Guinea Pig

There are pros and cons to being a Guinea pig in the studio. If you’re thinking about offering yourself up as a subject of experimentation so that new recording systems and equipment can be tested please think on these things before volunteering:

1- You may have to endure hours and hours of ennui as nothing works the way it’s “supposed to” and nothing is accomplished. So much for “free studio time” for your project.

2- Pack a lunch or dinner because most engineers and producers forget to eat “real food”.

3- Bring a book, iPod, Blackberry or whatever else you can think of to entertain yourself during those long, endless hours of nothingness.

4- Consider alternative career paths (just kidding!).

5- You may learn a thing or two about cutting edge studio technology.

6- You may get lucky and come away with an amazing new track (utilizing the latest bells and whistles) that allows you to shine and stand out in some way.

7- Studio professionals may remember your kind and patient ways and reward you in the future for your sweat equity.

8- If all else fails there’s always Rigo Janci (refer to “I like What I’m Hearing”).

Finally, if you do decide to act as a Guinea pig remember to bring a pair of shades with you because you will emerge from the studio into the bright sunlight again, regardless of how it all turns out.