FAQ
- How much advance notice do I need to book your studio?
- What if I need the studio sooner?
We accept bookings on a first-come first-served basis. It's advisable that you first call or email us to ensure that we get your rush request in a timely manner.
- Are you open on nights and weekends?
Yes. We are open every weeknight without any special fees. Our front desk operates from 9 am to 6 pm on Monday through Friday so you will have to meet our engineer at the front door for any after hours session. Weekend bookings are for 2-hours minimum and must be paid up-front before the doors open.
- What video equipment do you use in your studio?
We provide a teleprompter, a 4-channel ISO video switcher that captures all three Sony ZV-series cameras in our studio with an extra channel to do screen recordings from an Apple Silicon MacBook Pro laptop via HDMI (which we provide). We use high-quality 32-bit float recording devices with a set of ElectroVoice RE-320 microphones. Our studio also uses two digitally adjustable ring lights and one mini-key light alongside a pair of key lights we use to light our green 13' Manfrotto chroma key background.
- What audio format do you record in? Do you record individual tracks?
Every recording is provided in its original WAV file format for best quality using a 32-bit float recorder. If you want a lower bit rate (16 or 24) we can adjust the settings or provide a native 16-bit podcast recorder or a 24-bit wireless lavalier recorder for your session, or any combination you request. We also can record the entire room (usually as a backup or guide track) using our recorder's onboard stereo mics. Everything we record is saved in multiple-tracks which gives you individual files for each microphone or audio source that you use, plus a mix track with all of the voices combined.
Note: 32-bit float recording gives the best sound and does not clip, but the files do require some post-production or sweetening by design. We charge $35 per hour of material to do basic session editing on 32-bit float files.
- Does your studio record insert video/audio or voiceovers?
Yes. We provide a green-screen background, LED lighting, cellphone stands and a 1080HD streaming camera at your disposal as well as an internet connected MacBook Pro for your streams, Riverside, Zoom or StreamYard needs.
- Do you do on-site recordings outside of the studio?
Yes. We can bring most of the elements of our studio to your remote location with a 2-hour minimum booking. Clients must pay all hard costs (parking, tolls, etc.) and a $50 travel fee for any booking greater than 10 miles from our central, downtown Miami location. Different setups will result in different quotations. We do tape synchronized recordings. We do not supply lighting.
- Does your studio have live streaming capability?
Yes. All of your content can be live-streamed any platform you wish to configure with OBS and your settings on our laptop or via any software program you can install on a Mac. We provide a Black Magic Design Mini ATEM ISO switcher which can stream your content live (and provide remote producer access to your team). You can use StreamYard or any other browser based streaming/capture platform to distribute your show.
- How does your studio handle remote guests?
We provide connections to our board for your cellphone via BlueTooth adapter or from Zoom and Riverside via our studio laptop. You can use any cloud based service, app or form of communication to bring your remote guests into our studio, OBS or any Mac-based software. We provide Squadcast remote capture software to our studio clients free of charge. Please let us know if you'd like us to capture your session.
- What if I bring my own laptop or devices?
You can use those too. We have no restrictions on using your own gear and we'll set it up to the best of our ability. It is generally your responsibility to ensure that your own devices work properly. You can connect your laptops, iPads, phones, or anything else to the board.
- Can I bring food or beverage into the studio?
Food is prohibited. We strongly discourage podcasters and their guests from bringing beverages other than water into the studio since one spill can damage equipment that you'll then have to pay to replace or result in a cleaning fee of $199 if you spill a non-water beverage.
If your video has a water bottle or Starbucks cup, we do not provide make-up sessions.
- What if I am in a recording and need more time?
All bookings are considered "on demand." That means we keep working until you're finished. Overtime charges once a recording goes 5 minutes past the hour to add another half-hour to your bill, if there is studio availability to extend your time. You will be informed in advance if your time slot has a "hard stop."
- Will my podcast be recorded at the same time each day of the week or month?
Podcasters get scheduling priority and a fixed time to record and stream your shows on a first-signed, first served basis. If you sign a multi-recording contract then you will get booking priority.
- How many episodes of my podcast can I record in one hour?
One hour sessions may be used to record multiple episodes of your podcast. You can use your recording time in any form or fashion you want.