FAQ

Q: What type of music do you specialize in?
A: We specialize in getting your sound onto a CD; whether you are a rock band, a hip hop artist, a singer/songwriter or anything else. The approach here is never “meat grinder”. A studio that does all rock bands will probably use the same mics through the same preamps through the same FX and will get the same sound. At Conway Sound you have an engineer/producer who is highly experienced at all different production techniques, which gives you the option to think about applying some hip hop vibe to your rock record or some rock vibe to your hip hop record. Mixed up inspiration and sound is what American music is all about, right?

Q: But what kind of music do you like?
A: I like good music. To me that’s music that has heart, talent and intent. You might find me listening to Dr. Dre for sweet beats, Immortal Technique for his lyrics, Zeppelin for the awesomeness, the beatles for their songs, Junkie XL or Radiohead for crazy production, Hank Williams for the scratchy warmth of a flannel blanket ... I could go on all day. When somebody is pouring their soul onto a track %100, I like it, no matter what genre.

Q: This other studio also has Pro Tools. He has the newest version too, and he charges a lot less. What gives?
A: There are many different versions of Pro Tools, but there are two main categories: TDM and LE. Both categories are compatible with the newest software version, but they are not the same. We have a TDM HD system which is the current top of the line system. LE is not really Pro Tools -- it is more similar to cubase, logic or digital performer. Why? Because it relies on the computer itself for it’s processing. TDM systems have their own processors on the PCI cards. This gives them more power, makes them sound better and also gives plug-in developers the opportunity to use more power per plug-in, making plug-ins (FX) sound better. There is really no comparison between Pro Tools LE and HD TDM. LE should be called “amateur toys” because every big, real studio uses HD TDM. Also please note that the clocking and conversion in an LE system is vastly inferior to that of the Apogee and 192 that we have. And keep in mind that what you are really paying for at a studio is the experience and expertise of having a professional handle the details for you.

Q: Why should we go to a professional studio when we can spend $x,000 on gear and do it at home?
A: Because you are about 10 years of 50 hours a week and $70,000 away from what you could get here. I’m not saying it is impossible, but don’t fool yourself. It will be years of studying, practicing, recording and changing things around before you are doing anything that really sounds good -- and you will need at least one technically minded person in your group. And after all of that, you still won’t be able to hear your record objectively. You might think the home recording doesn’t sound bad, but the difference between not bad, and good is what makes a record engrossing and what sucks the listener into the music. I have friends who took out loans and I helped them spend $10,000 on gear, but they still come here to record their records.

Q: Will you help produce us?
A: Ahhh, the P-word ... I will help as much as you want. I can do records for fixed budgets, which is traditionally what a producer does. This does not mean that you get open ended studio time. It does mean that I will come to a show, party with you, get to know you all and get a game plan together to make the best record for your budget. These packages start at $3,000 minimum, but if you want to make a really awesome record talk to me and we will do it right from day one. If you have $5,000-$10,000 then we can even talk about renting a venue (like a small resort in the mountains) and doing something really amazing. As far as working with you on vocals, breaks, playing keys and getting involved in your project, that is what I love to do. I have been playing keys for 13 years, and have been in all kinds of bands from Rock to Hip Hop. I love to get involved and I get pretty bored of just asking people if they want to hear what they just did. I will not get in the way, or waste your time though. Ultimately I will help as much as you want, no more, no less.