Multi-Track Music recording/mixing 72 track digital, 72 channel automated mixing.

Foreground's studio complex is fully equipped, and we are able to take an entire album project from conception, to finished CDs and/or CD-ROMs. Our multi-track control room is a finely tuned machine. Based on years of experience, our control room is designed and wired for the engineer's needs to maximize efficiency and ergonomics, the result being the seamless integration of all facets of sound production.

A typical multi-track recording session begins with the band's rhythm section (bass, drums, guitar, and keyboard) playing while a guide vocal track is recorded at the same time. Once the rhythms of all the songs are recorded, the next step is to overdub the lead vocals. After the rhythms and vocals are rendered, it is time to overdub the sweetening tracks (backup vocals, horns, keys, solos). The engineer's goal is to record each instrument or group of instruments on separate tracks of the 24 track. By separating each instrument, the tracks can be played back as they would sound during a live performance. Once all the tracks are recorded, it is time to Mix.

Mixing is the blending of audio elements that make up the final product. The first job of the mix engineer is to achieve the proper balance and blend of the various sounds. This balance usually requires constant adjustment throughout the song. The engineering process can be automated, aiding the mixing engineer by remembering the manual volume adjustments and then repeating the moves automatically. The tonal quality of each sound is adjusted through Equalization (tone control), while other signal processing devices (compressors, noise gates, etc.) are used to further shape the sound.

When all mixing is complete, the "original final mix" is usually recorded in 2 track (stereo) format on DAT or CD and is ready for editing and mastering.

5.1 Surround Sound

You'll be hearing a lot about 5.1, the surround sound that complements digital video. DVD, direct broadcast satellite, digital cable and the new digital broadcast channels all support 5.1 digital surround sound.

Why is 5.1 better? For starters, it has five discrete audio channels with 120dB dynamic range, 20-20kHz frequency response, stereo surround channels and a sixth channel dedicated to low frequencies. All of this means is that now your sound palette is unlimited. From the lowest to the highest, from a single point source to total envelopment, from the subtlest to the most intrusive, you can take your viewers inside the video experience in thrilling new ways.

Home theater sound systems are now one of the hottest-selling consumer products, and consumers can buy a playback system today that approaches movie-theater quality.