Frequently Asked Questions

Do you record digitally?

Yes. As a digital production company, we utilize high quality analog to digital converters, digital audio workstations (aka DAWs) and hard disk recorders to capture your performance. This takes the original analog audio signal and samples it digitally. This has become the standard for mobile (and many studio) recordings. We sample at up to 32 bits, and 192kHz, 96kHz, or 48kHz, depending on the material and the number of simultaneous tracks needed to be recorded. CDs, which have been around for decades now, are mastered at 16 bits, and 44.1 kHz, for example. However, we utilize a diverse array of analog microphone and line preamps, so our tracks don't sound "digital" at all. Whether the sound we're after calls for the creamy transformer midrange mojo of a Neve console, the pleasing forward and deep "L.A" API sound, or the transparently neutral, yet euphonic character of the John Hardy or Focusrite camp, we've got it covered.

What kind or software do you use?

Our tracking DAWs use Avid Pro Tools or Steinberg Nuendo. These are industry recognized professional music production software packages. We can also deliver the project to you (for post production) in an Open Media Framework Interchange (OMF) format. OMF is supported by Pro Tools, SONAR, Adobe Premiere CS4, and Logic Pro, among others. Any professional studio can use an OMF export as the input for their post production work on your songs.

How long does it take you to set up?

Depending on your needs, it could take anywhere from 30 minutes to 4 hours. Setting up for a live show usually takes about 2-3 hours once all the gear is in place. Setting up to record a demo takes longer, as we will be mic'ing drums, instruments, checking and adjusting sound quality, etc. On a live show there is usually an extended crew that supports the band already and many times they will have mics in place already and have the stage set.

What are your rates?

Please call or email and discuss your needs so that we can quote you a cost. Most performances take us 8-10 hours of time to setup. This includes line setup, line check, and sound check. We prefer utilizing our microphones and mic splitter. Other situations may lower or raise the costs.

We have a project studio that we can do our post production work in. Depending on your needs and the size of the project, we also have other studios available for us to use. For audio for video post, please contact us for a quote.

Can you do the final mastering?

We can, but depending on the end goal of your CD, this might be best left to a professional mastering engineer. Mastering is the last creative step before replication — the last chance to modify your recorded performance and take your music to another level. Expert audio mastering engineers and top-quality mastering equipment can make sure your music is ready for commercial release. We recommend this approach for any CD aimed for radio or broadcast. We maintain relationships with several excellent mastering engineers and can make a recommendation to you.

Do you do CD duplication?

Not generally. We will produce a master CD for you to use or raw files for duplication or mastering. You can then take this to a studio for mastering or a duplication house which can produce high-quality CDs with artwork and thermographic labels.

Do you require a deposit? Do I need to sign anything prior to recording?

When the recording location is 75 miles or more from downtown Fort Worth, we require a 50% deposit or $150 (whichever is less) prior to travel. You may cancel up to 72 hours prior to the event and receive a full refund. If the location is local, we require a 25% deposit (or $75) and it will be refunded if the notification is 24 hours prior.

Depending on the type of recording there may be releases or agreement documents between the artists involved, the venue, and us. These are put in place to ensure the integrity of the performance, to protect the artist's rights, and to enable us to do our job in good faith.

Are you insured?

Absolutely. We have a policy with one of the largest commercial recording studio and mobile remote insurance underwriters in the U.S. Just ask Electric Lady Studios or Record Plant Mobile.