What is the recording process?
Once the files and payments are received, we both listen to the song and decide which exact instruments, microphones, setup, etc are going to sound the best. We then begin the tracking process paying close attention to both the performance and the audio. We will play through each song multiple times and often edit various parts together to create what we feel is the best possible performance of the song. A rough mix is then made and sent to you for review. After approval, we send you the individual tracks for each instrument, from each microphone. A combined stereo mix is also available for an additional $50.
What is the difference between individual tracks and a combined stereo mix?
Individual tracks are the sounds from each microphone. We send these out with no unnecessary effects, reverb, compression, etc. This allows you the flexibility to custom mix all of the instruments on your own.
A combined stereo mix gives you all of the tracks mixed, edited, panned, effected and grouped together. For example, rather than having 14 individual tracks of drums you will instead receive 1 stereo file ready to be placed in your song. For guitars, we would combine the layers and doubles into groups such as rhythm, lead, etc. This makes it quick and easy for you and also helps out if you are using a DAW where your tracks and voice count are limited such as Pro-Tools LE, etc. Due to the time it takes to set up these files there is an additional service charge of $50 per song.
How many drum tracks do you record?
A typical drum session consists of 14 individual tracks: Kick In, Kick Out, Snare Top, Snare Bottom, Tom 1, Tom 2, Tom 3, Hi Hat, Overhead Left, Overhead Right, Room Left, Room Right and Exterior Room. Sometimes we also include a "loop" mic which has a "lo-fi" room sound.
How do you record guitars?
Guitars are typically recorded with two separate microphones on the amplifier or cabinet. Each guitar, microphone and preamp used is subject to the sound we are trying to achieve. Often times we record the guitars through a high end direct input (D.I.) so we can provide the client with a clean file to load into one of their software based amp simulators and then we also "reamp" the sound into various amplifiers at our studio to find the best possible sound combination.
Acoustic guitars are recorded in the appropriate room of the studio to obtain the appropriate sound. A variety of high end condenser microphones are often used.
What do you need in the reference track?
Make sure the track starts at zero (00.00). Please do not print a click/metronome to the track unless necessary for complex tempo changes. Let us know the tempo/BPM (beats per minute) and we will create the click in our session. A stereo MP3 is preferred. It is also possible to send us a separate example mix of any exact parts you would like us to play.
The reference track can be a complete production minus what we are recording or just a rough sketch of the song's form. Having vocals in the mix is always a plus. It is extremely important to try to make the reference track as tight as possible. Double checking timing and tuning makes the recording process much cleaner, easier and quicker.
Do I need to provide sheet music or a lead sheet?
No, but it is always appreciated. If available, please send a PDF file of the chart when you email us the reference track.
Do you honor special requests?
We have a large inventory of gear available and all special requests are fulfilled to the best of our ability and at the lowest cost possible. Rental fees might apply and if so are the responsibility of the client.
Do you use other session musicians?
We pride ourselves on being a full service facility and being able to provide most of our tracking with just the two of us. If something is outside of our performance abilities we then utilize our incredible network of players in the Los Angeles area to perform on the song. This is done at no additional cost to the client. Our goal is always to provide the best sound and performance and sometimes that means we need to call the best person for the job.
Can I be in attendance for the session?
We often conduct our sessions in private though sometimes special arrangements can be made for you to attend the session either in person or via Skype.
How many revisions do I get for each song?
We have a policy of one revision with further reasonable revisions available. We want you to get the performance you are looking for so we are always willing to reasonably work with our clients until they're satisfied.
What DAW /Software do you use?
We prefer to work in Logic 9. We also have a Pro-Tools HD system as well as Digital Performer and other popular DAW platforms. The DAW the client is using essentially does not matter but we can accommodate pretty much all session types.
If you are working in a simpler programs such as Garageband, please let us know so we can provide you with final files/mixes that will be best for that software.
Can you mail me the tracks on DVD or CD?
Yes, but shipping costs are the client's responsibility
What is the recording process?
Once the files and payments are received, we both listen to the song and decide which exact instruments, microphones, setup, etc are going to sound the best. We then begin the tracking process paying close attention to both the performance and the audio. We will play through each song multiple times and often edit various parts together to create what we feel is the best possible performance of the song. A rough mix is then made and sent to you for review. After approval, we send you the individual tracks for each instrument, from each microphone. A combined stereo mix is also available for an additional $50.
What is the difference between individual tracks and a combined stereo mix?
Individual tracks are the sounds from each microphone. We send these out with no unnecessary effects, reverb, compression, etc. This allows you the flexibility to custom mix all of the instruments on your own.
A combined stereo mix gives you all of the tracks mixed, edited, panned, effected and grouped together. For example, rather than having 14 individual tracks of drums you will instead receive 1 stereo file ready to be placed in your song. For guitars, we would combine the layers and doubles into groups such as rhythm, lead, etc. This makes it quick and easy for you and also helps out if you are using a DAW where your tracks and voice count are limited such as Pro-Tools LE, etc. Due to the time it takes to set up these files there is an additional service charge of $50 per song.