STUDIO & RATES

So you've clicked on the link to the Studio & Rates page, which probably means you're looking for more information about the recording facility. But in my years as a musician and recording engineer I've learned that four walls and a roof don't necessarily make "a studio. " Ultimately it's about people, so in addition to the usual "studio tour" protocols that tend to apply to pages such as this one, I'm also going to include some information about myself and my experiences in this industry, as well as some info on my theories regarding the recording of audio and the making of records. I think that this may help you when deciding whether or not Far Q Productions is the place to work on your project, and if this information's not for you then you can skip the section and check out the facility itself. Use the quick links below to navigate:

Studio Equipment & Tour

Rates

STUDIO EQUIPMENT

Here's a list of equipment that is used for audio recording. There is also some equipment that is for sale due to the recent shift in business focus. Some of that equipment will remain in service until it is sold. If you're interested in purchasing equipment, please visit the Items For Sale page.

 

RECORDERS
MICS

PROCESSORS

  • 16- channel digital audio/video workstation: 3.0GHz Intel Pentium 4, 2GB RAM, 40GB System HD, 250GB Storage HD, M- Audio Delta 1010 interface, 24BIT/96K processing, Canopus ADVC50 video capture card, TEAC CD- W54E1X-4X CD writer, NEC ND- 3520AW DVD writer
  • Otari 5050B stereo 1/4" open reel tape recorder
  • Sony TC- 5600 1/4" stereo open reel tape recorder
  • Denon DR- M10HX stereo cassette deck
  • TEAC A-500 stereo cassette deck
  • Sony MDS- JE330 stereo MiniDisk deck
  • AKG C3000 large diaphragm condenser
  • AKG D-112 dynamic
  • Audio Technica AT4033 large diaphragm condenser (2)
  • Audio Technica AT 2020 condenser (2)
  • Audio Technica PRO 7A electret condenser
  • Beyer M422 condenser
  • Shure SM- 58 dynamic
  • Shure BETA58 dynamic
  • DBX 166A compressor/limiter/gate (2)
  • Lexicon Alex multi effects processor
  • Lexicon MPX- 100 multi effects processor
  • Yamaha R1000 reverb
  • Tascam PE- 40 parametric EQ
MONITOR SYSTEMS
MIXERS
SOFTWARE
  • Control Room: Crown PS-200 reference amp powering JBL 4312 Control monitors
  • Reference 1: JVC JA-S44 stereo amp powering modified Marantz HD66 3- way 10" speakers and modified "White Van" 3- way 12" speakers
  • Headphone System: Rolls HA43 Headphone amp providing 4 mono headphone feeds (Mono selected for better clarity)
  • Tascam M- 520 20- channel mixer
  • Recording & mastering software by Steinberg. No Pro Tools
  • Effects, plug- ins, etc. by Waves, Steinberg, Sonic Foundry, Blueline, CFX, Cakewalk, Izotope, Analog X, Antares, RGCAudio- and more

 

ABOUT THE STUDIO

There are still a few "finishing touches" that need to be put on the studio. Because of this, I'm going to hold off on the "studio tour" section here until things are 100% complete. Please stand by. . . .

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RATES

Ah, the dreaded question of "what will my project cost?" There's no way of predicting how much time a given project may take to complete, and that's just a fact. However, the charts below have proven to be a fairly reliable aid in estimating what to expect when recording with Far Q Productions. The first table gives information regarding media costs, the second shows hourly rates, and the third explains available recording methods (described as "platforms") and the estimated number of hours to expect per song for each method. Of course, many factors can effect the final bill, so you should always email or call for a more specific bid. Be sure to also check out the "Recording Studio Agreement" and "Pre- Recording Checklist" as these documents contain specific details about policies and helpful information that can make your sessions shorter and move along more smoothly. Last, there's a chart that explains available video services and rates.

 

MEDIA

MEDIA TYPE
RENTAL
PURCHASE

QUANTEGY 456- 573111 1" OPEN REEL TAPE-

Currently unavailable, but I will definitely offer it again when Quantegy returns it to the product line. Quantegy 499- 574111 can be used as a substitute, but it is also difficult to find right now. The best available option at the moment is Quantegy 406, so the purchase price to the right is for that tape. Again, the purchase price is approximate so please contact me for a specific quote. I also have some Quantegy 456 on hand for rental purposes.

$30.00 USD PER REEL
$104.00 USD PER REEL

QUANTEGY 456- 173111 1/4" OPEN REEL TAPE-

Again, Quantegy 406 may be substituted, but I also have Quantegy 456 on hand. There isn't much call for clients to purchase the 1/4" reels, but I include the purchase price for those who are "hardcore" about archiving.

$15.00 USD PER REEL
$54.00 USD PER REEL

HOURLY RATES

SERVICE
DAILY RATE (UP TO 24 HOURS)
WEEKLY RATE (25 HOURS AND ABOVE)
Analog and Digital Recording
$35.00 USD PER HOUR
$30.00 USD PER HOUR
Analog and Digital Mixing and Mastering
$35.00 USD PER HOUR
$30.00 USD PER HOUR

AVAILABLE PLATFORMS

This chart outlines some of the most common recording methods and time requirements for each. Of course, it follows "rule of thumb" estimation and is not to be considered as etched in stone. Some projects may take more time than indicated here, some may take less. You're never billed for time you don't use. Reference this chart as a general guide, and email or call for a more specific quote.

PLATFORM/MIX
DESCRIPTION
APPROXIMATE HOURS PER SONG
Digital/Digital
All recording, mixing, and mastering done on digital A/V workstation. An excellent and cost- effective option for demos and smaller projects.
5
Digital/Analog (Stereo)
All initial tracking done on digital A/V workstation. Tracks are processed and mixed from PC to 1/4" open reel tape, then returned to PC for mastering. A great choice for projects featuring acoustic instruments or for those who want an "analog flavor" combined with digital clarity.
6

 

FAR Q PRODUCTIONS STUDIO AGREEMENT

RIGHT- CLICK & "SAVE TARGET AS..."

(WINZIP FILE/MS WORD OR WORDPAD 7.71KB)

FAR Q PRODUCTIONS PRE- RECORDING CHECKLIST

RIGHT- CLICK & "SAVE TARGET AS..."

(WINZIP FILE/MS WORD OR WORDPAD 3.36KB)

 

PREFERRED PAYMENT

Preferred payment is cash, credit card, money order, or cashiers' check. Personal checks accepted with prior approval and with understanding that appropriate time for clearance must be allowed- typically two to three weeks. Credit card payments and cash transfers are processed via PayPal. Please email to request PayPal invoicing.

ABOUT THE STUDIO AGREEMENT

There's plenty of mumbo- jumbo in the studio agreement, and some folks may not have time or inclination for downloading the file and reading it, so I thought it might be good to add a few lines here that touch on the main points. First off, understand that I worked many years without requiring a studio agreement, and only after being stung by ambiguity a number of times did I decide that it was a necessity. I'd be embarrassed to state here the amounts of money and time I've lost for want of a contract, so I won't- suffice it to say that it's a lot of both.

The studio agreement is required for all orders totaling $315.00USD or above.

A deposit equaling 50% of the bid and the signed studio agreement are required by five days prior to the commencement date on all projects. Absolutely no, and under no circumstances will, calendar dates be reserved until the deposit and signed studio agreement are received. Further, the deposit is not refundable in the event that you don't show up for your session and don't make a reasonable attempt to cancel. Cancellations must be made by or before 24 hours prior to your session. Cancellations made after 24 hours prior to your session will be billed as half of your booked time or half a day, whichever amount is greater. Sure, it may seem a little unfair, but no more unfair than leaving me hangin'. Just try canceling your dental appointment an hour before you're supposed to be there and see what you get- and believe me, I work harder than any dentist you've ever seen!

On the other side of the coin, there are several elements in the studio agreement that work in your favor too. For example, there's a "force majeur" clause that covers all kinds of stuff, so if you wake up the day of your backing vocal session and you're too sick to sing- no problem. Just give me a quick call and we'll reschedule. There's also a clause in there to protect your interest in and ownership of your music, so you never have to worry about me mass- producing and marketing your album. My point here is that the agreement is a way to ensure that things are clear and fair for everybody. Rest assured, I'm not out here to screw people around- I'm out here to make records. So let's get to it!

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