Limitations

So I have been thinking a lot lately about recording in general and what has changed for the better and what has not.  This is not really a post about how bad things are or how much better they were just something to point out differences in how things are done.

In the old days (analog recording) there were limitations.  The track count was limited.  It all started with mono recording and then the largest analog tape machine I know of is a 32 track analog reel to reel tape machine.  Today we have the ability to nearly unlimited tracks only limited by hard drive band width and space.  Why am I talking about this?  I have been working on projects lately that push even the limits of the modern world.  Everything recorded in stereo and multiple passes of each instrument.

Many of these projects are putting everything but the kitchen sink in them.  It has made me think about many of the classic recordings of the last 40 years or so.  What made these recordings so special?  They are similar to what I have been working on.  Pushing the limits of the technology of the time.  I think one of the main things besides the fact that the songs were excellent, but they had limitations.  Track counts were lower, prior planning had to be made before the recording even started.  Musicianship had to be great and nearly flawless.  Prior planning had to be involved in making the record (track count limited so you could not just overdub to the end of time.)  Parts were worked out ahead of time not just edited to fit or copied and pasted on the next Chorus etc..

I think the thing that I am trying to say is that sometimes limitations are very good and can actually be just what the doctor ordered.  I am about to start on a new music project and in the planning phases we are talking about limits.  (Track limits, Overdub limits, Etc...)  We are wanting to focus on just what is important to us, the songs and sonics.  We are using the planning the methods that I teach in the Preproduction and planning class on https://www.sessionsatstudiom.com.

I will keep you posted as the project progresses and the obstacles of limiting ourselves in our modern environment.

Now offering weekend recording seminars

I am offering some weekend recording seminars.  I love the interaction of people in the room.  This goes right along with my online recording school. I have developed a set of basic recording courses that will give even the most basic novice to the intermediate user a great understanding of recording. I have worked on many records as an Assistant Engineer, Head Recording Engineer, Producer, and Mastering Engineer. By the end of the weekend you will have hands on experience with world class recording equipment. You will also be given an opportunity to take part in a live recording session. This course takes place over a Friday night, Saturday all day, and Sunday all day. By the end of the course you will have been taught the basics of recording. This course is not specific to any recording program (DAW). This course is specifically designed to cover basic recording topics from:

Here is a link to the information page. http://www.sessionsatstudiom.com/?p=417. Thanks all. Forward link onto all your friends.