RECORDING WHEREVER, WHENEVER

THE SCHEDULE

Once you have decided to make your recording you need to look at your schedule.

• The release of the CD is usually timed to coincide with a specific event (special concert, anniversary of the band/choir etc.)

• You need to look at your timetable carefully. In general terms you should allow a six to eight week 'turn-round' time from recording to receipt of the finished product.

• The principal delays are invariably caused by information for the artwork and inlay not being completed in the timetable scheduling.

• What you need to consider is being well established with ideas and details for the front cover and inlay and have these ready at the time of the recording session.

• Equally important is that your band, choir or ensemble are well rehearsed for the recording sessions.

CD OR CASSETTE TAPE?

When considering whether to produce CD's or cassettes, you should bear in mind our experience in retail. There is a ten to one sales ratio, which shows a Preference for CD's far exceeding the demand for cassettes.

• Cassette tapes can be produced but this involves additional production costs in terms of reworking the front cover and inlay.

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THE RECORDING VENUE

The concept that recordings should be held in purpose built recording studios is somewhat mythical, because there are many technological methods of achieving fine results in locations with natural acoustics other than purpose built studios.

• Although a school classroom or gymnasium may not be the most ideal location, spacious school halls are certainly better, and established concert halls, churches and town halls invariably make ideal recording locations.

• We require the Doyen Mobile as close as possible to the recording venue (remember the mobile is 6.6 metres in length and 3.46 metres high).

• When choosing your venue, be aware of internal noise caused by such things as heating, lighting systems and external noise such as street traffic.

• If you need any specific advice then please ask.

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HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO RECORD?

The time duration for your recording is normally sixty minutes approx. However, the recording time to achieve the best results is substantially longer than this.

• In general terms you should work on obtaining around eight minutes of recorded music for every hour of recording.

• Taking into account breaks in the session for refreshments and rest periods; you should aim for three three-hour sessions to complete your recording.

• Ideally an evening and a full day over a weekend is usually sufficient.

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PREPARATION FOR THE RECORDING AND REPERTOIRE

The age-old maxim of being well prepared certainly applies to recording.

• You should remember that your finished product will be heard for many years and you should be justifiably satisfied with your preparation as well as product.

• The sessions themselves are expensive if they are used for rehearsal purposes.

• Try to get as much rehearsal time beforehand as you possibly can and the end results will truly reflect this.

• Although Doyen would not give particular advice about repertoire, we would always suggest that you play your chosen repertoire to a good standard rather than attempt to record music that perhaps is beyond your capabilities.

• The sessions are there to be enjoyed by everybody and to be remembered as such.

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WHAT HAPPENS ON THE SESSION?

The 'Mobile' team will arrive at your chosen location to set up the equipment approximately two hours before the first session starts.

• The producer will be the main point of contact and you should supply him/her with copies of the scores of the music you are to record well in advance of the session.

• You should also give some thought to the order in which you will record the chosen programme. In terms of the order bear in mind particularly the soloists and the more challenging items in your repertoire.

• It is good practice to think about what will open your CD. First impressions will always count with the listener.

• The recording engineers employed by Doyen and are accomplished musicians and professional sound balancers.

• The engineer is responsible for all the technical issues and will advise on the position of specific equipment in order to achieve the best results.

• Initially what appears to be an inordinate length of time, some thirty minutes or so, is spent in establishing the correct balance.

• In general terms Doyen record direct to stereo and this means that the final balance is set at the start of sessions. In other words what you hear in the Doyen Mobile is what you will receive on your finished CD.

• There are occasions when we record to multi-track machines however this will involve additional editing and mastering costs.

• What you should be aware of is that all items will need to be recorded at least twice and then there may well be 'patches' to be used for editing purposes.

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EDITING AND MASTERING

On completion of the recording the producer will listen to all the takes and by making reference to his/her notes and the scores will 'edit' the different portions to produce a 'first edit' of the finished recording.

• This 'first edit' will be sent to you for listening and you should make notes of any observations you have, making bar numbers and the specific time a common reference point.

• You will be invited to our studio to complete the 'final edit'.

• Our digital editing suite houses some of the most modern computer-based editing systems currently available.

• From the final edit, we create a CD Master prior to despatch to the manufacturing plant.

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ARTWORK

We have discussed in some detail what the recording will sound like, however of equal importance is the presentation.

• Give detailed consideration to how the front cover best represents your organisation or theme of the recording.

• We utilise the services of a graphic designer who is most adept at bringing together your ideas and providing you with a choice of options.

• If you are going to use your own photographs or other graphic representation please ensure they are of the highest quality.

• The booklet will comprise of eight pages, which will include the front cover design and seven pages.

• The front cover and page 8 will be in colour the other 6 pages will be in black and white.

• Within the pages of text you should consider including such things as programme notes, photographs and biographies of conductors, soloists, etc., lists of performers and general credits.

• In addition there will be an inlay card at the back of the CD cover, which should include the track list and full details of the composer/arranger and publisher.

• We have our own 'in-house' design team and it would be helpful if you could forward and necessary text information either by e-mail or on a floppy disk.

• Doyen will supply you with proofs of the printed material in order that you can approve the printing design and colour matching. Any corrections must be received in writing either by fax or e-mail.

• After vigorous proof-reading by Doyen and yourselves the booklet will be approved in writing by yourselves before your project will be sent to the printers.

• One of the biggest delays in your receiving the final product is caused by the 'artwork' not being received within the timetable.

• It is never too early to make a start on compiling your ideas for the cover and booklet.

• Doyen will always embrace and involve your ideas in the recording project.

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COPYRIGHT ISSUES

An important implication of recording music is the licensing of the audio product. The Mechanical Copyright Protection Society (MCPS) provide a simple way of obtaining a copyright licence, and such a licence must be obtained before the plant manufacturer will start this work.

• Doyen undertakes this work on your behalf, however this is the only cost not included in your quotation.

• It is important that you provide a 'track list' at the earliest opportunity which gives the fullest of details in order that we can advise on any copyright queries.

• The MCPS licence is quoted at 8.5% of the retail price of your CD's or cassettes.

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HOW MUCH WILL IT COST AND WHAT IS INCLUDED?

Unlike other companies we do not separately charge for individual items within the recording session, subsequent preparation, production and delivery of the finished items.
Our costs can be broken down as follows:

• Hire of the Doyen Mobile, all the recording equipment and engineering and production fees for the session.

• Editing and mastering costs.

• Design and layout of the artwork for the finished product.

• Manufacture, printing, packaging and delivery costs of the finished product.

The only things not included in our charges are

• Hire fees of venue.

• Any accommodation costs should the travelling distance from our base determine these.

• MCPS copyright licence.

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TIPS FOR ORGANISERS AND PERFORMERS

• The recording schedule will involve at least two run- throughs of each item as a minimum.

• Remember that the better prepared you are the better the end product.

• Rehearsal time during recording time is a very expensive option.

• Ensure the schedule is well planned before the event; think beforehand about the provision of refreshments and taking breaks during the sessions.

• Be aware of the unnecessary noises during recording caused by things such as electronic watches, pagers mobile telephones, local traffic, clock bells.

• Think about the provision of mats, towelling etc. for percussion instruments and mutes.

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Finally...

Doyen hopes that we have provided you with the answers to the many questions you will undoubtedly have about undertaking your recording project.

We also have our own CD duplicating facilities and these are of great use when smaller numbers of CD's are needed. We provide particular facilities for schools and colleges and details of these are available on request.

Doubtless there will be some answers that we may have missed but we do have substantial experience ensuring that the entire recording experience is something to be remembered and treasured. Whatever your question please do not hesitate to ask us.