| Recording at
Pyramid
What are your
rates?
Depending on the service (what is needed) the rates vary. We don't,
however, discuss rates until your appointment because searching for a
recording studio can't be compared to shopping for the best price on
toaster ovens. You need to know what the studio has for equipment,
hear examples of work performed, see the rooms for comfort, and talk with
the engineer (looking for professionalism and knowledge). Decide for
yourself how much you want to spend (budget) and speak with the studio
representative to see if he/she can work within your budget (see next
question).
How
much will this project cost? It depends on what you need accomplished and how much
you want to put into your project. The first step is to consider what your
maximum budget (cost) should be. Then divide it up for the whole process
of recording, mixing, and mastering. Using our custom Budgeting
Calculator™, we can help determine how far your budget will go and how much time
is set aside for each process. Then it should be your goal to stick
to the allotted times to stay within your budget. You may run
over or stay under depending on how efficient the operation is. Think of
your project as a business and run it as such.
Does
the studio take walk-ins?
No, the location is on private property and operates by appointments
only. There is no public access where people will "drop
by" for a visit during your session. The doors are locked to
insure privacy.
How far in advance
should I book studio time?
It is best to call at least 3 weeks prior to get a preferred date and
time. Calling for the same day appointment usually shows no
availability since everything is scheduled.
Will I need to
leave a deposit?
We don't need advances since people who are serious do show
up. These are individuals we want to work with. If one "forgets" the appointment (no show) and fails
to notify us, a non
refundable advance would then be required for the next appointment.
Three no shows is an indicator that there is no serious interest and
therefore not a priority to us.
Are there any
guarantees involved with the service?
While no one can honestly make guarantees such as success in CD sales,
fame and fortune, etc., providing satisfactory service that day is
something we can give or you don't pay. Of course you don't leave
with any recorded material and the project is deleted/erased.
Are
there any hidden cost?
No, this studio is an up front pay by the hour rental and pay for
materials (if any) type of service. The studio, equipment, and engineer
are all included in the rental price.
Does this studio
provide credit for projects?
No, we (like others) learned the hard way. We do accept credit cards
via Pay Pal (pre pay), and of course there are plenty
of ATMs nearby. Call before your appointment to discuss payment type
to insure you will be able to leave with a CD or other deliverables.
Another studio is
offering free recording time, would you consider that? Flags
should go up anytime someone providing a service offers it for free. - they probably need the
experience or are reeling you in for something more costly. Make sure you copyright
your work and have a signed agreement before going. Good luck...
Would
you work for bartering (trade goods or promises, etc)?
No, the preferred method of payment for a service is currency.
How long do you
hold on to a project?
Like other pro studios, we obligate to the end of the session (that
day). The
rule is to have the engineer archive the project to DVD or export it to
raw WAV files for use later if you want to save your work. In the
old days, the client bought the reel of tape to take with them.
Although
this studio takes great care in safe guarding audio projects, there is always the risk that something can go
wrong with equipment/computers. The most dangerous place for music tracks is
on a hard disk as they can easily be corrupted and made unusable.
I recorded at another
studio, or intend to record here then finish it else where - can we do
this?
It may depend on the project. Pyramid has worked with studios across the country and
overseas using the internet and other means. It is important that
the engineer knows your intent so the correct file format can be chosen
before recording.
I
recorded my song at home but can't get that professional sound.
Would you be willing to help? Yes,
as long as you can provide the individual tracks to mix. Although there's no guarantee that anything may improve since much of
getting a great sound depends on what gear is used (microphones, preamps,
converters), the recording techniques, and room acoustics/isolation to
deal with phase issues and other anomalies. That is where the
difference lies between professional and amateur work - good tracks to mix
with. Export the individual WAV or AIFF tracks (naming them) to a
folder that is placed on a CDROM data disc. Be sure to export each
track from a common start point (usually zero on the time line) and make
note of the tempo for the engineer.
Some recording
studios offer flat rates for songs. Isn't this better? It's
all still based on an hourly rate - you just don't know what it is until
you go past the "allowed" time to record. Then the hidden
charges suddenly appear. Nobody sane works for below minimum wage
unless they have an ulterior motive. An up front hourly rate is the
most honest way unless there is a contract spelling out the conditions
such as percentages (points) ownership, etc. Even with contracts are
heartburn issues down the road if things go wrong. Save up your
money - pay the studio - own your music.
If I record to MIDI at home, can you use that to create the song I can
sing to in order to save time?
Absolutely, as long as the MIDI file is usable. Emailing the file is
quick and verifiable. With VST plug-ins, we can take a regular
"computer muzac" sounding file and give it realism.
I just play one
instrument, can you add drums, bass, and other pieces to make it sound
like a band?
Yes, with VST, MIDI, and with other musicians (depending on your budget),
we can make that happen.
I
need help with production, is that available and what is the cost?
The engineer volunteers production talent only to help facilitate the
project. Since we don't set up a contract to sign, there is no
additional charge and the "producer" has no claim to your music
(points) if it were to make money. As a courtesy, the artist usually
credits the producer on the CD. If a deal is made for production to
insure dedicated treatment, a contract must be signed by both agreeing
parties before work begins.
If we use the
service (production), does that mean you make all the decisions regarding
our music?
No, the style of production is to guide the artist not impeded what he/she
is doing. Ultimately, the paying customer has the final decision over a suggestion made by
the producer.
My child wants to record singing a cover song, but we don't have the money
to create the music. what do you suggest?
Go to any karaoke provider (i.e. on the Internet) and buy the CD that has
the song on it. Have him or her practice with it then show up to the studio
for the session. We can record the vocal with the song and mix it
right in. The voice will blend with the music and have a
professional sound depending on the music track.
Are we allowed to
smoke inside the building?
Yes, in the break room and outside in the break area only. Smoking around
the equipment leaves a bad film that creates problems.
Are we allowed to
consume adult beverages?
As long as you are of adult age and responsible (you break something, you
buy it). Let's keep in mind
what you are trying to do. Being seriously impaired doesn't help
with decision making - it's your buck.
How does the
studio feel about drugs?
What people do on their own is none of our business. We don't
facilitate the practice for obvious reasons since we're serious about
results. In altered states much of what you feel
sounds good ends up thrown out tomorrow when rational thinking returns.
Are children
allowed?
Of course as long as they are under your control and you are responsible
for them and what they do. Bring things for them to do since we
don't have coloring books, etc.
Are pets allowed?
While we love pets; the fleas, ticks, hair, puddles on the
carpet, and howling while someone is singing (not kidding here), makes them unwelcome.
Since leaving them in the car is not an option, consider having someone
watch them at home.
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