Recording
Recording is a distinct art form that goes beyond merely capturing sound. To bring music to life, the engineer must skillfully manage not only the balance among musicians but also between elements like the orchestra and soloists. The use of quality microphones, strategically positioned, ensures the nuanced utilization of tonal shades, sonic images, and the sense of space.
Our mobile recording studio allows for recording in almost any location, enabling us to seek out venues that complement specific musical styles. This flexibility also allows us to consider practical aspects, such as the convenience for musicians, optimal performance spaces, and the best technical setups for each recording scenario. If you need guidance, feel free to ask, and we'll assist you in selecting the venue that suits your needs best!
In a recording session, the presence of an artistic producer proves invaluable. Musicians can focus on playing, the engineer on recording, while the producer, with an outsider's ear, can discern the nuances captured by the microphones. Listening through headphones often reveals musical subtleties that might be missed in the live setting. Should you require assistance, we can aid in finding and selecting an artistic producer.
Equipment-wise, our primary arsenal consists of a diverse selection of top-tier Schoeps microphones. Additionally, we boast microphones from other leading brands like Neumann, DPA and Sennheiser. For a more detailed look at our equipment list, you can explore it here. Most often, we record with our outdoor production car, which you can learn more about here.
In the following, you can delve deeper into the making of the album. In the Sulasol magazine issue 1/2024, Pro Audile rohkaisee levyn tekemiseen - äänitysprojekti nostaa kuoron tasoa is about encouraging choirs to album production and how the recording project elevates the choir's level. In the Riffi magazine article Aamukahvilla Pro Audilella - oma ääniauto on iso etu benefits of having an outside broadcasting car are discussed which also brings a lot of joy to recordings.
If the topic interests you even more, you can refer to the Church Music Magazine's article on recording in issue 3/2021 (Iloinen ilme kuuluu levyllä) and Rondo Magazine's discussion on the demand for streaming in orchestras in issue 1/2021 (Striimauksille kysyntää orkestereissa), both touching on aspects of the recording process (please note that both are behind a paywall and are written in Finnish).
Recording
The recording day begins with setup. Depending on the ensemble, assembling the recording equipment typically takes anywhere from half an hour to two hours.
At the start of the recording session, a soundcheck is conducted. The goal is to achieve a nearly final mix during this phase, ensuring a more successful end result.
Allocating sufficient time for recording is essential, as any sense of haste can be discerned in the final outcome.
Typically, most recording sessions last for three days.
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Editing
In the editing phase, the music is crafted from the best segments according to the producer's annotations. After assembling the material, it is presented for the artists to listen to. The smoother the mix achieved during the recording session, the more straightforward it is to listen to and refine the material during the editing process.
Despite the cutting involved in editing, preserving the musical cohesion is paramount. Skilled hands can adeptly blend even minor cuts, making them imperceptible.
Mixing
In the mixing phase, the last subtle adjustments are made before mastering. At this stage, each track can be individually fine-tuned through processes like reverberation, compression, equalization, panning, amplification, or attenuation. Ultimately, all tracks are blended into the proper balances, whether in stereo or multichannel.
For an efficient workflow and time optimization, it's essential that the material is musically finalized by this point. If sound elements are altered after mixing, the automation for those sections needs to be manually reconstructed.
Mastering
In the mastering phase, the album undergoes its final touches for manufacturing. Tracks are arranged in the desired sequence and the spaces between them are carefully crafted through acoustic transitions or moments of silence. Adjustments are made to ensure optimal volume balance between tracks, and fine-tuning such as minor tonal adjustments, compression, and reverb can still be applied.
Subsequently, the tracks are named, and codes and identifiers are added. Once this process is complete and the customer has reviewed and approved the product, the album is ready to be sent to the factory.
Sound reinforcement
In our company, sound reinforcement typically involves amplifying the voices of performers such as musicians, singers, or speakers. However, it extends beyond to include playing movie soundtracks, game music or even managing DJ duties.
Amplifying an acoustic instrument is more challenging than an electric one. When aiming to make a beautiful acoustic instrument sound as fantastic when amplified, challenges arise. In such cases, the microphone must be capable of capturing tonal colors naturally, and its placement in relation to the sound source should be correct both in terms of distance and position. The microphone should not interfere with the musician's work but rather support it.
To ensure that amplified music aligns with the musicians' and, if applicable, the conductor's vision of balances, sounds, and tones, it is crucial that the sound engineer knows and understands the genre and possesses equipment suitable for that music. The choice of performance space significantly influences the overall auditory experience. At this point, it's essential to pause and consider whether the venue supports the desired outcome.
We handle sound reinforcement for various ensembles, ranging from individual speakers to concerts featuring large symphony orchestras with choirs and soloists. The nature of events varies from programmed performances to background music. Thus, our field of expertise is extensive, and if needed, we can also implement multichannel sound reinforcement.
FOH sound
The front of house sound, responsible for the final output heard by the audience, is managed by the front of house sound engineer. It should deliver an even frequency response, covering the entire venue, with the correct sound levels being a critical factor. The aim is to ensure a pleasant volume for everyone, facilitating easy listening.
In larger productions, assistant engineers may consolidate specific elements and present them to the front of house sound engineer. The distinctiveness of front of house sound lies in its uniqueness for every concert, existing solely throughout the duration of the performance.
Monitoring
To enable musicians to hear themselves and fellow band members, monitoring is often necessary. In smaller ensembles, the front of house engineer may also handle monitoring, but in slightly larger setups, a dedicated monitor engineer takes the stage. Positioned close to the performers, the monitor engineer fine-tunes an individualized mix for each artist's on-stage monitoring. Monitoring can be implemented through either in-ear monitors or stage speakers. In the latter scenario, teamwork is paramount to achieve top-notch monitor sounds, ensuring musicians can perform effortlessly. This is a prerequisite for high-quality front of house sound.
Streaming
Livestreaming, or real-time streaming, has rapidly become a popular choice for classical and acoustic music within a short span. Well-promoted streaming serves as an excellent avenue to engage existing loyal audiences and attract new listeners, particularly when concerts are no longer bound to a specific geographical location. Streaming proves to be a more cost-effective option compared to traditional video recording, capturing the live atmosphere seamlessly.
In our standard streaming setup, a minimum of two individuals is involved in the process. One oversees sound and video cuts, while the other focuses on creating engaging visuals. Larger productions involve a music reader providing real-time cues for upcoming musical events.
For added engagement, pre-recorded video content can be seamlessly integrated into the stream. This can include greetings, interviews, or individual musical pieces strategically placed to offer a refreshing break for viewers during longer concerts.
Our audio equipment boasts exceptional quality and variety. While most of our microphones are from Schoeps, we also feature microphones from other leading brands such as Neumann, DPA, and Sennheiser. Our video equipment is versatile, suitable for both intimate and large-scale productions. Our inventory includes eight high-quality robotic cameras, two fixed cameras, and a drone capable of recording in 5K. If interested, you can delve deeper into our equipment details here. When streaming, we use our broadcast van which you can learn more about here.
In addition to top-notch audio and video equipment, we offer basic lighting solutions for smaller ensembles, and when required, we can arrange professional lighting setups for more extensive events.
For further insights into video recordings and streaming, you can explore articles in publications like Sulasol 2/2021 Konserttistriimausten kulta-aika (in Finnish).
Setup
The day begins with roughly three hours of setup, covering the placement of audio and visual equipment in approximately the right positions. If microphones need to be hung in tricky spots, it takes more time but looks neater in the photos.
Investing in lighting enhances the overall quality. Sufficient time should be allocated for setting up extensive lighting equipment.
Rehearsal
In rehearsals, artists run through a dress rehearsal, incorporating a soundcheck and reviewing the visuals to be used.
Microphones and cameras are positioned to their final placements during these sessions.
Once the camera positions are established, we proceed to examine and refine details through the lens. If the production involves a music reader, rehearsals are crucial for the success of their work as well.
Break
Ensuring a sufficient break is an essential part to the day's rhythm. Beyond providing artists with the opportunity to rest and get into performance mode, the break serves as a time to prepare for the broadcast. Plans and additional elements to be included in the transmission are arranged, and the venue undergoes a cleanup process. This involves removing any extraneous items from the visuals and tidying up the cables.
Broadcast
Having a dependable internet connection is absolutely essential, so it's advisable for the organizer to confirm in advance whether the chosen venue has access to reliable fiber optic connectivity.
The most popular streaming platforms are YouTube and Vimeo.
As the concert kicks off, we send our best wishes and hope you thoroughly enjoy the wonderful music!
Video Recordings
During the internet's golden age, music videos and recordings have seen a remarkable increase in popularity. A video recording can be almost anything, from a small introductory insert or musical greeting to a full concert or even a lecture series. These recordings offer a platform for more diverse and elaborate visual storytelling in streaming, providing more time for creative experimentation both in terms of sound and visuals.
Our audio setup boasts top-notch quality and comprehensiveness. While most of our microphones are from Schoeps, our equipment also features microphones from other leading brands like Neumann, DPA, and Sennheiser. Our video gear is highly adaptable, catering to both small and large-scale productions. With eight high-quality robotic cameras, two fixed cameras, and a 5K-capable drone, you can delve into the specifics of our equipment here if you're interested. When we do video recordings, we use our broadcast van which you can learn more about here.
In addition to our audio and video arsenal, we offer basic lighting equipment suitable for smaller ensembles, and if necessary, we can organize lighting setups for more extensive events.
For more insights into video recordings and streaming, you can explore articles in publications like Sulasol 2/2021 Konserttistriimausten kulta-aika (in Finnish).
Approach 1:
Sound at the Forefront
First, we record the audio, providing room for fine-tuning and the option to trim sections as necessary. Once the audio track reaches the desired quality, we proceed to film the video overlaying the music. To ensure a seamless outcome, it's advantageous to pre-plan the harmony between sound and visuals. This is a good approach especially for choirs.
Approach 2:
Capturing the Essence of Live Performance
Video recording is conducted much like a live stream, with audio and video seamlessly integrated from start to finish. Unlike streaming, multiple takes can be captured, and the most successful one can be chosen in the end. However, it's essential to be cautious of the perception that the next take is always a bit better, to avoid falling into a potentially endless loop.
Editing
Cross-cutting video shots poses more challenges compared to audio, but it can be accomplished depending on the chosen approach. In the editing process, other desired elements can be added. These may include for example subtitles, sign language, sponsor slides, drone footage, or even sheet music examples, tailored to the specific context and purpose.
Publication
Once the video is ready and approved by the client, the last step involves publishing, typically handled by the client. Popular platforms for release include YouTube and Vimeo, with occasional use of Facebook.
The importance of marketing before and during the release cannot be overstated.
Contact us
Did something leave you puzzled or are you interested in collaborating with us? Feel free to reach out! You can contact us through this form, drop us an email at asiakaspalvelu@proaudile.fi or simply give us a call at +358 40 043 1605. Choose the method that suits you best!