Q: How long will it take to record X songs?
A: Well, this is almost impossible to answer. It all comes down to a couple things like how prepared your band is. If you are very well rehearsed, have good sounding gear and know exactly what you want then it will go much faster. Do you want to experiment with instrument sounds and FX? Are you a perfectionist? Let’s put it this way… I have one band who comes in and we’ll have 5 songs completed in 5 hours and it sounds great… I have another band who spent 41 hours on one song and it sounded great… I’ve had other bands spend 10 hours on 2 songs… Here is a way to get a very rough estimate. If you are very well rehearsed, know exactly what you want, recording rhythm tracks live and have a 3-5min song. 1 hour to get the basic rhythm tracks done. 1 hour for other musical overdubs. 2 hours for vocals and backing vocals. 2 hours to mix the song. That’s 6 hours for 1 song. Remember this is a rough idea, you could easily go over or under.
Q: What do you use to record?
A: We use a Mac and Digital Performer 5. We can import or export sessions to Pro Tools very easily.
Q: I record my bands stuff at home. Is it possible to use your studio to record the drums and give me the files to take back to my house?
A: Of course I can do that for you. I have done it many of times and if you can do it the rest at home I think it is a great way to work. Coming in to get a proper drum sound can make a huge difference in how your final project will sound.
Q: I have recorded some songs at home. Can I bring them in and Mix and/or Master them there?
A: Sure can. I really believe it’s a good thing to get another set of ears to listen to your project. Get in touch with me and we’ll talk about the file formats and how we’ll go about it. You can also come in at any time during your project. Say you want a certain guitar sound and you don’t have the gear to get it and we do. It’s easy for you to come in and record that part then take it home to continue working on your project. If you have any Questions get in touch with me and we’ll figure it out.
Q: What do we need to bring/what do you have?
A: We suggest that drummers use their drums. You need to be comfortable to get a good performance. Your drums are part of your sound. Make sure you put new heads on your drums. We do have a drum kit if needed, but you will need to bring your cymbals and stands. Bring your guitars, bass, cords, tuner, pedals and amps if you like. Please check out our gear page to see what we have.
Q: Should we record Live or Track by Track?
A: This depends on a couple things. The type of music, can all members get through the song without major mistakes and your budget. Contact us and we’ll talk and decide what would be best for your band.
Q: Can you produce our CD?
A: Let’s talk.
Q: Do you have free set up time?
A: Not really. The clock starts at the time you booked. If you wanna show up a little early to get a head start on things that’s cool, but remember we are open by appointment only so don’t show up 1.5 hours early and expect someone to be here.
Q: Does the rate include an engineer?
A: Yes.
Q: How long have you been open/recording?
A: I have been recording as an official business since late 2001. I have been doing demos and stuff for friends since 1995. I started recording officially in my basement and my first project was Octane’s debut which got me a little radio airplay. In 2004 Jason Craigle and I bought Echo Studios. During that time I worked with many great local bands including… Except After Sea, Skyscraper, Inka Rot, Andy Browne Trio, Fyrbrand, Reign Supreme, Octane, Nailed Right In, Denied the Rapture, Satori… too name a few. In late 2006 an opportunity came for me to move to a new building and have a place built how I wanted so, I took it. 1021 Studios has been open since May of 2007.