In the field of music production, recording studios are typically seen as creative workspaces composed of various tools and technologies. However, I invite you to engage in philosophical reflection with me, not merely viewing the recording studio as a workspace, but rather as a vast instrument. This perspective revolutionizes our interaction with recording studio equipment, and I believe its significance is even greater in the era of democratized home recording studios than in the early days of multitrack recording.
Once you’ve experienced a recording studio, you may never want to go to KTV again.
What are the differences between singing at KTV and recording in a studio? Save this note, so you won’t feel intimidated when stepping into a recording studio, just like being at home!
The microphone should not be handheld.
In the recording studio, both the microphone and the position where the singer stands are fixed. Some people may feel that they need to hold the microphone to have a certain “feeling,” but I apologize, even slight positional changes can affect the recording quality. Also, please avoid touching the microphone, especially when singing with intense emotions.
Do not lean against the walls.
The walls of a recording studio serve acoustic purposes (excluding personal studios or home recording setups). Therefore, they are not simply made of concrete but constructed using wooden framework as a base. They consist of multiple layers of acoustic materials, air gaps, and diffusers for sound absorption and reflection. The outer layer is covered with stretched fabric. As a result, they cannot withstand any items leaning against them or excessive pressure.
Headphones are used for monitoring audio.
In a recording studio, both the backing track and the singer’s own voice are typically monitored using headphones, unlike in KTV where speakers are used for amplification. This is done to ensure that only the singer’s voice is captured during recording, making it easier for post-production processing.
You may hear “background noise” or “ambient noise.”
The sound that singers hear through headphones in a recording studio consists of the direct sound captured by the microphone and the resonant sound transmitted through their own body. This creates a unique tone that differs from what we hear in KTV. Therefore, professional recording studios always provide singers with sufficient time to adapt to the sound they hear through headphones, ensuring the best possible recording outcome.
There are no karaoke-style lyric prompts in a recording studio.
In most recording studios, singers are provided with paper lyrics or electronic versions displayed on a monitor to reference while recording. Unlike in KTV, there are no highlighted lyrics that change color to indicate where to sing or when to come in. However, you need not worry about finding the right rhythm. Experienced recording engineers will guide you to achieve the best performance and help you stay in sync.
You don’t have to sing the entire song in one take.
The majority of people recording songs in a studio don’t sing the entire song from start to finish in one take, as they would in a KTV session. Therefore, in a recording studio, you can take on the challenge of singing songs that you may not perform perfectly in a KTV setting. Of course, if you’re recording a well-known hit that you’re already familiar with, the final result is likely to be a stunning masterpiece that will impress your friends and social media followers.
What are some professional terms used in a recording studio?
(Mixing)
The process of combining multiple audio tracks together, balancing their volume, frequency, and spatial placement to achieve the final audio mix. It involves using professional equipment and techniques to record sound, instruments, or music performances onto recording devices.
(Post-production)
The process of further processing, editing, and enhancing audio after recording, including tasks such as mixing, editing, repairing, and adding effects.
(Master)
The final version of the recording after completion, typically the audio that has undergone mixing and post-production during the production process.
(Sample Rate)
In digital recording, the sample rate refers to the number of samples captured per second. Common sample rates include 44.1kHz and 48kHz.
(Bit Depth)
Represents the accuracy of each audio sample and is typically expressed in bits. Common bit depths include 16-bit and 24-bit.
How to choose music production headphones that are suitable for recording, mixing, and general listening?
What is a reference monitor headphones?
Reference monitor headphones are headphones that strive to provide an uncolored and accurate representation of the audio, without adding any sound coloration or enhancement. Their main characteristics include:
1：Wide Frequency Response: They have a broad frequency response range, allowing for the faithful reproduction of the original sound.
2：Balanced Sound: The headphones maintain a balanced sound across the entire frequency spectrum, ensuring the overall tonal balance of the audio.
3：Durability: Reference monitor headphones are typically built with sturdy and durable materials to withstand professional use.
How to choose reference monitor headphones?
There are two types: closed-back and open-back. The different construction of these two types of reference monitor headphones results in some differences in soundstage and also impacts their intended usage scenarios.
Closed-back headphones: The sound from the headphones and the ambient noise do not interfere with each other. However, due to their closed design, they may not provide a very wide soundstage. Closed-back headphones are commonly used by singers and musicians during recording sessions as they offer strong isolation and prevent sound leakage.
Open-back headphones: When using them, you can hear the ambient sounds from the surroundings, and the sound played through the headphones is also audible to the outside world. Open-back headphones are commonly used for mixing/mastering purposes. They provide a more comfortable fit and offer a wider soundstage.
Post time: Dec-07-2023