When you read the liner notes of an album or CD, you realize how many people are needed to make a single recording. The four sections of this chapter—Production, Studio and Equipment, Production Assistants and Companies, and Musicians—discuss the jobs involved in the recording process.
Producers, engineers, mixers, and mastering engineers all require technical and creative skills, a thorough knowledge of the recording process, and an ear for music. The producer is ultimately responsible for the quality of the finished recorded sound, and is involved in both the business and the creative side of making the recording. Business tasks include working closely with the record label an…
The recording engineer retrieves and stores musical data, essentially everything that comes through the microphones. These engineers select and place microphones, record the music onto analog or digital tape, and work the console. The job of the engineer/mixer is to sort out the information that has been recorded and over-dubbed, and mix it down to two or four tracks, or whatever format is …
These engineers are charged with set-up, connection, and notation of all the equipment to be used during a recording session. They serve as backup for the engineer, taking on his board duties when necessary. A thorough knowledge of how to set up and use recording equipment is a must. The ability to listen, take instructions, and communicate well with an underlying positive personality are skills t…
Mastering is the final creative step in the recording process before the manufacture of a CD, DVD, cassette, record, or any other format that is released to the public. It is the process of transferring recorded sounds that are stored on a master tape, to a lacquer disc (or master disc) for the purpose of manufacturing recordings. “Imagine being in the studio, mixing, being fi…
The studio manager oversees the daily operations of the recording studio, including booking and maintaining the facility, engineering, marketing, and all administrative tasks. “I'm a big believer in college. I've noticed that some people that come through tech school and are just 18 or 19 aren't mature enough to handle the problems that arise. They get insulted if you s…
The manager or owner manages and books the recording studio's rooms, acts as the liaison with the clients to ensure their needs are met when working at the facility, and solicits new business. “I'm like the concierge at a fine hotel,” says Ocean Way manager Kelly Erwin. “I make sure that everything is running smoothly and that our clients are extremely happy.…
These managers are responsible for scheduling sessions, booking sessions for staff engineers, overseeing the production schedule, accounting, payroll, and other administrative duties. Marketing skills, an understanding of the recording process, and a college education are assets, but not required. “You need to be a people person, friendly and outgoing. I'm organized and able to multi…
At Hamstein Productions, Ginny Johnson oversees the daily operations of the company in its three areas of focus: coordinating projects for producers and artists, managing producers, and developing artists with the goal of landing a major recording contract. PREREQUISITES To succeed, you should have an ear for great songs, an understanding of the A&R and recording process, strong contacts wi…
Session musicians are hired to create the music that is recorded. Tammy Rogers says important skills are, “Having a lot of experience improvising and being able to play by ear; to hear things once and turn around and play them back. Being very technically proficient on your instrument. For me, also being able to play mandolin has helped. Being able to bring a couple of different things �…
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