Pre-tracking. This is where you rehearse. A lot. Maybe with a metronome, and/or without the vocals, if that’s how you want to record the initial tracks. Also get your instruments in tip-top shape.
Tracking. Often rhythm tracks are recorded first, then vocals and solos are overdubbed. Most mistakes can be fixed.
Editing. You may like the basic rhythm from the first take, but want to use the guitar solo from the third take. And so on. This is where we put together all the best parts.
Mixing. Here we add effects (reverb, e.q., etc.) and
balance all the volumes.
Mastering. The last stage (before reproduction) is to make all the songs sound good together as one project,
including putting them in order, etc.
Reproduction. Once ‘the baby is born’, you need to send it, with the artwork, to the reproduction plant, or to iTunes, etc.