Talk:Live Engineer Checklist

Pre-production

1. Claim the Session in Basecamp

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

2. Research the band

- Preview their music online, using Allmusic.com, Amazon.com, Grooveshark.com, Soundcloud.com, etc., or using the KDHX music library

- 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

Wrap Session with Artist

• Request that they sign our release form (File:KDHX Production Release 2012-13v3.pdf), w/accurate spelling on song titles, contact info re: obtaining follow up permissions for non-broadcast uses
• Thank them for performing at KDHX
• Generate a text file of session details (song titles & volunteer staffing), referencing the release form

Author (cut/edit) Audio for CD *

• Finalize CD and label it: Band Name, Date, and “Board Master”
• Mount “authoring” drive, and setup ProTools session, import board master audio
• Cut into tracks, removing non-broadcast material, and concentrating on accurate beginnings for each segment (intro, song, interview, song, etc)
• Export CD-ready AIF files to authoring drive within the session folder
• Use Toast to burn CD copies for artist(s), DJ, and archive
• Print text file for DJ and band CD copies
• Create CD envelope, deposit board master and labeled cut CD: Band Name, Date, Total Run Time and # of tracks.

Publish Audio

• Convert tracks to mp3 in iTunes as shown here
• Upload set to SoundCloud, and add metadata
• (If video was shot) convert tracks to 48k AIF in iTunes, and move (with a copy of the text file) to the “production” server’s “transfer” folder

NOTE: if you are not able to finish the authoring/mastering, CD burns, and SoundCloud publishing within 24 hours of the session – due to need for remix, other time constraints, or whatever – please message Andy, Chris Bay (re:web article publishing), Nick Aquisto (re: band management & DJ contact) about it. Please send a comment on the milestone that 1.) it will be delayed, and 2.) when you anticipate being able to complete that work. Thanks!