For this project I intend to hone my engineering and production skills by using different mic techniques that I have never used before. I intend to use a Mid-Side technique to record the acoustic guitar to produce a more stereo sounding recording of the guitar as this is a prominent part of the track. This would involve using a figure of 8 polar patterned mic facing side ways away from the sound source and a dynamic mic facing towards the sound source. The figure of 8 recording will need to be duplicated on the DAW and one track will need the phasing reversed, one track should be panned directly left and the other track panned the opposite direction direct right. 

I intend to record the cajun box using a stereo mic technique using 2 spaced condenser mics above the cajun box. Alongside this I intend to use a dynamic mic at the bass hole of the Cajun box. I will need to check for phase issues post recording for this technique and can check the wave forms to help align the recordings.

For vocals I intend to take multiple takes using playlists and if need be I will double track the vocals to give a fuller sound. I will use sensitive condenser vocal mics to help record a larger frequency range and capture a fuller sound for each of the vocalist at the pre production stage.

At this stage I have idea's or possibly introducing an external musician who can play some lead guitar as well as piano that might compliment the track. I will have this discussion with the band at the initial recording session.

I aim to produce a professional sounding track which compliments the lyrical information within the track as well as having all instrumentation having their own relevant space in the track. I hope the final production of the track is to industry standards both quality wise and by adhering to industry sound level standards.

At this point I intend to record a guide track with the band at my own home.

After this I intend to record the rhythm section i.e. the Cajun box and possibly supplementary percussive instruments. 

I intend to use the college studio's as much as possible for the recording of this track however due to the available days and the availability of band members I may have to outsource an external studio to record certain members of the band.

For this reason I will need to ensure I export the session files correctly in order to transfer from one computer to another without losing any information from previous recordings. 

Guide track recording- I intend to record a guide track along with a click track on Saturday the 21st September at home. For this session I will begin with the acoustic guitar / singer playing and singing along to a click track using a simple technique of an SM57 mic pointed at the guitar sound hole and an SM58 mic in front of the vocalist. The vocalist with play and sing to the click track and will do a couple of takes and pick which one he is happy with. He will have headphones on to hear the click and hear his vocal and guitar to ensure everything is in time and he is happy with the guide. 

I will then have a simple dynamic mic set up in front of the Cajun box with this also going into the DI box where he can play along with the guitar and vocals as well as the click. After this has been recorded I will have a good enough guide track to take to the studio and begin the studio recording.

Initial Recording- I intend to record the Cajun box percussion alongside the guide track and the click track where the player will have headphones where he can play alongside the guide track. I intend to use a Rode NT2a condenser mic in front of the bass hole of the cajon and  Rode NT 4 stereo pair small diaphragm condenser mics set up facing the front top of the cajon box, to pick up more of a stereo sound.

Overdub 1 - I intend to then record the acoustic guitar  using a Mid - Side mic technique which would require 3 channels on the DAW to provide a nice full stereo sound for the acoustic guitar. I will use a Neuman U47 condenser microphone using the figure 8 polar pattern. This mic will direct left and right from the guitar source creating a stereo sound. I will use an sm57 dynamic mic as a front directional mic aiming towards the guitar at a suitable point discovered at the time of setting up.

Overdub 2- I intend to record the main vocalist using a SM7B dynamic mic and recording a few takes using the playlist method, then picking the best parts of the takes to comp into place. 

Overdub 3 - I intend to record another vocal take in order to double track the vocal and try and achieve a much fuller sound for the main vocals. I will use the same vocal mic as the on overdub 3.

Overdub 4 - I intend to record the hip-hop style vocalist at this point using a dynamic SM7B mic and record using the playlist tool to be able to choose the best parts of the recording. I may also double track the vocals to produce a fuller vocal sound.