Question received via askbob communication line:I've visited your website several times and found a lot of the information very
helpful. I have one question for you, though, regarding a recent article.
Recently an older article was reposted regarding making a recording on a 4-track
recorder. It was basically the story of the beginnings of Motown. My question is
do you really believe that in 2005 someone could record a demo on a 4-track that
would generate major label interest assuming their singing and songwriting skills
are up to par? It would be greatly appreciated if this question could be answered.
Thanks.
-RMAnswer from Old BobYou got your facts a bit off - Motown recording was
three track before they installed their 8 track late 1964. But I'll answer your question about 4 track.
How many tracks are needed to come up with a competative product has to do with the talent and competence of the engineer and the musicians.
You can do strait to master recording where you have all of the musicians perform and the engineer record and mix. You come out of it with a master at the end of the session, ready for mastering. Everybody has to perform to the highest standard. This gives you the HIGHEST quality. Most are not talented or competent enough to attempt this.
With a four track you can add parts with bouncing, while mixing in the currenmtly performed parts. The key is to realize that every recording is the final stereo mix for the instruments recorded to that point. This takes even more talent & competence to pull off.
Somewhere down the line, you will be unable to compete with less than 6 tracks. This will happen when 5.1 surround sound becomes more popular. To record 5.1, you need 6 discrete tracks:L LF, C, RF, LB, RB, Subwoofer.
BTW I'm talking about final masters - a "demo" doesn't do that much for you today when record companies get hundreds of final masters to listen to each day.
Take Care
bob
Recording Website Forum
Author
