How Tempo Maps and Scratch Tracks Enhance Your Drum Recording

At Sheboygan Recording, we specialize in capturing incredible drum performances. To help make the drum recording process smoother, more natural, and more precise, we provide two special services: tempo maps and scratch tracks.

sheboygan recording drummer sitting at drum set

Tempo Maps

A tempo map is a click track (i.e. metronome) custom-built for your song. It matches the tempo changes and time-signature changes of your song. Tempo maps are useful when recording songs that have difficult or non-specific tempo changes or breaks. They can include cues and references to allow everyone to play tightly with the song. It's a great way to ensure that transitions, interludes, and fills are spot on and consistent. By using a tempo map, we can give your drum recordings the perfect timing they need to lay the foundation for the rest of the instruments during your studio session.

Scratch Tracks

Scratch tracks are rough recordings of other instruments and vocals used as a guide for drummers (or other musicians) during the recording process. These tracks let drummers feel the song’s energy and structure, allowing for more natural and expressive performances.

Scratch tracks are done with your engineer days or weeks prior to the actual recording session to give the drummer time to practice with the scratch tracks. Scratch tracks usually include a click track so the drummer can also keep perfect time while hearing the music or vocals they need to execute their parts confidently.

Scratch tracks take only a few minutes per song and do not require the whole band to be in the studio, although the band may attend if desired. Discuss with your bandmates and your engineer what you need for scratch tracks when you're preparing for your recording session.

Awesome Drum Recordings

By utilizing tempo maps and scratch tracks, Sheboygan Recording helps you get a more polished and professional drum recording for the ultimate finished product.

Just ask and we will create any needed tempo maps and scratch tracks for your projects at our studio.