Close-up of an electric guitar, pick, and coiled cable on a wooden surface
Recording

Before Your Session

A recording session goes more smoothly when your parts are rehearsed and your instruments are ready. Setup and preparation are part of the process, so read through the requirements below before coming in.

I track sessions at Burmeister Production in this order: guitars, bass, vocals, then drums. Drum parts are worked out in MIDI during the earlier stages of recording.

How It Works

The Recording Process

This is the tracking order I use at Burmeister Production. Each section below covers what you'll need for that part of the session.

  • Guitar

    Tracked first, section by section. A direct signal is recorded alongside the guitar tone for reamping during mixing.

  • Bass

    Tracked after guitars. Check the string and setup requirements below before your session.

  • Vocals

    Tracked after bass. Rehearse your parts in advance and prepare for multiple takes and layers.

  • Drums

    Tracked last, after the MIDI drum arrangements have been worked through with the other recorded parts.

Close-up of a musician playing a yellow electric guitar
Step 01

Guitar

Guitars are tracked first, section by section. A direct signal is recorded alongside the guitar tone so the parts can be reamped during mixing.

Bring fresh strings and a guitar with a professional setup and correct intonation. Tuning and setup problems are much easier to deal with before recording.

Close-up of the strings and body of an electric bass
Step 02

Bass

I track bass after guitars and require heavy-gauge steel strings for metal sessions, with string tension suited to your tuning.

I don't track nickel strings. Check your strings and setup before the session.

Condenser microphone beside a pop filter
Step 03

Vocals

Vocal sessions involve multiple takes, doubles, and layers. Knowing your parts before the session helps keep that time focused on recording.

I ask vocalists to practice for at least an hour a day during the week before their session. Arrive warmed up and familiar with your lyrics, phrasing, and planned layers.

Wooden drumsticks resting across a snare drum
Step 04

Drums

Drums are tracked last. During the earlier sessions, the parts are demoed and revised in MIDI so the arrangement is settled before live tracking begins.

Rehearse the agreed parts before your session and bring fresh drumheads. Spend time on tempo and any sections you find difficult to play consistently.

Contact Me

Ready to Track Your Next Record?

Tell me about your band, how many songs you want to record, and the dates you're considering.

Let's Get Started