Frequently Asked Questions

Does the $45 per hour studio rental rate include an engineer?

Yes, also all items at the studio are for your use on any recording project. The rate will vary though if you can commit to a full album effort. A third of the projected cost must be paid as deposit to schedule your project.

How much do freelance engineers charge per hour on top of the studio rental rate?

Most are around $20-$35 an hour, but don't hold us to that…and ask us for their rates and availability.

How many hours are included in the day rate including a house engineer?

The special $400 rate that includes the studio rate and a house engineers fee is for an 8 hour day. Additional hourly engineer rates may be added if the session goes longer than 8 hours. In other words, if you decide to record longer than 8 hours then the rate will increase to $60 per hour. Besides, brains turn to noodles after working with audio for more than 8 hours straight, and then it becomes cruel and unusual punishment.

What are the hidden costs?

The only additional costs are your recording media (CD-R, DVD-R, external hard drive. There are no instruments or recording equipment that you will be charged extra to use at Gecko Recording Studio

Can we break up the day rate over two days?

Nope

Can we get a tour of the studio?

Of course, email: lyman@geckorecordingstudio.com, or call and leave a message (315-725-6248). Sometimes we can do the tour that day, sometimes a week or so away. It depends on the sessions that are active. The only thing we ask is that you are serious about recording here. Please do not drop by the studio without an appointment.

Do you have a demo CD of tracks from Gecko Recording Studio?

YThere have been many albums completed since our opening in 1998. We don't have a compilation to demonstrate the wide variety of sounds and styles that have come out of Gecko Recording Studio. Please visit the Audio page from the studio website, www.geckorecordingstudio.com.

Do you work weekends?

Absolutely, 12-9 pm! Also, weekdays 6-9 pm!

Can we come in early or the night before to set up?

No. Sessions begin at the time you schedule them. Much of the engineering work begins as you start setting up so we have to charge for this time.

What's a producer?

In general terms: A producer is someone who is heavily involved in your project, possibly attending shows and rehearsals, working on arrangements, checking your equipment, recommending outside musicians, deciding what songs to record and more. They will see your project through completion, and help you get the best takes. A producer doesn't have to be an engineer, and you may see sessions where a producer and engineer work together. One would hire a producer based on the quality of the previous work this producer has done, familiarity with their style and an understanding that they will be calling the shots and raising the quality of the album project.

What's a co-producer?

In general terms: A co-producer is someone who will engineer your album and make suggestions and subjective comments in order for you to make the best recording possible. They will be active in assessing takes and suggesting sounds, arrangements, etc. Usually they will jump into the session cold on the first day. Generally they will be the sole engineer as well. One would hire a co-producer based on work they've done before and their familiarity with the studio being used.

What's an engineer?

In general terms: An engineer is someone that knows how to operate the recording equipment in the studio, get sounds and accommodate the requests of the artist or producer. One would hire an engineer based on a recommendation from the studio, work they've done before and their familiarity with the studio being used.

What's a recording studio?

A recording studio is a space where music is played and the sound is recorded. Gecko Recording Studio is NOT a record label looking for talent or a rehearsal room.

Do you do voiceovers, video editing, music for film or radio spots?

Some of these tasks we can do, but Gecko Recording Studio is best known and geared towards recording performance-based music sessions. For much of this post-production work we can recommend a studio. We have no video editing or viewing equipment.

Analog or Digital?

Digital only! When using Pro Tools we recommend you bring your own Firewire 400 or 800 hard drive. This will speed up backup time. Sessions can be backed up to CD-R or DVD-R but this takes a long time (and can be less reliable). A typical session will take one hour for 3-5 songs to back up (much more expensive than a hard drive.) You can bring your own CD-R or DVD-R (not DVD+R) media to save money, but please bring your own CD cases if you do.

Do you do mastering?

Sure! I can master any project at my hourly studio rate of 45.00 per hour. I will make fixes to the master free of cost for up to 5 songs. I would prefer to not master music recorded and mixed at Gecko Recording Studio, but will certainly do so with a good quality end result.

Do you have beats?

Not really! I again can recommend someone for this if need be.

Are you currently accepting interns?

No. There are no plans to be taking on interns.

Does Gecko Recording Studio hire engineers or assistants?

Not usually! But, if there is someone you have in mind I will gladly get in touch with them to see if we would be able to work together without a scheduled UFC cage match.

Can I bring my own engineer for my sessions?

Sure, but again I'll need to talk to them and see if they are qualified to run the studio here. But usually this works out fine and I do need to be present at all sessions for business insurance policy reasons.

Is Gecko Recording Studio non-smoking?

Yes. Smoke cigarettes outside only. Smoking "other stuff" is not allowed due to liability/impoundment issues/the law.

Can we sleep in the studio overnight while working?

No. Outside of an accidental catnap on the couch while mixing, using the studio as a living space overnight is not possible.

Where can we stay while visiting Clinton?

The Artful Lodger, Radisson Hotel, Hotel Utica, and various others if you do a search.

Where can we eat near the studio?

Grande's Pizza, Nolas Restaurant, Alteris, Tony's Pizza, Indian and Chinese as well.

Can we all play live in the studio?

I am set up to do basic tracks live with groups. We can isolate the drums, guitars and bass. Doing live tracks with acoustic guitars is possible, but remember that if you are singing a foot away from your guitar that the mic on the guitar will pick up your voice as well; and that recording acoustic guitar in the same room as a loud drum set is difficult! Normally, I have two rooms that can isolate the instruments very well but not everyone may be able to see each other. The design layout is small but the sound is very intimate and in your face.

How long will it take to record my album?

I really don't know, that depends on what you want. A well-rehearsed band can lay down most of the basic tracks for an album in two days. Overdubs can take anywhere from one to seven days depending on the amount of work and pickiness. For mixing, budget three hours per song or so at least. A guitarist-singer who has their tunes down can track hours of live stuff in one day, mix it all the same day and have a decent live demo. It really depends what you are looking for. Many of our better songwriter/band projects have taken seven to fourteen days. Some projects go faster. Always add time to your estimates! I've made albums in one day and three months. Obviously, I wouldn't attempt to complete the Beatles' Sgt. Peppers album in two days, thank you very much!