The Book

"From Demo to Delivery: The Process of Production" tracks the production process of a recording from the earliest stages through to distribution. Updated chapters from other Focal Press books have been placed alongside new material to bring a solid guide to the process of produciton. Here' we take a look at each chapter in brief:

  • Introduction: Demo To Delivery:The Process of Production (by Russ Hepworth-Sawyer) A short introduction to the philosophy of the publication by Russ Hepworth-Sawyer

    SECTION A : Preparation

  • Song Production: The Marriage between Composition and Audio Production (by Danny Cope) This chapter covers the composition process and the marriage between song writing and song production. Do production decisions start at this stage and when do they manifest themselves?

  • Pre-Production (by Russ Hepworth-Sawyer) discusses the art and necessity of pre-produciton covering session preparation, management and rehearsals.

  • Listening Frameworks for Analysis (by Russ Hepworth-Sawyer)

  • Capturing, Shaping and Creating the Performance: The Engineer's Role in the Process Ahead (by William Moylan) In this chapter, William Moylan looks at the role of the engineer, their skills and techniques.


    SECTION B : The Sessions

  • The Recording Session (by David Miles Huber and Robert Runstein) In this chapter, the recording session is demystified. Readers learn about the process of the recording session and what should take place.

  • The Mix Session (by Roey Izhaki)

  • "What's Going On?" : The Process of Mixing (by Roey Izhaki) This chapter explains what might happen in a typical mix session. The process of mixing is covered discussing how the music goes from raw multi track takes to a mix and the milestones within.

  • What is Mastering? (by Russ Hepworth-Sawyer) Mastering is said to be a 'dark art' of engineering. In this chapter, mastering is introduced and prominent mastering engineer, Ray Staff contributes his thoughts to what mastering is and the current issues faced.

  • Mastering: Equalizing the Album (by Bob Katz) Equalization is an important part of the mastering engineer's aresenal. In this chapter, Bob Katz speaks of the differing types of EQ, and how they can be used.

  • Mastering: Dynamic Range (by Bob Katz) Dynamic Range and its manipulation can be a vital part of the mastering process. This chapter and the next, Bob Katz looks at dynamics processing and its use.

  • Mastering: Macrodynamics & Dynamic Manipulation (by Bob Katz)

  • Mastering: Putting The Album Together (By Bob Katz) Ordering an album can be one thing, but often the pieces don't quite fit. Here, Bob Katz explains how the album can be organised in such a way that it will flow.


    SECTION C : To Market

  • Product Manufacture (by David Huber & Robert Runstein) This chapter discusses how the physical products such as CD and vinyl are pressed.

  • Publicity & Radio Promotion (by Paul Allen) Radio Promotion and Publicity can help make or break a record. In this chapter Paul Allen reveals the tools of the promotion trade.

  • Music Distribution & Retail (by Amy Macy) At the end of the process comes distibution and retail. Amy Macy discusses digital and traditional distribution methods used, promotion and the revenue generated.


    SECTION D: Doing It Yourself?

  • The DIY Approach (by Russ Hepworth-Sawyer) Many more musicians are beginning to record and mix in the comfort of their own home studios. This chapter informs the reader of some essential considerations when beginning to record and mix. This chapter offers plenty of signposts to other resources where more detailed information can be sourced.

  • The Recording Process - A Guide (by Bruce and Jenny Bartlett) This chapter discusses the methods by which recording can take place and some of the techniques that could be employed.

  • Evaluating Sound Quality (by Bruce and Jenny Bartlett) Understanding what causes a particular unwanted noise or sound can be very frustrating when you're not a sound engineer. This chapter offers some ideas as to why recording suffer from poor sound quality. Some excellent hints are offered to remedy the situation.

  • Hints and Tips (Craig Golding with Russ Hepworth-Sawyer) Closing Demo To Delivery is a short chapter by Craig Golding discussing some important hints and tips of the production process. These hints and tips and others can be seen on the Hints & Tips page.