Where are you based?

We are based in London, but are available to record in any UK venue, or outside the UK by arrangement.

Do you manufacture CDs / distribute recordings?

No, we are not a record label, but can advise on possibilities. We provide masters to record labels and for other distribution formats.

How much does it cost? 

Costs vary according to the size of the project, location, and type of ensemble – we will provide you with an all-inclusive quotation for the project. You can view our current fees guide here.

   

What does the quoted price include? 

The price includes a recording engineer and (usually) a producer for your recording sessions, followed by editing and post-production to soundfiles to the specification required. This includes up to three rounds of edits, which will be provided to you for comment at each stage, so that we can get a final product that you are happy with. Recording and editing only (if you are providing a producer), and live recording arrangements are also available – please contact us for details.

 

Do you provide a recording venue?

We do not directly provide a venue, but we have relationships with suitable venues, including harpsichord and piano (period and modern), which can be hired at reasonable cost.

What is not included in the price? 

The price does not include the venue, CD manufacturing, artwork, or distribution – although we can advise on possibilities for all of these. It also does not include additional recording sessions beyond the expected number, or further editing beyond the three that are included – although small final tweaks are free. Overruns are rare, and we will let you know in advance the cost of an extra session or edit.

 

How long does it take? 

Generally, a CD’s worth of material can be recorded over three full days, each consisting of two three-hour sessions – so about 10 to 12 minutes per 3-hour session. Of course this varies with the size of the ensemble, the repertoire, and the venue (for example, if a venue is susceptible to external noise, the recording might take longer; very familiar solo repertoire may take less time). We will then normally provide the first edits within three weeks. We can also do smaller or larger projects, or projects where the sessions are spread out or in different locations –  contact us for details.

What equipment do you use?

We use mostly Schoeps and Neumann microphones with RME preamplifiers.

Do you offer video recording?

We offer video recording of recording sessions with up to three static camera angles (using Blackmagic cinema cameras), synced and edited to the audio. You can see an example here.  We can also recommend specialist videographers if your video requirements are more sophisticated or artistic, or if you wish to film a live concert.

Can you provide Apple Digital Master files?

Yes. John Croft is recognised by Apple as an Apple Digital Master Provider. 

Can you provide Dolby Atmos / Apple Spatial Audio versions?

Yes. Atmos versions can be prepared and mastered for submission alongside the standard stereo versions. These mixes are checked in a fully equipped Atmos 7.1.4 studio calibrated by Dolby. 

Can you create a Dolby Atmos version of an album that has already been recorded?

Yes. Best results will be obtained if the complete multitracks from the original recording are provided. The final stereo master will also be needed if the stereo version has already been released.

Can you improve an existing recording?

In many cases, yes – we can remove both constant background noise and individual noises, improve the overall sound quality, and to some extent improve the presence of a too-distant live recording – please contact us for details.