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FAQ

  1. General

    The stuff we hear daily.

    Q.1 What types of music do you work on?

    Whatever Houston can throw at us. In other words- everything. (head over to our "Listen" page)

    Q.2 Is it alright if I bring in work from my home studio?

    Absolutely! Sometimes you might need another set of ears to figure out why that one part just doesn't sound the way it does in your head. Or you might need to record those vocals on a signal chain that sounds like butter. ;-)

    Q.3 Do you offer mastering?

    Here's the short answer: If you are needing a smooth, compressed, loud version of one or two songs, then yes, we master.


    Here's the long answer: We are a recording and mixing facility first and foremost. If you are completing an album or EP, we highly recommend a DEDICATED mastering house and engineer. By that we don't mean some guy with software or a place that will "record, mix, and master".

    Here's why.

    After spending all that time writing, recording, and mixing- it's a great idea to get a completely fresh set of ears on your project. (it can be hard to be objective at that point) This isn't where you create your sound (those are all the steps up to this point), this is where that final gloss gets applied to ALL of your songs to make sure they "feel" like each-other and flow together. Many times, this has more to do with gut instinct than anything else, and you probably want the instincts of someone that makes a living from using them.

    Q.4 Do you work with languages other than English?

    Though our engineers are English speakers only, there is no issue with vocals done in other languages. (our mics are multi-cultural) We only ask that you do not record songs about your engineer.

  2. Booking

    All work is done by appointment only. Contact us for availability!

    Q.1 Do I need to schedule an appointment?

    Yes! We work by appointment only!

    Q.2 What are your hours?

    We try to keep session start times between 10AM and 8PM. If you need times outside of these, just ask!

    Q.3 How far in advance do I need to book?

    It depends. If nights and weekends are your cup of tea, then you might need to be prepared for one to two weeks. If weekdays work, then typically inside a week.

    Q.4 Do I need a deposit?

    Yes. In order to keep our rates low, we require a 50% deposit (non-refundable inside 48 hrs. of session start) when you book your session. We can process your deposit over the phone and have a receipt in your email almost instantly.

    Q.5 What is your cancelation policy?

    48 hrs. Period.

    Look, we know that stuff happens, but the ONLY way we can keep our rates at $50/hr.- is by staying busy. You not showing up for an appointment will hurt everyone else that calls Barron their studio home.

  3. Payment

    $$$

    Q.1 When is payment due?

    Payment is due at the end of every session.

    Q.2 What forms of payment do you accept?

    We accept cash, Visa, Mastercard, and American Express.

    Q.3 Do you accept checks?

    No, we do not accept checks.

     

  4. Hip-Hop/R&B/Rap

    A few common questions.

    Q.1 Do you guys make beats?

    Sure don't. We believe in doing one thing and doing it well- and it ain't slingin' tracks. We do know a bunch of guys who do though.

    Q.2 Why should I ask my beat producer for individual tracks of the beat?

    You'll end up with a bigger, harder hitting track with vocals that sound like they work with the beat. Hey, they make hot tracks- we mix 'em and make 'em bang harder. If your track is off a CD (we call that a 2-track because there is only a left and right track of audio), we can still pull it in and get working, but if those claps are too loud, or the beat is distorted to all hell- you're just gonna have to make do. Also, if you want to customize or reformat the track to your lyrics, you can only work within the sound layers and mix that already exists.

    So what does all that mean!? Get your beats tracked out!! You'll be so glad you did!

    Q.3 I have a home studio and just need to mix- or I just want to record, and then mix myself. Is that cool?

    Very cool indeed. Many of our clients work between our studio and their own. Just let us know what your end vision is and we'll help you figure it out!

  5. Bands

    The stuff we hear daily.

    Q.1 So how does this whole recording thing happen?

    Think of a band recording as if you were building a house. You don't start with the roof- the have to pour a foundation first. Well, your rhythm section is that foundation. Typically this means recording drums and bass while grabbing "scratch tracks" (placerholder) performances of other important parts. (guitars, vocals, etc.) Now that you have the groove established, you can add on guitars, keyboards, etc. Last, you record the vocals since most vocalists respond best to hearing all the elements of the song together.

    Q.2 What can I expect from a mixdown?

    You can expect a more polished, even sounding version of the original recordings. The one phrase we hate to hear is, "Well, we'll just fix it in the mix." The truth is, if it sounds great after recording, it will sound even better after mixing. If your group is fishing for every downbeat, or the tuning is suspect (that applies to the drummer also!) the punch, power, and clarity will never hit it's full potential.
    There are more tools available today than ever before to help you sound as good as possible, but nothing beats taking the time to get it right- the first time.

    Q.3 I have a home studio and just need to record _______. Is that cool?

    Very cool indeed. Many of our clients work between our studio and their own. Just let us know what your end vision is and we'll help you figure it out!