The question to ask is “will I like the sound of my recording from there better?” Ask to hear recordings from any studio you’re considering, and go with the one whose sound suits you and your goals. There is an audio player on this site where you can sample several of my recent projects and judge for yourself. Remember, this is a recording you will live with for the rest of your life – one that will represent your music to the public. If your budget is tight, please don’t hesitate to contact me. There are many options when it comes to recordings that can make a great sounding record affordable.

If you prefer to record in a home environment, or budget is tight, there are definitely scenarios where a more accomplished studio can offer huge advantages during certain stages of the process. It is quite possible to use a collaborative approach where some elements are recorded at home and other, more difficult ones are handled by me. This can be a great way to get the best of both worlds while simultaneously maximizing your budget.

There are 3 main areas where the experience of a pro studio can improve your recording immeasurably.

• The first is the recording of live drums, or even complete basic tracks like bass and rhythm guitars. Drum kits in particular are a big instrument, with a lot of tricky factors that sometimes hang people up when they try to record them at home. Factors like mic selection, phasing, room acoustics, and drum tuning all can add up to a frustrating home recording experience. Sometimes, the neighbors get testy, too. Personally, I have an obsession with drum recording because I believe that a well recorded drumset is one of the most important elements of a great sounding mix.

• Secondly, vocals and acoustic instruments can also suffer when recorded in acoustically less than desirable rooms. Limited microphone choices can play a huge part as well. The vocal in particular is without a doubt the most important element in a mix. It is up front and center conveying your message to your listeners. A compelling vocal performance recorded through a great microphone, preamp, and digital converters is essential if your song is to attain its potential.

• Third of all is mixing. It is an art unto itself. Mixing is a very powerful step of the process where possibilities are almost endless. Often, a mediocre home recording can be transformed by a good mix, while an already well recorded song can be brought to a completely new level. For a home recordist, poor room acoustics and inexpensive monitor speakers can make it virtually impossible to attain a mix that sounds pleasing to your audience outside of your studio. Mixing is definitely one of the main areas where your music can benefit from the experience and resources of a professional.

If you are interested in a collaborative project, just contact me with any questions you might have.

Recording your band playing live can be accomplished in the two following ways:

First, we can do a “live” in studio recording with your band set up all at once. This may be challenging for larger groups, so there is also the option to do a live “on location” recording at another venue. Doing a live recording can be a great way to capture the energy of your performance, especially if there is a live audience. There is also the option to record basic tracks at a performance with a live audience, and then overdub certain lead elements later for a more polished sound. As always, there are many possibilities, so just ask away and I’ll be happy to answer any questions.

The short answer is no, I don’t do mastering. I am a recording engineer, not a mastering engineer. However, for certain unique circumstances it is possible for me to perform a mastering process if there is no other option.

For all full production projects, I require that the project be mastered by a dedicated professional mastering engineer. As mastering is the final step on the way to the release of a recording, it is a last chance to look at the overall EQ, dynamics, pacing, song order and overall flow of a record.

There are several distinct advantages to choosing a professional mastering engineer.

• First of all, a professional mastering engineer specializes in one thing: taking a 2 track mix and making it outstanding. A mastering engineer doesn’t have to worry about a kick drum mic or vocal harmony, he focuses only on the precise EQ and compression needed to make a mix sound like a polished final product. In additional to their specialized knowledge, quality mastering engineers utilize highly specialized equipment that is very expensive (for example, equalizers upwards of $10,000), to help your mixes sound their absolute best.

• Another invaluable reason to master is to have an experienced, unbiased set of ears approving your work before its final release. I sometimes explain this role as that of a proofreader for a novelist. By the end of the album making process, the artist and engineer have immersed themselves in the music for so long, it can be difficult to take a step back to gain any perspective. To the fresh ears of an experienced mastering engineer, any EQ concerns or mixing inconsistencies stand out like a sore thumb, making it easier for them to correct any problems, leading to a consistent sounding final product.

• One last reason to master is because it makes your mixes sound like a record. You can be almost certain that the CD that is in your car right now (that you are desperately hoping to approach the sound quality of) was mastered be a professional mastering engineer. At the end of the process of making an album, when schedules are tight and budgets are tighter, mastering can often be overlooked. This is selling your music short. If you want your album to compete sonically with your favorite commercially released CDs, a quality mastering job is essential.