Q1. What is demo singletrack recording?

A: Just think of a situation where the band is recording themselves while rehearsing or performing in one space. This is commonly referred to as “demo recording”. All of the instruments and vocals are recorded simultaneously.

Q2. We are demo singletrack recording ourselves countless times. What makes your approach different from ours?

A: With the benefit of a mixer (both analog and digital), the sound of the recording shall be improved in the following ways:

1) instruments will be individually panned so they don't need to fight over the same sonic space, thus improving stereo imaging.

2) under the digital mixer, primary instruments will be processed by high-quality plug-ins to emulate the world’s best outboard effects and processors.

3) under the analog mixer, secondary instruments will be individually equalized, reverbed or compressed according to taste, so they can improve the sonic mix of the whole song.

4) upto 9 mics for drums (kick, snare, overhead), upto 3 vocal mics, upto 4 line-in instruments (bass, gtrs, keyboards)

5) mixing is done in a separate soundproofed console, hence guaranteeing better mixing decisions by the studio engineer.

Q3. What is the difference of Sonic Factory's demo singletrack recording with other studio's demo singletrack recording?

 

Aside from basic eq and panning, Sonic Factory utilizes additional signal processing such as compression, exciters, tube warmers for key instruments and tracks such as bass, vocals, snare, kick, resulting to a more enhanced demo mix.

 

Q4. What is the difference between demo singletrack recording and demo multitrack recording?

In both recordings, all instruments are played and recorded simultaneously. However, in demo multitrack, each instrument is recorded to separate bit mono tracks, while in demo singletrack, all instruments are recorded to one stereo track. Demo multitrack recording is typical for situations where the band wants to "take home" the tracks for them to mix themselves. Demo multitrack is also for those who would want to save on recording charges without sacrificing the flexibility of editing individual tracks.

In demo singletrack recording, all musicians will be playing live in the same room without headphones. In demo multitrack, the drummer is isolated in another room, all musicians will monitor themselves via headphones, and most instruments will be "lined in" for better isolation and less bleeding.