Basic Tracks

Basic Tracks

The first step in any recording is cutting the Basic Tracks. In the old days the Basic Tracks were often the final record since everything was done live. Just ask Phil Spector. (first you’ll have to get permission…)
With the advent of multi-track recording, the Basic Tracks are usually the rhythm section with a ’scratch’ vocal laying down the feel of the song before the solos and final vocals are added at a later date. Sometimes some of the instruments on the basic tracks are even replaced in the process.

In this section we cover the process of recording the basic tracks. We look at what’s involved with the studio, the size/layout of the room, mic selection, setting up the console, assigning tracks, getting a headphone mix, and many of the other aspects involved with this important step.

The overdubs usually come next with rough mixes. Then the final process is actually mixing down the tracks to a final stereo mix, or some other format if it’s for theatrical release.

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