ABSTRACT
This chapter describes session procedures in terms of instrument layout, mic selection, track assignments, and overdubbing, followed at professional studios, where time is money. The first step is to find out from the producer or the band what the instrumentation will be and how many tracks will be needed. The next step is to decide which of these instruments will be recorded at the same time and which will be overdubbed one at a time. One can decide what instruments will go on which tracks of the multitrack recorder. An instrument layout chart indicates where each instrument will be located in the studio, and where baffles and isolation booths will be used. Final step is to perform any drum overdubs right after the rhythm session because the microphones are already set up, and the overdubbed sound will match the sound of the original drum track. When the session is over, one can tear down the microphones, mic stands, and cables.
