Ever find yourself doubting if your take is truly song-worthy? Stop playing the guessing game and run through this checklist, your secret weapon for separating the diamonds from the rough cuts. No more 'garbage in, garbage out'—say goodbye to the re-recording blues and join the ranks of session pros who deliver quality, time after time.
Your recording is mix-ready!
Common Issues
Explanations + Easy Fixes
Audio lacking headroom?
Setting the right input levels is crucial for capturing clean, dynamic recordings. Aim for an ideal range of -12dB to -6dB—this gives your audio room to breathe without overloading the input and causing unwanted clipping (think pops and clicks). Adjust the gain on your preamp or audio interface until you hit that sweet spot: a strong signal that leaves space for peaks and avoids distortion. Remember, louder isn't always better—prioritize clarity and avoid the dreaded red meter!
Too much room noise?
Ideally, you should record in a neutral room. If you can hear significant room noise in your recording, try moving closer to the mic to increase your signal-to-noise ratio. Or, try out a directional mic, such as a cardioid or hypercardioid. Turn off A/C, appliances, and lights that generate audible noise. Thick walls, carpets, and soft furnishings help dampen reflections and reduce room noise. You can also add acoustic panels, bass traps, and diffusers to the recording space.
Too close or far from the mic?
Mic distance matters! Watch your levels: peaking signals mean you're too close, causing distortion, while a lack of volume or presence means you're too far. Pay attention to the bass response, too: boomy, exaggerated sound? Take a step (or two) back to tame the proximity effect! Most mics are designed to perform best at a moderate distance.
Preamp adding noticeable saturation or distortion?
Loud doesn't always equal good. Distortion often occurs when the input signal is too hot, causing the preamp to overload. To avoid this, turn up the input knob (increases signal strength) and ease off the gain knob (reduces amplification). This lets the signal enter cleanly before boosting it. Bonus points if your preamp has a pad function to further reduce the input signal, especially when recording loud sound sources.
Is your audio over-compressed?
Unless requested, record your part without any added compression—the producer or mix engineer can always tame the peaks and control the dynamics afterwards, but if the recording is over-compressed, there's no way for them to fix it. Focus instead on mastering your volume control for a naturally impactful take.
Is your signal too bright?
Uncomfortably sharp audio? Your microphone might be too bright for the sound source, causing a build up of high frequencies. To fix this, try experimenting with microphone placement, using a different instrument or microphone, or making alterations to the recording environment to achieve a more balanced, pleasing tone.
Does your performance have consistent dynamics?
Expressive dynamics are undeniably human and key to a captivating performance, yet taming extreme volume fluctuations can be a formidable challenge, even with automation and compression. Be mindful of drastic peaks and lulls when recording, and apply appropriate volume control when the song calls for it.
Does your performance fit with the song?
Your dynamics, play-style, and intensity should fit well within each section of the song in order to enhance the narrative and emotional journey of the music. Let your instrument breathe freely during the chorus, unleash your energy during builds, and deliver precise, controlled staccato in the verses or breakdowns.
Is your timing locked in?
Does your performance match the natural swing of the song and fit tightly within the musical phrasing? Accurate timing is essential for maintaining a song's energy and momentum. It also minimizes the need for extensive editing and overdubbing, saving time for the producer or mix engineer.
Recording in stereo? Watch out for phase issues.
Make sure to listen to your recording in mono, as common problems like phase cancellation and destructive interference can stand out when both stereo channels are combined into one. Phase cancellation is simple to fix—just engage the phase invert button on the preamp or audio interface for one of your channels.
