:: important stuff to help you and me :: BE PREPARED. obviously the more prepared you are, the quicker the process will go. which means less money you'll be spending on your final product. get in as much practice as possible in the weeks before recording. if possible, record a practice or two (even a one mic setup will work) and figure out what needs to be changed, backing vocal placement, guitar leads, etc. practice vocals with a stationary mic stand. spread out your drum kit. learn to play with your high-hat a little bit higher and further away from your snare, and with your cymbals higher than usual. this will help with mic placement, and will help when it comes to mixing the snare and toms. have a good time! for fu@k sake, it's music! BRING YOUR MONEY WITH YOU!