The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that there are 25,290 composers and music directors in the United States, and there are 42,530 working musicians. This means that you have a fair amount of competition if you want to sustain a career as a successful musician.
Success is dependent on the sound and professionalism of your band. One way to communicate your sound and desire to work professionally is by supplying venues, music producers, and record labels with a mastered demo or recording from a professional recording studio. You have the ability to work with a recording studio if you are considering an audio equipment rental, or you can work directly with the studio so that a technician can record, mix, and master your demo. What can you expect from audio equipment rental or or a professional studio experience?
1. You and your band will start recording by setting up your instruments in a recording booth or room that contains ideal acoustics. Microphones are placed on every piece of the drum set, and inputs are added directly to lead and bass guitars that run to the sound board. Vocalists are provided with microphones. All of your band members will then be given headsets so you can hear yourself and other band members as you play.
2. After you are set up, you will be asked to practice playing so that the levels for each instrument are set properly. When the recording studio technician is ready, you can begin recording. The song you perform should be one that has been practiced extensively, so that the best recording can be gained within the shortest amount of time.
3. Mixing occurs after a successful recording is completed. You will have the opportunity to listen to your song and opt to record another version, if vocals, drum tracks, or guitar parts were not perfect. Also, members of your band can record independently while listening to perfected vocals, if guitar, bass, or drum tracks are off rhythm or filled with errors. All tracks are digitally assessed for noises or flaws outside of the melody that was recorded. Noises are removed and then all musical tracks are layered together. The volume of the tracks is adjusted for the best sound according to your desires. All of this is completed digitally with music recording and mixing software
4. Mastering occurs at music recording studios, after mixing, to make sure that equalization and compression are completed. This step can be completed on music that is recorded outside of the studio with an audio equipment rental. The mastered version of your song or songs are then transferred or burned to CDs. CDs contain track separations and digital information when the audio is transferred to the media.