FAQs

Whether you are brand new to the recording process or have spent some time in the studio, this page will be able to answer our most frequently asked questions.

I’m brand new to recording. How do I get started?

Peak Audio prides itself on being able to record experienced artists to the quality they are seeking AND helping new artists through the new process of recording their music. If you are brand new to the studio experience there are a few things you should think about and do before stepping into the studio. First, make sure you KNOW your music inside and out. For your benefit, knowing exactly how you are going to play/sing your song(s) will maximize how much you can record in the shortest amount of time. Both, saving you money AND time.

Being on time and quickly setting up your instruments also will maximize your time spent recording, as set up time is included in your hourly rate.

Also, plan out your studio time. Set goals on how many songs/tracks you want to capture in “x” amount of hours. You’ll get the idea of how long you take after a session or two.

Finally, RELAX. You started writing music because you love it – getting in the studio to capture your tracks is an awesome time.

What if I sing/rap but don’t have a band?

Peak Audio specializes in recording music, not producing music. We offer suggestions to bands all the time, as all of our staff have musical backgrounds – but we do not at this time offer to write music/create beats for you. In the future, look to our clients page for contact information of artists that might be able to help you on that level.

If you rap/sing and have music already – we will import that music into Pro Tools and lay your tracks over top of that music. We will ensure that your voice and the music sound like they are supposed to be there together and not 2 separate recordings poorly put together.

How can I estimate how much time I/we will need in the studio?

This is a very difficult question. Each band/artist is different. Someone looking to only lay down vocals will take far less time than a full band to record. Even full bands are different sizes, at different skill levels and more particular than others. We can always give you a VERY rough idea of how long the recording and mixing project will take if you speak with us – just always remember, this is a “ballpark” estimate. Since we don’t charge clients per song – all billing is per hour for recording.

Will I be able to leave the studio with a CD immediately after recording?

Yes and no. Like all of you, we don’t like to “get on stage” with poor sounding music. Anything we let clients take away immediately is a “rough draft” and used solely for the client and engineer to listen to and bring follow up ideas for the project. Although the bulk of time purchased in the studio is spent recording, mixing is an extremely important part of the process and is also charged at an hourly rate. No point in recording your favorite tune if it doesn’t have time to get mixed properly before you share it with your fans.

What does the recording process look like?

When you finally settle on a date to record, your time will look something like this. Set-up, Sound-check, Tracking (This is the actual recording step, usually starting with drums and rhythm guitar and then layering on other parts.) And finally Mixing.

For Mastering services (which is an essential part of getting an album radio and CD worthy) – we can provide clients with 3rd party companies that we trust to finish the project.

Is there any money due up front when I/we record?

Yes there is. When we do an initial consultation with you we will give you the ballpark estimate of time needed in the studio. We require 50% of that estimated cost as a down payment for the studio time. At the end of the project we will subtract that amount from the total time spent in the studio.

Do you accept cash, credit and checks?

Yes we do.

When can I start recording?

Give us a call at 574-626-8557 or email us at info@peak-audio.com to book your studio time now!