We are about to have a recording session over a long weekend

[Queesan]

We're running DP4. We plan on sending everything to a professional to do final mix. How should we record our original tracks?

Do we use any plug in's or record raw?
Should we ad EQ before the software, or let someone mess with it after?
What Db level should we should for so we don't run out of headroom?

I don't know if these questions can be answered easily. you're help is appreciated!

-Crash

[Kev]

Do we use any plug in's or record raw?

no plugs on the record path ... monitor is OK
BUT I would leave the computer grunt spare for the computer to get things and timing right

I hope you guys know how to use DP and how to keep neat files and folders and keep the correct file structure between the song folders.
Get some help in the early part of the weekend if you don't ...
If you can get your mixer to drop in early on the weekend for a visit ... it could be worth it.

Should we ad EQ before the software, or let someone mess with it after?

you need to know what for and why you are doing it
... but I can recomend some gentle HI Pass filtering on vocals and guitars etc
... and perhaps some Low Pass .... if in doubt leave the Low Pass for now.

What Db level should we should for so we don't run out of headroom?

simple
NO red lights on the recording software and generally leave the channel software faders at 0 dB.

just keep it simple and I'm sure the next fellow can make something from it.

clean signal lines and look for bad noises like hum and strange echos from walls etc ... and background noise ...
then just play the song
make it feel like your song and don't focus on little bits of EQ and production crap that you don't know enough about

just play your song ... your way

and enjoy it

[Massive Mastering]

I would try to keep your PEAKS below -6dBfs and stay in 24-bit, using as little processing as possible.

If something *needs* EQ, try to change it at the source.

[FIMseth]

It always starts with the instrument. Make sure you change your guitar strings, check the intonation, put new heads on the drums and tune them correctly, warm-up your vocals, all that good stuff. If you take the time to do this your more likely to not even need EQ.

[Queesan]

This is a great site. This was my first post. I really appreciate the feedback! We can't wait to get into 'record mode'. If you can think of any other ideas, please post them.

-Chris

[lwilliam]

Rehearse, rehearse, rehearse...don't spend the studio time working out the final arrangement.

Try recording to a cassette player or even a boom box with a simple stereo mic if you can. Listen back to see where the band could be tighter, where the arrangement could be tweaked - ignore sound quality for this - just use it for your final polish on the arrangement.

The other benefit of recording to a boom box is that you get a pre-cursor to the old "red light syndrome" where people tend to play differently once they know the recording light is on.