Frequently Asked Questions:
+ I’m in a band trying to record a demo. How long will that take?
It depends upon the complexity of the songs. If you have a typical band (2 guitars, bass, drums, vocals), you can get about 4 songs completely recorded in 8 hours. Though we might get the songs recorded during your session, mixing and mastering the music will probably have to be done later, taking between 2-8 hours, depending upon how much work needs to be done. Those figures can change based on how exact a sound you are looking for or how many overdubs you added to the song. If you added a guitar solo, it will take slightly longer. If you kept changing guitar tones, it will take longer. If you recorded backup vocals. it will take longer. The main thing to save time, though, is just knowing the material before you get here. If you’re well rehearsed, things will turn out good. Also, a solid drummer will make things go considerably smoother.
+ What do we need to bring?
We have a lot of instruments on hand here. But, most of the time people don’t feel comfortable on foreign equipment, at least not immediately. It can take some time for a guitar player to adapt to a new gauge of strings. It can take even longer for a drummer to adapt to a particular kick pedal. So, typically I would say bring everything just to be safe. A lot of times people use our drum kit, outfitted with their snare, kick pedal, hi-hat stand, and cymbals. Regarding guitar/bass equipment, most of the time people can dial up tones they want quicker on their own equipment. The same can be said for pretty much anything. Vocalists don’t need to bring their own microphone, because typically vocalists own dynamic mics, which, typically, aren’t used to record vocals in a studio environment.
+ Do you have a restroom on the premises?
Yes.
+ How does the payment process work?
Regarding recording, you pay as you go. If you come in for eight hours to record, you would pay us at the end of the day. If you want us to mix/master your music, you pay upon receiving the finished products, otherwise we wouldn’t know how much to charge you. If you want to be present for mixing/mastering sessions, you will have to pay at the end of the given session. Regarding the video payment process click here.
+ How does the editing process work?
Typically, you come in to record. When you are done recording, we will take one of the songs and mix/master it while you are there, allowing you to make any suggestions you see fit, regarding the way the song sounds. Then, you pay us for the recording/mixing session. Over the next few days, we will mix/master the rest of the songs in a similar manner. When we are done you can come in, pick up the finished songs, and pay us for the mixing/mastering based on how long it took to complete. If you want to, you can also attend the mixing/mastering session and pay at the end of the session.
+ Can we come in to check the place out?
If you want to, you can contact us to schedule a tour.
+ When does the session begin?
Regardless of when you arrive, the session will begin at the time you are scheduled to record.
+ Can I arrive early to begin setting things up?
No. In an ideal world this would be a great ideal. But, in many instances, we will be busy with clients right up until the next session begins. If for some reason, though, you want to show up earlier you can discuss it with us in advance and we may be able to accommodate you. Either way, when you show up, you’re on the clock.
+ How long does it take to set up drums?
This is a tricky subject. To save time, you can have us set up and mic our drums beforehand for a fee. We would then have you bring in your snare, snare stand, cymbals, hi-hat stand, and kick pedal. To set up and mic your drums, typically it will take between one and two hours. If you want us to set up, tune, and mic our drums beforehand please contact us so we can get back to you with a price quote.
+ Any suggestions for what guitar to bring?
Anything with humbuckers. Single coil pickups have a tendency to buzz a lot. Though the buzzing can typically be eliminated later, it’s better to stop the problem before it even starts.
+ Do you guys have a soundproof booth?
No, but, since the studio is located in a quiet area, outside noise is almost non-existent. We have also eliminated all other noise sources, using a variety of soundproofing techniques. Our sound proof rooms will finish being constructed in May 2010.
+ Do you guys create artwork for albums?
To a degree. We can create simple artwork for albums. But, to make things easier, you can just download the software we use to create the artwork for free from the Primera website. Then, you can create your own artwork files, email them to us, and then we can just make the discs accordingly. You can also email us with other pictures, so that we can incorporate them into the packaging design.
+ How much do studio musicians cost?
We do know a variety of studio musicians. But, honestly, “studio” musicians tend to be very expensive. We always suggest putting out craigslist ads stating you are trying to get someone to play “X” on a given track for “Y” amount of money. This is quite often the easiest way to get the performer you are looking for that fits in to your budget. Most of the time people will jump on the opportunity to get recorded. Plus, you almost always get to hear peoples music beforehand, because they will give you links to their myspace pages. That way you already know what type of player you are getting before you invest any money in them.
+ Our singer swears a lot. Do you guys have any restrictions on language?
Absolutely not. We don’t believe in censorship of any kind. You can sing lyrics depicting the most depraved and licentious of acts and we won’t bat an eye.
+ Where is the studio located?
The studio is located approximately 5 minutes from the Red Lobster in Monroeville, Pennsylvania, which is about a twenty minute drive from downtown Pittsburgh.
+ Why don’t you guys have the address on the website.
The studio is located in a residential neighborhood. Hence, we don’t want to bring unnecessary traffic to the area. Since everything is by appointment only, we just email people directions once they book time.
+ Why don’t you guys record Rap?
The reason for doing this is that early on we had a 90 percent no show rate regarding clients recording Rap. That’s not hyperbole. If you count the people who showed up late, the figure gets even grimmer. Outside of that, we don’t make beats and our equipment is geared more towards recording live instruments. There were also a lot of other unfortunate issues that arose due to recording this particular genre. So, that is why we adopted this policy. We do, however, continue to record Rap clients we acquired before this change.
+ Do you have a refrigerator on the premises?
Yes.
+ Do you have any tips that would make the recording process go smoother?
Here’s a quick list:
Show up on time
Make sure your drummer hits the drums evenly and loudly
Know what key your songs are in, especially if you need to use autotune
Know the lyrics to your songs
Don’t get high/drunk before you come in to record
Put new strings on your instruments
Put new heads on your drums
Make sure your guitars are wired correctly
Test your equipment beforehand
Tune your drums beforehand
