My bandmates and I want to record music (our soon-to-be-major-hit songs). We're rich in talent but not in $$$. What are some basics we need to know in terms of laying down some professional-sounding tracks on the cheap?

ANSWER:

If you're cash-poor but tech-savvy and have time to learn, record music by going DIY.

You can buy a digital audio workstation (recording hardware and software) for under $1,000. Numerous companies manufacture inexpensive, quality microphones and preamps, which you’ll also need. (Look at magazines like EQ and Tape Op, and websites like GearSlutz.com for reviews of all the above.) Just a heads-up, though: Expect to spend 80 percent of your time learning how to use all this before playing a note.

Not up for it? You can book a recording studio with an engineer -- it will cost more, but it will also allow you to focus on making music. First, figure out how much you can afford to pay, then tour several local studios. (Google “recording studios” and your zip code -- same for “recording engineers.”) Talk to the house engineers and listen to samples of their recent work. Ask if the studio offers an “indie rate.” Look at their client list: If you know anyone on it, call them; if not, find the artist’s music online. Bottom line: You don’t need to hire any Mr. or Ms. Fancy-Pants Producer at a gazillion dollars an hour.

Next: Rehearse till you drop!Record yourselves and listen critically. A really well-rehearsed band can record basic tracks for three to five songs in two days.

For overdubs and mixing, many professional engineers have their own personal studios that are less expensive -- just make sure you've heard samples that were mixed there. Mixing can take many hours, so see if the engineer offers a project rate (a flat fee for all of the mixes). Done mixing?

Shop around for a mastering engineer. (Prices vary widely.) Either way, a five- or six-song EP is enough for a debut. Use a reputable company to press CDs (which you can find on the Web by searching "CD manufacturers"). You don't need a local company; many indies go with Discmakers or Oasis. Only order what you expect to sell and use for promotion; focus on digital distribution, but you'll still need some physical CDs for radio.

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