I’ve recorded in commercial studios. I prefer to hear a roll-back of the track, then I play at the punch-in point (or even play along before, if I like). I’ve never used a count-in as a cue to the punch-in point. I respect the request if someone wants one, but wonder how practical it is, since punch-ins don’t always occur right on beat one.


BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.