❓ Quake Studios – Frequently Asked Questions & Studio Policies

💵 How much is studio time?

Studio time is $75 per hour with a 2-hour minimum.

The minimum booking is 2 hours to ensure enough time for:

• Setup
• Sound check
• Multiple takes
• Punch-ins
• Vocal layering
• Proper file organization

Short sessions often feel rushed and limit quality.

⏱ Why is there a 2-hour minimum?

Recording involves more than pressing record.

Time includes:

• Mic placement
• Gain staging
• Vocal direction
• Multiple takes
• Session organization

The 2-hour minimum ensures your session is productive and worth your investment.

🕒 If I finish early, do I still pay for the full time?

Yes.

When you book studio time, that time is reserved exclusively for you.

If you book:

• 1 hour and finish in 30 minutes
• 2 hours and finish in 1 hour

The full booked time is still due.

You are reserving time — not just recording minutes.

🕒 What happens if my session goes over time?

We try to keep an additional hour available after sessions when possible.

However:

• Overtime is not guaranteed
• It depends on scheduling
• It is billed at $75 per hour

If no one is booked after you, you may extend at the hourly rate.

If another client is scheduled, the session must end on time.

🎙 Does mixing come with studio time?

Recording and mixing are separate services.

Studio time covers recording only.

However, a basic mix may occasionally be included at our discretion depending on:

• The session type
• The amount of time booked
• Song complexity

This should never be assumed.

For the most detailed and polished results, full mixing is booked separately.

🎛 What’s the difference between recording and mixing?

Recording captures your performance.

Mixing shapes and balances that performance within the instrumental.

Recording = capture
Mixing = refinement

Both are important, but they are separate processes.

⏳ Turnaround & Delivery

🎚 2-Track Mixing

Standard turnaround for a 2-track mix is 24–48 hours.

This applies when:

• One stereo instrumental (2-track) is provided
• Standard vocal layers are recorded
• No heavy stem balancing is required

Turnaround begins once:

• All files are received
• Payment is confirmed

🎛 Stem / Trackout Mixing

If your project includes:

• Instrumental stems
• Full trackouts
• Large vocal stacks
• Advanced vocal production

Turnaround is typically 1–2 weeks per song.

More files require more detailed balancing and refinement.

🔊 Mastering

Mastering typically takes 1–3 business days once the final mix is approved.

🚀 Do you offer rush delivery?

Yes — rush delivery may be available depending on scheduling.

Rush services:

• Must be requested before work begins
• Are subject to availability
• Require an additional rush fee

Rush projects move ahead of scheduled work, which is why they cost more.

📌 When does turnaround begin?

Turnaround time begins only after:

• All required files are delivered
• Payment is confirmed
• Final mix is approved (for mastering)

Quality is prioritized over speed.

👥 Why aren’t entourages allowed in the studio?

To maintain a professional and focused environment, we limit the number of people allowed in sessions.

Large groups can create:

• Distractions
• Noise
• Workflow delays
• Equipment risk

Sessions are intended for:

• The artist
• One essential collaborator (if needed)

Unapproved guests may be asked to leave.

🚭 Do you allow smoking in the studio?

No.

Smoking of any kind is not permitted inside the studio.

This includes:

• Cigarettes
• Cigars
• Vapes
• Marijuana
• Any smoke-producing substances

Smoking can:

• Damage equipment
• Affect air quality
• Irritate vocals
• Leave odor in acoustic materials

If needed, you may step outside during a break.
Please note that session time continues during breaks.

💰 Why is mixing a separate cost?

Mixing involves:

• Cleaning vocals
• Balancing levels
• Tone shaping (EQ)
• Compression
• Effects
• Automation
• Multi-system testing

A single song can contain 20–100+ audio tracks that must be processed individually.

Mixing requires hours of detailed work beyond recording.

🎼 Can mixing fix bad recordings?

Mixing can improve clarity and balance.

It cannot fully fix:

• Distortion
• Severe pitch problems
• Untreated room echo
• Poor recording quality

Strong recording leads to strong results.

📌 Studio Summary

• $75 per hour
• 2-hour minimum
• Full booked time is due
• Overtime billed at $75/hour (if available)
• 2-track mixing: 24–48 hours
• Stem/trackout mixing: 1–2 weeks
• Mastering: 1–3 business days
• Rush delivery costs extra
• Recording and mixing are separate services
• Limited guests allowed
• No smoking inside