Instrument & Band Tracking
Capturing the raw energy of a live ensemble with precision engineering. Our Adelaide studio provides the space and acoustic treatment necessary for full-band sessions where synergy and timing are paramount.
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Recording a full band is an art of balance. Unlike solo tracking, band tracking requires a sophisticated understanding of bleed, phase coherence, and the physical interaction between musicians. At Yahasehonoperations, we provide a dedicated 120 m² facility designed to let your group breathe and perform naturally, ensuring that the final recording retains the organic feel of a live performance while meeting modern sonic standards.
Our approach to ensemble recording focuses on the intersection of technical accuracy and creative freedom. By utilizing a spacious live room and a strategic array of large-diaphragm condenser microphones and treated bass traps, we isolate instruments effectively without sacrificing the shared energy of the room. Whether you are tracking a jazz quartet, a rock ensemble, or a cinematic orchestral group, our infrastructure is built to handle up to 6 musicians simultaneously.
Pre-Session Mapping
We coordinate with your band leader to map out the instrument layout, mic requirements, and the specific sonic goals for the session to ensure zero wasted time upon arrival.
Acoustic Set-up
Our engineers arrange the live room, positioning bass traps and baffles to manage bleed while maintaining the natural resonance of the instruments.
Live Tracking
The band performs as a unit. We capture the core rhythm section and melodic leads simultaneously, focusing on the "golden take" that captures the group's chemistry.
Session Review
Before leaving the studio, we conduct a playback of the primary takes to ensure the levels and performances meet the band's expectations.
Who is this service for?
Band tracking is specifically designed for groups that rely on collective timing and mutual cues. It is the ideal choice for rock, funk, jazz, and indie bands who find that recording instruments one by one results in a sterile, mechanical sound. It is also suited for composers working with small ensembles or session musicians who need to capture a cohesive rhythmic foundation for a project.
If your project requires the "human element"—the slight pushes and pulls in tempo that occur when musicians react to each other in real-time—this is the correct path. We cater to both established acts looking for a polished album sound and emerging groups needing a professional demo that accurately represents their live capability.
How the recording process works
The process begins with the physical arrangement of the room. Unlike vocal recording, band tracking involves managing multiple sound sources in one space. We use a combination of close-miking for definition and room-miking to capture the natural ambience of our 120 m² studio. Each musician is provided with a balanced monitor mix, allowing them to hear themselves and their bandmates clearly without causing feedback.
Our engineers act as facilitators, managing the signal flow through our control room while the musicians focus on the performance. We prioritise the rhythm section (drums and bass) as the anchor of the recording, ensuring these elements are locked in before layering additional instruments. This method reduces the need for extensive editing later in the production phase.
What the client needs to prepare
To maximise the efficiency of a full-day session, preparation is critical. We expect the band to have rehearsed the arrangements to a level where they can perform the tracks with minimal errors. While we allow for creative exploration, the primary goals should be established before entering the studio.
Musicians should bring their own instruments in top condition. For drummers, we recommend having a variety of snare wires or cymbal options if they wish to experiment with tone. All members should be aware of the session schedule and the specific tracks to be recorded. We also suggest reviewing our guide on planning your studio budget to ensure all logistical needs are covered.
What you receive upon completion
At the end of the tracking phase, you will receive the raw, high-resolution audio files. These are delivered as multi-track stems in WAV format, typically at 24-bit or 32-bit depth and 48kHz or 96kHz sampling rates, depending on the project requirements.
You will receive a structured folder containing every single microphone input used during the session. This allows for total flexibility during the subsequent mixing stage, whether that happens at Yahasehonoperations or another facility. We provide these files via a secure digital transfer, ensuring no loss in audio quality.
Project timelines and delivery
A standard band tracking session is typically booked as a full day. This allows for setup, soundcheck, and the recording of several songs. The turnaround for the delivery of the raw multi-track files is usually within 48 hours following the session, once the engineer has organised the stems and performed basic clip cleaning.
If the project involves multiple days of tracking, we establish a delivery schedule for each block of songs. Please note that tracking is a distinct phase from mixing and mastering; the files delivered at this stage are unmixed raw recordings.
What is NOT included
It is important to clarify the boundaries of the tracking service to avoid misunderstandings. Instrument & Band Tracking does not include the final mixing or mastering of the songs. Those are separate services with their own pricing and timelines, as detailed on our services hub.
Additionally, the service does not include the provision of instruments (unless previously agreed upon as a special rental), instrument tuning, or songwriting/arrangement services. We provide the space, the engineering expertise, and the high-end capture technology; the musical content is the responsibility of the client.
Pricing and GST calculation
Our pricing for band tracking is based on a daily rate to account for the extensive setup and teardown time required for multiple instruments. The price is inclusive of the studio engineer's time and the use of all in-house microphones and acoustic treatment.
In accordance with Australian law, all our prices are subject to the Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 10%. When you receive your invoice, you will see the base price (ex GST) and the final amount (inc GST). This ensures transparency for both private artists and registered businesses who may be claiming GST credits.
What is included in the session:
- Full access to the 120 m² Live Room and Control Room.
- Professional engineering by a Tracking Specialist.
- Deployment of large-diaphragm condenser microphones and specialised instrument mics.
- Custom monitor mixes for up to 6 musicians.
- Use of studio-grade bass traps and acoustic baffles.
- High-resolution multi-track recording (WAV).
- Digital delivery of all raw stems.
| Service Level | Duration | Price (ex GST) | Price (inc GST) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Day Session | 1 Day | A$772.73 | A$850.00 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can we record more than 6 people at once?
Our current acoustic layout and monitoring system are optimised for up to 6 musicians. For larger ensembles, we recommend a "layered" recording approach where the rhythm section is tracked first, followed by overdubbing of additional instruments to maintain audio quality and room control.
Do you provide the instruments?
We provide the recording infrastructure, microphones, and monitoring. Musicians are expected to bring their own instruments. If you have specific requirements for a backline, please contact us during the booking process to see if we can accommodate the request.
What happens if we need to cancel our session?
As per our terms and conditions, we require a 25% deposit to secure the date. Cancellations made at least 3 days prior to the session are eligible for a full refund of the deposit. Cancellations within this window may result in the forfeiture of the deposit.
Will the tracks be mixed before we leave?
No, the tracking session is focused on capturing the performance. While we provide a balanced monitor mix for the musicians and a rough playback, professional mixing is a separate process. You can book our Mixing & Mastering service to complete your track.
Ready to capture your band's sound in a professional environment? Contact us today to discuss your project and check availability for our live room.
Enquire About Tracking