Difference between revisions of "Talk:Live Engineer Checklist"

Revision as of 23:46, 23 February 2015

Pre-production

1. Claim the Session in Basecamp

Review Using Basecamp: Live In Studio Performances for more details about how we use Basecamp.

2. Research the band

- Preview their music online, using Allmusic.com, Amazon.com, Grooveshark.com, Soundcloud.com, etc.

- Read the Input List posted in Basecamp

- Learn the names of the musicians and the instruments that they play, if possible.

3. Greet performers and entourage

- Arrive prior to the artists and prepare the studio. (Try not to use too much gear, be ready to make changes and be flexible.)

- Thank the artists for performing at KDHX.

- Direct them all to the performance studio and the observation lounge.

- Explain our hospitality area, (i.e., coffee, tea, water, soda machine, etc.)

- Point out the bathrooms.

4. Help to orient the performers to our studio

- Show them the available backline and drum kit, as well as the rear building entry for load-in.

- Explain the difference between the performance vs. recording studio (ex. live, no overdubs, etc.)

- Discuss the material to be performed - 3 songs, preferably originals or public domain, as we will not be able to post royalty bound material in our online archive. (Note - We may air it, but will not post video or audio to YouTube or SoundCloud)

- Explain our "proscenium" and determine an ideal setup for both audio and video capture. Allowing the artists to turn into semi-circle is acceptable, but do not let them close the circle.

5. Prepare inputs

- Mics for everything.

- DIs (direct inputs) where possible, (i.e., bass, synths, mixers, gadgets.)

- Determine who will be the primary spokesperson.

- Line check each mic and input, adjust mic placement, pre-amp and EQ as needed.

- Discuss monitoring by pointing out the monitoring mixer function, which channel has which signal, the onboard ambiance mic, etc.

6. Prepare outputs

- Set up a recording session in ProTools, create, label and arm all mono inputs, inc. stereo inputs for Lexicon effects returns (channels 29/30) and board mix (patched to 31/32 via submixes 3 and 4).

- Setup the board mix CD Recorder for backup capture.

- Run at least one song for mix and soundcheck.

Production

This includes Ready Recording, Air DJ and Talent

- After DJ conference, provide standby timing for the performers.

- Begin recording playback, prior to the session start cue.

- Monitor the performance, recording and levels throughout the session.

- If pre-recording, use the red light switch, located on the wall in the mix studio.

- During interview segments, remove FX from the audio and reset the gains/faders to maintain a broadcast 0 (zero) output.

- Stay alert! Constant alterations will be required.

Post-production

1. Wrap the session with the artist

- Request that the artist sign our release form.

- Click this link --> File:KDHX Production Release 2012-13v3.pdf and print.

- Use accurate spelling on song titles and contact info, for use in follow up permissions for non-broadcast uses.

- Thank the artist(s) for performing at KDHX.

- Referencing the release form, generate a text file with the session details, including the song titles and volunteer staffing.

2. Edit the audio for a CD

- Finalize burning a CD and label it with band name, today's date and the text “Board Master.”

- Mount the authoring drive, set up a ProTools session and import the board master audio.

- Cut the audio into tracks, removing non-broadcast material and concentrating on accurate beginnings for each segment, (i.e., intro, song, interview, song, etc.)

- Export CD ready AIF files to the authoring drive, into the appropriate session folder.

- Use the application Toast to burn CD copies for the artist(s), DJ and one for the archive.

- Print the text file for the DJ and band CD copies.

- Create a CD envelope, deposit the board master and a finished CD labeled with the band name, date, total run time and number of tracks.

3. Publish the audio

- Convert the tracks to mp3s using iTunes. (KDHX.org/OnDemand Podcast Guide)

- Upload the set to SoundCloud, and add metadata.

- If video was shot;

- Convert the tracks to 48k AIF using iTunes.

- Move the 48k AIFs and a copy of the text file to the production server’s transfer folder.

Unable to complete within 24 hours

If you are unable to finish authoring/mastering, CD burns or SoundCloud publishing within 24 hours of the session, due to the need for remix, other time constraints, or whatever;

- Please message Andy Coco, Roy Katzen (re: web article publishing) and Nick Aquisto (re: band management & DJ contact).

- Send a comment to the Basecamp milestone that states;

1. That the project will be delayed.

2. When you anticipate being able to complete the project.