Whether you’re laying down vocals or shredding a solo, the better your raw tracks, the better your final mix.

Follow this quick guide to make sure your takes come through crisp, clean, and ready to shine.

🎤 1. Mic Placement Is Everything

  • Vocals: 6–8 inches from the mic, pop filter on, no closet echoes.

  • Guitar: Mic the 12th fret, not the sound hole. DI optional but appreciated.

🧘 2. Keep It Quiet

  • Turn off fans, A/C, and anything that hums.

  • Blankets, rugs, and pillows = makeshift vocal booth gold.

📉 3. Hit the Right Levels

  • Record peaks around -12 dBFS.

  • No compression, EQ, or reverb—just raw, honest tone.

🎚️ 4. Separate Takes for Power

  • Record each source on its own track.

  • One mic per track = full control in the mix.

♻️ 5. Be Consistent

  • Same mic, same space, same vibe = smoother mix.

  • If anything changes, let me know.

🎸 6. Electric Guitar: Capture the Crunch

  • DI First: Always record a clean DI alongside your amp tone. Gives me options to reamp or blend.

  • Mic’d Amp?: Aim a dynamic mic (like an SM57) slightly off-center on the speaker cone. Avoid walls behind the mic.

  • Double Tracking: Pan-ready? Record the same part twice for width. Don’t copy/paste—it kills the vibe.

  • Tune Between Takes: Even if it feels fine—digital ears don’t lie.

🎸 7. Electric Bass: Solid, Deep, and Clean

  • Go Direct: A clean DI is usually king. Use a quality interface or DI box.

  • Watch the Low End: No need to crank the subs. Peaks should still hit around -12 dBFS.

  • Amp Track Optional: If you love your amp tone, record it as a second track—but keep that clean DI.

  • No Compression: Let me shape the tone—just play steady and tight.

🥁 8. Drums: Hit Hard, Track Smart

Not using a full mic kit? No problem. Let’s get the best out of what you’ve got.

  • Kick: Place the mic just inside the hole in the resonant head, pointing slightly off-center. Got a pillow or blanket inside? Even better.

  • Snare: Angle a dynamic mic (like an SM57) about 1–2" above the rim, facing the center. Watch for hi-hat bleed.

  • Overheads: Use a spaced pair or XY setup over the kit, about a foot above cymbals. Match height and aim for balance—these are your stereo image.

  • Room Vibe: Even a single room mic can help add depth. Place it away from the kit and low to the ground for that roomy character.

  • No Processing: No gates, no EQ, no reverb. Just clean, punchy hits.

  • Play Consistently: Rimshots? Ghost notes? Make sure they’re intentional and level.

  • Name Your Mics: Use clear track names like OH_L.wav, Kick_In.wav, Snare_Top.wav. No mystery files allowed.

🗂️ 9. Label Your Files Clearly

Chorus1_MainVox.wav, Verse2_Harmony_R.wav, etc. Include BPM and key if possible.

⬇️ 10. Export Like a Pro

  • WAV or AIFF, 24-bit, 44.1kHz or higher.

  • No normalization or dithering.