Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: How long will it take us to record 3 (5, 7, 11, etc...) songs?

A: This is a very hard question to answer, because every band is different, and to a large extent how long it takes you is based on how well practiced you are, and how much needs to be done to each song. For example; one band recently recorded and mixed an LP in less than 8 hours, and on the other hand, I've had bands spend more than a day on a single song. In order for me to give you a rough estimate it is best to let me know the average length of the songs, and how many tracks of different instruments you plan to put on them (vocals included). I would suggest trying to go for what you feel is a reasonable goal. It's always better to have extra time, rather then feeling rushed, affect the outcome of every song.

Q: What should we bring to record?

A: You should bring everything (drums, amps, guitars, pedals, extra strings, picks, etc....) you would normally need to practice or play a show (except for a P.A.).

Q: Our amps/drums are broken/suck, do you have any we can use? / We don't have amps or drums, do you have any we can use?

A: The studio does have drum parts, amplifiers, and speaker cabinets available should you need them. If you will need to borrow something, please let me know in advance so that I can make sure that it is here, and can have it set up for you when you arrive. Also, any details would help, i.e. if the amp needs channel switching, how much gain you need, if you use pedals, etc.....

Q: Is it cool if a few friends come along to hang out while we record? They won't get in the way.

A: Bringing a friend can be cool, and can help ease the tension of a recording session, but there are a couple of things to keep in mind. The studio is not that large and can feel crowded and noisy very easily, which can make it hard to work for many reasons. Because of this, effective immediately, there will be an additional hourly charge, per person, if more than 5 people are present. If you feel you should be an exception to this rule (there are 6 members in the band, or you need a couple of people to do some quick backups) please get in touch about it beforehand.

Q: Are there any additional charges when doing to $200 one-day demo deal?

A: No. If you spend less than 8 hours on your demo it will actually end up being cheaper than $200, but it will never be more as long as you finish in a single day.

Q: What is the difference in rate between doing a demo, or doing an album?

A: My rate is always $20 an hour, regardless of whether or not the recording is for a demo or album (the one-day demo deal is the only exception). The price difference that can exist between the two though is related to the amount of time/care taken with the recording. Depending on how far you wish to take it, fine tuning your instruments sounds, and making sure you got the right take is where extra time (and therefor money) will be spent. Also, for bigger projects it's recommended to mix on a seperate day, so everyone has fresh ears and has a clearer concept of what needs to be acheived with the recording.

Q: What is the best way for us to bring samples for our recording?

A: CDs are by far the easiest format for me to deal with for samples, but others may work as well. If you cannot bring your samples on a CD please contact me before hand so we can work out the details.

Q: Will we record everything seperate or will we play together?

A: Both ways are possible, and both have their benefits. Most bands record all of their instruments live, and then add vocals/overdubs as needed. This tends to be a faster, and easier way to work for many people, and therefor makes sense for most demo recordings, as well as for albums. It is possible to just track drums, or drums and another instrument with scratch tracks as well. This process usually works well if you want to be very critical of each piece you are putting together, and if you want maximum seperation (although very good seperation can be achieved through live performances as well). If you have any further questions about this, please let me know. Unless stated beforehand, I assume bands will be recording everything live and set up accordingly.

Q: Do you have any experience recording acoustic instruments and/or singer/songwriters?

A: Yes, I have done a number of such projects and am always happy to do them again, although it is true, most of what I record are full bands.

Q: How long have you been recording?

A: The current studio has been functional since November 2000. Before that I had recorded occasionally at various facilities for several years, but not to the extent that I do now.

Q: Do you do CD duplication, or can you recommend a place that does?

A: No, I do not do duplication, nor have I ever worked with any small-scale companies that I could recommend. I can burn up to 5 copies at the end of a session for members of the band though.

Q: Where can we crash at night while we're recording?

A: Unfortunately I can't put bands up for the night while they are recording. Umass has a decent list of local hotels/motels that is pretty informative, although I do not know how up-to-date it is.

Q: Is it cool if we bring a few beers, etc... into the studio?

A: There is a no alcohol/drugs policy in the studio. Food/beverage is permitted.

Q: Do you take credit cards or personal checks? / When should we pay you?

A: No, I do not take credit cards, although I have been paid via Paypal in the past, which is ok (there is an additional 3% charge), but please contact me ahead of time if you are thinking of using Paypal. In general, I prefer cash, but will take the occasional check. At the end of every session (day) payment is due so there is no confusion, or books to keep up with. If this is a problem please let me know.

Q: What's your address?

A: I am always happy to provide bands with directions after a session has been booked, but I do not give out my address for a couple of reasons. (1) Mapquest and other such sites give incorrect directions to the studio, and therefor will only serve to get you lost. (2) Our street does not have a street sign on it, so, really, an address can do you no good.

Q: Do you do mastering? / Do we need to get our recording mastered? / etc.

A: I do not do mastering. I can make your recordings fairly loud, and sequence them for you, but it does not compare to an actual mastering session. If you are just doing a demo, then there is probably no reason to have the expense of having it mastered somewhere. However, if you're recording for an album, it might be the finishing touch on the process that you're looking for. If you have more questions about what mastering is, I suggest you look here.