Music Studio Recording Engineer Editing Mixing - Chris Murphy

Jay Frost

Ken and Brad
Kolodner
2 CD projects

Owen Danoff

Seven Mile Walk

Eureka Moment

Scott Ramminger

Carey Creed -
2 CD projects
Recorded at home
Winner of 4
WAMA Awards

T. Edwin Doss

Dead Men's Hollow -
4 CD Projects
Recorded at home
Winners of 4
WAMA Awards

Jody Marshall

Imani White

Dave Anderson
& Mike Wingo

Bobbe Shore

Branson Skinner

Lagerhead

Peat and Barley

Three Seconds
of Silence

Gypsy Meltdown

Rude Buddha

Maryland

Washington DC

Virginia

Recording your music at home is easier than ever, and helps keep the budget under control. Whether it's a CD for commercial release, a "demo" recording for an artist or band, or a school or music camp audition, it can be done in the comfort of home.

But it takes more than just buying a computer, some audio software and hardware, and a few microphones. It's no different than buying word processing software, and then expecting to be able to write something that compares to a Stephen King novel. The software, hardware, and microphones are tools, but developing the skills to create a professional, polished recording takes years of practice and experience. That's what I do, and I've been doing it for over 30 years.

Home Recording Rate = $45/hour

In 2001, after working for 18 years as a staff engineer at four different recording studios in the Washington DC area, I became a freelance engineer. I quickly discovered that there were a lot of musicians that wanted to do recording in their home. It's a very comfortable place to work, and has many advantages such as home cooking, no travel, pet companionship, and can save a lot of money if done correctly.

So I created a mobile system that works equally well in both studio and home recording situations. The system includes several significant advantages. It consists of a large microphone collection that rivals or surpasses many studio mic closets. I also bring an extensive collection of mic pre-amps including some units that appear in only the very best studios, giving my recordings a superior sonic advantage. Most of my equipment is listed on my Outboard gear page. For my home recording sessions, I use the same gear that I use in a studio, and I charge $45 per hour.

I start each home recording project with a "production meeting" that is free of charge. We meet in the home where you want to do your project, and discuss how we can make it happen. We decide where to set up the "control room" area for our listening, evaluating, and discussions. We plan where the musicians' performance spaces will be. We take time to envision the entire project, such as; the order for recording parts, scheduling days and times for recording, meal planning, and the procedure for mixing. If needed, we'll evaluate whether it would be better if we used a commercial studio for part of the project. If I think that the selected recording space is not suitable, I'll tell you what I'm thinking, why I'm thinking it, and what possible solutions exist.

Sometimes it's more practical for at least part of a project be recorded in a commercial studio. If the rhythm section includes drums, bass, and electric guitars, it's often best to record them in a regular studio because they are designed to handle that type of project. But it's not necessary to record EVERYTHING there. After we complete the rhythm tracks, we can go to the artist's home to do acoustic guitars, vocals, percussion, and any other overdubs that are needed. If the artist has a piano at home, I have the mics and mic pre-amps that can make their piano sound it's best. Working in these different places make the entire recording process more cost effective.

But some electric band projects CAN be recorded in a home environment. I've done many of them, and would be happy to meet with you and give you some ideas on how we can make a project like that happen.

There are three significant advantages you gain when I become involved in your home recording project.

The first one is my experience. I spent 18 years working as a staff engineer at 4 different recording studios in the Washington DC area. I estimate that's around 25,000 hours of recording session time. Since 2001, I've been working as a freelance engineer, and have averaged over 1,600 hours every year doing sessions. More than half of my time has been doing home recording projects.

The second is my gear. The equipment that I bring to a home recording session is the same gear that I use in studio sessions for my major label projects or orchestral soundtracks. It's some of the best microphones and outboard gear available. This gives you the opportunity to take advantage of the gear that I have been investing in for over 25 years. And it gives me the ability to make outstanding recordings of your music in your home.

And the third advantage is my price, which helps with your budget. When you are a musician, it's ALWAYS tough economic times. I've been working as a recording engineer for over 30 years, and budgets have always been a concern. Recording in your home for $45/hour is a great value because it includes my experience and equipment.

So drop me a line or give me a call about your home recording project. If I don't answer when you call, it's probably because I'm doing a session at someone's home. I'll get back to you when we take a break. Looking forward to hearing from you.

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