ACoustic / Orchestral
The focal point to these projects is usually a recording session involving orchestral instruments, guitars, drums, world instruments, and anything else that can make air move.
Usually my goal for these projects is to produce a clean, technically excellent, professional recording. These types of scores usually benefit when the production is so good you don’t notice it. When there’s a tradition for expression to come from composition and performance, it’s best to present that expression transparently. The production should reinforce your score, not alter it. I am, however, happy to explore the alternative to this philosophy.
Below I have outlined what an acoustic recording project will look like, although each step will vary depending on the nature of your score.
Step 1:
Pre-Production
For projects involving acoustic instruments, we will need to determine a location for recording. This could be the composer’s studio recording solo instruments, renting a small to mid sized recording studio for smaller ensembles, or a scoring stage for a full orchestra.
Next, a plan will be put in place to meet the technical requirements of your project. This includes:
Planning multiple sessions for strings, woodwinds, soloists, etc. if needed. Breaks should also be planned in advance.
Placement of the musicians in the studio
Microphone compliment and placement
Before your session we will prepare DAW sessions. This includes:
Creating / importing pre-records
Creating click track and matching bar numbers with the score
Setting up audio tracks and routing with the studio’s i/o
Preparing audio tracks for overdubs
Routing for headphones
Importing video / set up for third party video host such as Video Slave
Step 2: Production
On the day of the recording I will arrive early. I will ensure all equipment is set for both excellent audio quality and reliability.
Headphones will need to be mixed to allow the musicians to give their best performance. Levels of headphones, as well as the type of headphone needs to be monitored to mitigate click bleed.
Monitoring in the control room will be adjusted so production decisions can be made with confidence.
Each take will be recorded while maintaining a clear and organized system. This will ensure quick editing in the post production phase.
Step 3: Post Production
After the recording session is complete the first step is editing. The best parts of each take will be spliced together to create a seamless performance. For projects where instruments were recorded separately timing and pitch can be corrected.
Next the individual tracks are routed into groups called stems. After this the mix down process begins. Levels, eq, reverb, and other effects are applied to create the desired aesthetic. If your project will primarily be played back on phones and laptops special considerations can be made for low frequencies.
Finally, the stems for each cue will be prepared for delivery.
If your project will have an album release a mastering session will be required.
Scoring Session for Tan Onwimon. Engineered by William Chen