The Beatles Recording Techniques - Recreating the classic EMI Recording Studios sound in your home studioS

a captivating journey through the secrets that transformed the sound of the 1960s and beyond

Unlock the mysteries behind the pop music that defined an era. With this meticulously researched and expertly compiled guide, you'll gain an intimate understanding of the innovative recording and mixing techniques that EMI's groundbreaking engineers pioneered. Dive deep into their creative process and harness the same methodologies to shape your own musical masterpieces.

The Sounds and Tools That Shaped a Generation

Explore the legendary EMI Recording Studios (later known as Abbey Road Studios) tool kit: the equipment that gave birth to the iconic EMI sound, and their contemporary emulations. Consoles, outboard processing, effects and microphones - it's all here.

The EMI Blueprint In Your DAW

Uncover the fundamental signal routing for sessions at EMI using both the REDD and TG consoles and how to recreate them in your DAW.

The Engineer's Art

We dissect the recording principals and practises of George Martin, Norman Smith, Geoff Emerick, Ken Scott and Glyn Johns that defined The Beatles' success, whether recording to mono, twin-track, four-track or eight-track. Explore the signature sounds of The Beatles in each era of their work, including lessons you can apply to your own creativity.

Innovative Production and Recording Techniques

Gain insights into how the team at EMI approached the recording of every type of instrument and amplifier, including the use of effects, tape loops, and pioneering recording methods. .

Mixing and Mastering Secrets

Learn the fundamentals of creating authentic sonic landscapes that capture the spirit of EMI Recording Studios.

More Than A History Lesson

The Beatles' Recording Techniques is more than a history lesson; it's a practical guide for the modern musician and audio professional. The knowledge contained within these pages will empower you to replicate the distinctive EMI sound while encouraging innovation and creativity in your own music.

Whether you're a seasoned music professional, an aspiring engineer, or a curious fan, this book will be your key to unlocking the secrets of the EMI Recording Studios sound. Embrace the techniques that shaped the music of the 1960s and breathe new life into your own music today.

Book Features

The Beatles' Recording Techniques is filled with information to help you clearly understand how to bring the sounds of EMI Recording Studios to life in your home studio.

The EMI Recording Studios Toolkit

The core requirements you’ll need for your studio, including the tools EMI used, and what you can use in order to emulate their classic sound, signal chain, and workflow.

EMI Recording Studios in your DAW

Learn the basic functionality and signal flow of the REDD and TG consoles used at EMI Recording Studios in The Beatles’ era and how to recreate the workflow associated with the specific console’s use in the studio within your DAW by creating template sessions using both premium and stock plugins.

Emulating EMI Recording Studios practises

Learn all about the methods with which The Beatles and other EMI artists recorded in the 1960s and how to approach and use your modern toolkit to get some of that same vibe in your productions.

Recording methods

Learn about the “keys” to the sound of each specific era of The Beatles’ work; the studio techniques they were employing, and instrument combinations that shaped the sound of particular songs and albums.

Miking and recording techniques

Explore the specific miking and recording techniques for instruments, amplifiers, and vocals through each of the different eras of recording at EMI.

Mixing and Mastering

Learn the keys to The Beatles' mixed sound and how to approach mono mixing, stereo mixing and the fundamentals behind mastering your tracks for release.

about the author

Jerry Hammack is the author of the five-volume series, The Beatles Recording Reference Manuals. Each volume has been an Amazon #1 bestseller in both the US and UK, and volumes 1 and 3 were nominated for Excellence in Historical Recorded Sound by The Association for Recorded Sound Collections (ARSC). All five volumes are part of the permanent collection of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Library and Archive. He has dedicated over 35 years to the musical arts and is uniquely qualified to sort out the story of The Beatles’ recordings. Jerry is also the co-author with Warren Huart of Home Studio Recording: The Complete Guide, another Amazon #1 best seller, teaching the fundamentals of home studio set-up, producing, recording, mixing and mastering.