In this episode of Prepping for the Studio, hosts Roy Silverstein and Brian Scheuble are joined again by guitar/drum tech and musician, David Mead, to discuss prepping your drums for recording.

This is a part two of our conversation with David that started last episode with a discussion on prepping your guitars. Since he is also a drummer and has a lot of experience dealing with drums too, we decided to have him back to talk about shells, heads, cymbals, and the like.

We also get into talking about tuning and dampening. Considering how important drums are for your recordings, this is definitely an episode to check out.

00:00 Show Intro

02:42 Why Drums Matter

04:38 Shells And Bearing Edges

10:42 Out Of Round Problems

14:38 Lugs And Hardware Fixes

16:31 Choosing Drum Heads

22:03 Coated Vs Clear Heads

24:35 Tuning And Head Seating

32:02 Tuning Technique And Tools

34:48 Drum Snobs

35:47 Tension Tuning Fails

36:47 Orchestral vs Ringo Tuning

38:10 Hands On Tuning Method

38:41 Bottom Head Strategy

40:56 Concert Toms

43:20 Impact of Shell Woods

45:03 Vistalites Live Vs Studio

46:13 Kit Sizes And Big Kicks

49:49 Cymbals

54:59 Cymbal Keyholing

56:36 Drum Treatments

01:00:16 Gels Tape And DIY Mutes

01:03:58 Cymbals Cant Be Fixed In Post

01:06:53 Choosing And Auditioning Cymbals

01:08:58 Wrap Up And Where To Find David

01:10:12 Final Outro Credits

Check out David at:

https://www.magneticheavenmusic.com

Instagram: @magnetic.heaven

Reverb.com store: https://reverb.com/shop/magneticheaven

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Drum tuning book:

https://www.drumacoustics.com/

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Please visit http://www.preppingforthestudio.com for more info and to download the free ebook, "A Musician's Guide To The Recording Studio".

Hosts:

Roy Silverstein of Rarefied Recording (www.rarefiedrecording.com)

and

Brian Scheuble (www.brianscheuble.com)

If you have questions, comments, or suggestions please email Roy: info@rarefiedrecording.com

If you love this podcast, please leave a review on whatever platform you listen to your podcasts on.

In this episode of Prepping for the Studio, hosts Roy Silverstein and Brian Scheuble are joined by guitar tech and musician, David Mead, to discuss prepping your guitars for recording.

Drawing on his background in vintage guitar shops, auto body work, playing/recording/touring, and his Magnetic Heaven guitar repair/flipping business, David explains what a setup optimizes—action, fret buzz, intonation, etc.

He covers how climate and temperature shifts affect guitars, storage and humidification, and why setups may need adjustment after travel. For electrics, he highlights pickup height, noise/RF interference, and how magnet pull affects feel and tone. He also discusses string gauge and material choices, break-in time for recording, and preferences around new vs. used strings.

00:00 Welcome and Introductions

00:33 Meet David Mead

01:26 Vintage Guitar Store Origins

02:49 Burnout and Recession Years

03:53 Auto Body Shop Lessons

05:54 Bands and Tech Philosophy

08:33 Back in Business on Reverb

10:38 What a Guitar Setup Fixes

11:48 Tension Changes and Fret Buzz

15:56 Intonation and Contact Points

23:22 Strings and Gauge Choices

27:11 When Setups Go Wrong

30:21 Truss Rod Discussion

33:34 Climate and Guitar Storage

34:35 Fret Sprout and Rehydration

37:09 Humidifying Methods

39:55 When Is a Guitar Totaled

40:35 Legendary Repair Stories

45:11 Why Martins and Gibsons Record Well

47:09 Electric Pickups and Noise

49:51 Pickup Height and Magnet Pull

51:52 Noiseless Pickups Debate

54:34 Strings for Studio Sessions

55:46 New vs Used Strings Timing

59:42 Drums Tease and Wrap Up

01:04:01 Show Outro and Credits

Check out David at:

https://www.magneticheavenmusic.com

Instagram: @magnetic.heaven

Reverb.com store: https://reverb.com/shop/magneticheaven

Please visit http://www.preppingforthestudio.com for more info and to download the free ebook, "A Musician's Guide To The Recording Studio".

Hosts:

Roy Silverstein of Rarefied Recording (www.rarefiedrecording.com)

and

Brian Scheuble (www.brianscheuble.com)

If you have questions, comments, or suggestions please email Roy: info@rarefiedrecording.com

If you love this podcast, please leave a review on whatever platform you listen to your podcasts on.

In this episode of Prepping for the Studio, hosts Roy Silverstein and Brian Scheuble are joined by entertainment lawyer, label owner (Pacific Records), and musician, Brian Witkin, to discuss the business side of releasing music.

Just as you have to prep for a studio session, you also have to make sure all your ducks are in a row before releasing a song, EP, or album! Brian gives a great overview of various things one should be thinking about and doing ahead of your release.

NOTE: While Brian Witkin may be an attorney, please consult your own lawyer or consultant in the field before making any decisions on the business side of your music career. This podcast episode is simply a conversation with some helpful insights.

00:00 Welcome to the Podcast

00:42 Meet the Guest, Brian Witkin

01:09 Music Is a Business

02:46 PROs Explained

05:05 Split Sheets and Songwriting

09:44 Two Copyright Basics

10:56 Copyright Registration Steps

12:19 Masters, Labels, and Publishing

19:28 Streaming Royalties Breakdown

21:47 Distributors and Publishing Opt Ins

25:27 Aggregator Picks and Bandcamp

27:52 Physical First Strategy

28:54 Exclusives And Merch

30:10 Label Role And Contracts

31:04 Work For Hire Basics

32:34 Producer Points Explained

34:57 Label Services Breakdown

36:31 Release Lead Time Planning

38:12 Radio Publicity Touring

42:59 Do You Need A Label?

43:47 Managers And Building Team

45:33 Social Media Content Machine

47:14 Music Videos And Sync

51:06 Long Game Mindset

54:36 Wrap Up And Where To Find Brian

55:05 Final Credits And Outro

Check out Brian at:

https://brianwitkin.com/

Pacific Records:

https://pacificrecords.com/

Please visit http://www.preppingforthestudio.com for more info and to download the free ebook, "A Musician's Guide To The Recording Studio".

Hosts:

Roy Silverstein of Rarefied Recording (www.rarefiedrecording.com)

and

Brian Scheuble (www.brianscheuble.com)

If you have questions, comments, or suggestions please email Roy: info@rarefiedrecording.com

If you love this podcast, please leave a review on whatever platform you listen to your podcasts on.

In this episode of Prepping for the Studio, hosts Roy Silverstein and Brian Scheuble are joined by engineer/mixer/beat maker, Justin Truelove, a longtime guest engineer at Rarefied Recording who specializes in Rap/Hip Hop.

Justin shares his background, early starts with Pro Tools, GarageBand, and Reaper, and how he moved into recording rappers through local connections.

We discuss what hip hop artists should prioritize when choosing a studio and engineer, purchasing beats properly, and building relationships with producers.

We cover practical prep: rehearse delivery, memorizing lyrics, managing comfort and psychology in the booth, and avoiding an over-reliance on autotune, amongst other topics.

00:00 Intro

00:41 Meet Justin Truelove

01:42 Justin’s Early Recording Journey

03:08 From GarageBand to Reaper

05:56 Finding Rarefied Recording

08:22 Why Hip Hop Artists Choose Studios

10:23 Gear Basics and Engineer Fit

13:25 Session Goals and Prep Files

15:47 Beats, Stems, and Better Mixes

19:29 Working with Local Producers

23:10 Beat Licensing Explained

24:40 Buying beats Versus Collaboration with a Producer

26:34 Autotune Tips

29:32 Vocal Prep And Practice

34:35 Studio Psychology And Comfort

36:46 Last Minute Hip Hop Sessions

38:59 How Long Recording Takes

42:53 Deliverables

44:13 Substances And Session Etiquette

46:30 Be On Time!

48:38 Wrap Up And Contact

49:02 Outro

Check out Justin on Instagram:

@mixedbytruelove

Please visit http://www.preppingforthestudio.com for more info and to download the free ebook, "A Musician's Guide To The Recording Studio".

Hosts:

Roy Silverstein of Rarefied Recording (www.rarefiedrecording.com)

and

Brian Scheuble (www.brianscheuble.com)

If you have questions, comments, or suggestions please email Roy: info@rarefiedrecording.com

If you love this podcast, please leave a review on whatever platform you listen to your podcasts on.

In this episode of Prepping for the Studio, hosts Roy Silverstein and Brian Scheuble sit down with Dennis Weinreich, an Orange County–born engineer/producer who has lived in London since 1971 and worked in major studios during the 70s and 80s.

Dennis shares his path from recording bands as a kid to opportunities at studios like The Village, and later working his way through the London recording scene including becoming an assistant to Ken Scott. The conversation focuses on what modern artists can learn from earlier eras of recording.

Some topics discussed include:

-How the three-hour session system shaped preparation, efficiency, and performance

-“Dark corners” in songs and why live-tested material often records better

-What’s missing when artists self-produce

-How too much time and unlimited tracks can lead to meandering sessions, overcrowded arrangements, and losing the “heart” of the record

-When piecemeal modern workflows can actually help bass/drums fit dynamically later in production

-Why vintage gear isn’t the main reason classic records last

-How limitations (few EQs, few tracks) pushed better mic placement, decisions, and commitment

-Practical advice: rehearse and demo critically before the studio, aim for fewer strong takes, and focus on performance

-The idea of “going for number three” to keep evolving creatively instead of repeating past hits

00:00 Welcome to the Podcast

00:45 Meet Dennis Weinreich

02:15 Early Recording Hustle

06:56 First Pro Studio Break

08:07 Village Recorder to London

12:45 Scorpio Sound and Big Records

14:46 Building a Post Facility

18:24 Why Old Records Lasted

19:21 Three Hour Session Era

24:25 Producers and Perspective

29:13 Tainted Love Hook Lesson

32:34 Overdubs Versus Vision

34:26 Producers Who Tell The Truth

35:40 Scott Walker Vocal Production

37:51 Engineers As Multi-faceted “producers”

42:53 Four Track Recording Era

44:26 Modern Workflow Pros/Cons

50:14 Performance Beats Vintage Gear

53:12 EQ Limits And Mic Myths

55:29 Preparation And The Sweet Spot Of Takes

01:00:28 Chasing Hits Versus Originality

01:04:35 Wrap Up And Contact

Check out Dennis' interview conducted by Roy in Tape Op magazine here:

https://tapeop.com/interviews/170/dennis-weinreich-an-american-engineer-in-london

Feel free to reach out to Roy if you want to get in touch with Dennis.

Please visit http://www.preppingforthestudio.com for more info and to download the free ebook, "A Musician's Guide To The Recording Studio".

Hosts:

Roy Silverstein of Rarefied Recording (www.rarefiedrecording.com)

and

Brian Scheuble (www.brianscheuble.com)

If you have questions, comments, or suggestions please email Roy: info@rarefiedrecording.com

If you love this podcast, please leave a review on whatever platform you listen to your podcasts on.

In this episode of Prepping for the Studio, hosts Roy Silverstein and Brian Scheuble are joined by metal recording specialist Harrison Whitecloud.

Harrison shares his extensive knowledge on preparing for a studio session, focusing on the unique challenges of recording metal.

Key topics include the importance of practice, instrument maintenance, techniques for drummers and guitarists, the role of editing, and specific recording tech setups. Harrison also dives into vocal techniques for screamers, emphasizing the necessity of proper vocal training and technique.

The discussion is both technical and practical, aimed at helping metal musicians maximize their studio sessions.

00:00 Introduction to Prepping for the Studio

00:29 Meet the Hosts: Roy and Brian

00:35 Season Three Preview

01:10 Introducing Harrison Whitecloud

01:36 Harrison's Journey into Metal

02:41 Recording Techniques and Studio Experiences

17:04 The Importance of Drum Preparation

20:28 Advanced Drum Recording Tips

29:50 Guitar Recording Insights

33:12 Guitar Maintenance Tips for Metal Musicians

34:34 Recording Techniques for Metal Guitars

39:00 Editing and Mixing Metal Tracks

40:58 Essential Gear for Metal Musicians

41:37 Bass and Drum Synchronization

46:27 Vocal Techniques for Metal Singers

58:50 Recording Metal Drums: Room and Equipment

01:00:03 Mixing Metal: Special Effects and Client Communication

01:03:01 DIY Metal Recording: Challenges and Tips

01:06:18 Conclusion and Contact Information

Check out Harrison at these links:

Websites: https://www.whitecloudaudio.com/

Instagram: @whitecloud.audio

Please visit http://www.preppingforthestudio.com for more info and to download the free ebook, "A Musician's Guide To The Recording Studio".

Hosts:

Roy Silverstein of Rarefied Recording (www.rarefiedrecording.com)

and

Brian Scheuble (www.brianscheuble.com)

If you have questions, comments, or suggestions please email Roy: info@rarefiedrecording.com

If you love this podcast, please leave a review on whatever platform you listen to your podcasts on.

In this episode of Prepping for the Studio, Roy Silverstein and Brian Scheuble discuss the intricacies of Dolby ATMOS with guest Matt Boudreau, host of the Working Class Audio podcast.

Topics include the evolution of Matt's career from drummer to producer/engineer/mixer/masterer, the basics of ATMOS technology, its implementation in music, potential future directions, economics, and practical insights on preparing stereo mixes for ATMOS. You'll also hear opinions on the artistic and technical challenges of this immersive audio format, and understand the steps and considerations necessary when transitioning to or incorporating Dolby ATMOS into your studio recordings.

00:00 Introduction to Prepping for the Studio

00:20 Meet the Hosts and Guest

01:35 Matt Boudreau's Journey in Audio

04:52 Understanding Dolby ATMOS

08:34 The Evolution and Future of ATMOS

25:00 Creative Uses of ATMOS in Music

33:24 Economic Aspects of ATMOS

36:18 Monetization and Physical Sales for ATMOS

37:48 Transitioning from Stereo to ATMOS Mixing

39:25 Stems vs. Multi-Tracks in ATMOS Mixing

45:37 Deliverables and Listening to ATMOS Mixes

49:43 Mastering ATMOS Mixes

58:28 The Future of ATMOS and Consumer Awareness

01:05:02 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Check out Matt at these links:

Websites: https://www.mattboudreau.com/

https://www.workingclassaudio.com/

Instagram: @matt_boudreau

@working_class_audio

Dolby ATMOS studio list:

https://professional.dolby.com/music/dolby-atmos-music-studios/

Please visit http://www.preppingforthestudio.com for more info and to download the free ebook, "A Musician's Guide To The Recording Studio".

Hosts:

Roy Silverstein of Rarefied Recording (www.rarefiedrecording.com)

and

Brian Scheuble (www.brianscheuble.com)

If you have questions, comments, or suggestions please email Roy: info@rarefiedrecording.com

If you love this podcast, please leave a review on whatever platform you listen to your podcasts on.

In this episode of Prepping for the Studio, hosts Roy Silverstein and Brian Scheuble are joined by music producer Danny Kalb. They discuss the intricacies of preparing for a studio session, managing interpersonal dynamics within a band, and offer practical advice for musicians on how to get the most out of the studio and your working relationships with audio professionals.

Key topics include the importance of pre-production, handling mix revisions, and balancing artistic vision with technical execution. Danny shares his experiences working with notable artists like Beck and Ben Harper, emphasizing the critical role of communication and preparation to achieve the best possible outcome in recording sessions.

00:00 Introduction to Prepping for the Studio

00:28 Meet the Hosts and Guest Introduction

01:01 Danny Kalb’s Early Career and Background

05:17 Transition to Los Angeles and Working with the Dust Brothers

07:24 Working with Beck and Other Notable Artists

10:22 Challenges and Tips for Musicians in the Studio

14:27 The Role of a Producer and Pre-Production Insights

20:47 Mixing Expectations and Common Issues

27:45 Importance of References

31:24 Overdubs and Instrument Balance

32:31 The Importance of Mixing in Context

32:47 Learning and Evolving in Music Production

34:13 The Power of Muting

35:13 Navigating Feedback and Collaboration

37:36 The Role of a Mixer and Producer

39:14 The Studio Environment and Dynamics

46:38 The Impact of Interpersonal Dynamics

57:19 The Importance of Pre-Production

01:00:49 Outro and Contact Information

Check out Danny at these links:

Website: https://www.dannykalb.com/

Instagram: @dannykalb

Please visit http://www.preppingforthestudio.com for more info and to download the free ebook, "A Musician's Guide To The Recording Studio".

Hosts:

Roy Silverstein of Rarefied Recording (www.rarefiedrecording.com)

and

Brian Scheuble (www.brianscheuble.com)

If you have questions, comments, or suggestions please email Roy: info@rarefiedrecording.com

If you love this podcast, please leave a review on whatever platform you listen to your podcasts on.