Additional Facilities or Studio Spaces

Expanding Your Music Project: Using Additional Facilities or Studio Spaces

As an artist or producer, when your project begins to grow in scope and ambition, you may find yourself needing more than just your usual setup. Larger projects often require additional studio spaces or facilities to accommodate various aspects of the creative process, whether it’s for recording, mixing, mastering, or even rehearsing. While this can be an exciting opportunity to elevate your project, it's important to understand that using external studio spaces comes at an additional cost, and this is typically at the artist's own expense. You want more, you pay more.

Why Consider Additional Studio Spaces?

Here are several reasons why artists often opt to use additional facilities for larger projects:

  1. Specialized Equipment: Some larger or more intricate projects may require equipment that isn't available in your usual studio setup. This could include high-end microphones, rare instruments, or more advanced mixing consoles and outboard gear.

  2. Space for Bigger Sessions: If you're working with a larger group of musicians, a bigger space may be necessary to accommodate everyone comfortably. For projects that involve multiple vocalists, a full band, or additional instrumentalists, more space can make a significant difference in both performance and workflow.

  3. Dedicated Environments for Mixing or Mastering: While tracking and recording might be possible in smaller spaces, mixing and mastering often require a more controlled acoustic environment. Dedicated mastering rooms or high-end mixing facilities are designed with acoustics in mind and can offer a much better final product.

  4. A Change of Scenery: Sometimes, working in a fresh environment can help break through creative blocks. A new setting can offer new energy, inspire new ideas, and lead to a more dynamic project.

Red Velvet Studios: Your Professional Space

At Red Velvet Studios, we offer a fully equipped, professional space designed to meet the needs of a wide range of music projects. Our small project studio is included in all productions, and it’s more than capable of producing high-quality music. We specialize in producing music "in the box" with some hybrid vocal chaining techniques, meaning that our setup utilizes both digital and analog processes to achieve professional results. However, it’s important to note that while our studio has a lot of flexibility, we do not claim to be an analog studio, and we don’t offer a fully analog workflow as a standard.

In cases where clients require more specialized facilities, such as recording a larger group of singers like a choir, tracking a full live band, or using high-end analog gear, we are happy to accommodate those needs. For projects that demand analog consoles like Neve, SSL, or API, we can coordinate with another production house that offers this specific gear and the necessary space. However, these services will incur additional costs, and the artist is responsible for covering these added expenses in the production budget.

The Costs and Responsibilities

While utilizing additional studio spaces can help take your project to the next level, it’s important to be aware that these spaces often come at a premium. Here are a few things to consider:

  • Renting a Studio: Depending on the location, type of space, and equipment required, renting a studio can become an expensive part of your project’s budget. Prices vary widely based on the studio’s reputation, location, and specialized gear, so it’s important to plan accordingly.

  • Scheduling and Availability: High-end studios or specific spaces may require you to book time in advance. If your project timeline is tight, flexibility and additional costs may come into play.

  • Additional Services: Beyond just renting the space, there may be extra costs for engineers, equipment usage, or even accommodation and travel if you need to work at a studio far from your usual location.

  • Artist’s Responsibility: If an artist wishes to use a specific space or facility that is not available at Red Velvet Studios, the artist is responsible for paying for that space directly. Additionally, our production rates will still apply for our services, which will be added to the overall production package. These additional costs are not included in our standard offerings and will be the artist’s responsibility.

At Red Velvet Studios, the use of external facilities, such as those with specialized analog consoles or larger recording spaces, will be coordinated and included in the production budget. We’ll ensure you have the necessary tools and environment to succeed, but these added services will come with additional costs that are typically covered by the artist.

Tips for Managing the Expense

To make the most of renting external facilities or studio spaces without breaking your budget, here are some tips:

  1. Plan Your Time Efficiently: If you're paying for studio time, make sure to have a clear plan for how each session will be used. Efficient time management will help you maximize your budget.

  2. Negotiate Package Deals: Some studios offer package deals, where you can book multiple sessions or larger blocks of time at a discounted rate. Be sure to inquire about this option to save money.

  3. Budget Properly: Before committing to additional spaces, create a detailed budget that includes not only the cost of renting the space but also any additional services or equipment you'll need. Being financially prepared will help you avoid unexpected surprises.

  4. Consider Remote Work: If additional space is needed for specific tasks, such as editing, mixing, or even remote recording, some studios offer virtual services that allow you to access their facilities without being physically present. This can save you both time and money.

Conclusion

Expanding your music project to include additional studio spaces or facilities is a great way to ensure the quality and scope of your work meet your creative ambitions. While it’s an investment that comes at an additional cost, it can result in a more polished, professional final product. Just keep in mind that these expenses typically fall on the artist, so it’s essential to plan your budget accordingly and be prepared to manage these costs wisely.

At Red Velvet Studios, we offer a small project studio as part of all our productions, but when a project calls for specialized equipment, such as all-analog gear or a larger recording space, we are here to facilitate that through our partnerships with other production houses. The artist is responsible for covering these additional costs, as well as our production rates. By making informed decisions, negotiating the best rates, and efficiently using your time in external facilities, you can ensure that your larger project reaches its full potential without compromising your budget.