FAQs

Recording

What recording facilities are offered by Plastic Tree Studios?

We offer an acoustically treated room perfect for vocal, voice over and multiple instruments including upright piano, guitar, drums, percussion as well as a selection of hardware synths and drum machines. Please refer to the gear list here for more information.

What should I bring to a recording session?

Bring along any instruments and amps that would normally be used but we highly recommend that all instruments are serviced before recording. Guitar’s should be checked for intonation issues and new strings should be used as well. Drum’s should have new skins fitted and be tuned to maximise studio recording time. Vocalists are advised to bring water for the longer vocal sessions although we offer a variety of refreshments subject to availability.

Online Mastering

Where do I upload my files for mastering and what do I include?

Please upload your master files here ensuring the files to be mastered do not have a limiter on. File sizes up to 200gb are allowed. It is always good to include a reference track if possible, along with artwork for the single/ep/album which can be attached to the track and any metadata such as ISRC codes and other song/artist information. Please also feel free to include your own mix references which have been bounced out with the limiter on for playback purposes. If a group of songs are to be mastered, please include the running order, the singles and your favourite sounding mix or mixes.

Do you offer online mastering worldwide?

Yes. Plastic Tree Studios offers professional online mastering services for artists across the UK and worldwide. Tracks can be sent remotely and final masters are delivered digitally in release-ready formats.

How many mastering revisions are included?

We offer up to two free revisions based off the supplied mix. If the mix needs updating after the masters are supplied, we charge a fee of £10 for the re-master.

Do you master for Spotify and Apple Music?

We master for all digital platforms and supply a variety of wav files to cover all requirements which are optimised for playback on all systems.

Do you master for Vinyl?

Yes, we provide a vinyl pre-mastering service and have a track record in delivering vinyl pre-masters for cutting.

Do you master for CD?

We off a CD DDP file service using the Wavelab mastering package. The CD DDP file will contain all of the meta data required for CD track lists, ISRC codes and artist data and can then be easily sent to CD Duplication sites. This is far better than simply using 16bit wav files.

Do you use analogue mastering equipment?

Yes we have a workflow developed at the studio which includes both our top spec analog chain and industry standard digital plugins to ensure masters sound their absolute best. Our analog mastering chain includes hardware by API, Audioscape, Thermionic Culture and IGS Audio. Please refer to this page for more information on studio gear.

Online Mixing

How do I prepare my song for mixing?

Ensure that all the sounds are correct and the stems are not clipping, export all the audio files as wavs and send them to the studio email address here. File sizes up to 200gb are allowed. Please ensure that any plugins not required, such as compressors and eq’s are removed unless they are necessary to the production/recording such as for creative purposes. Guitars if recorded by DI can be re-amped in the studio. Please see here for more information on our hybrid analog mixing service.

Do you mix remotely?

Yes, we offer online mix services and aim to turnaround individual mixes within 3 days.

How many mix revisions are included?

We don’t believe in charging for revisions and so will make changes until all parties are happy to proceed.

What is the difference between mixing and mastering?

Mixing is the process of balancing and enhancing all the individual elements within a track such as vocals, drums, guitars and synths using EQ, compression, effects and level adjustments to create a cohesive and musical final mix.

Mastering is the final stage of the production process where the completed stereo mix is refined and prepared for distribution across streaming platforms, CD and vinyl. Mastering focuses on overall tonal balance, dynamics, loudness and translation to ensure the track sounds polished and consistent across different playback systems and at different volumes.

Tuition

Do you offer Logic Pro tuition?

We offer beginner, intermediate and advanced DAW tuition for Logic Pro, Ableton and LUNA as well as Wavelab for mastering. Please get in touch to discuss your requirements.

What experience do you have in music tuition?

We have taught music production, critical listening and mastering to year one and two’s at the University of Northampton and can provide references from the head of music if required. We also run masterclasses for Northampton College in production and mastering so we have an excellent track record at teaching and improving students.

Is tutoring available remotely?

We can offer tutoring services remotely such as using DAWs, music production, mixing and mastering. Please get in touch to discuss your requirements.

General

Can you recommend other musicians if they are needed for my project?

We work with a number of other studios and musicians and can can get musicians involved for projects to be completed at extra cost. Prices will vary on individuals so please get in touch with requirements.

What genres does the studio work with?

Here at the studio, we have worked with a variety of genres including Rock, Indie, Pop, Electronic, Afrobeat and Afropop, Hip Hop and VoiceOver.

Payment

How do I pay?

Payment can be made direct from the invoice by clicking the payment link provided. The invoice also includes bank account details to cater for bank transfers. Payment for recording sessions is required in advance.

Are discounts provided?

Discounts can be discussed based on individual project requirements.