I’m a twenty year old Writer and Musician who has done both those things for as long as I can remember. I play several instruments including Bass, Guitar and Alto Saxophone. I love good music.

Last week we briefly went over the first phase of the recording process known as the recording or tracking phase that the initial rhythm and vocal parts are first recorded in order to get a general idea of the project. This then leads directly into the overdubbing stage where all additional parts are recorded such as guitar solos, special effects, vocals and everything else the artist’s may desire. This week we shall talk about different methods of overdubbing.

One such method is through the use of headphones to listen to the tracks recorded in phase one  while playing . This allows the musician to record new lines with knowledge of how they affect the overall feel of a song. Bands such as deep purple and system of a down, and the killers have all been known to use overdubbing to create songs that required additional parts.

While the overdubbing phase is an important part of the recording process, it is not without its critics. This is due to the methods ability to record sounds that would normally not be possible for a real life band or musician to create.

This time we have briefly discussed the second segment of the recording process. This controversial but important step allows individuals to listen to the base foundation of the song when laying down additional parts.

Next time, we shall the third and last phase in the recording process; the mixdown. The mixdown phase is the final stage where the engineer uses his knowledge to create a final mix that pleases him and the musician’s vision.

Want to know where I got my information then check out Modern Recording Techniques written by David Miles Huber and Robert E. Runstein.