1. What does a typical recording session look like?
2. How can I prepare before coming to the studio?
3. How does the pricing work?
4. What is Tracking, Mix-prep, Mixing, and Mastering?
5. What is a Revision?
6. How can I put my song on streaming services like Spotify, Apple, Tidal, Etc?
7. What if I need help with my song (additional musicians, guidance, etc)?
1. What does a typical recording session look like?
We like to spend the first half hour meeting with you, discussing the song, and making sure the tempo and key of the song is correct. We will chart out the entire song together. This means we are analyzing all the pieces (intro, verse, chorus, etc.), how it will start and end, and any other important details. We will then set up the appropriate microphones for your vocals and instruments and will work with you to record everything. Its important to remember that we are here to assist you during the entire process and make suggestions on how everything can be improved.
2. How can I prepare before coming to the studio?
Before you come to the studio, you should have a basic idea of how your song goes from start to finish. If needed, we can assist with anything we notice that might improve the song.
If you have decided on a BPM, which is the Tempo of that song, it helps to download a metronome app on your phone so you can practice the weeks leading up to recording to that specific tempo. The reason this is important is that once you get to the studio put headphones on, and play to a click track (metronome in your headphones) it might feel strange or out of place. If you practice to this beforehand, you will be more prepared to come in and nail the performance. Drummers who are not used to playing to a click track in headphones will find this most helpful. They can easily download a metronome app and practice with headphones to the click, and come prepared.
Singers should get proper sleep beforehand and be careful of any substances that might make the recording process more difficult. Being properly hydrated days leading up to recording is also important.
3. How does the pricing work?
We have 5 main session types:
1. Solo Artist – Vocals + Instrument
This is where an artist wants to record their instrument and vocals and some harmonies if needed. This is typically up to three hours of tracking (recording), an hour of mix-prep, and then a few hours of mixing. This includes 2 mix revisions after the final mix.
Price: $450
2. Solo Artist – Vocals + Full Production
Same as above but extra tracks are created by house engineer Jordan Barnett in order to make the song more complete. This might include adding drums, bass, keys, percussions, and anything else to bring the song home. This is typically up to 7 hours of tracking (recording), two hours of mix-prep, and then a few hours of mixing. This includes 2 mix revisions after the final mix.
Price: $750
3. Band – Full Production
This type of session usually includes a vocalist, drummer, bassist, guitar player, and sometimes a keyboard player. Extra time and attention is given to each member of the band and their respective pieces of gear they are bringing in. This means that we analyze the way that gear is sounding and suggest appropriate modifications. Then, will choose appropriate microphones to capture those unique sounds. This process takes time but the reward, in the end, is very satisfying. We try to be diplomatic and want to spend the time to allow each member to get their recordings right. This is typically up to 10 hours of tracking (recording), 3-4 hours of mix-prep, and then a few hours of mixing. This includes 2 mix revisions after the final mix.
Price: $1250
4. What is Tracking, Mix-prep, Mixing, and Mastering?
• Tracking is the actual recording of the instruments. This could be a singer singing into a microphone or someone recording a keyboard or a guitar through an amp. It is the process where we record all the separate instruments and vocals.
• Mix-prep is done after tracking has been completed and everyone agrees that nothing else needs to be recorded or added. Then, the house engineer will go through and clean up the tracks. Preparing the session for the final mix could involve many different specialized processes. Some examples are subtle vocal tuning and comping, vocal sibilance, breath correction, and phase issues with drums or multi-microphone setups processed for maximum sound quality.
• Mixing is the process of treating each track with special tools such as EQ, Compression, Effects, and Saturation and then combining all the tracks to work together. Once the Mix Enginner feels all the different pieces are working together properly the song is then bounced down into one single stereo .wav file. The artist will then listen to it and make any revision notes. This is also the file you would then use to upload for streaming or to send to a Mastering Engineer.
• Mastering
Mastering is the final, crucial step in music production before your work is shared with listeners. Without mastering, your music might not meet professional standards, potentially sounding flawed due to technical defects. It’s your last chance to ensure your music sounds its best across all playback systems, involving careful listening, quality control, fine-tuning, and correction of recording issues by a seasoned Mastering Engineer. These professionals bring an unbiased, expert perspective, having analyzed thousands of mixes in acoustically treated environments, ensuring your music is polished for release on any format, whether vinyl, CD, or digital platforms.
Through mastering, each track is treated individually while considering the album’s collective sound. Techniques like equalization, compression, and limiting are used to make sure tracks mesh well together, even if recorded under different conditions. If your mixes are already strong, mastering might involve minimal alterations; otherwise, significant effort is made to enhance underperforming tracks to their best potential. This phase also includes final musical edits, setting track orders, applying fades, and inputting digital metadata like CD text and ISRC codes.
By employing an experienced mastering engineer, you ensure your music benefits from professional oversight. This step can significantly elevate the sound quality of your work, making the difference between a good song and a professionally polished piece ready for the world to hear.