How to do clean "punch-ins."

The phrase "punch-in" is used to descrdibe an engineering technique to fix mistakes in a song. The engineer will record in real time as the correct phrase is played for each location. Punch-ins can be tricky and if not done correctly, very hard to edit. Ideally, the "punch-in" needs to be in a location to allow for a seamless edit. Sections such as chord change, cymbal crash or maybe during a paused section. Either way, an experienced engineer will be able to keep the recording process flowing while "punch-ins" are completed. Hope to see you soon in the studio.

Chris and Kevin
Digital Street Studio
Dover, Delaware

One mix does not fit all

One mix does not fit all. Thats a phrase we use when we're involved in final mixing. Basically, each mix we do is different. We don't take the same approach with every mix. If the mix calls for something different such as placing the bass guitar left or right instead of centered. Maybe doubling instruments to open or widen a mix. There's several different approaches to enhancing a mix, the key is to experiment. Remember, one mix can not be applied to everyone. Hope to see you soon in the studio.

Chris and Kevin
Digital Street Studio
Dover, Delaware

Why do drummers hate recording with a click track?

The answer is simple......it's stressful! As a drummer you're being ask to stay in time for the duration of a song with an annoying wood block sound in your ears. I have seen the best drummers struggle and become frustrated. One thing we've discovered at Digital Street Studio is that drummers really don't need a click while they record. If basic instrument tracking (guitar and vox) have been completed while using a click track, then silence the click track. At that point you have a guitar track that is locked-in for tempo. The drums can now be tracked in time without the use of a click. Hope to see you soon in the studio.

Chris and Kevin
Digital Street Studio
Dover, Delaware

Why should recording studios have more than one recording platform?

Why should recording studios have more than one recording platform? Simple...If you have more than one recording platform, your studio always has the ability to generate revenue. Let's face it, Pro Tools is the industry standard and is a very stable recording platform. However, it is digital recording software and has from time to time been known to malfunction. Malfunction is not a word you want to hear when you have a session scheduled. What do you do?... You need to have a dependable back-up. Some platform that allows you to record without sacraficing bit and sample rate. This will allow your studio to continue generating revenue until your main recording platform is back on line. Hope to see you soon in the studio.

Chris and Kevin
Digital Street Studio
Dover, Delaware

What level of production is right for you?

What level of production is right for you? It may be the best question to ask before entering the studio. If you can determine the level of production needed, you can budget accordingly. For example, let's say you're preparing to record 10 songs and you want radio or broadcast quality. You have a 4 piece band including drums, how much will $1,000 dollars get you . Knowing what I know about production cost, not much. The average band wanting full production can expect to pay a minimum of $350 to reach master quality. Thats based on 8-10 hours / song at our current Digital Street Studio rate. Also, keep in mind that rates vary from studio to studio. Larger studios tend to have higher rates which greatly affect the overall cost. Basically, there are many different levels of production. Set up an appointment with the recording facility and discuss your options. Hope to see you soon.

Chris and Kevin
Digital Street Studio
Dover, Delaware

The Peak of "Perfection"?

Is it my imagination or is the music industry setting standards that can't be duplicated. What do I mean by that? Musical artist are releasing material that is "Perfect". Well, it's 99.9% perfect. That is after spending thousands of dollars, editing, shifting, pitch correcting, beat mapping, multi-tracking, compressing, eq'ing and completly removing the human element. What you're left with is a ridiculous standard that could never be dupilcated live. Which is the main reason we're seeing more and more performers lip singing. Engineers now can take phrases that are perfectly in time, cut and paste for 3 minutes and 30 seconds, until your left with the "perfect" song. Well, there's only one problem......it's not perfect! WHAT! NOT PERFECT? Thats right, it's not perfect. What makes music perfect is the imperfection. Occasionally hearing imperfections in a song is a human element. The same human element I would hear when performed live. I think many of us expect and welcome those imperfections. More so than something that sounds like a robot. Being in the recording industry, we hear about changes and see trends sometimes before they occure. I think what is coming in the very near future is the return of the human element and an end to...."Perfection". Hope to see you soon in the studio.

Chris and Kevin
Digital Street Studio
Dover, Delaware

Quality in.....quality out

Ok, let's say you just booked some time at you favorite studio (Digitat Street Studio). What's next? Well, first you will need to evaluate your gear. Strings, cables, amps and everything in between. Make sure you're well rehearsed. This will help insure a great recording and save time. Have a goal for each session. If you're not sure how to plan for each session, speak to someone at the recording facitlity. They will be able to answer any questions you might have. Finally, don't rush through the recording process. Mistakes tend to be over looked when you get in a hurry. Remember, quality in....quality out.  If you stay relaxed and productive, your session(s) will be a great experience. Hope to see you soon!

Chris and Kevin
Digital Street Studio
Dover, Delaware

What's the difference between final mixing and mastering?

What's the difference between final mixing and mastering? Basically, after all of the tracking has been completed, you start the process of mixing. This is the process of adjusting levels, panning, and eq's to get a balanced sound. Once those adjustments are made and song mixes are complete, you have a final mix. Most final mixes are left at lower volumes to allow for more more head room during the mastering process. During the mastering phase, the final mix will be tranformed into a broadcast quality mix. Please keep in mind, your master will only be as good as the final mix. So attention to detail is critical. During the mastering phase songs can be placed in a final order and all media (song title's etc,)  information written to the mastered cd. These are just a few of the steps involved explaining final mixes and mastering. Hope to see you soon in the studio.

Chris and Kevin
Digital Street Studio
Dover Delaware

How to get a "Retro Sound" in a modern studio

Many of us enjoy music from the 60's and 70's. You can visit just about any College today and hear songs by Neil Young, Jimmy Hendrix or Pink Floyd. The warmth, engineereing and vintage gear all play a major part in why that music is still popular today. That sound is what we call "Retro". How do we recreate that sound? Well, first you start with vintage gear. Guitars like Fender and Gibson are good starting points. Tube amps, rotary speakers and analoge recording eqiupment also come to mind. The more authentic the gear, the more authentic the sound. Last, we have to look at the engineering of those two decades. Engineering techniques are crucial when creating the "Retro Sound". Simple panning and eq'ing can make all of the difference. Do your research before getting started. Hope to see you soon.

Chris and Kevin
Digital Street Studio
Dover, Delaware