Sometimes a band member will have done some recording in the past, will have a very inflexible idea of how things should be done. Sometimes it is a matter of the musician wanting the record to sound “just like we sound live” … and an effort will be made to limit the “studio magic” used to make the record sound good.
When encountering these attitudes, I usually try to get at least one version of the part recorded the way the musician is describing, but I also insist we try things my way to ensure we have what we need to serve the record itself. Nonlinear, nondestructive digital audio editing allows for many opportunities to make parts sound better than they may sound when first recorded into the mic – perhaps better than they would have sounded on a 4-track cassette tape.
I recorded from amp-to-mic-to-tape for over ten years, and most of it was punk rock. I get it. However, what you initially get with that approach is not always what you want. The tone of the guitar in the room doesn’t always translate to the recording. By getting a solid direct line recording, we may be able to better achieve your desired sound and/or sounds you had not yet considered through the use of custom presets. I am a snob when it comes to guitar tone, and I understand if you are, as well – I will work with you to get what you are looking for.
What is important is that both sides come into the process with open minds and clear ideas of what needs to be accomplished. Creative solutions can then be determined as needed.
