Talking to the pro studio

[tjohnston]

I was talking to the manager at a pro studio about my up comeing session. He says that they sell the client a hard drive to store all the music on. What does this mean? He mentioned something about 225. Im wondering if he meant two dollars and twenty cents or two hundred and twenty five dollars.
Thanks for the help!

 

[Track Rat]

Sounds like he's selling you a $60-$70 drive for $225. See if you can bring your own.

 

[Blue Bear Sound]

Around these parts, $200 is about right for client purchase of a HD, when you factor in a reasonable markup (Cdn prices on that kind of media is higher than the US).... commercial studios are a business after all - any accessories/media/etc you purchase from them will include a few markup points for the convenience of the client not running around for the items themselves - you can always supply your own stuff if you prefer.

Studios also generally stock guitar accessories (string/picks/etc...) - no way they're going to sell that stuff to clients at the same price the local music store sells it at....!

 

[mixmkr]

.... commercial studios are a business after all - any accessories/media/etc you purchase from them will include a few markup points for the convenience of the client not running around for the items themselves - you can always supply your own stuff if you prefer.

Personally, I think supporting your studio of choice by buying THEIR medium is the way to go...unless of course you are just getting ripped, and then you ought to just consider another studio. Afterall, do you bring your own parts to the car dealer when getting it fixed? Many other examples abound.

btw, when you need more medium, where are you going to get it when it's 2AM and the sessions going great guns?

Personally, I think it is "rude" to bring your own "medium"...blank CDs, (DAT tapes in the "old days"), and other stuff like that...unless asked to do so. Some studios also offer rental options.

I think bands/musicians should be expected to bring their own supplies for what they need to play, and let the studio supply the materials needed to record. "Gray areas" such as drum kits, amps, favorite vocal mics and the such, should be discussed beforehand.

 

[Blue Bear Sound]

Obviously - I prefer to sell them my stock as opposed to them bringing in their own... but I've had a few clients who, even though they're spending hundreds on a a session or two, or three - still bring in their own CD-Rs to "save money!"

Bottom line, it's whatever works for the client -- if they bring in ultra low-grade stock, I warn them in advance of the implications. Saving money by buying cheap CD-Rs (or even HDs) is not a saving if the media fails...

 

[distortedrumble]

so how many gbs are these HDs studios are selling? is it plug and play or would you buy your own HD and then format it?

 

[Blue Bear Sound]

For a full CD project I'll try to buy somethign that fits the project - usually a 40 or 60 gig... buying is not useful to the client unless they have more projects they want to use it for, since it is going to be formatted to suit the requirements of the recorder...

For example in my case, the HD24 format is proprietary, so the HD couldn't be used for anything else, so getting a 120gig would be a waste of money for the client.

Also, the HD must suit the specs mandated by the studio's gear.........

 

[mixmkr]

Bottom line, it's whatever works for the client -- if they bring in ultra low-grade stock, I warn them in advance of the implications. Saving money by buying cheap CD-Rs (or even HDs) is not a saving if the media fails...

Bottom line...it's what works for the STUDIO, giving the "vibe" that it works for the client!!

 

[Blue Bear Sound]

Bottom line...it's what works for the STUDIO, giving the "vibe" that it works for the client!!

True... I stand corrected!

 

[Dracon]

He mentioned something about 225. Im wondering if he meant two dollars and twenty cents or two hundred and twenty five dollars.
Thanks for the help!

He meant $225 not $2.25 - You could not even buy the USB cable for $2.25 (okay maybe the cable).