On your confirmation slip is a list of tracks including a brief stylistic description. Once you’ve selected two a CD will be mailed out to you giving you time to familiarise yourself with them.

Can I bring my own tracks, perhaps from a previous band recording or play along package?

No problem, just be sure that the tracks you bring are recorded in time. Another consideration is whether theirs is a click mixed as on the tracks we provide there will be no click on the final mix.

Do I have to pay the whole fee up front?

No, all that’s required is a £25 deposit. Your play along tracks will be mailed out upon receipt of this.

Will I have control over how the recording sounds?

Of course. This experience is about learning how to achieve the sounds you want through understanding EQing, mic’ placement, processing etc. You’ll be sitting behind the mixing desk shaping your sound and performance.

How do I arrange a date and time?

Let us know when you’re interested in booking, for example ‘the first two Saturdays in April’ and we’ll let you know what’s available.

What happens if I’m unable to make the time I’ve booked?

As long we have a weeks notice we’ll simply reschedule. However, less than one weeks notice and the deposit may be lost.

How does the session run?

The session begins by establishing the drum set-up required and getting a good acoustic sound. Here all tuning essentials will be covered.

Next it’s time to select the microphones. Here the different mic’ types and characteristics are discussed.

Now the mic’s are placed around the kit and by listening to the results the implications of different mic’ placements are explained.

We’ll then cover front end of the recording system, pre-amps converters etc.

Once an appropriate sound is achieved it’s time to start recording. Here we’ll look at creating a headphone mix, editing a track, locking in with a click, creating a chart etc.

Finally the recorded track/s will be processed by using effects such as compression, gates, limiting etc.

Your mixed CD will then be burned for you to take away.

Three hours is a long time; do we get a break?

Yes, a coffee/tea break is factored in.

How will I remember everything I’ve been shown?

All of the material covered will be presented in a handout for you to take away.

What do I need to bring?

Everything you’ll need is provided. A top-of-the-range studio-ready selection of Mapex drums and massive choice of Zildjian cymbals are at your disposal though you’re free to bring along anything you want such as pedals, snares or specific cymbals. Please don’t bring along a full kit as we’re confident the drums provided will be more than adequate. We have Vic Firth sticks too but you might feel more comfortable with your own!

What time should I aim to arrive?

Try to be there around 15 minutes early as this will help allow the session to run on time.