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.