The advantage of a live performance is audience interaction which often makes for a more appealing performance. A live recording often captures a triumphant moment in the performing life of a group or artist. The disadvantages are: no way to repeat mistakes and lots of background noises (coughs, sneezing, babies crying, papers rattling, etc.).

 

A separate recording session allows you to record when you want, at the pace you want; allows repeats or retakes in order to clean up errors, and with no background noise.

For the performer these often present a more formidable challenge than the music. Search our Products page for ideas.  Do you want black and white only or full color? Do you want the cassette in a simple plastic box or do you want it in an album? Perhaps you want to make a CD? Do you want the CD in a Jewel case, plastic sleeve, tyvek sleeve, or, perhaps a mailer?

3. Keep me informed of your thinking so that we’re communicating clearly. My desire is to provide what you want.

You can reach me, generally, from 6 AM to 9:30 PM, (817) 641-5100. If I should not be available please leave information on the voice mail. You can also reach me by FAX at (775) 924-4643. Email is steve@apadrecordings.com

4. Select a recording date (set a goal) as early in the process as possible.

 

 

5. Set a goal of having all artwork, liner notes, booklets, etc., ready at the time of recording.

 

 

6. Fund your project adequately. I will bill you (net 15 days) after you have received the finished product.

 

 

7. Typical recording scenarios:

If you want me to record a live performance, I’ll arrive about an hour before performance time, set up, and, generally, be as inconspicuous as possible. After the hall clears I’ll remove my equipment, return to the office, copy the master tape on to a standard audio cassette or CD and forward it to you the next day for proofing. If you like it as is I can begin duplicating. If not, I can edit the recording for you by re-arranging numbers, removing some extraneous noises, boosting or cutting the bass or treble (equalize it), fading out on applause, etc. When you approve the recording I’ll make a digital master recording which I then use for manufacturing. The finished product is usually ready within a week and can be shipped wherever you desire.

 

 

A typical recording session works like this: You set up in an area of adequate size (the more reverberant the better) and warm up working over any last minute problem areas while I set up (about 30 minutes). Then I’ll ask you to play your loudest and softest passages in order to set levels on the recording equipment. Recording begins. You can play a work as often as you like, and, if necessary, I can "splice" parts to provide a more error-free recording. It is important to limit extraneous noise such as that produced by air conditioning systems, any interested spectators, group members sliding feet on the floor, etc. We don’t notice those things during a live concert because the visual distracts us. But when listening to a recording all attention is focused on the aural and little things become noticeable. When you’re through, and after discussion with you about program order, splices, or anything else concerning the project, I return to the office where I’ll make a copy of the recording for you to critique. Upon your approval I’ll generate a digital master which is used to duplicate audio cassettes or to manufacture Compact Discs.