|
Typical
recording studios consist of one or more soundproof “live” rooms, or studios , where
microphones are set up to capture the sounds from vocalists and
instrumentalists, and a control
room where the sound is routed through equipment designed to manipulate the
sound, most notably the mixing
console. and. audio processors,
and monitored through reference
monitors which are loudspeakers that
have a flat frequency response. Most
modern studios capture audio using a digital audio workstation
or DAW, a general purpose computer with digital recording software.
The producer
typically controls the recording session and subsequent mixing and mastering
processes, this role is filled by a “professional” producer for most commercial
recordings, but artists often act as producer for independent and demo
recording. One or more recording engineers operate the studio equipment, including
the mixing console, DAW and microphone setup and placement
Depending
on the scope and intent of the project, recording can be done one instrument or
track at a time, or in any combination of tracks. For example, a solo
singer/instrumentalist may choose to record only his instrument in one
performance, or take, or he may desire to record both voice and instrument in
one take. The audio output of each instrument or voice is recorded on a
discrete track in the recording software program, giving the artist or producer
the ability to manipulate existing tracks and add additional tracks, called overdubs.
Once all
recording and overdubbing is complete, the project is mixed down from multiple
tracks to two stereo tracks, using outboard equipment or computer-based
processors to tailor the sound of the individual tracks to create the desired mix.
The mix is then mastered,
the mastering engineer uses analog and computer-based processors, i.e.
compression, equalization, and noise reduction to assemble a master which
contains the final file ready for replication; The master is in digital format
for Internet distribution or delivery to a duplication facility for CD production.
|
