Pre-production- Pre-production is the time where we can discuss how you would like to record your project. Any amount of planning that can be done before the recording will help for a smoother recording session. Things to discuss typically include how much time you would like to spend on your project. We would also discuss whether or not you would like to record on Pro Tools, or on 2” analog. We would have to make decisions about what equipment will be used, how many instruments we will record all together, and whether or not you would like us to help “produce” your project, or if you would like us to just act as recording engineers.
     Successful recording sessions often have a person who acts as a “producer”. A producer is an impartial judge who (among many other things) assists the band in making decisions about what takes are good and should be used, whether or not the song arrangement is working properly, and basically the overall aesthetic appeal the recording. A producer could be a band member(s) who the rest of the band agrees would be a good musical leader and decision-maker. A producer can also be a third party person (not in the band) hired to work on the specific project. Our engineers can help produce your project if that is something that would help your recording experience. Be sure to ask about this type of thing during a pre-production meeting.

Recording- We have three rooms in which to record, along with a studio drum-kit, several guitar amplifiers, and the flexibility to record your project in a number of different ways. We have the ability to record a large portion of the instruments all together, which some bands prefer. We also have excellent acoustic isolation which allows you to record your project piece by piece, or instrument by instrument. Use of the studio instruments is included in the rental of the studio. The condition of your gear is crucial in getting the best sound. Read our article on “Recording Tips”. Recording your tracks can take a short period of time, or it can be quite extensive. The type of project you’re doing, the number of people your the band/act, the clarity of your musical vision, the preparedness of your artists, and your budget will all dictate how much time is actually spent recording. These types of decisions, along with others would be made during the pre-production process.

Mixing- Mixing is the combining of all of the tracks that you recorded during the recording process. The goal of mixing is to create a balanced and full sounding recording that sounds good on various different speaker systems. This is the time where you can add sound effects like reverb, echo, and chorus to specific parts or elements of your song. Drum tracks can be enhanced, adding punch and clarity to the overall sound. Any digital editing can be done at this time as well. How much time we would spend on mixing would be discussed at pre-production.

Mastering- Mastering is the process of maximizing all of the stereo mixes we created during the mixing process. Mastering males it possible to have consistent volume from song to song, and adding extra punch, clarity, and “radio-readiness.” 8-Fold Path Recording offers in-house mastering. However, if you wish to have your mixes mastered at another studio, we can prepare them for mastering elsewhere. For more information read our article about Mastering. As with all of the services, mastering would be discussed during the pre-production meeting.