The "Billie Jean" multitrack containing 39 tracks is a legendary look into the Acusonic Recording Process . Developed by engineer Bruce Swedien, this technique allowed for a nearly limitless track count by synchronizing multiple 24-track tape machines.
Here is an exploration of the unique elements found within these layers: The "Sonic Personality" of the Drums Michael Jackson - Billie Jean [Multitrack] - 39...
: They collectively agreed that the second mix captured the original magic and energy better than any subsequent attempt, making it the version released on Thriller . Key Instrumental Layers The "Billie Jean" multitrack containing 39 tracks is
: For the vocal overdubs, Swedien had Michael Jackson sing through a six-foot-long cardboard tube to create a specific acoustic distance and texture. Key Instrumental Layers : For the vocal overdubs,
: Swedien was instructed by producer Quincy Jones to create a "sonic personality" for the drums that had never been heard before. To achieve this, he built a custom wooden platform for the drum kit and placed a flat piece of wood between the snare and hi-hat to isolate the sounds.