Not sure where to start, or...
Can't find what you're looking for?
If you've never worked in a studio, it can all seem confusing.
Here's an FAQ of common questions in no particular order...
โ
โ
Q. I'm lost (or I don't have time to search through a website).
A. Call Steve on 0415 236 303
โ
Q. Do you sell Gift Vouchers?
A. Yes, absolutely. Gift vouchers are a wonderful gift. So many people have begun their recording careers after being given a voucher, and others just come along and have a fun session. If you give someone a voucher, you are welcome to watch the session. (See our Gift Voucher page)
โ
Q. How much does it cost to record in a studio?
A. Recording studios cost between $80 and $200 per hour, or sometimes more. The studio rates typically include an audio engineer. Sometimes, but certainly not always, the engineer has the musical background to help you produce, arrange or even write music with you. Our rate for most small projects is $88 per hour for individual songs and a little less for EPs and CDs length projects.
โ
You get what you pay for, but it's also easy to spend too much. If you are a singer/guitarist or a rock band, there's no need to go to a studio with a 72 channel desk and a million dollars of equipment. You'll be paying for all the gear that you don't use. Look for quality, not quantity.
โ
Q. How do I choose a suitable recording studio?
A. Call US! Of course I have a vested interest in this. :)
You will be looking for experienced and successful musicians/engineers who have learned to really 'hear' inside the music and mixes. Most studios own good equipment and great software, so you will be working with that everywhere. The ability of your engineer/producer to understand what you want to create and have the knowledge and skillset to do that is the critical difference between success and failure. We only employ exceptional musical listeners who have empathy and who are seriously skilled and experienced musicians.
โ
โ
โ
โ
โ
โ
Q. What do I take home when my song is recorded?
A. You'll have high-quality wave or MP3 files. Bring a USB stick or a hard drive, or we can email you a link. If you like, we can still burn an audio CD for you. We'll always be certain your tracks will be prepared for streaming on all major platforms.
โ
Q. Can you make my home recordings sound better?
A. Send us your mix, and we can listen and let you know what can be done.
We either master your mix or ask you to send the individual tracks (stems) so that we mix from your raw files. Check out our Recording at Home page.
โ
Q. We've recorded at a studio in the past and we weren't happy with the direction that the engineer took the mixes.
A. Sadly, this is all too common. Many, if not most, engineers are trained in only one style of music. If you're lucky, it will work for you.
โ
At Soggy Dog Recording, our skills and experience cover many diverse styles. We employ musicians and engineers who listen to your needs and find the best direction for the mixes with you. Always!
โ
Q. Can I just bring a backing track and sing to that?
A. Yes you can! If it's for private use, there's no problem. Be aware that if you are going to release the track, you'll need copyright clearance from APRA.
โ
Q. Do you do video?
A. We specialise in audio production. We can video a simple, single-camera, unedited video that is suitable for auditions. You are very welcome to bring your own video team to record your track. Let us know first, though. Our rooms look terrific on-screen. We have video lighting for those who video their own sessions.
โ
Q. Can you remove the vocals from a track so that I can record with it?
A. Removing vocals from a track to record a new vocal would almost always breach copyright laws, so no we don't.
โ
Q. Do you use cracked or illegal software
A. All software, and we have lots of it, is completely legal and registered. Although it's easy to download cracked software, our policy is to pay the developers what they deserve. We could not operate without them.
โ
Q. Are you an endorsed studio
A. Yes, Yamaha Australia has recognised our work and has provided all Steinberg software for more than 20 years.
โ
Q. I'm still lost!
A. Call Steve on 0415 236 303
โ
โ
BANKING AND BUSINESS DETAILS
Soggy Dog Recording can take cash, all the regular cards, and Bank Transfers.
BENDIGO BANK
BSB 633 000
Acc: 125 365 692
14 Brooking St,
Upwey, Victoria, 3158
ABN 30 542 742 965
โ
CONTACT US
14 -16 Brooking St, Upwey, Victoria, 3158
Phone 0415 236 303
OPENING HOURS
Mon - Fri: 10am - 10.30pm
Sat: 10am - 5pm
Sun: negotiable