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Services
Recording/Engineering
There are many recording techniques that I utilize to achieve a great sounding captures. Microphones must be placed in optimal positions in front of well maintained instruments in the correct part of the room. From here, microphone lines are fed into pre amplifiers for gain and sometimes routed to equalizers/filters to adjust tone, compressors to control level spikes and shape the instrument's envelope, or time based effects like delay or flange. Knowing how to best utilize every part of the recording signal-chain contributes to a beautiful record. I have recorded a wide variety of instruments, including acoustic and electric guitar, cajon, drum kits, lead and background vocals, upright and electric bass, Hammond/Leslie organ, upright and grand piano, synthesizers, drum machines, banjo, string quartet, brass sections, large vocal ensembles, 70-piece orchestras--you name it! Knowing and striving for exceptional sounds is how I create stellar records.
Record Production
Production is the part of the process where the ideas behind an established sonic vision become a reality. The work involved can seem blurred as it can sometimes require wearing many different hats related to the studio environment. Production can mean giving songwriting suggestions, choosing the best instrument tones, suggesting necessary composition/arrangement approaches, choosing the best takes, helping to soothe interpersonal conflicts between band members, organizing sessions, making sure deadlines are met and budgets are respected, and much more... A good producer looks out for the artist's best intentions, capitalizes on their strengths, and helps the artist in any way possible to make a record that represents the artist's vision. I have produced records with people of all backgrounds and I thrive in this position.
Mixing
Mixing is the process of combining all recorded audio tracks into a stereo track to be enjoyed by the listener. There are many key approaches that can help make each instrument in the arrangement sound its best. These include using equalization, compression, limiting, spacial effects (reverb and echo), harmonic enhancement, and other necessary tone-shaping devices. Beyond focusing on each sonic element of the mix, arrangement plays a big part in the impact that the song will present. In pop music, for example, small volume and tone changes between song sections (verse to chorus) can provide excitement and interest, ideally keeping the attention of the listener. I have done mixing in a wide array of styles, including singer/songwriter, R&B, soul, gospel, rap, indie, blues rock, hard rock, punk, gospel, bluegrass, and pop.
Composition/Arrangement
Depending on your needs, composition and arrangement can serve many purposes. Perhaps you’re writing music to accompany a film, a jingle for a commercial, or a video game or app soundtrack.Composition and arrangement can also mean hands-on songwriting guidance, which would include writing melodies and chord progressions, lyric analysis, and song structure (verse, chorus, bridge). Please feel free to contact me with your specific needs.
Mastering
Mastering is the final stage of the in-studio record making process. During mastering I look at the individually mixed tracks and consider any necessary fine adjustments to ensure that tone and volume is consistent between every song on the record. If a Single is the only track to be mastered, a commercially released track of a similar genre is referred to as a benchmark sound for that Single - adjustments are made accordingly. Another aspect of mastering is determining the appropriate length of silence between tracks. Finally I will work with the client or producer to deliver the tracks in the correct format required for its release. This may mean CD quality (sample rate 44khz, 16bit) or specific higher resolutions (analog mediums or archiving). All mastered songs receive a complementary ISRC code for song identification and tracking.
Editing/Programming/MIDI
If your song needs a competitive edge and you feel that the performance might benefit from discerning edits, I make sure to approach any changes from a musical perspective. I only make vocal and timing changes when it's helpful to the song, and make sure to not impose on the human feel. This mentality also lends itself to any drum sampling necessary - tones are kept natural and are chosen to fit the style of production - ensuring that all instruments blends musically.
EXTRA! - these are services that are project-dependent, please inquire for quote.
Live Music Video Recordings with Rob Lynn
I've teamed up with Rob Lynn Production to give you awesome looking video shoots to match the impeccably recorded sound. Check out some examples on the Tones page.
Live Recording
Much of my equipment is kept in portable rack cases should I ever need to setup a studio in a remote location. If you have a gig that you want documented I have flexible setup capabilities (16 channels of i/o and plenty of microphones and pre amps).
Vinyl Transfers
Get those old records digitized for easy access and longevity. Achieve stunning clarity and enjoy your vinyl like never before. I use a Craig 5101 belt-drive turntable and Ortofon 2m Red audiophile cartridge/stylus - setup using a digital stylus force scale and alignment protractors. The signal is converted to digital using my Lynx Aurora mastering converters - ensuring that the sound hits the very best digital converters available. High resolution conversion (higher than CD quality)!
Session Work - Guitar, Bass Guitar, Drums, Vocals
I've played on numerous records and can adapt quickly to your sound and style.
Promotion
Having released so many records collaboratively with artists, I have discovered certain avenues for promotion, press and distribution that work well. This is complementary information that I hope to share with all artist that come through the doors of Pique Recording. Records that become successful benefit the artist, as well as the studio. Everyone wins!
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