FAQs

WHICH SERVICE DO I NEED?

Recording captures your vocals and instruments. Production develops your song or demo with help on arrangement, instrumentation, recording and mixing. Mixing balances your recorded parts into a finished stereo track. Mastering gives that finished mix its final polish and prepares it for release.

Not sure where to start? Tell Dave about your project and include a demo or rough mix if you have one.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

• Recording: from £25 per hour, with a two-hour minimum (£50).

• Production: from £500 per track.

• Online mixing: from £150 per track.

• Online mastering: from £45 per track.

• Tutoring: from £35 per hour.

• Studio hire: price on request.

See the service pages for what’s included. Dave will confirm the price and options for your project before you book.

HOW DO I BOOK OR REQUEST A QUOTE?

Use the enquiry form on the relevant service page or contact the studio. Include what you need help with, the number of tracks, any preferred dates or release deadline, and a demo or reference track if available. It’s fine if you’re still working out the details.

CAN I WORK WITH YOU REMOTELY?

Yes. Online mixing and mastering are available across the UK and worldwide, with files sent online and finished work delivered digitally. Tutoring can also take place remotely.

WHAT STYLES OF MUSIC DO YOU WORK WITH?

The studio has worked across rock, indie, pop, electronic, Afrobeat, Afropop and hip-hop, as well as voiceover. Get in touch to discuss the sound you’re aiming for.

WHAT CAN I RECORD AT THE STUDIO?

The acoustically treated recording space is equipped for vocals, voiceover and instruments, with an upright piano, guitars, drums, percussion, hardware synths and drum machines. You’ll work directly with Dave, with access to the studio’s microphones and recording equipment. Explore recording sessions or the studio and equipment.

WHAT SHOULD I BRING TO A RECORDING SESSION?

Bring your backing track, song ideas and any instruments or amps you want to use. Have instruments serviced and tuned beforehand: check guitar intonation and strings, and prepare and tune drumheads. Vocalists should bring water, especially for longer sessions. Discuss any equipment needs with Dave before your session.

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN A PRODUCTION PACKAGE?

Production starts from £500 per track and includes two eight-hour production and recording days, production and mixing for one track, audio editing and vocal tuning. Audio stems, recorded MIDI files, instrumental and TV mixes are also included. Mastering is an optional £45 per track; additional recording time is £25 per hour. See music production for the full details.

CAN YOU HELP ME FIND ADDITIONAL MUSICIANS?

Yes. The studio works with other musicians and studios and can discuss suitable collaborators for your project. Additional musicians cost extra, with prices depending on the people and work involved.

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN A MIX?

Mixing starts from £150 per track and includes balance and automation, analogue summing and processing, a finished stereo WAV, mix stems, and instrumental and TV mixes. Mastering is optional at £45 per track, so mixing and mastering together start from £195. If you supply a pre-mixed backing track for your vocals, you receive £50 off the mixing price. See online mixing.

HOW DO I PREPARE AND SEND MY FILES?

Export the individual audio parts as WAV files and check that none are clipping. Remove processing that is not needed, while keeping effects that are essential to the creative sound. Include a rough mix and reference tracks so Dave can hear your intention. DI guitar recordings can be re-amped at the studio.

Upload mixing files via WeTransfer. If you’re unsure what to export, contact Dave before sending the files.

HOW MANY MIX REVISIONS ARE INCLUDED?

Up to three rounds of revisions are included after your first mix is delivered.

HOW LONG DOES MIXING TAKE?

The studio aims to turn around individual mixes within three days. Share your preferred deadline when enquiring so Dave can confirm the timing for your project.

IS MY MIX READY FOR MASTERING?

If you’re unsure, request a free mix check before booking. Upload your mix and include “Free mix check” in your message, along with your name and email.

HOW DO I PREPARE AND SEND MY MIX?

Send your finished stereo WAV without a limiter on the output. You can also include a separate limited version as a listening reference. Add your name, email, artist and track names, reference tracks, release deadline and any required formats.

For an EP or album, include the running order, planned singles and your favourite-sounding mixes. Include artwork and any relevant release information, such as ISRC codes, if available.

Upload mastering files via WeTransfer.

WHAT FILES WILL I RECEIVE?

Mastering starts from £45 per track and includes WAV masters for digital distribution, video and high-resolution listening, plus a 320 kbps MP3 for sharing. WAV formats supplied are 96 kHz and 48 kHz, plus 44.1 kHz at both 24-bit and 16-bit. See online mastering for the full package.

ARE MASTERING REVISIONS INCLUDED?

Mastering revisions are included at no extra charge. If you need to replace the supplied mix after mastering, contact Dave to confirm any re-mastering cost before sending the new version.

CAN YOU PREPARE MASTERS FOR STREAMING, VINYL AND CD?

Yes. Digital WAV masters are included. Optional extras are vinyl pre-masters (£10 per track), instrumental masters (£10 per track), an additional Apple delivery master (£5 per track), and a DDP image for CD duplication (£25). A DDP image packages the CD audio, track information and metadata for the duplication provider. Tell Dave which formats you need when enquiring.

DO YOU USE ANALOGUE EQUIPMENT?

Yes. Dave combines analogue hardware and digital processing, with a mastering chain that includes API, Audioscape, Thermionic Culture and IGS Audio. Find out more about the studio and equipment.

WHAT CAN I LEARN, AND DO I NEED EXPERIENCE?

Sessions are tailored to beginners, intermediate learners and experienced producers or engineers. Topics include Logic Pro, Ableton, LUNA, Wavelab, recording, production, sound design, mixing and mastering. Tell Dave what you use and what you’d like to improve.

WHERE DO LESSONS TAKE PLACE, AND HOW MUCH ARE THEY?

Tutoring starts from £35 per hour and can take place at the studio or remotely. See music production tutoring to explore topics and request a session.

WHAT TEACHING EXPERIENCE DOES DAVE HAVE?

Dave has taught music production, critical listening and mastering at the University of Northampton and run production and mastering masterclasses for Northampton College. References can be provided on request.

HOW DO I PAY?

You can pay using the payment link on your invoice or by bank transfer using the details provided. Recording sessions must be paid for in advance.

DO YOU OFFER CUSTOM PACKAGES OR DISCOUNTS?

Custom packages and discounts can be discussed around your project’s requirements. Include the number of tracks and services you need when requesting a quote.