Tell us what you’re making. You’ll get a straight quote.
Per-project, per-song or hourly. We quote against the record you actually want, because a three-song EP tracked live and a ten-song album with overdubs are not the same job.
Every record is different, so we don’t publish an hourly rate. Call or email and tell us what you’re making: a single, an EP, a full album, overdubs on something you’ve already started. Once we understand the goal, we can work out how complex it is and how much time it really needs, and give you one straight quote for the whole thing. If that number doesn’t fit your budget, say so. We’ll tell you what can change to make it work.
Fees apply for musical production, engineering services and technical assistance, and they are quoted up front rather than discovered later.
Most projects here are quoted per project or per song rather than hourly, because that puts the risk of a slow day on us instead of on you.
Hourly is available and is usually the right answer for overdubs, a single, or a band that knows exactly what it wants and will be gone by dinner.
How booking works
| Stage | What happens | What you pay |
|---|---|---|
| 1 · The call | You describe the record. We talk through the room, the desk, and how many days it needs. | Nothing |
| 2 · The quote | A number for the whole project, with anything variable named — extra players, extra days. | Nothing |
| 3 · The booking | Dates go in the calendar and are held for you. | $200 hold (4 hr) or $300 (8 hr), toward the bill |
| 4 · The session | Tracking, overdubs, and as much of the mix as the schedule allows. | 25% at session start |
| 5 · Delivery | First mixed master to you. Revisions as agreed. | Balance due |
Cancellation, liability and release terms are all on the policies page, in plain language.
Album packages
For artists who want the whole thing handled — recorded, mixed, mastered, packaged and distributed — the studio runs bundled deals rather than a stack of separate invoices.
The Album Deal
Ten songs recorded, mixed and mastered in house. Physical CDs in jewel cases with a two-panel insert. Worldwide digital and physical distribution. Professional cover design and a photo session for the layout. One HD music video, song of your choice. Publishing set-up with ASCAP or BMI. Social media support available.
The EP Deal
Three songs recorded, mixed and mastered in house. Physical CDs with a two-panel insert. Cover design and a photo session. One HD music video. A full distribution package covering the major digital stores and streaming platforms.
By the project
A single, a demo, an overdub day, a live-off-the-floor session for a band that already knows the songs. Quoted per project or hourly, whichever is honestly cheaper for the work in front of us.
What is included, everywhere
The room. The 22-by-22 live floor, all four isolation booths, and the 54-channel Crest analog console. There is no premium tier of this studio that you are being kept out of.
The engineer. Sessions are run by a 512 Studios engineer. That may be Omar Vallejo, who the Austin Chronicle named Best Producer in 2019, but it is not guaranteed.
The microphone locker. Neumann, Royer, AKG, Sennheiser, Shure. No per-microphone charges, which some rooms do apply.
The hybrid path. Tracking through the analog desk, captured into Pro Tools for editing and delivery.
Common questions
Why is there no published hourly rate?
Because it would mislead you. An hourly figure hides whether the engineer, the mix and the mastering are included, and how many days the record will really take. A per-project quote answers the only question that matters, which is what the finished record costs.
What books a date?
A hold: $200 for a 4-hour block or $300 for an 8-hour block, and it counts toward your bill. A further 25% is due at the start of the session and the balance when you receive the first mixed master. Holds are refundable with at least a week's notice. We accept cash or Venmo.
Is mixing and mastering included?
It can be, and in the album and EP packages it is. Everything happens in house on the same console with the same team, so your record does not get handed to a stranger halfway through.
Can we track the whole band at once?
Yes. Twenty-four tracks of simultaneous recording, a 22-foot square live room and four isolation booths. That is a full kit, bass, two guitars, keys and vocals playing together.
How far in advance should we book?
For a full album, several weeks is comfortable. Single days and overdub sessions can often be found sooner, and last-minute openings go to the mailing list first.