Q. How much will it cost to record my project?
A. Production quotes are determined on a "per project" bases. Rates and prices vary depending on the time involved and the complexity and nature of the project. Our rates are very competitive and comparable to other professional facilities. You'll always find someone willing to do it "cheaper". But the old adage, "you get what you pay for" was never more true than for audio production. We will gladly quote you a rate via phone or email and do our best to work within your budget. We do offer some package pricing, flat rates, and block rates to help with financing your project. You'll find all of our contact information on the CONTACT page on this site.

Q. How long will it take to record my project?
A. We often work with tight deadlines and understand the importants of delivering a project on time and on budget. If you need a quick turn around, we'll do everything in our power to make it happen. If you're a band, this often depends on your skill and the level of production you're looking for. But in either case we'll make every effort to work as quickly and efficiently as possible to get the results you're looking for.

Q. How does billing work?
A. Billing at Creekside Audio has always been flexible. We want our patrons to feel comfortable with payment arrangements. Clients can pay by check, credit card, or "pay as you go" . Artists with on-going projects such as a full length album are able to pay as the project progresses. Payment terms are subject to negotiation between studio and client and may be tailored to fit individual needs. In most cases, it's preferred that billing be up to date before release of any recordings.

Q. What should I be looking for in a recording studio?
A. With so many studios to choose from it's hard to know how to choose the one that best meets your needs. I often tell perspective clients that, rather than looking for a good studio, you should be looking for a good producer/engineer. Facility size and equipment are different from one facility to the next. Of course you want a studio equipped with adequate gear (and a PC with a guitar center sound card is not adequate). But a good engineer with a good ear will be able to get good results in a reasonably equipped facility. It should be someone that you're comfortable with who has experience in audio production. Some studios will offer discounted rates if you record with a newbie or an intern in the "off hours". I've purposely limited the size of my operation for this reason. I've often referred to Creekside Audio as a "personal production facility". Should I be entrusted to take on your project, it will get the attention it deserves. It will only be handled me. No interns, no newbie’s, no crazy hours.

Q. What is mastering?
A. It is the process of taking the recorded and mixed material and bringing out the best in it. You may think your mix sounds great but you will be amazed and how much scope there is for improvement. Mastering takes the final mix and tweaks, processes and polishes it. This encompasses both the analysis and adjustment of individual tracks and the compilation of the finished CD. Equalization, compression, and leveling are all components of the mastering process.
* Raise the overall level.
* Even out song levels and EQ individual tracks for cohesion.

* Correct minor mix deficiencies with equalization.

* Enhance flow by changing the space between tracks.

* Eliminate noises between tracks. 

* Make your music sound great on any sound system. 


Q. Can you record on 2 inch tape...or is it all digital?
A. At Creekside Audio we use a digital recording format. However the system is enhances with an analogue front end. In other words, before the signal becomes digital it passes through tube and solid state mic preamps...effectively "warming up" and "coloring" the sound in much the same way that tape would. There is no doubt that an analogue tape recording sounds different than a digital recording. You will hear many adjectives applied to the sound of tape such as, warmth, width, or depth. Without going into an in depth explanation of the history and science of both analogue and digital recording, suffice to say that most professionals agree that the pros of digital recording outweigh the cons. Does tape sound better? Most audiophiles would scream, "YES"! But to quote Berklee Professor Carl Beatty, "People don’t care what it sounds like". This has been proven time and time again through studies and testing of the average listener. Music and sound is an emotional connection. And, in the age of the CD and the mp3, any sound quality gained by analog will most likely be lost by the time it reaches these mediums. In short, the advantages afforded by modern digital recording such as cost, editing capabilities, mix recall, and pitch and time correction make digital the preferred medium of the day.

...more Q & A will be added as questions arise. Please feel free to submit questions through the contact page.