Frequently Asked Questions

For questions regarding how to prepare for recording/mixing and how to free up studio time to yield better results/price

  • How much it costs to record/mix an album/EP depends completely on how prepared you are and how complex the song arrangements are. You being prepared = lower price. Due to the various degree of how prepared clients are flat rates is unfortunately not an option, but contact us and tell us about your project and we’ll propose a recording plan and a budget. And if you’re new to songwriting maybe skip tempo changes, over-complex arrangements and bass lines that differs too much from the song.
  • A “quick test-mix” will not give a fair indication of what a proper full-time mixing session will sound like, but check out the sound examples in the “SOUND” section. However, it’s our goal to be as open-minded as possible regarding genres and taste so don’t hesitate to ask any questions. Some exceptions can be made, though.
  • Email or bring clicktracks and if possible also guide-guitars in WAV (not MP3) and BPM in textformat. MIDI can work too for projects with less BPM changes.
  • If possible bring fresh drumsheads. Remo EmperorX for snare and Emperor Clear for toms is great. New string and picks, make sure instruments are intonated.
  • In-house drumsizes are for snare are 14″ and 13″ while toms are 8″, 10″, 12″, 13″, 14″ (rack) and 16″, 18″ (floor). If having the toms a little lower is preferred then the 13″ rack-tom can be used in place of the 14″. Bigger drumsizes often tends to sound better in the mix, especially with downtuned guitars.
  • Make sure the drummer has cymbals in order without cracks etc. If necessary borrow some cymbals from someone. Bad overheads can ruin a good mix.
  • If a completely on-grid timing is wanted make sure to inform beforehand so we can fit editing/quantizing into the timeframe as this kind of work requires more time.
  • When sending audiofiles for mixing etc, make sure ALL files are in order, delete ALL non-relevant files, make sure all files have LOGICAL filenames, avoid monotracks in stereoformat. Use RAR or ZIP to archive multiple files.
  • When exporting vocal tracks for mixing avoid having bits and pieces randomly all over a huge amount of tracks and avoid having verse and chorus on “separate” tracks etc. Try to be consistent and have the same number of background vocal tracks throughout so mixing levels will be more even. Export separately for lead and background vocal tracks and narrow it down to only as few files as necessary.
  • When sending Superior Drummer 2.0 tracks for mixing enclose Wav, MIDI and patch. Reamp/DI-tracks for guitar/bass is highly appreciated. Trigger tracks for drums is also helpful (trigger/transducer straight into micpreamp).
  • Preferred format is WAV, 24-bit, 44.1khz, though all formats can work, but avoid MP3. Make sure your tracks does not clip when recording or bouncing.