* Is it better for a band to record live or to overdub each part (track-by-track)?
This is a common question that's usually asked during an initial phone conversation or studio visit.
"Is it better for the entire band to set up and perform all (or most) of the parts at once or is it better to record one thing at a time and overdub each part?"
This is one of the great things about multi-track recording. It gives you a lot of options. Whichever direction you go it's still a multi-track recording. Each instrument or element is going to be on it's own track so you can always go back and fix things or add additional tracks at a later time. Your budget and schedule will probably determine which way to go. It takes longer to record a song track-by-track so that's something to consider. While it's in my best interest that you spend a lot of time here, I prefer that you leave here happy because there's a good chance you'll be back again. Also, it doesn't have to be one track at a time - you can record maybe two or three things simultaneously if you want. There are a lot of different ways to approach this.
I'll offer up some viewpoints and observations and let you decide.
* Performing as a group allows the musicians to "feed" off each other. Real-time visual and musical cues can help drive the song. And of course, you get a quicker indicator of how the song is going to sound as a final product. If you do things one track at a time, it's going to take longer to hear what the final product will sound like and if you're unhappy with the final product, you will have wasted a lot of time and energy for nothing. This is especially true if the arrangements haven't been fully developed. Bands will often go in and "demo" their songs first to make sure the arrangements are solid and then go back and re-record the songs one track at a time to achieve a better level of quality.
* Performing as a group allows a song to breathe and swing a bit more. I would consider that kind of important for certain styles of music such as blues or jazz.
* Performing as a group in the same room means that there will be a certain amount of bleed-through into the other microphones. How you position the mics and how you prep the room becomes more important in a case like this. Microphone bleed-through doesn't need to be a problem, however. If properly managed, it shouldn't be an issue at all. In fact, many big name producers use microphone bleed-through as a form of creative expression. Phil Spector's "wall of sound" production techniques back in the '60's and '70's were the direct result of mic bleed. He was a pioneer in that regard. We almost take his work for granted now.
* Recording a song one track at a time allows you to concentrate on each element, thereby making sure each element is as good as it can be. And, as mentioned in the previous point, there won't be any mic bleed issues to worry about.
* Recording a song one track at a time allows a band more flexibility in terms of scheduling sessions. Someone might have to work that day or be out of town. Not everyone has to be there in order to get work done.
* Recording as a group might be your only option if you have a limited budget or schedule.
I want to make a special comment about all this in regards to screaming thrash metal bands. Experience has shown me that it's better for a screaming thrash metal band to record mostly by overdubbing the parts. There are a lot of reasons for this and I suggest you call me beforehand to discuss the matter. I will explain all the reasons why I think it's better to record screaming thrash metal bands in smaller sections as opposed to everyone setting up and playing at the same time. If, after having discussed it, you still want to set up and record as a band, that's fine with me. I don't have an agenda to push here. It's simply a quality control issue.
I would approach it like this: if this is a simple demo, then the band should just set up and play the parts live. You'll get done quicker and the quality will still be good enough for the intended purpose. If you're going for radio airplay and world domination, then invest the extra time and care and do things one track at a time. The added polish will translate into better quality and that will give you an edge in the marketplace.
If you're going to record the parts, track by track, it's usually common to start with a basic rhythm part such as acoustic guitar or electric rhythm guitar or keyboard part or whatever. If you intend to add drums later, then it's almost mandatory that you record with a click track. A click track is nothing more than a timing or tempo reference for the entire song. Click tracks are generated in a variety of ways. Sonar comes equipped with a virtual metronome that allows you to create a click track using drum samples (like a hi-hat or snare hit). Performers usually have a preference as to the type of click sound they want to hear. Generally, I'll dedicate one entire track of the arrangement for the click track. This track becomes a reference for all the other tracks of audio that follow. Without a click track, performers will often have a hard time anticipating when the next downbeat occurs - especially during extended breaks in the song. I've seen cases where drummers will record their parts first, without any accompaniment. But it takes a skilled and seasoned drummer to pull this off. Usually, once the drums are recorded, the click track is no longer needed.
Playing to a click track seems to pose a problem for many players. It takes some serious concentration to "zone-in" on the click and keep your focus on the tempo while still trying to play with gusto and authority. Players will often times fall apart shortly after the song begins because they'll fall behind the click or speed up. It takes practice and discipline to play to a click track. The only thing I can suggest is that you take some time and practice to a metronome at home. It may sound dull, but you'll be surprised at how much better you'll play if you spend a little of your practice schedule working on tempo. Oddly, it's often the drummer that usually hates to play to a click track. You'd think these guys would insist on a stable reference but drummers hate being tied to a reference. Drummers will often times play in front of, or behind the beat to add swing to a song. Some people will simply want to hear only a few seconds of the click at the beginning of the song and let their natural rhythm take over after that. This seems to work pretty well for those who hate playing against a click track.