence the term ‘duplication’. As a general rule…Replication is mainly used for large ‘bulk’ quantities, concerts, touring, and retail distribution. Duplication for small quantities, parties and clubs.

If you’re unclear…do a little research to determine which process is going to fit your needs the best.

Maybe CD's are not your thing right now and recording an MP3  is more in line with where you’re at.  Well here are some things you should know about MP3's and the steps to...Recording a MP3.

How would you like to create MP3 soundtracks effortlessly? Create jingles, music scores, songs, whatever pops in your head. Now you can do it quickly and easily with SonicProducer!

What is SonicProducer? 
SonicProducer is an incredible cutting edge music sequencer with mp3 export capability. SonicProducer also features music production tutorials with different keyboards, studios as well as tutorials on how to use the Sonic Producer application. All this is available online through the "members area" and contains everything including the software, sounds and the system of video lessons and documentation.

 

For a Killer Music Sequencer - Click Here!

The Studios – Sooner or later a choice will have to be made as to what Recording Studio or Studios you want to use for your project.  Any number of issues can affect the quality of the recording from the type of equipment being used, to the acoustics of the studio, right down to the atmosphere of the studio.

A studio may be able to complete the whole project in-house while another studio may have to outsource certain aspects of the project.

There will be differences from studio to studio with the recording process as well as the techniques used in mixing, and mastering.  Recording studios may consist of an engineer or many engineers, arrangers, producers, writers, graphic artists, studio musicians, etc.

A studio may only cater to certain genres of music or have limited capabilities. Studio times vary and are generally charged by the hour or have a block rate.

Evaluating and comparing Recording Studios for your particular needs can be time well spent.

Music Cleveland has put together a free listing of Local Recording Studios.  Any of them should be happy to help assist you with your next project.

Some of the best known Recording Studios in the U.S. are right here locally.  
There really is no need to look any further!

Music Production Terms - To better understand some of the language the Recording Industry and/or Music Industry uses check out the glossary of 
Music Production Terms   A little knowledge can go a long way when it comes 
to speaking the same language.

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