Click-trak (sp?)

James Cann · Post by **James Cann** » 2 Oct 2006 8:46 pm

I asked this once before but now can't find the post. I've heard the term often, but I don't know: what is it in the recording scenario?

Leon Grizzard · Post by **Leon Grizzard** » 3 Oct 2006 4:20 am

Generally just a steady tap tap tap like a metronome to give the musicians a tempo to play against.

Will Holtz · Post by **Will Holtz** » 3 Oct 2006 6:48 am

As Leon said, it is metronome like. I just wanted to add that usually the click-track is actually recorded onto one of the tracks of a multi-track recording setup, so that the exact same timing can be recalled for overdubs or other edits. Also, sometimes a more complex sound than a simple tap-tap is used, such as a kick/snare or snare/high-hat pattern from a midi sequencer.

James Cann · Post by **James Cann** » 3 Oct 2006 5:25 pm

Thanks for the clarification, gents. I don't know why, but this always struck me as a complex concept--you know, some wierd, sophisticated electronic whizbang that did what a metronome or high-hat tick-off would do.

Cheers!

Rick Johnson · Post by **Rick Johnson** » 4 Oct 2006 4:08 am

James
I do some bass guitar work.
The click track is in my headset
and keeps everything tight.
It takes concentration to play,
especially for the drummer.

Rick
www.rickjohnsoncabs.com

Russ Wever · Post by **Russ Wever** » 4 Oct 2006 9:47 am

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>It takes concentration to play,
especially for the drummer.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Amen !

[This message was edited by Russ Wever on 04 October 2006 at 10:48 AM.]

Mark van Allen · Post by **Mark van Allen** » 4 Oct 2006 10:27 am

In the "old days" a simple drum machine pattern was used, often something like a cowbell on the "One", and high hat or clave on the 2,3,and 4... a simple metronomic "click,click,click" is annoying and a bit hard to lock with for most players.
Today's recording software, like ProTools, usually has a click generator built in, but they still sound quite mechanical, and most performers prefer a looped percussion track to play to. You can find a one or two measure loop, and simply cut and paste, or hit the length extender key, to fill the song.
When using software, the click can easily be sequenced to the internal grid lines in the software program, and this greatly simplifies "pocketing" the various tracks to tighten up the (hopefully occasional) drifts in meter and groove. One of the most useful things about modern computer recording is this ability to tighten up a rhythm track.
One thing to watch- don't play any kind of click, but especially a mechanical metronomic thing, so loud in the headphones that you get bleed onto your recorded tracks. Tricky with drummers who need to hear the click over their own bashings.