Question about getting the tracking masters from a studio

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figmentno9

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Hi I've looked everywhere for an answer and can't find one.
The only studio I've went to and recorded at would not give us a copy of the masters. The studio was digital using sonar and firestudio. It confused me. I thought as long as you pay you should be able to get a copy of your tracking.
I've been studying and practicing recording, mixing and mastering the last several years since then.
My band just got a 1,000sqf warehouse and one of my band mates and I are going to open it as a studio in our off time. So I need to know if it is a standard practice for a studio to not give artists a copy of the tracking, or maybe charge for it? We record digitally so it would just be dvd disks.
I've got all of the other business things down but I can't seem to find out anything about this. Thanks.
 
Whatever you want...it's between you and the clients.

They didn't want you to take the files and mix them elsewhere, but that should have been decided at the outset.
If all you wanted was to use their space for tracking...then you needed to agree that you got the tracks at the end of the sessions.
If there was no agreement to begin with...you can debate the point with them...but then, they have the files. :)
 
Thank you for your response. That actually clears things up a little.
I do know of a professional, bigger studio in my area that one of my former bands recorded at before I joined and they automatically gave them the tracking files without having to be asked. So I guess it is just safe to assume that it's up to the studio to decide, and then work it out with the client.
Is there an advantage for a studio to keep all the files and is it legal? This is the only topic in the studio world that has stumped me.
Thanks
 
I can't even imagine denying a paying client their tracks.

I can't imagine exporting them without being paid in full either, but assuming you are, I can't imagine a reason not to surrender them to the client. Not one.
 
That doesn't seem legal to me..... You're the copyright holders so you should be entitled to your tracks. They should have given them to you no questions asked. Must be a real asshole studio......
 
I agree...but it's always best to work out those questions at the start...that way if it is an asshole studio...they won't drop a bomb on you at the end of the session.

One tactic is to NOT pay the full amount until they surrender the tracks....sometimes you have to be an asshole back. :D
 
Massive Master said:
I can't even imagine denying a paying client their tracks.

I can't imagine exporting them without being paid in full either, but assuming you are, I can't imagine a reason not to surrender them to the client. Not one.
Click to expand...
Agreed. Not only that what about the responsibility for this material? I actually do not care to be the (only!) holder of someone's files.
 
I'd smack that sonofbitch upside the head so hard he would never hear anything but ringing ever again.
 
I was always under the impression the studio owns the recordings. Not the case??? And, I know that's not saying the same thing as the studio owns the songs, just the recordings.
 
I've heard the position 'It's my mix/craft, they shouldn't get the project files, but even that seems debatable. (Certainly I'm not where I'd be worrying there.. :)
 
Thanks for the replies! I will absolutely give up the tracking to my clients.
 
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