Overdub & Comp (Composite Audio Track) Overdubs An overdub is a recording technique used in the studio that allows artists and musicians to record parts "over" previously recorded parts or takes (attempts). This technique allows artists and musicians to create different recorded performances without affecting any earlier recorded parts or performances in the recording. Comps (Composite Track) The term comp is short for composite. When you make multiple overdubs or takes of the same part, but on different tracks in the studio, a composite track of the best of these overdub tracks is sometimes needed. This new single edited performance track is called a "comp". This will usually require the producer and the engineer to have a great ear and technical ability to assemble these "best of" parts, all so that the finished comp is not only the best overdubs, but it is also a consistent "sounding" track of the performance. For example: A producer may have an artist go into the studio and record the performance three different times, on 3 different tracks. Later on, the producer and engineer will sit and make a new best of track, from the best sections of the first 3 tracks. If this new "comp" track was done correctly, the sound and performance when recording digital like Pro Tools, or even on analog tape will be consistent in tone, performance, quality, and feel.