With the academic year back in full swing, most college groups have made plans to hit the studio again.  Many of these groups have planned well and have already put in some recording time, positioning themselves nicely to beat the "spring rush".  As the recording schedule starts to heat up each year, I'm often asked, "What can we do to make a CD that's as good as (insert "top tier" group here)?".  I've been helping vocal groups record for over a decade, and in that time I've had a chance to observe a number of factors, both good and bad, that can influence the success of a recording session and, ultimately, the entire project.  There are any number of ways to improve the recording process, but with the recession in full swing now, I'm going to focus on basic principles that cost no money and in fact can save your group thousands of dollars.  It's time to get Back to Basics!