Q. Do I have to make an appointment?
A. Yes. Phantom City Studio is by appointment only. All sessions are private and no one is allowed to interrupt your session for any reason. When you
book with Phantom City Studio the entire studio is focused around your needs.
Q. How can I submit my demo?
A. Please go to http://www.phantomcitystudio.com/Demos
Q. Is Phantom City Studio looking to sign new artist?
A. Yes. For details, please see our Demo Submission page.
Q. How do I get signed to a Record Label?
A. Please see How to get a record deal?
Q. What type of equipment does Phantom City Studio use?
A. SSL, 24-Ch Trident Series Console ATB, Reel to Reel, Analog, Digital, Digidesign, Pro Tools, Vintage, Reason, Auto Tune, Melodyne, Apogee,
Rosetta 800, Sound Forge, Neumann, SSL 4000, Focusrite, McDsp, Neve, Bomb Factory, Korg, Universal Audio, Wavelab, Avalon, PLUG-INS, Waves
Platinum Bundle, SSL Channel Strip, EQ, Mix Buss Compressor, Mc Dsp Analog Channel, Filter Bank, Compressor Bank, Echo Farm, Sony Oxford
GML EQ, Inflator, Focusrite, Drawmer, Pultec, Sonnox, Cranesong, TC Electronic, Filter Freak, Eventide, Amp Farm, Toft ATB 24, Mackie HR824,
Yamaha NS10...
Q. What type of Plugins does Phantom City Studio have?
A. Click here for see our list of Plugins.
Q. Can I send audio files via the internet or by mail to have it mixed and mastered?
A. Phantom City Studio's online service offers artists, producers and record labels an easy way to get their music mastered via internet or by mail. Just
send us your music online - and within hours you will receive a mixed or mastered version.
Click Here to Learn more Information about Phantom City Studio's Internet Service.
Q. Can I take a tour of the studio?
A. Unfortunately tours of our studio are currently unavailable due to high volumes of frequent tour requests. We offer private sessions to all of our
artists and are proud to say that your session will not be interrupted by someone wanting a tour. For samples of our sound quality, please visit our
samples page. Our friendly staff is happy to answer any questions you may have about Phantom City Studio.
Q. What if I need more time than I was scheduled for? Can I get more time if I need it?
A. Yes. If the time is available, its yours! Please let us know in advance if you might need additional time. This helps ensure availability of additional
time.
Q. What are your Rates / Prices?
A. Please call 407-876-9130 for rates. You may record, edit, and mix your project as much as you please during your session time. "Session time"
equals the amount of time you spend at the studio. Phantom City Studio has special packages and 8 hour block rates as well.
Q. What is included in the Studio Rate?
A. The studio rate includes a Certified Engineer, Recording, Master Mix, Sound Editing, Sound Effects, Vocal Booth, and one
Audio Cd. The studio rate may also be referred to as a session time.
Q. Can I split an 8 Hour Block Rate?
A. Yes. All 8 Hour blocks can be split into Two 4 hour blocks. (8 hour blocks must be completed within 30 days).
Q. How do I book a session?
A. Please contact us to schedule a session (407)-876-9130. Sessions generally book 1-2 weeks in advance. It is also possible to get in on short
notice. Feel free to call at any time to check for availability.
Q. Do I have to make a deposit?
A. Yes. Recording Studio's operate by reserving time to recording artists and musicians. In order to reserve time at Phantom City Studios, you must
make a deposit in advance of the session, to show that you are serious and that you will show up for the session in a timely manner. If it becomes
necessary to cancel a session, and if notice is given at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled session, the deposit can be used towards rescheduling a
new session. THERE WILL BE NO REFUNDS. No shows and cancellations within the 48 hour time frame will result in a loss of the deposit. Click
here to Make a Deposit.
Q. Can I leave Phantom City Studio while my recording is being edited, mixed, mastered...etc?
A. Yes, however this will not reduce your session price. The amount of time spent on (editing, mixing, mastering...etc) will be added to your final
session price. We strongly recommend that you are present at all times.
Q. Does Phantom City Studio record Karaoke?
A. Yes. At Phantom City Studio we record high quality professional sounding karaoke. Our certified engineers can edit your vocals word by word. You
can stop recording and continue where you left off. Copy words or phrases from one section and paste them to another section. Now your karaoke
songs can sound like the original artist recording. Amaze your friends and family with high definition, recording studio quality, professional sounding
Karaoke. Click here for more information.
Q. Does Phantom City Studio record Voice-Overs?
A. Yes. At Phantom City Studio we record high quality professional voice overs. We have recorded hundreds of voice overs for TV, Radio, Video
Games, Demos, Commercials, Movie Trailers, and more. We have dozens of scripts for you to choose from. Our trained engineer will even serve as
your voice coach throughout your session. Click here for more information
Q. Can Phantom City Studio provide a phone patch?
A. Yes. Phantom City Studio has the industry standard "Telos One" phone patch system.
Telos ONE models present superb digital telephone hybrid performance for voice-over, broadcast, teleconferencing, and communications
applications. Proven Telos processing technologies perform all hybrid functions, gain control, and filtering completely in the digital domain.
Fast, precise automatic digital nulling allows smooth, natural, simultaneous conversation without the usual speakerphone up-cutting effect, voice
distortion, and level matching problems often experienced with other hybrid-type interface devices.
Q. Does Phantom City Studio record Audio Books?
A. Yes. Phantom City Studio has years of experience in recording audio books. We have recorded over 300 audio books covering many topics such as
spirituality, love, money, hobbies, self-help, poetry, stories, interviews, and many more.
Q. Will I receive a professionally recorded Cd immediately after my session?
A. Yes.
Q. Can I pay cash?
A. Yes
Q. Do you accept checks or money orders?
A. No
Q. Can I pay by credit card?
A. Yes
Q. Can I pay over the Internet?
A. Yes. To pay over the Internet click here.
Q. I am a solo artist and do not have a band can Phantom City Studio help me?
If you need musicians we can provide them for an additional fee. The price of studio musicians depend on experience and amount of musicians
needed.
Q. Does the final editing and mastering of the CD count as additional time that would need to be paid for, or is the 60 minute time frame vocal time
only?
You may record, edit, and mix your project as much as you please during your session time. "Session time" equals the amount of time you spend at
the studio.
Q. I read on your website that you can remove vocals. Does that mean I can bring in any CD that I have and record my own vocals on that CD?
Phantom City Studio can recreate most songs from bits and pieces of audio that have no vocals present. Depending on the popularity of the song we
might have the version without the vocals in our extensive studio library songs.
Q. Do I have to be a "professional" artist to record at Phantom City Studio?
A. No. Every level of music expertise is welcomed at Phantom City Studio. There are many levels of service to choose from when deciding to schedule
a recording session at Phantom City Studio. Our friendly staff is ready to assist with deciding what is right for you.
Q. Do I need to provide my own background music?
A. No. If needed, Phantom City Studio can provide background music for your project. Our engineers/producers are available to assist with making
original background music for your project.
Q. How long will it take to record one song?
A. This is a difficult question to answer and depends a lot on different variables including, how long is the song, how rehearsed is the song, are you
bringing your own background music, how many overdubs, adlibs, punch ins, effects, etc.
Q. What type of music can I record at Phantom City Studio?
A. We have different engineers for different projects. Your engineer will be matched with you according to the style of music and nature of your project.
For a complete list of styles of music we record at Phantom City Studio Click Here!
Q. After I finish recording, do you keep the recordings or delete them?
A. We have developed our own high-demand file and backup organizational system. Every clients project is stored for up to one month unless
otherwise specified. If you ever want to do edits, need files for the deal you have been waiting for, or decide to work in your own studio, all of your files
will always be available in any format you need them in.
Q. Do I have to make a deposit?
A. No. Deposits are only to ensure that your spot will not be taken by someone who would like to make a deposit on your time. In this case, whoever
was scheduled first must make a deposit or be rescheduled.
Q. What program do you use to record?
A. We are currently running the latest version of the industry-standard award-winning Pro Tools Software.
Q. What is Pro Tools?
A. Pro Tools is the world's most popular computer-based digital music production system. The combination of Pro Tools software and related
hardware delivers unprecedented recording, editing, mixing, and mastering power. More Info.
Q. What's this mixing and mastering business all about?
A. Mixing is an integral part of the recording process and can distinguish a professional song from the amateurs. Mixing a track consists of making
sure all elements do not interfere with each other, proper space & frequency balance, creative positioning, and detailed seasoning to uniquely identify
the track. Most importantly the mix must create a massive impact when the song is first heard without one thought of technical details. Click here for
more information about mixing.
Mastering includes a number of processes that give a CD a professional finish. The time interval between tracks is properly set, all tracks are set to
play at equal volume, tracks are 'topped and tailed'. Sound quality can also be enhanced if required, the P and Q sub-codes necessary to meet the CD
standard are inserted. Click here for more information about mastering.
Q. Do you master at Phantom City Studio? When do I get my Master CD?
A. Yes. Phantom City Studio specializes in audio mastering. When you choose to master your CD at Phantom City Studio, you will receive your Master
Copy as soon as the mastering process is completed. Click here for more information.
Q. Can I bring my own engineer?
A. Certainly, however, the complexity of the equipment dictates that we must also be on hand to assist. Therefore, bringing your own engineer does not
reduce the cost of the session.
Q. What should I do before I come to the Studio?
A. Rehearse!!! Be sure you know the pieces you are going to record inside out. If you are just recording vocals, have an idea of the arrangement,
harmonies, and backup vocals for each song. Only the very experienced can improvise and produce the goods when the record light goes on. Not
knowing your part may result in wasted time (and money) and your colleagues won't appreciate it either. If you are bringing music to record vocals over
or your own instruments, make sure all data disks and equipment works properly before arriving.
Q. Are there any extra hidden costs?
A. No. Our prices are simple and straight-forward including a certified engineer and one CD. Additional CD copies, session musicians, vocal coaches,
producers, session time, and other services can also be purchased.
Q Where should I send my demo?
A. Send your demos to Phantom City Studio! demos@PhantomCityStudio.com
You can also leave us a copy of the demo you previously recorded at our recording studio. Phantom City Studio periodically sends demos to Record
Labels such as Sony, Virgin, EMI, Columbia, Universal, and several others.
Phantom City Studio is not responsible for any lost or damaged demos, items, etc. Phantom City Studio will not return any demos, items, etc. Please
be sure to include your contact info. Check your CDs/DVDs/Vhs tapes/ demo/ etc to make sure they work and package them so they don't break in the
mail. Phantom City Studio receives tons of demos every week. Please understand that we are very busy with other work and cannot reply to every band
or artist that sends a demo. We look forward to hearing from you!
Q. Does Phantom City Studio duplicate and package CD's and Dvd's? What is the minimum order?
A. Yes. Phantom City Studio provides duplication as well as packaging and photography options. There is no minimum purchase required. Please call
for a price quote. Visit our Cd/Dvd - Duplication/Replication Packaging Page.
Q. Should I record on Analog or Digital or both?
A. This topic is still subject to a great debate by many musicians and engineers. A majority of artists prefer to use all digital recording/editing/mixing
here at Phantom City Studio for various reasons. Mainly due to the sound quality, economics, and availability of options in the digital format. However,
there are some benefits to using analog for tracking your mixes and then transferring them into digital for editing and mixing. There is a definite
character of analog tape, of which warmth and punch are two common reasons analog still exists. Analog sound can be achieved in digital formats as
well without the time consuming Reel to Reel setup and tracking.
Analog and Digital both offer Pros and Cons. It is not recommend to edit and mix in analog due to the tremendous options and ease in digital.
However tracking in analog and then transferring to digital is a good technique that has been used with great success. Imagine digital as a PURE,
CLEAN, recording device. What goes in comes out, there is nothing added nor subtracted to the input sound source. Analog is like a filter that is
applied over all the music, adding warmth and punch with a certain 'feel' that would not be there in digital. Analog has a noise to it that needs to be
cleaned up and reduced in mixing, as well as the dynamic range and high end may not be as high as digital. Analog takes much longer to track than
digital due to the format. If you plan on tracking with analog you should plan on investing more money into your recording budget. Time wise plan on
adding roughly a quarter to the total time of recording. And a few hours for the transfer into digital. Also, remember analog tape is around $70.00 a Reel
for 17 minutes at 30 IPS. This is a reason why many artists choose digital. A full album could easily take up over $400.00 in Reel to Reel tape. Feel
free to ask any questions about Digital and Analog.
Q. What is a Master Mix?
A. A master mix is not the same as getting a song mastered. A master mix means getting a "mix" to sound as loud as mastered version without
distortion. Believe it or not, many people cannot tell the difference between a master mix and a song that has been professionally mastered. The
master mix is included in your recording session FREE of charge! Just remember to ask your engineer to include it in your session file.
Q. What are Plug-ins?
A. Pro tools plug-ins offer a wide variety of professional, real-time, and file-based effects and studio utilities that are ideal for bringing your mixes alive.
Please click on this link for more information about plug-ins.
Q. Is it illegal to record someone else's song?
A: No. It is not illegal to record someone else's song for a demo. You are allowed to record someone else's song as long as you Do Not try to sell it for
a profit.
Q. How do I protect my songs and copyright them???
A. The Library of Congress has a very well informative web site that issues all copyrighting questions and concerns, you can also print out whatever
forms you will need and mail them a check with the finished CD.
Q. What are the benefits of recording vocals as a 'scratch or guide track' and adding the final vocals later?
A. This is a tried and true technique that many studios and producers have been using for decades with considerable success. For example when a
group ensemble comes into the studio to record, a band that has a guitar, bass, drummer and lead singer, with occasional background vocals, this is
how this technique would work. The group would all be setup to record together but final vocals would not be recorded along with the basic tracks, only
a guide vocal so that the band can follow along and all know their places. After all the instruments are complete the singer can concentrate solely on
the vocals without worrying about messing up along with the basic tracks, and can even take a line of the song at a time, or do alternate vocal takes,
picking the best or mixing and matching takes together to form one composite track. Those are the performance benefits of this, on the technical end
you will achieve a much higher quality vocal recording. The vocals will be isolated from any instrument bleed and the high quality microphones will be
able to pick up all nuances in the voice. Also the singer will hear a more finished recording instead of a rough tracking mix. This can inspire the singer
to achieve a greater performance because they are singing against more of a finished product. Backing vocals can be added against the lead vocal
separately, to ensure that all phrasing and pitch is correct with the lead vocal, this is very hard to do in a all live situation.
Q. What is a .Wav file?
A. When sound is recorded, it is represented electronically as waves. In order to store this sound on your computer, these waves must be converted to
a digital format. This is done by 'sampling' the waves many times per second. The data from this wave sampling is stored in your computer as a .wav
file. We prefer to work with .wav rather than mp3 whenever possible.
Q. What is MP3?
A. MP3, or MPEG layer 3, has become a popular format for reducing the size of audio files. Most of the music available for download off the internet is
found in this format. The reduction in file size is accomplished partly by compression, elimination of inaudible data, and the encoding duplicate data.
The result is an audio file that sounds the same, but is not identical to the original. MP3 can be encoded at different bitrates, measured in kilobits per
second (kbps). Music encoded at either 128 or 160 kbps will generally be of good quality, but for the purpose of burning a CD, the original .wav or CD-
DA is preferable.
A. Yes. Phantom City Studio is by appointment only. All sessions are private and no one is allowed to interrupt your session for any reason. When you
book with Phantom City Studio the entire studio is focused around your needs.
Q. How can I submit my demo?
A. Please go to http://www.phantomcitystudio.com/Demos
Q. Is Phantom City Studio looking to sign new artist?
A. Yes. For details, please see our Demo Submission page.
Q. How do I get signed to a Record Label?
A. Please see How to get a record deal?
Q. What type of equipment does Phantom City Studio use?
A. SSL, 24-Ch Trident Series Console ATB, Reel to Reel, Analog, Digital, Digidesign, Pro Tools, Vintage, Reason, Auto Tune, Melodyne, Apogee,
Rosetta 800, Sound Forge, Neumann, SSL 4000, Focusrite, McDsp, Neve, Bomb Factory, Korg, Universal Audio, Wavelab, Avalon, PLUG-INS, Waves
Platinum Bundle, SSL Channel Strip, EQ, Mix Buss Compressor, Mc Dsp Analog Channel, Filter Bank, Compressor Bank, Echo Farm, Sony Oxford
GML EQ, Inflator, Focusrite, Drawmer, Pultec, Sonnox, Cranesong, TC Electronic, Filter Freak, Eventide, Amp Farm, Toft ATB 24, Mackie HR824,
Yamaha NS10...
Q. What type of Plugins does Phantom City Studio have?
A. Click here for see our list of Plugins.
Q. Can I send audio files via the internet or by mail to have it mixed and mastered?
A. Phantom City Studio's online service offers artists, producers and record labels an easy way to get their music mastered via internet or by mail. Just
send us your music online - and within hours you will receive a mixed or mastered version.
Click Here to Learn more Information about Phantom City Studio's Internet Service.
Q. Can I take a tour of the studio?
A. Unfortunately tours of our studio are currently unavailable due to high volumes of frequent tour requests. We offer private sessions to all of our
artists and are proud to say that your session will not be interrupted by someone wanting a tour. For samples of our sound quality, please visit our
samples page. Our friendly staff is happy to answer any questions you may have about Phantom City Studio.
Q. What if I need more time than I was scheduled for? Can I get more time if I need it?
A. Yes. If the time is available, its yours! Please let us know in advance if you might need additional time. This helps ensure availability of additional
time.
Q. What are your Rates / Prices?
A. Please call 407-876-9130 for rates. You may record, edit, and mix your project as much as you please during your session time. "Session time"
equals the amount of time you spend at the studio. Phantom City Studio has special packages and 8 hour block rates as well.
Q. What is included in the Studio Rate?
A. The studio rate includes a Certified Engineer, Recording, Master Mix, Sound Editing, Sound Effects, Vocal Booth, and one
Audio Cd. The studio rate may also be referred to as a session time.
- "Session time" equals the amount of time you spend at the studio.
- During your session time you may record any type of audio such as music, vocals, instruments, karaoke, voice-overs, podcasts, spoken word,
acapella, choir, audio books, etc... - During your session time you may have your audio mixed and edited for optimum sound quality
Q. Can I split an 8 Hour Block Rate?
A. Yes. All 8 Hour blocks can be split into Two 4 hour blocks. (8 hour blocks must be completed within 30 days).
Q. How do I book a session?
A. Please contact us to schedule a session (407)-876-9130. Sessions generally book 1-2 weeks in advance. It is also possible to get in on short
notice. Feel free to call at any time to check for availability.
Q. Do I have to make a deposit?
A. Yes. Recording Studio's operate by reserving time to recording artists and musicians. In order to reserve time at Phantom City Studios, you must
make a deposit in advance of the session, to show that you are serious and that you will show up for the session in a timely manner. If it becomes
necessary to cancel a session, and if notice is given at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled session, the deposit can be used towards rescheduling a
new session. THERE WILL BE NO REFUNDS. No shows and cancellations within the 48 hour time frame will result in a loss of the deposit. Click
here to Make a Deposit.
Q. Can I leave Phantom City Studio while my recording is being edited, mixed, mastered...etc?
A. Yes, however this will not reduce your session price. The amount of time spent on (editing, mixing, mastering...etc) will be added to your final
session price. We strongly recommend that you are present at all times.
Q. Does Phantom City Studio record Karaoke?
A. Yes. At Phantom City Studio we record high quality professional sounding karaoke. Our certified engineers can edit your vocals word by word. You
can stop recording and continue where you left off. Copy words or phrases from one section and paste them to another section. Now your karaoke
songs can sound like the original artist recording. Amaze your friends and family with high definition, recording studio quality, professional sounding
Karaoke. Click here for more information.
Q. Does Phantom City Studio record Voice-Overs?
A. Yes. At Phantom City Studio we record high quality professional voice overs. We have recorded hundreds of voice overs for TV, Radio, Video
Games, Demos, Commercials, Movie Trailers, and more. We have dozens of scripts for you to choose from. Our trained engineer will even serve as
your voice coach throughout your session. Click here for more information
Q. Can Phantom City Studio provide a phone patch?
A. Yes. Phantom City Studio has the industry standard "Telos One" phone patch system.
Telos ONE models present superb digital telephone hybrid performance for voice-over, broadcast, teleconferencing, and communications
applications. Proven Telos processing technologies perform all hybrid functions, gain control, and filtering completely in the digital domain.
Fast, precise automatic digital nulling allows smooth, natural, simultaneous conversation without the usual speakerphone up-cutting effect, voice
distortion, and level matching problems often experienced with other hybrid-type interface devices.
Q. Does Phantom City Studio record Audio Books?
A. Yes. Phantom City Studio has years of experience in recording audio books. We have recorded over 300 audio books covering many topics such as
spirituality, love, money, hobbies, self-help, poetry, stories, interviews, and many more.
Q. Will I receive a professionally recorded Cd immediately after my session?
A. Yes.
Q. Can I pay cash?
A. Yes
Q. Do you accept checks or money orders?
A. No
Q. Can I pay by credit card?
A. Yes
Q. Can I pay over the Internet?
A. Yes. To pay over the Internet click here.
Q. I am a solo artist and do not have a band can Phantom City Studio help me?
If you need musicians we can provide them for an additional fee. The price of studio musicians depend on experience and amount of musicians
needed.
Q. Does the final editing and mastering of the CD count as additional time that would need to be paid for, or is the 60 minute time frame vocal time
only?
You may record, edit, and mix your project as much as you please during your session time. "Session time" equals the amount of time you spend at
the studio.
Q. I read on your website that you can remove vocals. Does that mean I can bring in any CD that I have and record my own vocals on that CD?
Phantom City Studio can recreate most songs from bits and pieces of audio that have no vocals present. Depending on the popularity of the song we
might have the version without the vocals in our extensive studio library songs.
Q. Do I have to be a "professional" artist to record at Phantom City Studio?
A. No. Every level of music expertise is welcomed at Phantom City Studio. There are many levels of service to choose from when deciding to schedule
a recording session at Phantom City Studio. Our friendly staff is ready to assist with deciding what is right for you.
Q. Do I need to provide my own background music?
A. No. If needed, Phantom City Studio can provide background music for your project. Our engineers/producers are available to assist with making
original background music for your project.
Q. How long will it take to record one song?
A. This is a difficult question to answer and depends a lot on different variables including, how long is the song, how rehearsed is the song, are you
bringing your own background music, how many overdubs, adlibs, punch ins, effects, etc.
Q. What type of music can I record at Phantom City Studio?
A. We have different engineers for different projects. Your engineer will be matched with you according to the style of music and nature of your project.
For a complete list of styles of music we record at Phantom City Studio Click Here!
Q. After I finish recording, do you keep the recordings or delete them?
A. We have developed our own high-demand file and backup organizational system. Every clients project is stored for up to one month unless
otherwise specified. If you ever want to do edits, need files for the deal you have been waiting for, or decide to work in your own studio, all of your files
will always be available in any format you need them in.
Q. Do I have to make a deposit?
A. No. Deposits are only to ensure that your spot will not be taken by someone who would like to make a deposit on your time. In this case, whoever
was scheduled first must make a deposit or be rescheduled.
Q. What program do you use to record?
A. We are currently running the latest version of the industry-standard award-winning Pro Tools Software.
Q. What is Pro Tools?
A. Pro Tools is the world's most popular computer-based digital music production system. The combination of Pro Tools software and related
hardware delivers unprecedented recording, editing, mixing, and mastering power. More Info.
Q. What's this mixing and mastering business all about?
A. Mixing is an integral part of the recording process and can distinguish a professional song from the amateurs. Mixing a track consists of making
sure all elements do not interfere with each other, proper space & frequency balance, creative positioning, and detailed seasoning to uniquely identify
the track. Most importantly the mix must create a massive impact when the song is first heard without one thought of technical details. Click here for
more information about mixing.
Mastering includes a number of processes that give a CD a professional finish. The time interval between tracks is properly set, all tracks are set to
play at equal volume, tracks are 'topped and tailed'. Sound quality can also be enhanced if required, the P and Q sub-codes necessary to meet the CD
standard are inserted. Click here for more information about mastering.
Q. Do you master at Phantom City Studio? When do I get my Master CD?
A. Yes. Phantom City Studio specializes in audio mastering. When you choose to master your CD at Phantom City Studio, you will receive your Master
Copy as soon as the mastering process is completed. Click here for more information.
Q. Can I bring my own engineer?
A. Certainly, however, the complexity of the equipment dictates that we must also be on hand to assist. Therefore, bringing your own engineer does not
reduce the cost of the session.
Q. What should I do before I come to the Studio?
A. Rehearse!!! Be sure you know the pieces you are going to record inside out. If you are just recording vocals, have an idea of the arrangement,
harmonies, and backup vocals for each song. Only the very experienced can improvise and produce the goods when the record light goes on. Not
knowing your part may result in wasted time (and money) and your colleagues won't appreciate it either. If you are bringing music to record vocals over
or your own instruments, make sure all data disks and equipment works properly before arriving.
Q. Are there any extra hidden costs?
A. No. Our prices are simple and straight-forward including a certified engineer and one CD. Additional CD copies, session musicians, vocal coaches,
producers, session time, and other services can also be purchased.
Q Where should I send my demo?
A. Send your demos to Phantom City Studio! demos@PhantomCityStudio.com
You can also leave us a copy of the demo you previously recorded at our recording studio. Phantom City Studio periodically sends demos to Record
Labels such as Sony, Virgin, EMI, Columbia, Universal, and several others.
Phantom City Studio is not responsible for any lost or damaged demos, items, etc. Phantom City Studio will not return any demos, items, etc. Please
be sure to include your contact info. Check your CDs/DVDs/Vhs tapes/ demo/ etc to make sure they work and package them so they don't break in the
mail. Phantom City Studio receives tons of demos every week. Please understand that we are very busy with other work and cannot reply to every band
or artist that sends a demo. We look forward to hearing from you!
Q. Does Phantom City Studio duplicate and package CD's and Dvd's? What is the minimum order?
A. Yes. Phantom City Studio provides duplication as well as packaging and photography options. There is no minimum purchase required. Please call
for a price quote. Visit our Cd/Dvd - Duplication/Replication Packaging Page.
Q. Should I record on Analog or Digital or both?
A. This topic is still subject to a great debate by many musicians and engineers. A majority of artists prefer to use all digital recording/editing/mixing
here at Phantom City Studio for various reasons. Mainly due to the sound quality, economics, and availability of options in the digital format. However,
there are some benefits to using analog for tracking your mixes and then transferring them into digital for editing and mixing. There is a definite
character of analog tape, of which warmth and punch are two common reasons analog still exists. Analog sound can be achieved in digital formats as
well without the time consuming Reel to Reel setup and tracking.
Analog and Digital both offer Pros and Cons. It is not recommend to edit and mix in analog due to the tremendous options and ease in digital.
However tracking in analog and then transferring to digital is a good technique that has been used with great success. Imagine digital as a PURE,
CLEAN, recording device. What goes in comes out, there is nothing added nor subtracted to the input sound source. Analog is like a filter that is
applied over all the music, adding warmth and punch with a certain 'feel' that would not be there in digital. Analog has a noise to it that needs to be
cleaned up and reduced in mixing, as well as the dynamic range and high end may not be as high as digital. Analog takes much longer to track than
digital due to the format. If you plan on tracking with analog you should plan on investing more money into your recording budget. Time wise plan on
adding roughly a quarter to the total time of recording. And a few hours for the transfer into digital. Also, remember analog tape is around $70.00 a Reel
for 17 minutes at 30 IPS. This is a reason why many artists choose digital. A full album could easily take up over $400.00 in Reel to Reel tape. Feel
free to ask any questions about Digital and Analog.
Q. What is a Master Mix?
A. A master mix is not the same as getting a song mastered. A master mix means getting a "mix" to sound as loud as mastered version without
distortion. Believe it or not, many people cannot tell the difference between a master mix and a song that has been professionally mastered. The
master mix is included in your recording session FREE of charge! Just remember to ask your engineer to include it in your session file.
Q. What are Plug-ins?
A. Pro tools plug-ins offer a wide variety of professional, real-time, and file-based effects and studio utilities that are ideal for bringing your mixes alive.
Please click on this link for more information about plug-ins.
Q. Is it illegal to record someone else's song?
A: No. It is not illegal to record someone else's song for a demo. You are allowed to record someone else's song as long as you Do Not try to sell it for
a profit.
Q. How do I protect my songs and copyright them???
A. The Library of Congress has a very well informative web site that issues all copyrighting questions and concerns, you can also print out whatever
forms you will need and mail them a check with the finished CD.
Q. What are the benefits of recording vocals as a 'scratch or guide track' and adding the final vocals later?
A. This is a tried and true technique that many studios and producers have been using for decades with considerable success. For example when a
group ensemble comes into the studio to record, a band that has a guitar, bass, drummer and lead singer, with occasional background vocals, this is
how this technique would work. The group would all be setup to record together but final vocals would not be recorded along with the basic tracks, only
a guide vocal so that the band can follow along and all know their places. After all the instruments are complete the singer can concentrate solely on
the vocals without worrying about messing up along with the basic tracks, and can even take a line of the song at a time, or do alternate vocal takes,
picking the best or mixing and matching takes together to form one composite track. Those are the performance benefits of this, on the technical end
you will achieve a much higher quality vocal recording. The vocals will be isolated from any instrument bleed and the high quality microphones will be
able to pick up all nuances in the voice. Also the singer will hear a more finished recording instead of a rough tracking mix. This can inspire the singer
to achieve a greater performance because they are singing against more of a finished product. Backing vocals can be added against the lead vocal
separately, to ensure that all phrasing and pitch is correct with the lead vocal, this is very hard to do in a all live situation.
Q. What is a .Wav file?
A. When sound is recorded, it is represented electronically as waves. In order to store this sound on your computer, these waves must be converted to
a digital format. This is done by 'sampling' the waves many times per second. The data from this wave sampling is stored in your computer as a .wav
file. We prefer to work with .wav rather than mp3 whenever possible.
Q. What is MP3?
A. MP3, or MPEG layer 3, has become a popular format for reducing the size of audio files. Most of the music available for download off the internet is
found in this format. The reduction in file size is accomplished partly by compression, elimination of inaudible data, and the encoding duplicate data.
The result is an audio file that sounds the same, but is not identical to the original. MP3 can be encoded at different bitrates, measured in kilobits per
second (kbps). Music encoded at either 128 or 160 kbps will generally be of good quality, but for the purpose of burning a CD, the original .wav or CD-
DA is preferable.
Phantom City Studio FAQ's
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
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