FAQ
(General Info)

Studio Rates - Mixing/Mastering/Drum Tracking: Project dependent - Contact us to discuss details.

  • What file formats do you use?
    Virtually any audio file format can be used for tracking.  Previews for approval are typically provided in Mp3 format.  Separate final tracks/files will be provided in the pre-agreed format and resolution. For mixing sessions, the file format and resolution provided will be maintained. For mastering sessions, the resolution and format will be discussed prior to beginning.

  • What about security and protection of my music?
    Exchange of files are kept as secure as possible, while maintaining convenience.  Various means can be used for file delivery/exchange, such as email,  Dropbox (secure), or other online services are utilized.  Private secure login information will also be provided if necessary.  Dropbox is preferred, as it is very secure, convenient and reliable.  Email attachments to send the initial tracks is common, and also to preview preliminary mixes/masters.  Although email is less secure, most people prefer this method for convenience.  Just keep in mind that some Internet Service Providers (ISPs) have restrictions on file sizes for email attachments, while Dropbox is never an issue with large files.  Once in house, the utmost in security of your music is afforded.  Finally, it is suggested that your material be copyright protected (see below).

  • Are there any copyright concerns?
    You should always copyright your material for legal protection.  Solution Room Studios is providing a professional service, and included in that service is a promise to maintain strict control of artists' music while in our possession.  In the case of drum tracks, once recorded, they are yours to use however you wish.  Your rights are protected, and we will gladly sign a document/contract stating so if needed, prior to any services rendered.

  • What’s the process & payment method?
    - You provide the files/song(s);
    - Songs are tracked, mixed and/or mastered;
    - An email is provided for your review and approval (link or attachment);
    - Once approved, payment is made and the files are available for secure download.
    * PayPal is preferred (Solution Room Studios is a “PayPal Business Verified Member”), but Money Orders and Cashier's Checks are also accepted, drawn on a United States bank only.  If not paid via PayPal, delivery of the files will be delayed until payment is cleared.

  • What equipment do you use?
    Equipment choice is subjective.  Solution Room Studios utilizes, what we consider to be, the best recording equipment available.  Many years of trial and error in search of the smallest audible gains in an effort to obtain the highest quality level and perfect sound is a never-ending process (long-time member of GearSpace - user name solutionroom).  See the Equipment page for further details.  Regarding drum recording, several drum sets, many snare drums and a myriad of percussion instruments are available.  The most important thing is... the final product.  Belief in the "keep it simple" theory is paramount. Rest assured, if a better sound can be obtained, it will happen.  The signal chain is always of the highest quality.  The studio has been professionally and meticulously designed and built to obtain an acoustically superior recorded product.

FAQ
(Drum Track ing Specific Info)

  • What do I need to provide?
    A click track, on its own track, is helpful, starting at absolute zero. Provide the exact BPM so it may be sync’d to a DAW click.  In rare cases, Mp3 files may cause sync issues, even if started at absolute zero.  In this case, send a .WAV or .AIF file. Separate tracks, such as bass, guitar and vocals are also valuable, allowing a sub-mix that’s more suitable for getting a solid drum take.

  • How long will it take to get drum tracks?
    Once the information and files are in house, and if it is a straight forward one song project, then it should be finished in a couple of days.  If it is a full-length project (10-13 songs), then it will take longer.  Details can be worked out before and during recording.  Every effort will be made to reduce turn-around time.

  • Can revisions be made?
    Yes.  Up to two revisions per song can be made free of charge.  The revisions must be requested prior to final drum track delivery.  All reasonable requests will be accommodated.  Complete satisfaction and a high-end product is the ultimate goal.

  • Can the drum tracks have processing applied?
    Yes.  However, it is most common that it be applied during mixing, due to instrument interaction within the mix.  That being said, it is available.  Compression, limiting, gating, equalization, and reverb can be applied.  The tracks can also be delivered un-processed and processed both.  Once again, unprocessed drum tracks offer the most control later on during final mixdown.  Once effects or processing are applied, they cannot be removed.  Everything is recorded through a high-quality signal chain (see equipment for details).

  • Do I have a choice of drum sounds?
    Yes. A large selection of drums are available.  Drum set is an interesting and very versatile instrument (although multiple components comprise a drum set, it is always treated as one instrument).  Many factors go into the sound produced and captured by a drum kit, such as head selection, tuning, dampening, microphone selection/positioning, drum and even stick choice.  Snare drum selection lends a significant defining character toward the overall sound of the kit, vibe and ultimately the song.  Various other percussion instruments are also available.  It’s always important to clearly communicate your vision.  Feel free to send a sample (another recording or band) of the sound you are looking for, and every effort will be made to get that type of drum sound.


“Track, mix and master in a recording studio that is an acoustically balanced environment,
without unintentional coloring of the source sound”