Frequently Asked Questions
How long will my recording project take? Also, How much will it cost?
Well, generally the answer to these are: We don't know!
Every session is different. Some projects take months, some days, some hours. As a rule it is best if a client can give a total budget outline and what they would like to get done, this helps us determine just how far we can go... & if you know how much you can spend, that will determine how much time you can spend on it. Recording in the Studio is a very fluid process, it changes depending on the artists mood, length of album, the ability level, time of day, difficulty, moon phase, whatever/etc... Allow a reasonable amount of time for what you want to achieve. To our knowledge, no one has left SCS feeling bad about the time they spent here. Have Fun! Get the money part of it out of the way of making good music!
Get hold of us to discuss your project and goals. We will help design both the length and budget of your project.
We are happy to work with any project or budget you have.
What kind of music do you record at SCS?
Oh, we do BOTH types: Country and Western... ;-)
No really, we have produced recordings for every type of music you can think of... Polka, Metal, Rap, African, Punkrawk, Mariachi, Hard Core, Acappella, Choirs, Seber-Core, Hippie Jams/Conscious Groove, Hip-Hop, Reggae, Children's songs, Eastern Indian, Native American, Pop, Rock, Electronica, Trance, Dub, Healing Ceremonies, etc... You get the picture! You make it, we can record it.
What do I need to bring with me?
Anything that makes you happy and comfortable, or that you normally use to get the tone you desire. PLEASE leave whiny people at home!
It is important to get new guitar/bass strings and drum heads before your session!!! Get the right sound you want before microphones are even in the picture!
Can we get a tour of the studio???
Of course... Happy to! Email or call us. Sometimes we can do the tour that day, sometimes it may be a week or so away. Timing depends on the sessions that are active. Typically we do not give tours for more than 15-30 minutes, as we are usually too busy to accommodate larger blocks of time.
How far in advance do I need to book time?
As much as possible!!! Sometimes the studio is full for weeks or even a month in advance. Planning ahead is recommended. That said, even if its the last minute, try anyway! You might still get what you are after.
What are your operating hours?
24 hours a day, 7 days a week, Baby!!!
We like to have the studio busy all the time. With 4 engineers working, we can have sessions going around the clock, and oftentimes, do.
Can we break up the day rate over two days?
No, sorry... that's why it's called a day rate. (We get asked this a lot!)
Can you do mobile recording at a club, church or rehearsal room?
Absolutely!!! Anywhere there is 120VAC (normal wall outlet) power! Sometimes even without. See Mobile Recording for details.
What's a producer?
In general terms: A producer is someone who is heavily involved in your project, possibly attending shows and rehearsals, working on arrangements, checking out your equipment, recommending outside musicians, deciding what songs to record and more. A good producer will see your project through completion, and help you get the best takes. A producer doesn't have to be an engineer, and you may see sessions where a producer and engineer work together. In this scenario, one would hire a producer based on the quality of the previous work this person has done, familiarity with their style, and an understanding that they will be calling the shots and raising the quality of the album project.
Please Look at our Producer bio's.
What's a co-producer?
In general terms: A co-producer is someone who will engineer your album and make suggestions and subjective comments in order for you to make the best recording possible. They will be active in assessing takes and suggesting sounds, arrangements, etc. Usually they will jump into the session cold on the first day. Generally they will be the sole engineer as well. One would hire a co-producer based on work they have done before and their familiarity with the studio being used.
Can we all play live in the studio?
YES! PLEASE. We love to do basic tracks live with bands!!! Thats where the good stuff is! We are also fans of tasteful overdubbing. We can isolate the drums, guitars and bass or run them live in the same room. Doing live tracks with acoustic guitars is possible, but remember that if you are singing a foot away from your guitar that the mic on the guitar will pick up your voice as well. Recording acoustic guitar in the same room as a loud drum set is also difficult!(to say the least)
What is Mastering, and do you do it?
Yup! See Mastering. If we have done the engineering and production of an album, we would like to send the Mastering to someone else. (Only if they know what they are doing!!!) We think that a good second pair of ears can add a sparkle. We generally only master projects that come from other studios or, in house between engineers.
Do you have Hip-Hop beats?
We have a large selection of drum tracks, samples, loops etc. but remember that building up tracks is going to take a lot of time and creativity... therefore, $$$. We have several beat producers that we could refer you to, that do it full time.
Can you record me singing to karaoke CD's?
Yup. Do it all the time. Please know that YOU are responsible for any sample clearances/ copyright issues that might be involved should you hit "the Big Time" with the tracks you record here.
Can I smoke in the studio?
Nope. No, sorry not even the Greenery. Its not allowed due to liability issues (all because of a wildly misguided government!)
No big surprise there really... Smoke is harmful to the cool gadgets and gizmos that make us sound good (and your lungs!) Smoking outside in the alley is fine.
Can you transfer my old vinyl/cassette/reels... to CD's?
Yes definitely! See Vinyl / Tape Transfer.
Do you do voiceovers, video editing, music for film or radio spots?
Yup, All 'o that.
What's with the name?
Well, Sprout City was an organic sprout growing warehouse (alfalfa, mung bean, flax etc...) for over 30 years. When we took the building over and rebuilt the innards, Thaddeus thought that the history of the building should be added in part to the current incarnation... Thus, Sprout City Studios.
Who painted the awesome murals all over the building?
That would be Dan Hitchcock. He is an amazing artist and we thank him for this massive addition to our world!
How long have you been at this location?
The studio opened its doors on Sep 27th 1997.
You do the math...