Studio Recording
In certain cases it can be advantageous to record performances in a controlled studio environment. Depending on the situation a professionally equipped studio with varying live and drum rooms/vocal booth and hall can be arranged for use.

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Locational Recording
The natural arena and acoustics have a positive influence on the emotion and excitement of a performance, which is why Westbank & AMC offer locational recording services.

Microphones are placed both in close proximity to the musicians and in conjunction with ambient stereo techniques to fully capture the natural acoustics of the sound stage. Where possible the engineer and producer will visit venues prior to recording sessions to offer objective advice to the customer.

Time to Allow for Recording Sessions
It is preferable to run recording sessions over a weekend period as this often creates a better opportunity for full attendance by all the musicians. However other arrangements may be required and can be discussed during initial negotiations.
In order to achieve a final recording of approximately seventy minutes, you will require at least three, three-hour recording sessions. In addition, breaks will be required for some refreshments and rest between sessions.
As a guide, allow approximately one hour of recording to produce eight minutes of final performance that will be included on the CD.

The Recording Session
Before a session commences it is essential to allow sufficient time for all the recording equipment to be set up and the relevant balancing and calibration of signal levels.
Westbank & AMC always implement multi-track recording techniques enabling ensemble balancing to be finalized during post-production. At least two full ‘takes’ will be recorded with additional smaller ‘takes’ being recorded for use if necessary.

The Ensemble conductor and/or musical director will discuss and decide which performance is deemed satisfactory for their needs, although the recording producer will offer advice and constructive comments throughout the sessions. Duplicate music full-scores must be made available to the recording producer before the session commences, as these will be required to manage ‘takes’ and keep technical notes for any subsequent editing during post-production.

Post Production, Mixing and Mastering
All material will be taken back to a post-production studio where editing and mixing will take place. A first edit will be produced and balanced to provide a representation of the ensemble. This will be sent to the customer on CD with reference sheets for any notes and observations to be made, citing bar references in relation to the relevant music score.

This information will then inform the production of a second edit. This process will be repeated to produce a final edit. Any additional requests will be considered and charged accordingly. The musical director and/or conductor can be present for final approval of editing and ensemble mixing prior to finally proceeding to the mastering stage. This stage will aslo involve all track durations/pauses being set. The resulting master disc will then be sent to you along with any artwork you may have had produced for your approval, and then onto our duplication agent and manufacturer.

All audio work for manufacture is mastered and passed to our professional duplication agent for further analysis and enhancement should it be required.