Audio for the Arts studios and on-location service is your one-stop solution for audio production, sound design and recording. Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about making professional CDs, live performance recordings and audition recordings for admittance to colleges, music competitions and festivals.
Q: What kind of audio work do you do at Audio for the Arts?
A: Audio for the Arts is a full-service audio company. We are the recording and live sound engineers for the Madison Symphony Orchestra, the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra (we ecorded and co-produced their three CD releases). We do sound design and mixing for Four Seasons Theater, CTM Theater and The Madison Repertory Theater. We record and produce The Onion Radio News and Progressive Radio. We do live recordings for The Madison Festival Choir, the Madison Chamber Choir, and many more. Our discography includes names like Dar Williams and Mary Chapin Carpenter, Ben Sidran and Roscoe Mitchell (including the Art Ensemble of Chicago). Our classical music work has been praised by the likes of John DeMain, Andrew Sewell, Peter Schickele and Yo-Yo Ma. We have received acclaim for our work in the forensic audio field, having done several audio projects to be used as evidence in court trials
Q: You have a great list of artists and endorsements but I am not a professional musician, and frankly my project is pretty small--are you willing to work with me?
A: Like most studios, we list some of the "big" names so clients know we are credible. But we enjoy working on smaller projects, too: family bands, groups of music-making friends, music students young and not-so-young, the music hobbyist who wants to record a love song for her husband....we've done it all and we are happy to work with you and help put you at ease with the process. We believe that capturing your musical expression should be a fun and enjoyable experience!
Q: Do you have a studio facility?
A: Yes we do. We are located near the Capital Square in downtown Madison. Our studio facility comes complete with engineer, state-of-the-art microphones, pre-amplifiers and outboard equipment and a Yamaha grand piano. The studio consists of one large "live" room and three isolation rooms, all with windows for easy visual communication. Our recording medium is ProTools HD.
Q: What kind of piano do you have?
A: It is a Yamaha C6 grand piano, a 7-foot instrument which is serviced regularly and kept in excellent tune and voice for your use.
Q: My project requires piano accompaniment; do you have a pianist at your studio?
A: While we do not have a resident studio pianist, we have several accomplished pianists we can recommend to you, and of course you are welcome to bring the pianist of your choice to the session. Your pianist is welcome to call ahead and make an appointment to play our piano if he or she desires.
Q: I would feel more comfortable doing my sessions in a recital hall, school facility or church; can you record there?
A: We can and do record artists at many different locations; from Overture Center to area churches to our clients' living rooms. We also go out of town, and are the engineers for the Green Bay Symphony, La Crosse Symphony and Waukesha Symphony Orchestras. We are happy to go to any acoustically suitable location and make your recording. (If you have questions as to what constitutes an "acoustically suitable location", please call or email us using the contact information below and we'll be happy to advise you).
Q: Can you record my live performance at a remote location?
A: Yes we can. Call us for a price quote based on your particular performance and location.
Q: Can you make CD's right away that we can take with us after the session?
A: In many cases, yes. If we are recording in our studio, you can usually take your final, mastered CD's with you after the final session. If your project requires more elaborate mixing or editing, we always do our best to work within your desired timeline. In the case of an on-location recording, we usually need to take the raw (unmastered) digital recording back to our studio and produce the final CD master there. A reference or "rough" CD (meaning no final mastering, editing or reverb) can usually be made on-location for you to listen to at your convenience.
Q: Do you handle CD duplication?
A: In addition to making your master CD, we will be happy to make a few extra copies for you, your friends or family. If more than 5 or 6 copies are needed, however, we recommend going to a company that specializes in CD duplication. We are happy to help you with that process, and indeed we have a graphic artist in-house who can help you with your artwork layout and overall design. For medium and large-quantity CD duplication (e.g. more than just a handful), the company we work with most frequently and recommend is Sooper Dooper here in Madison. Please contact us if you have other questions about CD graphic design and duplication.
Q: Do you offer student discounts?
A: Yes we do. Anyone currently enrolled in school will receive a 20% discount on our hourly and on-location recording rates.
Q: Do you have a day-rate or "lockout" rate?
A: We do even better. Many studios offer what is called a day rate or "lockout" rate. This requires the artist to commit to a 10- or 12-hour day of recording (the studio is "locked out" from other projects for that day, hence the name). Because we work with woodwind and brass players whose embouchures would give out long before that time is up, as well as with jazz, pop and opera singers whose voices could easily be damaged from working that long, we offer a client-friendly alternative: Commit to ten or more hours of studio time, get the discounted rate (10% off), and YOU book the hours as you see fit. Want two hours on Monday, five on Wednesday and three more on Saturday? No problem. As long as the studio is available, you can book time in a way that best fits your busy schedule and your anticipated energy level.
Q: What do we need to bring to the session?
A: Musicians, their instruments and amplifiers, if any. As mentioned above, we have a piano in our studio, but all other instruments and amplifiers should be brought in by the musicians. An extra set of ears, whether a formal producer or just a trusted friend, is welcome at the session. Larger groups, however, tend to be a distraction and can waste valuable time.
Q: What other services do you offer?
A: We can help you with nearly any audio-related need you have. From forensic audio (cleaning up audio or creating audio re-enactment for use in court), to audio transfers (vinyl, reel or cassette), we have the experience to do it right. Note that we can often treat old, unplayable reel-to-reel tapes and bring them back to playable condition so the sound can be transferred to CD. Many clients have brought in old family recordings that we have brought back to life for them to enjoy.
Q: If I have questions beyond what is covered here, what should I do?
A: Please call or email us with your questions, or if you are preparing for a large project, make an appointment for a pre-production meeting. We will be happy to meet--at no charge to you--to answer any questions you might have.
We are also experienced at doing recording, sound design and reinforcement for theater and opera productions. If you have an audio-related need that isn't mentioned here, please contact us to discuss it.
Audio for the Arts
7 South Blair Street
Madison, WI 53703
(608) 255-0511
afa [at] audioforthearts.com
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