Setting up for mid-week recording session!

Tomorrow night we've got the first of several home recording sessions for my band, Necessary Distraction. The last major recording project we did was just over a year ago... we recorded three original tracks as a four-piece. We've since added a full-time bassist and cranked out six more originals, so our goal is to get as many of those tunes down on tape (so to speak) before our drummer goes on "paternity leave".

Tonight I spent my time getting the gear and software set up, which is pretty similar to the Ground Floor project I did a few months back (drummer, bassist, 2 guitarists, and vocals). For mics I use a Shure PG52 for kick, Shure PG56's for toms, and an Audix i5 for snare. Two minor differences on the drums this time around... I'm using an AT2020 (instead of MD421) for the hi-hat, and I'm using the cardioid (instead of omni) capsules on the C4 overheads. Once again, drum mics are fed into a Presonus Digimax FS preamp/converter; each channel's insert is fed through an ART MDM-8L compressor/limiter for overshoot protection.

As for "strings," I'm using a Kel Audio HM2d on one guitar cab and a Blue "The Ball" on the second guitar cab--both are 4x12's loaded with V30's. Bass is running direct from my Yamaha BBT500 amp. Finally, for scratch vocals it's a Shure SM58; final vocal tracks will use a Studio Projects T3 tube condenser. Guitars, bass, & vocals feed into a Presonus Digimax LT preamp/converter with the ART MDM-8L in each channel's insert.

Now all the mics are set up & plugged in and the Sonar template is ready as well (again, started with a direct copy from the Ground Floor project file). So tomorrow night when folks show up, we'll be ready to get down to business. As always, looking forward to it...

--B