What is tracking?
Tracking refers to the process of recording individual parts of a song, often in isolation, for later mixing and mastering. This technique, which has been a staple of the recording industry for many years, allows for greater control over the final sound of a track, as each element can be tweaked and adjusted independently of the others.
Historical development of tracking
The concept of tracking in music has its roots in the early days of sound recording, when musicians would perform live in a studio and their performance would be captured on a single track of audio. This method, while effective for capturing a live performance, offered little in the way of post-production flexibility.
As technology advanced, the ability to record multiple tracks of audio simultaneously became a reality. This allowed for the separation of different instruments and vocals, which could then be mixed together in post-production to create the final sound. This was a revolutionary development in the music industry, as it allowed for a level of control over the final sound that was previously unimaginable.
Multi-track recording
The advent of multi-track recording marked a significant turning point in the history of music production. This technology allowed for the recording of multiple audio sources simultaneously, each on its own separate track. This meant that each element of a song could be recorded independently of the others, allowing for greater control over the final mix.
Multi-track recording also opened up new possibilities for creativity in the studio. Musicians could now experiment with overdubbing, where additional parts are recorded over the top of a basic track, and layering, where multiple performances of the same part are recorded to create a fuller sound. These techniques have since become staples of modern music production.
Development of tracking techniques
As multi-track recording became the norm, a variety of tracking techniques were developed to take advantage of this new technology. One such technique is "punching in," where a musician can start recording in the middle of a track to correct a mistake or add a new part. This technique allows for a level of precision in recording that was previously unattainable.
Another important development was the concept of "comping," short for composite recording. This involves recording multiple takes of a part and then selecting the best bits from each to create a composite take. This technique allows for a level of perfection in performance that would be virtually impossible to achieve in a single take.
Equipment used in tracking
The equipment used in tracking has evolved significantly over the years, from the early days of single-track tape machines to the modern digital audio workstations (DAWs) of today. Despite these technological advancements, the basic principles of tracking remain the same.
At its most basic, tracking requires a sound source (such as a musical instrument or vocal), a microphone to capture the sound, and a recording device to store the audio. In a modern studio, this recording device is typically a computer running a DAW, which allows for the recording, editing, and mixing of multiple tracks of audio.
