Frequently asked
questions
Matt has answered some of the most common questions that people ask prior to a recording session below. If you have any further questions then please feel free to complete the contact form at the bottom of the page and Matt will get back to you ASAP.
What recording equipment and musical gear do you have?
Most of my gear is listed on my GEAR PAGE I’m always buying gear though so it’s always expanding. I have all the gear needed to make records in all genres (and then some) so you can just turn up with no gear and use that!
All my gear is available to use, free of charge, except cymbals (theres an small extra charge for these to cover their one day innevitable demise!)
How long is my record likely to take?
Making a record varies in time, but for a fairly standard rock band I usually suggest 2 days for a single, with that time coming down to around a day and a half for multiple songs. Editing and mixing usually takes a day per song, turnaround time depends on my schedule at the time you complete the recording.
What are your recording rates?
Rates depend entirely on the project but to give you an idea, recording rates are £150 per day and mixing is £150 per song.
CONTACT FOR A QUOTE.
Do you do audio mastering too?
I prefer not to master my own mixes as I think a third pair of ears always works better at the mastering stage. That said, I always give my mixes a ‘light master’ to bring it up to a commercial loudness. Sometimes clients are happy with this but I’ll always suggest someone else to sprinkle their own magic dust on it if funds allow.
Vise-versa too – I’m always up for mastering other people’s mixes!
What do I need to bring to the studio?
I have everything you need to make a standard rock record except cymbals, so please bring at least those.
What strings and skins do you recommend?
I’m not overly fussy about strings to be honest but the super cheap £3 type packs are no good. You’ll be fine with anything by ernie ball, elixir, dunlop, rotosound, d’adarrio, DR.
Higher gauge strings tend to hold tuning and bend less when you press on so are better for recording; so the thicker you can stand the better.
Drum head choice depends on genre and what drums are being used. I have my favourites and know what record well, so we should probably have a chat about that!