I want to record a 3-track demo. How much will it cost?
The studio does not have a cost per song tariff but charges by the half day, full day or by the hour in the evening. All rates can be found on the rates page on our website.
How many songs can I record in a day?
As many as you like. Red Cat Studios does not impose a limit on how many songs an artist can record during their session. The number of songs you manage to complete is all down to how well rehearsed the band is and how competent you are as a musician. However, the average number of songs bands complete in one day is three. Please refer to the example day planner below.
How long is a full days session?
A full day is officially 8 hours but we can carry on for a further 2 hours if necessary AT NO EXTRA CHARGE. A half day session is officially 4 hours but we can carry on for a further hour if necessary AT NO EXTRA CHARGE.
Does the studio have drums and amplifiers that we can use?
Red Cat Studios has invested in equipment that bands are welcome to use AT NO EXTRA CHARGE. We do not have guitar amplifiers as we have found this to be a very personal thing but bands are welcome to use the studio drum kit and the Line 6 POD Guitar Amp Modellers.
I am happy to use the studio drum kit but can I bring my own snare, cymbals or kick pedal?
Yes. Please check with the studio first that we have enough cymbal stands for all the cymbals you will be bringing.
How will we go about the recording?
There are no rules as to how we must go about the recording. Most bands follow the sequence shown in the example day planner below but if, for example, you want to record guitars first, then vocals and finally drums, you are welcome to, but I would not advise it.
Will all the band members be playing at the same time and in the same room?
Yes, but the GUIDE VOCAL is done in a separate room. As the GUIDE guitars are recorded using the Line 6 POD there is no bleed of guitars or vocals into the drum microphones. This enables all musicians to be in the live
room at the same time, which can be a great advantage for getting the right FEEL. Normally we are looking for a good drum take first and then we continue on to record guitars etc.
If I make a mistake, do I have to record all my part again?
No. With digital recording and the advanced editing features of the Cubase SX, we can literally repair a couple of seconds of any part of the recording. You may for example just want to redo a lead guitar riff, or sing again a verse of the song.
Is there an additional charge for mixing and mastering?
No. The cost of the session covers everything shown in the example day planner below. If additional changes to the recording or mix are required, the artist can book further time with the studio that will be subject to the charges detailed on the rates page on our website.
What wil lwe leave with at the end of the session?
Each band/artist will leave with a Master Audio CD at the end of the session, which is part of the session costs. If additional NON-PRINTED copies are required for each band member for example, these are charged at £1 each or you can bring you own blank discs and we will be happy to copy the master onto that for you. Full colour or black and white thermally printed CD’s are also available. See the CD Production page on our website for details.
What if we want additional copies of our CD?
We have full CD Production facilities on site where we can print and duplicate 50 to 2000 CDs at a time. The cost per CD varies depending on the quantity ordered and whether full colour or black and white is needed.
Can I take away the recording so I can mix it myself in CuBase or Pro Tools?
Yes. Each individual track can be rendered to .wav or .aiff format and then copied onto a Data DVD. There is just a small charge of £5 for rendering each track to the same origin and copying the files onto a Data DVD.
Is there anywhere to get food nearby the studio?
Yes, snacks and hot and cold drinks are available from the studio. There is also a pub just 1 minute walk from the studio that serves food for most of the day.
