❓ 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