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Part 4: What to Bring (or Send) to the Studio – Files, Tracks, and More
When collaborating remotely, you’ll likely be recording over an instrumental track that your producer or another musician has created. To have a smooth session, you need to have the right files and materials ready. Here’s what to prepare:
1. The Instrumental Track: This is the music you’ll sing to – often called a beat, backing track, or simply instrumental. Ensure you have the highest quality version of this track. Ideally, this means a WAV or AIFF file (these are uncompressed, high-quality audio formats) rather than an MP3. If your producer sent you a demo as an MP3, ask if they can provide a WAV. Why? Because the better the quality of the music in your headphones, the better you can perform, and the final mix will sound cleaner. Many artists purchase or receive “tracked-out” instrumentals (each instrument separate) or at least a high-quality stereo instrumental. If possible, bring a WAV file of your instrumental (or the stems) instead of a YouTube rip or low-quality MP3 .
- How to bring it: Most studios will ask you to email the file ahead of time or send a download link (via Dropbox, Google Drive, WeTransfer, etc.) so they can load it into their system before you arrive . This is super helpful – it saves time during your session. If you haven’t done that, bring the file on a USB flash drive or external hard drive as a backup. You could also have it on your phone, but transferring from a phone at the studio can be slow or problematic; a USB drive is more reliable.
- Naming tip: If you send files ahead, label them clearly. For example: “YourName_SongTitle_Instr.wav”. Some people include the BPM (tempo) and key in the filename if known (e.g., “YourName_SongTitle_100bpm_KeyofC.wav”) . This is optional but nice info to share. At minimum, make sure the engineer can easily identify your track among others.
2. Lyrics Sheet for the Engineer (optional): This one is often overlooked. It can be very helpful to print an extra copy of your lyrics for the engineer or producer. Why? If they have the lyrics, they can follow along as you sing and mark takes or note spots to redo. It also helps if you flub a line – they might catch it if they see the lyrics. This isn’t strictly required, but it shows professionalism and can make communication easier. If you do bring it, clearly label sections of the song (verse, chorus, bridge) on the sheet.
3. Reference Track or Demo (if available): If you have a rough demo of the song (maybe you recorded it on your phone or computer at home) or a reference track that shows the vibe you’re going for, consider sharing it. For example, maybe you have a phone recording of you practicing, or there’s a published song whose backing vocals style you want to emulate. Playing this for the engineer can give them context. A demo can also help if the engineer wants to quickly check your intended melody or how the song flows.
- Reference example: “I have a quick phone recording of how I picture the harmonies in the chorus, can we listen to that?” This can help the engineer understand what you’re aiming for, especially if your producer isn’t present to explain.
4. Your Song’s Key and Tempo: Often, the instrumental file is enough. But it’s good to know the key (musical key) of your song and the tempo (beats per minute). Many instrumentals will be made to a click track (metronome) and have a set BPM, like 100 BPM or 75 BPM. If you know it, jot it down and inform the engineer. They might set up a metronome in your headphones for count-in or just for their own reference. Knowing the key is useful if you decide to punch in any tricky vocal harmonies or use auto-tune creatively (though usually not needed if you nail the performance). Don’t stress if you don’t know these; they are nice-to-haves, not must-haves.
5. Personal Comfort Items: While not a “file,” think about anything that makes you more comfortable singing. For instance, a bottle of room-temp water (already mentioned), maybe a thermos of warm herbal tea if that’s your thing, and definitely a hoodie or sweater. Studios can be cold (air conditioning is often running to keep equipment cool). You can always take layers off, but if you get chilly easily, bring something to stay warm between takes. Also, if you have a special mic or equipment you insist on using (rare for beginners, but some vocalists have their own mic they love), coordinate with the studio in advance. In most cases, the studio’s microphone will be far better than any consumer mic you have, so you won’t need to bring one.
6. Backing Tracks or Playback for Background Vocals: If you plan to record background vocals, you’ll typically record them over the same instrumental. However, some artists like to have a mix with their lead vocal in it to sing harmonies against (so they can lock in timing and pitch with their own lead). If your producer can make a quick mix that includes your lead take (after you record it) for you to then record harmonies with, great. If not, you might just use the raw instrumental and one ear off the headphone to hear yourself. This is something to mention: “After we do the lead, I’d like to add harmonies. What’s the best way?” The engineer might play back your lead take in your headphones while you record the background vocals on a new track.
7. Hard Drive or Cloud Backup: After recording, you’ll get files of your vocals (and possibly the session project). It’s wise to have a plan for these. Bring a reliable USB drive or external hard drive to copy the vocal tracks before you leave. Alternatively, ensure the studio will send you a download link. Don’t leave without your recorded material or a way to get it – this is your precious data! Many studios will simply email you the files or send a link to a Dropbox/Drive. Double-check: “Will you send me the vocal takes after the session, or should I bring a drive?” It shows you’re serious about your project.
Special note: Since you’re doing a remote collaboration, your producer will be waiting for these files to mix into the song. Ask the engineer to record in a common format (.wav 24-bit is standard) and to perhaps comp your best takes together if that’s part of what you’re paying for. Some studios will comp and even lightly tune vocals if you request (possibly at extra editing cost). If you prefer to do multiple takes and let the producer choose later, that’s fine too. Just make sure all takes are clearly labeled.
FAQ (Files and Tech):
- “I only have the instrumental on YouTube – is that okay?” – It’s better to get the actual file. YouTube audio is compressed and lower quality. See if the producer can send you the file, or if it’s a beat from online, purchase a license to download the high-quality WAV. It’s worth it for the quality of your final song.
- “Should I bring my own microphone or headphones?” – Usually no. Any decent studio will have high-quality microphones and headphones. Using their equipment ensures everything works with their system. However, if you do have a particular microphone that suits your voice and you and the producer agreed to use it, you can bring it and discuss with the engineer. 99% of the time, though, you’ll use the studio’s mic – they’ll pick one that flatters your voice and genre. As for headphones, studios provide those too. You can bring your favorite pair to wear if you find them more comfortable, but let the engineer know (so they can adjust if your headphones have a different volume or impedance). It’s not usually necessary unless you have hearing sensitivities.
Takeaway: Be prepared with your audio files and any useful info. Sending your instrumental ahead of time in a high-quality format will make the session start smoother . Bringing small items like lyric sheets and water seems simple, but they can make a big difference in keeping the session running smoothly and keeping you comfortable. When you show up with everything in hand, you free yourself to focus on singing, not scrambling for a file or forgetting a verse. The goal is a hassle-free session where technical details don’t distract from your worship and performance.
