So Why Do Some Recordings Sound Better Than Others ?

     So, why do some recordings sound better than others? We're glad you asked! Each person who contracts with professional studio, especially if it is their first time to record, will eventually learn that quality recording studios fall into one of three categories. Some studios are pet projects (funded by one or more rich guys--these do not have to make money), while others are managed on the buddy system (these usually fail and close within 24 months). The third type of studio is the for-profit studio (some gouge customers; some are ethical). Though we see our studio first and foremost as a ministry, "a workman is worthy of his hire." Like you, whether you are a songwriter or performer, we want to be paid the amount we agreed upon for the work we agreed to do. We want nothing more; we want nothing less.

     Anywhere you go, this is how business works. There is a proportionate ratio of factors that will determine the quality and the value of the goods, and or services, rendered to a customer. Obviously, you would not expect to walk into a Porsche dealership and purchase a brand new Porsche 911 for $10,000.00, having struck a deal (even if your brother-in-law works there). Friend, it just won't happen. $10,000.00 will buy many types of decent used vehicles, but it does not begin to cover the time it takes to research and design the new Porsche 911. $10,000.00 might be a sufficient down payment; but it doesn't even cover the labor, materials, and shipping costs.

     The music recording business is similar. Unless you record at your buddy's bedroom studio, you will have to spend some money (hopefully not $10,000.00). When an artist wants to achieve a quality sound recording, design, labor, and materials are required. Each costs money. However, regarding materials, it is not our goal to nickel and dime our customers to death with countless add-on charges. Consequently, included in our hourly rate are many high quality, professional items, which some studios expect the customer to provide, or rent (at an additional charge), such as: microphones, microphone pre-amps, effects processing, grand piano, drums, guitar-bass-keyboard amps ect. We don’t cheat people. We provide these, and certain other things, at no charge; therefore, we will not be shortchanged on studio time.

     If you want to know how to save the most money, do as follows: write, practice, arrange, chart, and thoroughly rehearse your material prior to your session date and time. Print final arrangement for each player prior to the session date and time. If you are a string player, put new strings on a few days prior to the session (stretch and tune a lot). If you are a singer, sing for at least an hour per day, eat healthy foods, sleep as much as possible, talk as little as possible, and drink only water, for two weeks prior to the session. Percussionist, if you do not already practice with a click track (or drum machine), work on your meter, or your band's meter. These things will increase productivity and the quality of the recording more than any "effect" or begging the engineer for just one more "free" take, or trying to buffalo the owner into a "free" remix.

     The labor and time factors are solely dependent upon you---the client's budget and preparedness. In all reality, from years of experience, there has emerged a "Record time + production/mixdown-time" ratio of "1=1.5" (this means for each hour of "recording time" you must budget 1 1/2 hours of production/mixdown-time"). If you come in under budget, we won't charge you for time we do not use. But, if your "creativity and inspiration" add to the "recording time," you must budget 1 1/2 hours of "production/mixdown-time." You will be charged our hourly rate for all additional time. You will also be charged for the time it takes to "burn" your CD's, and or DVD session backup files. Yes, this also takes time and costs money, depending on the sizes and lengths of the songs included in the overall project (ie. If you have a $1,200.00 budget = 8 hours record-time + 12 hour production/mixdown-time + 1 1/2 hours burning time).

     This document does not allow for an exhaustive itemization of each task performed. However, the following is a brief overview of what must be addressed in a typical Production/Mixdown session: equalizations, compression, de-essing, gain structures, signal to noise ratio, clicks and/or pops, foot tapping, spit in the throat, fade ins, fade outs, various effects processing events, and subsequent reedits with each of the above and other musical and nonmusical anomalies. The specifics of the list goes on and on, and would bore you to an early grave. Trust us; quality results require extensive time in the post-production phase. Finally, we apply the necessary mastering procedures to assure your project's absolute audio integrity is both enhanced and reinforced, to ensure a commercial quality product, ready for broadcast and distribution.

Most importantly, we will work with your budget. We will be honest.

Sincerely,

Taylor D Ranch & Recording Studios