Recording/Tracking
You've got your arrangements, you're rehearsed, and you are ready to record. Some groups record live, all parts singing simultaneously, to give the recording the same feel as a live acoustic set. But most a cappella recording projects these days track individual voices one (or a few) at a time, to maximize our options in post-production. Tracking is where you sing your parts behind the mic, which can be very intimidating to some people, especially if they have not recorded before and are used to choral or group singing. When you record with Acasongs, we want you to feel comfortable and excited about your project, not nervous about sounding pitchy. A comfortable, confident singer will always produce a better quality sound. While some inaccuracies in pitch and rhythm are inevitable with human voices and can easily be fixed in editing, it is crucial that the feeling and intensity of the music be captured during tracking. You want your listeners to feel the song as they listen. When that emotion is present in the beginning, you can create something really special.
Recording engineers also require specialized skills with DAWs (Digtal Audio Workstations), microphone optimization, and recording techniques that are not necessarily intuitive. Sometimes the technical requirements of wiring, patching, amplifiers, phantom power, phase inversion, ground faults... it can be daunting. Leave this to the professionals so you can focus on your music.
Recording engineers also require specialized skills with DAWs (Digtal Audio Workstations), microphone optimization, and recording techniques that are not necessarily intuitive. Sometimes the technical requirements of wiring, patching, amplifiers, phantom power, phase inversion, ground faults... it can be daunting. Leave this to the professionals so you can focus on your music.
Editing
For better or for worse, modern music is polished and cleaned to near perfection, and the modern listener demands rhythms and intonation. This is where editing comes in. After all the voices have recorded their parts, the Editor comes in and cleans up all the tracks: removing pops and clicks, lining up the rhythms, correcting any pitch inaccuracies, adding cross fades and loops, and ensuring that all the vocal parts are clean and lined up where they need to be. Editing can fix most small inaccuracies in pitch and rhythm, but it cannot fix the emotion and the heart of the singer. When you track with real emotion, the editor can do some magic.
Mixing
Mixing happens after the tracks have been edited and cleaned and organized. The mixing engineer sculpts and balances the tracks so that they sounds unified and cohesive when played together. Mixing will use tools such as panning, EQ, compression, reverb, and other tricks to make the song sparkle.
Mixing is its own art form, and every mixer has their own aural style. It takes decades to become an experienced and skilled mixer whose artistic style compliments and maximized the musical possibilities of the piece.
Mixing is its own art form, and every mixer has their own aural style. It takes decades to become an experienced and skilled mixer whose artistic style compliments and maximized the musical possibilities of the piece.
Mastering
Mastering is the final stage in audio production - putting the final touches on a song to enhance the over all sound, create consistency across the album, and prepare the song for different audio platforms: streaming, vinyl, CD, etc. In today's world, mastering is necessary to provide that "polished" sound that we are accustomed to and hear every day.
Acasongs does not provide in-house mastering services, but we can connect you with those who do.
Acasongs does not provide in-house mastering services, but we can connect you with those who do.
Producer
Often a recording project can benefit greatly from an outside Producer, someone who can guide the production process and keep a big picture view and provide insight, creativity, and an outside perspective. Usually, the music director is focused on getting the correct performance out of the vocalist in the recording booth. The mixing engineer is usually focused on ensuring they have recorded everything they need to give to the editor. The vocalist is usually just trying not to screw up on the mic. A producer can help all of these pieces of the puzzle fit together more smoothly. When I produce, I am also looking and listening for creative ways to elevate and enhance your project, while also giving the participants a positive, memorable experience. A recording project can be a huge, intimidating process, and it helps to have a coach guiding you along, to reduce the pressure.
In popular music, sometimes the Producer is the driver of the artistic machine. This auteur-type producer controls all the choices and uses the artists and instruments as tools to realize their vision. I am not this kind of Producer. My production style is more like a shepherd or collaborative facilitator. You have your vision for your recording project, and as a producer with experience and knowledge of the process, I can help you bring life to your vision.
In popular music, sometimes the Producer is the driver of the artistic machine. This auteur-type producer controls all the choices and uses the artists and instruments as tools to realize their vision. I am not this kind of Producer. My production style is more like a shepherd or collaborative facilitator. You have your vision for your recording project, and as a producer with experience and knowledge of the process, I can help you bring life to your vision.
Project Consulting
Wow, that's a lot a steps in the production process! It can be overwhelming. Sometimes you just need someone else to help organize the logistics, get you connected with the right people and places needed to get things done. If you want to record, but aren't sure how to start and need someone to help you figure out the process, I can provide consulting services.
Consultant services are tailored to your specific needs and goals. I provide vocal coaching, rehearsal management, group development, pretty much anything you need related to a cappella music making.
Consultant services are tailored to your specific needs and goals. I provide vocal coaching, rehearsal management, group development, pretty much anything you need related to a cappella music making.
