Recording Studio

A short time after I opened my studio, I found this in an autobiography that I wrote in 2nd grade:

I don’t remember writing it, but it didn’t exactly surprise me.  The art of recording has always given me the means to hold on to my most favorite musical memories, and create many more of my own.  So, many years after making my bold career declaration, I finally opened up my very own studio!  It has been an amazing opportunity to do something creative that I love, and at the same time, help my clients to create and preserve part of their own life soundtrack.  What a great gig!

The Studio Experience

I have had the pleasure of working with an extremely wide range of clientele, from established artists and Broadway performers, to new performers just beginning their musical journey.  Whether you have done tons of studio work, or have never been in front of a microphone before, I consider it my first and foremost job to create a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere for you in my studio.  Being relaxed and comfortable is the key to you giving your best performance.  And I am here to help you achieve that in any way I can.

Recording in a digital studio is an incredibly flexible process.  We have the luxury of doing as many takes as are needed, and using only the best material in the final mix.  Need a little bit of pitch correction?  We can do that too...but please note, I will only use correction tools responsibly.  I’m not gonna make you sound like you’re in the cast of Glee.  I promise.

For a sample of some of my studio work, click on the Media & Merchandise link and take a listen!

Preparation

Many clients have asked what they can do to prepare for their recording session.  Here are a few recommendations:

1. 1)Practice your material before your session (to the greatest extent possible), and arrive warmed up.  The better you know your stuff, the more fun and efficient the session will be!
   

2. 2)Record yourself ahead of time.  Do you have a smartphone?  A digital voice memo recorder?  A tape recorder?  Great!  Use it.  It is an invaluable tool to help you get used to how you sound, and figure out what you like about your performance, and what you’d like to adjust.  If you are happy with how you sound on an iPhone, you’ll be thrilled with your studio recording!
   

3. 3)Allow time for mixing!  I am proud to be considered an efficient editor and mixer by many clients.  However, applying the proper EQ and effects to make your recording sound finalized does take some time, especially if there are multiple instruments and/or voices in your recording.
   

4. 4)Bring a USB flash drive, or hard drive with you.  In order to be environmentally friendly, I will give your finished mixes to you (or tracks, session files, etc.) in electronic format, such as WAV or mp3.  If you don’t have a drive, I can place the files online and give you a link to download them at home.  If you require a printed CD, please let me know ahead of time.
   

Rates and Payment

As of January 2012, my hourly studio rate begins at $60/hr.  I am also willing to discuss volume discounts for extended projects.

I accept cash and all major credit cards.  No checks, please.

Need Musicians?

Seeking other musicians to help you with your recording?  If you are looking for a Bass player, you are in luck!  I am an experienced bassist, and best of all, I don’t charge any extra to play on your session!  My regular hourly rate applies even when I’m multi-tasking!

Otherwise, I am fortunate to regularly work with numerous talented pianists, guitar players and other musicians, and I am happy to help you connect with any of them to make your music come to life.

Gear

For those who are interested, here is a list of my studio gear:

        Digital Gear:

            Computer:  iMac (mid-2011) with 8GB RAM, and 3.4 GHz Intel Core i7 Processor

            Software:  Logic Pro 9.1.6

            Digital Interfaces:  Apogee Ensemble; Focusrite Saffire Pro 10

            Plug In Suite: Universal Audio UAD-2 Series, including authentic emulations of:

                    Studer A800 Multichannel Tape Recorder

                    Universal Audio 1176LN/SE Limiting Amplifiers

                    Teletronix LA-2A Classic Leveling Amplifier

                    Pultec EQP-1A Program Equalizer

                    Pultec MEQ-5 Midrange Equalizer

                    SPL Vitalizer MK2-T

                    Realverb Pro Custom Room Modeler

                    Little Labs Voice Of God Bass Resonance

        Pre-Amps & Outboard Gear:

            Avalon VT-737-SP Vacuum Tube Pre-Amp / Compressor

            Apogee Ensemble preamps with “SoftLimit”

            Avalon VT-747-SP Vacuum Tube Compressor / Equalizer

        Microphones

            AKG C414 B-XL II 5-Pattern Condenser Microphone (1)

            Audio Technica AT4050 Studio Condenser Microphone (2)

            Rode NT5 Condenser Microphones (2)

            AKG Perception 220 Studio Condenser Microphone (2)

            Shure SM-57 Dynamic Microphone (3, with drum mounts)

            Shure SM-58 Dynamic Microphone (2)

            Shure Beta-52 Kick Drum Microphone (1)

            AKG D 330 BT Dynamic Microphone (2)

        Instruments

            Yamaha U-1 Upright Piano (tuning must be paid for by client)

            Yamaha YPG-625 Keyboard (NOT MIDI-capable)

            Traps A400 Flat Head Drum Kit (suitable for demos - NOT ideal for commercial recordings)

            Sabian AAX Cymbal Set

            Various percussion (e.g. tambourine, cow bell, shakers, sleigh bells, MORE cow bell...)

            Taylor Acoustic Guitar

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