FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Of course. Email is easiest, or call and leave a message (415-843-1340). Sometimes we can do the tour that day, sometimes a week or so away. It depends on the sessions that are active. Also, please do not drop by the studio without an appointment - either a session is in progress or the studio is closed.
We do take on interns in a 3 month unpaid program however, our process for choosing interns excludes random email/mail solicitations of resumes. We always make our choices based on our personal relationships with up and coming engineers right here in the Bay Area. Please do not email us as we will not be responding.
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Can we all play live in the studio?
Who pays for piano tuning?
We charge the tuning fee to our clients. We use John Phiefer exclusively and his rate is $150 per tuning. We have an incredible Yamaha C7 that is owned by a very famous pianist whose name we keep secret. Many of the Bay Area's piano players and recording engineers will tell you it's the best piano to record on the Bay Area. It holds a tuning pretty damn well but, it does get moved and that of course causes it to drift a little out of tune over time. We'll gladly have you in a few days before your session to check the tuning. If the piano is central to your project, we strongly encourage you to let us know so we can book John the day before or the day of your session.
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Can we break up the day rate over two days?
Never. No. That's why it's called a day rate.
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What are the hidden costs?
Do you work weekends?
Of course. In fact, weekends are usually booked up several months in advance.
Can we come in early or the night before to set up?
No. Sessions begin at the time you schedule them. Much of the engineering work begins as you start setting up so we have to charge for this time.
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What's a producer?
In general terms: A producer is someone who is heavily involved in your project, possibly attending shows and rehearsals, working on arrangements, checking your equipment, recommending outside musicians, deciding what songs to record and more. They will see your project through completion, and help you get the best takes. A producer doesn't have to be an engineer, and you may see sessions where a producer and engineer work together. One would hire a producer based on the quality of the previous work this producer has done, familiarity with their style and an understanding that they will be calling the shots and raising the quality of the album project.
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What's a co-producer?
In general terms: A co-producer is someone who will engineer your album and make suggestions and subjective comments in order for you to make the best recording possible. They will be active in assessing takes and suggesting sounds, arrangements, etc. Usually they will jump into the session cold on the first day. Generally they will be the sole engineer as well. One would hire a co-producer based on work they've done before and their familiarity with the studio being used.
What's an engineer?
In general terms: An engineer is someone that knows how to operate the recording equipment in the studio, get sounds and accommodate the requests of the artist or producer. One would hire an engineer based on a recommendation from the studio, work they've done before and their familiarity with the studio being used.
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Do you do voiceovers, video editing, music for film or radio spots?
Absolutely but Broken Radio is best known and geared towards recording performance-based music sessions.
No. Locally we recommend:
Can you transfer my old vinyl/cassette/reels/etc. to CD-R?
Yes.
