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Post by antipodesjosh on Jun 25, 2024 13:47:32 GMT -6
They have risen indeed
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Post by paulcheeba on Jun 26, 2024 23:47:32 GMT -6
No if anything people want to pay less so I tend to record drums as I have the best room on this part of the coast and I enjoy it. We have a terrible expression in the U.K. that vague acquaintances employ: “Mates Rates?” I tell them builders wouldn’t do that for me so why should I do it for you.
I’m asked to train people but I’d be rubbish but I do mixing and mastering for about £300 a day if I like it. Which is crazy when I once commanded £10,000 a remix.
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Post by doubledog on Jul 1, 2024 14:42:08 GMT -6
I have not raised my rates in a long time (but I also own the studio/property)
I didn't want to hijack this thread, but I have some more questions that are somewhat related...
1. do you charge for setup/prep time? for example, I'll setup gobos, mic stands, mics, etc before a client arrives. I'll also setup a Pro Tools sessions so it's ready to go (mostly). most times they can just jump into recording pretty quickly. I am generally not charging for this, or putting it all away after a session.
2. do you charge for... I'll call it "session cleanup"? For example, at the end of a session I might commit any tracks where we used a soft synth, or a drum sample, etc (because most of those point to drives that are not really part of the session and possibly someone else would not have that plugin anyway). If I used a modeling mic, I'll commit that sound in case they want the session/tracks. (but I would charge them something to copy or upload the final sessions). I don't usually charge since this is not really a necessity, but more about me trying to preserve the session - if client asked me to do this kind of work, I would likely have to charge though.
3. do you charge to bounce mixes (not final stems - I assume everyone would charge for that time)? I'm thinking more interim mixes, and then even when you make final files for distribution (just did that and it took me about an hour for 10 songs - 320 mp3, 16/44.1 wav, and 24/96 wav). I do charge for the final bounces, but test/rough mixes i do not.
4. I always have bottles of water around (and I know that's environmentally bad, but I don't really have another way) . I don't charge for it. Usually it's not abused and sometimes help the session along (especially vocal sessions).
Am I wrong? anything you don't bill for that maybe you should?
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Post by chessparov on Jul 1, 2024 15:58:34 GMT -6
At minimum Rates should be at least matching the Producer/AE's... Blood Pressure reading, on a pour hour* basis. *Per hour if they don't drive you to drink. Meaning the local Pub/Bar.  Chris P.S. I once got paid $50 to leave the Console alone and go get dinner. Am working my way up. |
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Post by chessparov on Jul 1, 2024 16:01:46 GMT -6
Hey Easter is NEXT year! BTW I heard Dr. Bill knocks off 20%. IF you use a 414 B-ULS. Or was that everthing below 20 Hz? Chris |
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Post by drbill on Jul 1, 2024 17:42:47 GMT -6
I have not raised my rates in a long time (but I also own the studio/property) I didn't want to hijack this thread, but I have some more questions that are somewhat related... 1. do you charge for setup/prep time? for example, I'll setup gobos, mic stands, mics, etc before a client arrives. I'll also setup a Pro Tools sessions so it's ready to go (mostly). most times they can just jump into recording pretty quickly. I am generally not charging for this, or putting it all away after a session. 2. do you charge for... I'll call it "session cleanup"? For example, at the end of a session I might commit any tracks where we used a soft synth, or a drum sample, etc (because most of those point to drives that are not really part of the session and possibly someone else would not have that plugin anyway). If I used a modeling mic, I'll commit that sound in case they want the session/tracks. (but I would charge them something to copy or upload the final sessions). I don't usually charge since this is not really a necessity, but more about me trying to preserve the session - if client asked me to do this kind of work, I would likely have to charge though. 3. do you charge to bounce mixes (not final stems - I assume everyone would charge for that time)? I'm thinking more interim mixes, and then even when you make final files for distribution (just did that and it took me about an hour for 10 songs - 320 mp3, 16/44.1 wav, and 24/96 wav). I do charge for the final bounces, but test/rough mixes i do not. 4. I always have bottles of water around (and I know that's environmentally bad, but I don't really have another way) . I don't charge for it. Usually it's not abused and sometimes help the session along (especially vocal sessions). Am I wrong? anything you don't bill for that maybe you should? 1 - ABSOLUTELY!!! 2 - Yes. 3 - Of course - Yes, 4 - No - don't charge for water. Common courtesy. |
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Post by EmRR on Jul 1, 2024 18:30:38 GMT -6
I have not raised my rates in a long time (but I also own the studio/property) I didn't want to hijack this thread, but I have some more questions that are somewhat related... 1. do you charge for setup/prep time? for example, I'll setup gobos, mic stands, mics, etc before a client arrives. I'll also setup a Pro Tools sessions so it's ready to go (mostly). most times they can just jump into recording pretty quickly. I am generally not charging for this, or putting it all away after a session. 2. do you charge for... I'll call it "session cleanup"? For example, at the end of a session I might commit any tracks where we used a soft synth, or a drum sample, etc (because most of those point to drives that are not really part of the session and possibly someone else would not have that plugin anyway). If I used a modeling mic, I'll commit that sound in case they want the session/tracks. (but I would charge them something to copy or upload the final sessions). I don't usually charge since this is not really a necessity, but more about me trying to preserve the session - if client asked me to do this kind of work, I would likely have to charge though. 3. do you charge to bounce mixes (not final stems - I assume everyone would charge for that time)? I'm thinking more interim mixes, and then even when you make final files for distribution (just did that and it took me about an hour for 10 songs - 320 mp3, 16/44.1 wav, and 24/96 wav). I do charge for the final bounces, but test/rough mixes i do not. 4. I always have bottles of water around (and I know that's environmentally bad, but I don't really have another way) . I don't charge for it. Usually it's not abused and sometimes help the session along (especially vocal sessions). 1 - I do a lot of that so I'll be ready for the client, if it gets extensive I'll roll in a charge, but not always. Usually hand in hand with tear down from previous, general housecleaning. DAW session from templates, so pretty quick 2 - yes, usually building those things in as I go and can 3 - yes 4 - courtesy |
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Post by theshea on Jul 2, 2024 1:47:58 GMT -6
I have not raised my rates in a long time (but I also own the studio/property) I didn't want to hijack this thread, but I have some more questions that are somewhat related... 1. do you charge for setup/prep time? for example, I'll setup gobos, mic stands, mics, etc before a client arrives. I'll also setup a Pro Tools sessions so it's ready to go (mostly). most times they can just jump into recording pretty quickly. I am generally not charging for this, or putting it all away after a session. i know that most charge for setup and its okay. its work, its time. but as an artist its really annoying if you start setting up when booked studio time starts. happened to me once in london. had the studio booked the whole day, 8 hours. starting at 8.30. at my arrival nothing was prepared, i told beforehand what was needed and what the plan for the day was: drums, bass and electric guitar recording. so at 8.30 the guy started to setup the drum kit, the mics, the cables … and after the drum recordings he immediately packed it away again! even if there was enough space to continue with bass and guitars. off course the the lunch break time was also „included“ in the 8 hour session … that got me really bummed. maybe my fault. should have asked more in detail before but the waiting for setup AND clean up after was really annoying … |
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Post by crillemannen on Jul 2, 2024 5:41:57 GMT -6
Rates? Do you charge money for your services?
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Post by sean on Jul 2, 2024 6:05:21 GMT -6
I have not raised my rates in a long time (but I also own the studio/property) I didn't want to hijack this thread, but I have some more questions that are somewhat related... 1. do you charge for setup/prep time? for example, I'll setup gobos, mic stands, mics, etc before a client arrives. I'll also setup a Pro Tools sessions so it's ready to go (mostly). most times they can just jump into recording pretty quickly. I am generally not charging for this, or putting it all away after a session. 2. do you charge for... I'll call it "session cleanup"? For example, at the end of a session I might commit any tracks where we used a soft synth, or a drum sample, etc (because most of those point to drives that are not really part of the session and possibly someone else would not have that plugin anyway). If I used a modeling mic, I'll commit that sound in case they want the session/tracks. (but I would charge them something to copy or upload the final sessions). I don't usually charge since this is not really a necessity, but more about me trying to preserve the session - if client asked me to do this kind of work, I would likely have to charge though. 3. do you charge to bounce mixes (not final stems - I assume everyone would charge for that time)? I'm thinking more interim mixes, and then even when you make final files for distribution (just did that and it took me about an hour for 10 songs - 320 mp3, 16/44.1 wav, and 24/96 wav). I do charge for the final bounces, but test/rough mixes i do not. 4. I always have bottles of water around (and I know that's environmentally bad, but I don't really have another way) . I don't charge for it. Usually it's not abused and sometimes help the session along (especially vocal sessions). Am I wrong? anything you don't bill for that maybe you should? 1. Sort of/Yes: One of the reasons I raised my rates is the amount of time it takes to set up for a session. Even after doing it literally a thousand times, it’s going to take a couple hours (at least). It’s not uncommon for there to be a 5 or 6 person band and if there’s a drummer 95% of the time they are using the house drum kit so that means I’m setting up the drums and stands before they arrive. Add in patching and labeling headphone boxes, it’s at least two hours. I also don’t do “half days” because of this…not worth it for me. There are occasions where I will tack on a half day for set up, and usually that depends on who’s paying for it. 2. No, I would be doing all that as the session is going on/before moving on to the next song. But I also don’t use any virtual instruments and if I was to use a drum sample for drum replacement/argumentation it would be during the mixing phase 3. I’ve gotten into the habit of running a rough mix before moving on to the next song. I hate making roughs after the session 🤣 4. I have water/sparkling water as well as various snacks around the studio. Usually whatever is buy one, get one at Publix or on sale at Costco is what you’ll get. It is, however, common courtesy for someone to buy my lunch |
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Post by gwlee7 on Jul 2, 2024 6:06:19 GMT -6
I have not raised my rates in a long time (but I also own the studio/property) I didn't want to hijack this thread, but I have some more questions that are somewhat related... 1. do you charge for setup/prep time? for example, I'll setup gobos, mic stands, mics, etc before a client arrives. I'll also setup a Pro Tools sessions so it's ready to go (mostly). most times they can just jump into recording pretty quickly. I am generally not charging for this, or putting it all away after a session. i know that most charge for setup and its okay. its work, its time. but as an artist its really annoying if you start setting up when booked studio time starts. happened to me once in london. had the studio booked the whole day, 8 hours. starting at 8.30. at my arrival nothing was prepared, i told beforehand what was needed and what the plan for the day was: drums, bass and electric guitar recording. so at 8.30 the guy started to setup the drum kit, the mics, the cables … and after the drum recordings he immediately packed it away again! even if there was enough space to continue with bass and guitars. off course the the lunch break time was also „included“ in the 8 hour session … that got me really bummed. maybe my fault. should have asked more in detail before but the waiting for setup AND clean up after was really annoying … I would be bummed too. I don’t mind paying the agreed to rate. However, if you say we are starting at 8:30, I expect to be starting at 8:30. Charging me for setting up is not unreasonable. Me standing around waiting for you to do it at your own place is. Tell me to come at 9:30. |
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Post by Ward on Jul 2, 2024 7:38:12 GMT -6
The essential questions:1. do you charge for setup/prep time? for example, I'll setup gobos, mic stands, mics, etc before a client arrives. I'll also setup a Pro Tools sessions so it's ready to go (mostly). most times they can just jump into recording pretty quickly. I am generally not charging for this, or putting it all away after a session. 2. do you charge for... I'll call it "session cleanup"? For example, at the end of a session I might commit any tracks where we used a soft synth, or a drum sample, etc (because most of those point to drives that are not really part of the session and possibly someone else would not have that plugin anyway). If I used a modeling mic, I'll commit that sound in case they want the session/tracks. (but I would charge them something to copy or upload the final sessions). I don't usually charge since this is not really a necessity, but more about me trying to preserve the session - if client asked me to do this kind of work, I would likely have to charge though. 3. do you charge to bounce mixes (not final stems - I assume everyone would charge for that time)? I'm thinking more interim mixes, and then even when you make final files for distribution (just did that and it took me about an hour for 10 songs - 320 mp3, 16/44.1 wav, and 24/96 wav). I do charge for the final bounces, but test/rough mixes i do not. 4. I always have bottles of water around (and I know that's environmentally bad, but I don't really have another way) . I don't charge for it. Usually it's not abused and sometimes help the session along (especially vocal sessions). 1. Somewhat. I'm always set up to go for most things. Drums are tuned and placed as 90% of drummers like +/- and inch. Piano is mic'ed, bass amps ready, 1 or 2 guitar amps ready, headphone mixes done, everything else is tweaking and not free. 2. Nope. Cost of doing business. 3. Nope, not for a basic faders up. that's also Cost of doing business. Any more than that and that time goes on the bill. 4. Common courtesy as my brother drbill stated. |
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Post by EmRR on Jul 2, 2024 7:42:35 GMT -6
i know that most charge for setup and its okay. its work, its time. but as an artist its really annoying if you start setting up when booked studio time starts. happened to me once in london. had the studio booked the whole day, 8 hours. starting at 8.30. at my arrival nothing was prepared, i told beforehand what was needed and what the plan for the day was: drums, bass and electric guitar recording. so at 8.30 the guy started to setup the drum kit, the mics, the cables … and after the drum recordings he immediately packed it away again! even if there was enough space to continue with bass and guitars. off course the the lunch break time was also „included“ in the 8 hour session … that got me really bummed. maybe my fault. should have asked more in detail before but the waiting for setup AND clean up after was really annoying … I would be bummed too. I don’t mind paying the agreed to rate. However, if you say we are starting at 8:30, I expect to be starting at 8:30. Charging me for setting up is not unreasonable. Me standing around waiting for you to do it at your own place is. Tell me to come at 9:30. yeah that’s a totally different thing. I always land at the place where I am more prepared and ahead of the client, they aren’t unreasonably waiting for me. So, billable time. If they’ve not responded to any requests for direction ahead of time, billable time. Not uncommon….artists! |
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Post by chessparov on Jul 2, 2024 9:08:26 GMT -6
Are the brown M and M's still normally excluded?
Oops! Sorry got confused with 80's Touring.
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Post by Ward on Jul 2, 2024 9:46:58 GMT -6
Are the brown M and M's still normally excluded? Oops! Sorry got confused with 80's Touring. yes, but not the brown acid. The house ganja blend (seriously, it's called George) is free for the taking tho |
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Post by chessparov on Jul 2, 2024 12:26:32 GMT -6
I'm still diggin' on James Brown.
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Post by geoff738 on Jul 2, 2024 12:42:12 GMT -6
I'm still diggin' on James Brown. Get the funk out. Cheers, Geoff |
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Post by doubledog on Jul 2, 2024 12:48:44 GMT -6
I'm still diggin' on James Brown. come down out of your Ivory Tower (of Power) |
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Post by ml on Jul 3, 2024 12:43:59 GMT -6
How much are you thinking of raising rates for long-term clients? I feel like keeping their rates a bit lower than new customers is a good idea. They’re less stressful to work with, you know what they like and typically faster turnover plus they will be back again and again (hopefully!)
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Post by Mister Chase on Jul 4, 2024 10:05:09 GMT -6
I've raised things a bit depending on who I am working with. The problem is any rate that would be enough to earn me the standard of living income in my state would likely put my client list down to 0. So the bigger picture question for me lately is "what job can I work during the day that supports me financially but still affords me some time to record and mix. The added benefit being I don't have to worry about my rates then. I can charge what I want because it's not paying the bills. 2 projects a year? Fine. I can always work on my own stuff which is more fun usually anyway.
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Post by Hudsonic on Jul 8, 2024 5:31:53 GMT -6
If one's rates are reasonably high, better performers come in. Cheapies are discouraged which is good because cheapies don't have the experience to offer a stellar sing or a stellar instrumental offering.
People who are for real will easily be able to pay you what you are worth.
I don't support recording people who undervalue themselves. By don't support I mean I cannot ever encourage that stance. Because they are heading towards being a JANITOR. They also ruin the rate structure for others who do genuinely make a living doing music recording.
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Post by chessparov on Jul 8, 2024 8:20:10 GMT -6
Certainly sweeping ramifications. |
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Post by Dan on Jul 8, 2024 8:30:04 GMT -6
If one's rates are reasonably high, better performers come in. Cheapies are discouraged which is good because cheapies don't have the experience to offer a stellar sing or a stellar instrumental offering. People who are for real will easily be able to pay you what you are worth. I don't support recording people who undervalue themselves. By don't support I mean I cannot ever encourage that stance. Because they are heading towards being a JANITOR. They also ruin the rate structure for others who do genuinely make a living doing music recording. Yes and then you can see people criticizing what real gear costs and defending crap when want they should be doing is using a mop cleaning floors until they can afford real gear. |
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Post by chessparov on Jul 8, 2024 8:39:38 GMT -6
I wonder what the Beach Boys used on "409"?
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Post by Dan on Jul 8, 2024 8:42:50 GMT -6
I wonder what the Beach Boys used on "409"? at capitol sung by people who could sing |
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