BlackTree is now a proud user of the amazing Universal Audio LUNA platform. We find LUNA to be more intuitive with a real warm analog sound. I’ve used Avid Pro Tools since 1999 but now consider LUNA to be the new market leader. We also have Logic & Pro Tools can be available if really needed.
We can record up to 32 Tracks simultaneously.
Recording Options
1) Record Live: The advantages of recording live are; you capture the performance & energy of a band. Also you can record your track quicker, adding vocals & overdubs later. We also offer a totally live option; where you plug in & record a full set of songs, kind of like a gig. Everything is recorded & mixed on the fly. At the end of the session we do a final mix down & then master your disc. A lot of bands like this option because A: It saves money and B: Promoters like to hear how your band sounds live when it comes to booking gigs.
2) Multitracking; for a totally polished recording, you have to think multitrack. This is the process of recording each musician separately. Allowing for complete isolation & separation will eliminate spillage & help considerably in the mixing process. Drums, Bass, Guitars, Vocals etc; would all be recorded one at a time. In some situations, drums & bass are recorded at the same time, this option can make a song flow better. Most modern songs are recorded this way.
Mixing
There’s really not a lot to say here. Obviously mixing is a key element of the recording process. It is also something that is very hard to explain, as every session is different.
BlackTree offers, what we call a post record option. This is a Mix only package, that means; you record & we mix (and obviously master if required). We know that plenty of people these days own they’re own DAW software, enabling you to record a large majority of your material at home. But often where the process tends to fall a bit flat, is in the mix. Studios spend a large amount of money on their equipment, probably far more than most people can afford. This option is adapted by a lot of musicians these days.
Mastering
Historically a mastering engineer was a person who ensured that a musical programme was successfully committed to a musical release medium such as vinyl or cd. This much is true today and yet the mastering engineers role has changed to some degree to involve a cross over into other areas of audio production.
Mastering engineers have had to adapt to the changes in the music industry and the world at large. Mastering audio comprises of a number of processes that predominantly apply to stereo interleaved audio files, here is a laypersons description of what’s involved:
1) We ensure the audio files and pre-master medium are free from both physical and sonic defects.
2) All mediums have to be considered & mastered accordingly. We master with the best possible reproduction of music on a wide range of play back systems.
3) Enhancement of audio material using the engineer’s objectivity, equipment choices and clients input.
4) We apply fades, index points, PQ Codes, ISRC Codes, adjust relative track levels, apply track gapping, increase perceived volume if required with minimal side effects and compile a high quality pre master format such as DDP (Disk Description Protocol) or CD-R pre-master disk. These will be created using specialised software and hardware and be error checked to ensure the pre master is error free and will duplicate or replicate correctly at the CD duplication plant.
BlackTree Mastering Rates
1 Track £35
£25 (Per Additional Track)
12” Vinyl Album Mastering £95 (Per Side)
10” Vinyl Mastering £75 (Per Side)
Stem Mastering
Up To 5 Stems £45 (Per Track)
Additional Stems £5 (Per Additional Stem)
What’s Included
- Consultation and advice
- EQ, compression and limiting
- Noise reduction, click removal and stereo enhancement
- Compilation, starts, fades and levels
- PQ encoding (CD Master or DDP)
- ISRC code insertion
- Error checked Red Book production master (CD Master)
- Download & Delivery Service
- DDP Image available
- Mastering notes and cue sheets (CD Master)
Quoted price includes everything from initial consultation to the delivery of your masters.
Please note: Rates are in UK Pounds Sterling.