Session plan

I will be running a session for a band made of Drums, Bass, 2 guitars, keys & vocals. I will be running the session in MB studios. 

Layout;

• The drums and guitar one will be in one live room one.
• I will put guitar 1s amp in a separate room using tie lines so that there is no bleed on the drum mics.
• I will have vocalist the vocal booth.
• The Bass will be DI'ed into the desk into the control room.
• The keys will be be in live room two & DI'ed into the desk.
• Guitar two will be in live room two with a amp.

Drum Mic Positioning/Selection;

• I will be using the Glyn johns technique as you can achieve a big sound with minimal micing. (https://www.recordingrevolution.com/the-glyn-johns-drum-recording-method/)
• I will have a kick mic so the attack and fullness of the kick & I have more control over it when mixing.
• For the over heads I will use Rode NT1000 Condenser microphones as there large diaphragm & cardioid polar pattern works well with the glyn johns technique.
• For the kick I will use the ATM250DE as it can capture low frequencies well & its hypercardioid dynamic element means it can pic up the attack of the beater. I will position the mic inside the bass drum & off centre it as it strengthens the low end. (https://blog.audio-technica.com/5-quick-tips-miking-kick-drum/)

Guitars;

• The guitar 1s amp will have 2 mics, one will be a SM57 close to the amps speaker for a punchy sound. A second condenser mic about 8ft from the amp to add some room ambience. This will make the guitar cut through the song and sound full.
• guitar 2s amp will have a Rode NT1 mic about 12 inches away placed at a 45 degree angle. This gives a clean sound focused on mids and highs, which is good for backing guitars.(https://thehub.musiciansfriend.com/tech-tips/how-to-mic-guitar-amps-and-cabs-in-the-studio)

Vocal:

• I will audition a few vocal mics with the signer. Rode K2, Neumann KMS 104, AKG C314 & a SM58. We will choose the one that we believe will sound the best.

To Do;

• Set up drum Kit and get it sounding nice.
• Set up amps.
• Set up microphones, headphones & patching.
• Set up two TVs and camcorders so the vocalist & bassist can see the band and vice versa. 
• Do line checks and set up a gain stage & audition vocal mics.
• Go for practice takes 7 get everyone comfortable.
• Get a good drum take & then bass take. This acts as a bed to build the rest of the track on 
• Then focus on guitar and keys.
• Then add vocals.