RATES
Standard Recording Rate: $20 per hour
Four Song Demo Special: $120*
*Applies to new clients only. This allows for up to 8 hours of recording/mixing/CD burning of up to four songs from 9am-6pm. This includes about an hour for setup (9am-10am), four hours of recording (approx 10am until about 3pm with a one hour lunch) and three hours of mixing/CD burning (3pm until 6pm). Each fifteen minutes thereafter is an additonal $5 (or $20/hour). Charges include one CD of the finished mixes. Additional burned CD's can be purchased for $5 each.
STUDIO POLICIES, TERMS & CONDITIONS
Services/Rates
I require that you pay in full, in cash, money order or bank certified check before recording begins. This is a strict policy I adhere to. If you cannot do so recording will not commence until you can, and you will be charged for the time it takes you to get to a bank and back. If this sounds harsh imagine how harsh it is to receive a check that bounces or to be told, "I forgot my wallet" at the end of a session(!) Handling money this way allows both parties to keep a trusting relationship. Keep in mind that Alki Recording has a full guarantee (see below). If you are not fully satisfied with the final work your money will be entirely refunded.
All charges include one CD of the finished mixes. More copies can be provided, upon request, for $5 extra per additional CD. The recording media (DVD of the ProTools session or ADAT tape) can be purchased for $20.00 or will otherwise be reused (erased) after the period of one week. Please note: if you'd like to maintain your original master recordings after the recording session make sure to purchase a DVD of the ProTools session or the ADAT tape immediately after the session - otherwise they will be permanently lost - this means that you will not be able to edit or work with the recording you made in the future!
Deposit/Requesting Time Slot
A $50 deposit will guarantee a time slot you request. A deposit is not required - however, your slot will not be absolutely guaranteed without it. If someone else wants the same time slot and offers a deposit, it will go to them.
Cancellation Fee
There is a $50 cancellation fee if I am not notified at least 3 days before the session. This is strictly for economic reasons. In order for the studio to function it requires dependable income. When someone cancels a session without enough advance notice (enough time to book someone else for that time slot), the studio loses money. This amount will not be refunded. To avoid paying cancellation fees please only book your session if you are 100% certain that you can make it as scheduled.
Start/End Time
The session clock begins at the scheduled session start time that both parties agree upon. If you arrive early and the studio can accommodate an early start, then the session clock will begin at that early start time. If you are late for any reason, you will be charged from the scheduled session start time, with no exceptions. And - please call if you are going to be late!
Payment
You are responsible for all monies due to the studio and shall make payment to the studio as follows: cash, money order or bank certified check. No personal checks are accepted, sorry. No media will be turned over to you until full payment is made for that day.
Alki Recording Guarantee
Upon completion of your recording project you will have the opportunity to hear the results within the studio. I will play short samples of the completed work for your listening. Upon full review of the audio samples, there is no obligation to pay if not satisfied, and any deposits or previous payment will be returned upon request. No audio or data will be released, however, without full payment for agreed studio and mixing time. This guarantee no longer applies to work once the completed CD is in your hands and leaves the studio.
Leaving Gear Behind
If you leave something at the studio I'll do my best to ensure that it's stored safely. However, I cannot be held responsible in the event that your gear is damaged through unwillful occurrence (water damage, theft etc). By signing this you agree that Alki Recording is not responsible for loss or damage to gear left behind due to such events.
Gear Damaged Due To Willful Or Accidental Negligence
If you or anyone in your party breaks or damages anything you agree to pay for it. This includes microphones, headphones, amps, guitars etc.
Studio Rules
- No smoking inside the studio, the smoke particles can damage audio gear. Please smoke outside and be courteous of neighbors.
- No food or beverages allowed near any recording equipment.
- Behavior: Alki Recording is a recording studio in a family home environment. Drugs or any illicit behavior is strictly prohibited anywhere on the premises... sorry.
Studio Hours
Normal working hours for Alki Recording are 9AM to 6PM. There will be occasional breaks and one hour (not charged) for lunch for 8 hour sessions. Weekend and evening sessions may be booked as well at my discretion; call or email for details. Under no circumstances will any sessions other than voice-over work extend past 8pm due to the residential location.
Musical Tastes
I reserve the right to refuse to work with anyone for any reason. If our musical tastes don't match you'd likely get better results working with a different studio.
Studio Downtime
If the studio should suffer any failure due to forces of nature or otherwise I agree to reschedule studio time with you at an agreeable time for both parties. If the recording system should fail during your session you will receive equivalent free time to make up for this.
Responsibility
The person responsible for paying for studio time must sign an agreement and will be held responsible for the actions of all artists and guests he or she brings to any session. The client must show a legal ID with proof of age. If the client is under 18 years of age the client's parent or legal guardian must read and sign this agreement and provide a legal ID, as well as additional proof of guardianship if last names are different, and will be held responsible for all actions and debts of the client.
These rules apply to all persons. There are absolutely no exceptions whatsoever. This ensures a healthy business relationship for you as a recording artist and for the studio as well.
If you have any problems with any of these rules for any reason please let me know in advance.