Albuquerque recording studio | Big Cat Track Recording Studio

How Recording Studio Technology Impacts Your Tracks

Written by bherreraNLV on January 24, 2023. Posted in Albuquerque recording studio. No Comments on How Recording Studio Technology Impacts Your Tracks

Recording studio technology has come a long way in recent years. It’s now easier than ever to produce high-quality tracks to get your original music to the masses. As technology continues to advance, it’s important to understand how it impacts your sound as a recording artist.

In this post, we’ll discuss the latest trends in recording studio technology and how they affect your tracks. From cutting-edge software to advanced microphone techniques, you can learn about how all these tools take your music to the next level.

recording studio technology including an on air sign and a microphone. — Recording studio technology includes microphones, cables and adapters, and mixing consoles designed to make your music sound smooth and professional.

What equipment is used in a recording studio?

Walk into any recording studio, and you’ll find more equipment than is probably necessary to meet your needs. Some recording artists require more accommodation than others, so most Albuquerque recording studios carry top-of-the-line recording studio technology to suit everyone.

Some of the most common equipment you can find in recording studios include:

Audio interfaces convert analog audio signals into digital signals that can be processed by a computer.
Cables and adapters to connect equipment and transfer audio signals.
Digital audio workstations (DAWs) include software used to record, edit, and mix audio.
Headphones for recording, mixing, and monitoring.
Microphones for capturing sound, typically condenser or dynamic microphones.
Mixing consoles to adjust the levels, EQ, and other effects of individual tracks.
Monitors for mixing and mastering, typically near-field monitors.
Recording mediums like hard drives, USB drives, or tapes to record the audio.

This is not a comprehensive list of all recording studio technology and equipment used by Albuquerque recordings studios.

At Big Cat Tracks, the gear we use depends on the type of music being recorded and the preferences of our engineers and producers. Rest assured, we always recommend the recording studio technology and equipment needed to make your music sound its very best.

A screenshot of recording studio technology that includes computer software for mixing and mastering. — Recording studio technology can include software designed to mix and master final tracks to create a refined final product.

Which software do most recording studios use?

Physical equipment like audio interfaces, microphones, and monitors aren’t the only recording studio technology necessary for producing a smooth-sounding track.

Albuquerque recording studios also use a variety of software to make audio recordings sound professional.

Audio Editing Software
Software like Adobe Audition and Audacity is used for editing, cleaning, and adjusting audio levels.
Automation Software
Automating the mixing process can make an engineer’s job easier. Some Albuquerque recording studios rely on Pro Tools Automation and Logic Pro Automation to assist.
Compression and Dynamic Processing
Software like Waves, Izotope, and FabFilter process and shape the dynamic range of audio recordings.
Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs)
DAWs are the primary software used for recording, editing, and mixing audio. Some of the most popular DAWs include Ableton Live, Logic Pro, Pro Tools, and Studio One.
Reverb and Delay
Plugins like Altiverb, Lexicon, and Eventide add reverb and delay effects to audio recordings.
Virtual Instruments
Native Instruments, EastWest, and Spectrasonics are three types of virtual instrument software that can mimic the sound of instruments for playing, recording, and producing music.

These are just a few examples of the software Albuquerque recording studios may use to make your audio recording sound professional. Some engineers and producers have specific preferences for equipment and software, so you might find something completely different than what’s listed here when you go in for your studio session.

Don’t be afraid to ask what recording studio technology the engineer or producer plans to use and why they have selected it.

Albuquerque recording studios that use recording studio technology

Equipment isn’t the only factor in choosing a reputable Albuquerque recording studio. Make sure you choose one that meets your needs and can produce a quality recording. It doesn’t matter if a studio meets your budget if you end up with a final product that doesn’t help you accomplish your music goals.

To find a recording studio that fits the bill, remember to:

Ask for referrals from other musicians and industry experts in Albuquerque. They can guide you to reputable studios.
Check out the studio’s portfolio to get a sense of the quality of their recordings and the types of artists with whom they’ve previously worked.
Schedule a visit to the studio to confirm they have the equipment, engineers, and producers needed for your music project.

Big Cat Tracks has helped other successful Albuquerque artists advance their careers and meet their goals. Give us a call today to schedule a consultation to discuss your needs.

5 Tips for Booking an Albuquerque Recording Studio

Written by bherreraNLV on January 13, 2023. Posted in Albuquerque recording studio. No Comments on 5 Tips for Booking an Albuquerque Recording Studio

Choosing an Albuquerque recording studio is the first step in getting your tracks to the masses. With so many recording studios to choose from, it can be a bit overwhelming to make a decision.

Thanks to a 2017 effort by former Albuquerque mayor Richard Berry to create a better music ecosystem for Albuquerque, there is hardly a shortage of professional recording studios artists can rely on to lay their tracks.

Not all Albuquerque recording studios are created equally. Choosing the wrong one can mean the difference between getting your music into the right hands and having it ignored by music industry professionals who can make or break your music career.

Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here are our top 5 tips for booking an Albuquerque recording studio.

1 – Ask for recommendations

The numbers don’t lie. According to Nielson, 92% of consumers trust word-of-mouth recommendations over any other kind of referral method. When these endorsements come from family or friends, they’re more impactful.

Check in with your friends to ask if they know of any Albuquerque recording studios that are reliable and reputable. Don’t be afraid to call up other local recording artists and ask them who they recommend as well. Musicians help one another out around here and you can always find some studios by asking around.

If the studio has provided you with references, call every one of them. Verify they’ve recorded with the studio and aren’t just friends of the owners.

Take your recommendations and rank them in order of interest before moving on to the next step.

2 – Find a studio that fits your budget

Once you have your list, it’s time to start phase two of the process. Albuquerque recording studios can range in price from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars per day. Keep in mind that you get what you pay for, so go to the max you can afford to get the best quality.

With your budget in mind, start reviewing the studios on your list to determine which fit into your spending plan. If you find a studio that’s slightly more expensive but whose reputation makes you want to work with them, then talk to the studio. Some studios can make financial arrangements on request.

Albuquerque recording studio variety services — Choose an Albuquerque recording studio that offers a variety of services for the best experience.

3 – Look for a studio that offers a variety of services

Some Albuquerque recording studios offer basic or limited services. You must choose one that matches your recording goals. The last thing you want to happen is to choose a studio based solely on pricing, only to discover on recording day that it can’t accommodate your needs.

Make a separate list that outlines your goals for the recording session. Be sure to include the number of artists—instrumental and vocal—accompanying you during your studio time.

Among your other considerations when choosing:

Do you have a live band that must be accommodated?
How many songs do you plan to record during your session?
Do you need to borrow instruments or backup singers from the studio?

Big Cat Tracks can accommodate full live bands or solo artists. Just let us know your needs at the time of booking and we’ll make sure you have a seamless recording session.

4 – Make sure the studio is reputable

Asking for recommendations is only one part of choosing an Albuquerque recording studio. Look for reviews, seek testimonials from current or former customers, and ask for a demo of the studio’s previous work to make sure they’re reputable.

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) of New Mexico and Southwest Colorado is another local source for verifying a studio’s reputation. Some studios, like other businesses in Albuquerque, can seek accreditation with the BBB. Once a studio is BBB accredited, it must adhere to the policies of the BBB, which include specific steps for resolving customer complaints or concerns.

5 – Visit the studio in person before booking

Seeing is believing. Part of verifying an Albuquerque recording studio’s reputation is to request an in-person consultation that includes a tour of the facilities.

Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, schedule a visit with each studio to compare their facilities and meet their staff. Ideally, it would be beneficial to observe them in action. However, that may not be possible if the recording artists who have booked time in the studio object to the distraction. But it never hurts to ask if it’s possible.

High-quality recording studios feature comfortable and relaxing environments. Recording artists have access to finely integrated pro tools that make them sound like true professionals. If any of the studios you’re considering don’t offer these amenities, it’s time to look elsewhere.

Big Cat Tracks studio staff are happy to give you a tour of our state-of-the-art recording facilities. Give us a call today to schedule your visit. We can discuss your recording session needs and answer any questions you have before you decide to work with us.

5 Tips for Laying Tracks in an Albuquerque Recording Studio Easier

Written by bherreraNLV on January 13, 2023. Posted in Albuquerque recording studio. No Comments on 5 Tips for Laying Tracks in an Albuquerque Recording Studio Easier

You’ve finally taken the last step to getting your music out to the masses. You’ve booked yourself a recording session with an Albuquerque recording studio. It can be easy to get so lost in the excitement of heading into the studio to lay your tracks that you forget the things needed to help your session go more smoothly.

Booking an Albuquerque recording studio isn’t cheap. It pays to anticipate any issues that can happen and have a backup plan for handling them. Know your goals for the day. Get everything in order before you step foot in the studio to get quality tracks that support your music career.

Consider these five tips for laying tracks in an Albuquerque recording studio easier before your recording session.

1 – Create realistic goals

Wasting time can get costly in an Albuquerque recording studio. The words “let’s just see what happens” should never cross your lips when consulting with a music studio technician. It’s a surefire recipe for disaster. Even the most experienced musicians never show up to lay tracks without a solid plan to follow.

The three most important questions to ask before booking your session include:

Who will be involved (musicians, singers)?
What songs do you plan to record?
How much time do you anticipate for the session?

If you can only afford two hours in the studio, be realistic about your goals. It’s unlikely you can record five songs in two hours (at least not versions you’d be proud to share).

Working with a competent producer or sound engineer can help you pinpoint a sensible set of agenda items for your Albuquerque recording studio session.

Albuquerque Recording Studio gear — Make sure you examine your gear before your session to reduce the risk of interruptions.

2 – Examine your gear before the session

One of the worst things that can happen to a musician is to have your equipment fail when you need it most. Professional musicians have backups they can quickly switch to when performing live to ensure the show goes on seamlessly.

Most amateur musicians may find it expensive to have backup instruments and other critical equipment. However, you should at least come with the basics, like extra strings for your guitar and picks if you use them.

Top-of-the-line Albuquerque recording studios keep spare parts handy. Sometimes they can even rent out instruments and vocal talent, but they must know in advance you need them.

3 – Know your parts

Disorganization can kill a music recording session faster than anything else. If you show up to the studio without an action plan, it wastes everyone’s time and your money.

Do you know what else is a time suck? Forgetting your parts. Hey, it can happen. Even for songs you wrote and think you know by heart. Get plenty of practice before the big recording session. If you think you need it, bring music or lyrics along for easy reference.

It’s important to make sure any other musicians or vocalists also know their parts. Practice together as much as possible before you attempt to lay tracks. While it’s still possible to make an error or two during your session, it’s less likely to be a total disaster if you’re prepared by knowing your parts.

Your Albuquerque Recording Studio sound engineer knows best. Listen to their suggestions for the best laid tracks.

4 – Listen to the recording engineer

You hired a professional Albuquerque recording studio to lay your tracks for a reason. One of the worst things you can do is argue with the recording engineer or other staff during the session about how things should go.

When working with a reputable Albuquerque recording studio, you can be sure the sound engineer and other employees know what they’re doing. It’s their mission to make you sound the best they possibly can. Do them and yourself a favor by following their directions and suggestions to the letter.

If they tell you that you have too much bass, turn it down until they tell you to stop. If something is humming mysteriously or giving feedback, start troubleshooting instead of arguing.

One last tip: there’s no such thing as a dumb question during your session. Don’t waste takes because you’re afraid to ask the sound engineer or other staff a question you think is unworthy of their time.

5 – Predict possible complications

There’s an unspoken rule in the universe that goes something like this. No matter how much you plan and prepare, something is bound to go wrong. Unforeseen obstacles aren’t uncommon when visiting an Albuquerque recording studio. Be prepared to be flexible to fix any unexpected issues.

What kind of disasters can possibly happen at the last minute? Well, maybe the mix of instruments you practiced with isn’t producing the sound you’d hoped for in the studio. Don’t be afraid to eliminate something until it’s more audibly smooth.

Maybe a hook you’d written into an original song just doesn’t have the same relevance you felt when you wrote it. Skip over it!

The best advice we can offer is to stay calm and trust your sound engineer. There’s no unexpected problem we can’t tackle together.