What We Do, and How We Do It

Expert guidance to elevate your music with hands-on tips from years in the biz.

Mixing Tips

Believe it or not, 80% of my Billboard charted projects were recorded on semi-pro equipment like the old Tascam Model 10 mixing console and a Tascam 4 track recorder. Now, however, I use ProTools with unlimited tracks. Here's the biggest secret to recording on semi-pro gear: DON'T EXCEED THE EQUIPMENTS CAPABILITY!  The musicians, the material, and the 'feel' make the good recordings.  The equipment is only serving to document your art and talent, nothing else. We'll have a whole section on mixing soon.  Keep checking back!

Free Recording Advice

Send us a 30‑second MP3 sample of your project, and we’ll give it a professional listen. You’ll receive a clear report with our findings and suggestions — absolutely free.

From there, you’ll know exactly what steps to take. Or, let us handle it for you! With a team of seasoned studio musicians and engineers, we can help transform your vision into reality — affordably and at a pro level.

Hardware vs. Software?

A lot of you might want to build your own recording setup. It is possible without having to take out a 2nd mortgage.

On our Gallery page, you may have noticed some massive recording consoles—the kind with more knobs and faders than Carter has liver pills. These high‑end mixers are legendary, but they can cost as much as a decent house.

Today’s modern recording workflow relies less on giant hardware desks and more on software and computer power. Tools like Avid Pro Tools—my personal choice—have become the industry standard for mixing, mastering, and adding effects such as reverb, compression, and limiting. There are also plenty of alternatives and emulations available for those who want similar functionality without the full Pro Tools investment.

One of the biggest advantages of computer‑based systems is the use of plugins. Instead of buying racks of expensive gear, you get hundreds of effects and processors right inside your software. For example, a classic Lexicon reverb unit might run you $3,999.99, but Pro Tools includes powerful reverb plugins with endless variations at no extra cost.

In upcoming posts, we’ll share some specific equipment recommendations that deliver professional sound without draining your bank account. The best part? You can build a serious home studio setup in a spare bedroom or basement and still achieve that polished, commercial‑quality mix.   

The Budget Setup

NECESSARY EQUIPMENT LIST FOR YOUR HOME STUDIO

1. Computer - I prefer a tower, but a good laptop will work if you have some serious memory. It needs to be fast. I use a Mac tower but have used a Windows PC in the past with success.

2. Monitor Speakers (powered) - For economy and still very acceptable, look into the KRK and Presonus speakers. They offer decent quality and don't tend to color the sound.

3. USB Audio Interface - The brand, Focusrite is very good and offers many models which will work just fine. The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 USB will handle your personal recording. Here's where you save money. You will not need a mixer! It has two inputs for either microphone or instrument, USB to tie to the computer, headphone jack, and two outputs on the back to hook up your two monitors speakers.
   All of your recording and mixing will be handled on the computer. (A Touchscreen comes in really handy).

4. Microphone(s) - The very minimum I would suggest would be two microphones. For your vocals, Audio Technica makes a pretty darn good microphone called the AT2020. It's a condenser mic. (and the Focusrite 2i2 has 48v. phantom power for that mic.
   The next mic choice would be a good dynamic such as the Shure SM57. For guitars and amp cabinets, It's a workhorse. You can get either mic for right around $100.

5. Headphones- You'll need at least two pair if you have someone working with you. (Singing harmony with you, etc.)
   Most any headphones will work unless you intend to try to do the mixing with them. Then you'll need to step to something like the Sony MDR - 7506 for around $100.

6. Some miscellaneous wiring connectors for your monitor speakers and computer hookup.  

NOW... Here's what we use

We use multiple Avid Pro Tools systems, plus access to most known recording systems. We have at our disposal in our two studio locations, multiple editing and mixdown/mastering suites all with computer assisted mixing and mastering equipment setups.

As far as mics go, we regularly use Blue, Shure, Beyer, Neuman, Telefunken, & Audio Technica.

For monitors, in the primary facility, Music Box Studios, Adams monitors.

We have professional musicians for adding a horn section, extra keyboard, guitar and bass parts, as well as background vocals.

RECORDING - MIXING - SWEETENING - OVERDUBS - MASTERING

Here are some options...

1. We listen to your track sample and make an analysis of what it might need, if anything.

2. We'll make suggestions for the DIY client and also submit what implementing these suggestions would cost if we did the production add-ons for you.
   
   Available Solutions & Add-ons We Can Provide:
   

3. Mastering of your track for social media or commercial release.

4. Adding strings (electronic), horns parts (individual parts or horn section consisting of sax, trumpet, trombone), bass or guitar parts (including steel guitar).

5. Background vocals (male, female or mixed trio or full choir available).

6. Additional keyboard fills & leads.

7. Additional percussion fills.

8. CD duplication.

🎼 Primer: How to Copyright a Song

1. Copyright begins automatically.

• In the U.S., your song is protected by copyright the moment it is fixed in a tangible form — meaning recorded in audio or written down as sheet music or lyrics.

• You don’t need to file anything for basic protection.
  
  

2. Why register your copyright?

Registration with the U.S. Copyright Office gives you legal proof of ownership and the ability to sue for damages if someone infringes your work.

• It also allows you to claim statutory damages and attorney’s fees in court.
  
  

3. How to register.

• Go to the U.S. Copyright Office website.

• Choose the correct category: Musical Work (composition/lyrics) or Sound Recording (the actual recorded performance).

• Fill out the online form, upload your work, and pay the filing fee (usually $45–65).
  
  

4. Know the difference.

• Musical Work copyright protects the melody, lyrics, and composition.

• Sound Recording copyright protects the specific recorded performance.

• Many artists register both for full coverage.
  
  

5. Extra protection through PROs. (Performing Rights Organizations)

• Joining a performing rights organization (BMI, ASCAP, SESAC) ensures you get paid royalties when your music is played publicly.

• Copyright registration + PRO membership = maximum protection and income potential.

🎼 Musician’s Resource Directory

U.S. Copyright Office – Musicians Portal Address: 101 Independence Ave SE, Washington, DC 20559 copyright.gov/engage/musicians | https://www.copyright.gov/help

BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc.) – Headquarters: New York, NY Address: 7 World Trade Center, 250 Greenwich Street, New York, NY 10007 bmi.com | https://www.bmi.com/licensing/contact

ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors & Publishers) – Headquarters: New York, NY Address: 250 West 57th Street, New York, NY 10107 ascap.com | https://www.ascap.com/contact-us

SESAC – Headquarters: Nashville, TN Address: 35 Music Square East, Nashville, TN 37203 sesac.com | https://www.sesac.com/help-center/