Services
Recording sessions
Studio recording sessions are all about capturing great performances.
What to expect
If you're new to studio recording, things can seem a little daunting. Before coming into the studio for your session we'll discuss your objectives and the instruments being used. I'll come up with a recording plan that addresses things such as:
- use of the studio drum kit or an external kit.
- how many headphones are needed.
- what will be recorded live and what will be overdubbed.
- any MIDI sequencing or synchronization.
By taking the time to plan out the session, more of your session time can be spent recording music and less time setting up.
Mixing
Mixing is all about taking the recorded material and making it seamless in terms of the dynamics, tone and spatial placement of the parts. Mixing is both a technical and an artistic process. Typically, I'll do a full mix on my own and send it to the artist for feedback. This feedback will inform decisions for a second and possibly third mix. If necessary, the artist may come into the studio for a final mix.
Mastering
Mastering is the process of taking the mixes, polishing the sound, and making various songs of a production fit together well. It involves final EQ and Compression, volume adjustments, and adding space or fades between tracks. The final media is also taken into consideration, such as mastering for a vinyl release.
The Mastering process is an art in itself. While I can put my take onto mastering a song, I prefer to send my mixes to be mastered by a dedicated specialist. If you want mastering services I can point you in the right direction, or arrange the service as part of the project.
Education
Another goal of the studio is to provide educational opportunities for youth who are interested in music and sound production. Access to quality recording facilities is rare.
I offer private lessons on music production, recording, MIDI and sound synthesis. By partnering with other studios in the area, and applying for government grants, I hope to also provide affordable opportunities for music students to gain these skills.
Session Musicians
One of the goals of my studio is to create community. Not everyone has a saxophone player, percussionist, or even lead guitarist at hand. By connecting with great local players and paying fairly for their services, I hope to provide both opportunities for musicians and solutions for clients.
Click below if you are interested in session work.
Rates
Rates are normally agreed upon in advance, based on the project. This provides flexibility for the client, and for adjustments based on the unique requirements of the recording sessions.
The rates below are for daily and hourly sessions where no project has been defined in advance.
Studio Day Rate
$500* per 6 hour day (typically 9 AM to 4 PM with 1 hour for lunch)
Studio Hourly Rate
$100* per hour (minimum two hours)
The studio rates include such things as tracking acoustic or electronic instruments, arranging, song production, and MIDI programming. It also includes use of any of the vintage and modern synthesizers, drum machines, basses, guitars and amplifiers.
Mixing Rate
$60* per hour
The mixing rate is typically for material recorded at Edgetone Studios. Typically about 3-4 hours for a 3-4 minute, full band production.
Education Rate
$60* per hour
Customized private lessons on audio engineering, recording, mixing, sound synthesis and MIDI. Private lessons include hands-on access to the studio equipment.
* plus GST