Spyder Byte Studios
7999 W. Long Lake Road
Alpena, MI  49707
phone: 989.595.3306
email: spyder@fetzir.com



Spyder Byte Studios has the best of both worlds. Not only can you count on state of the art recording equipment and a technical engineer that can use it, but you also get a musical, creative ear and mind to fully capitalize on the artist's talent.

If you are inclined to write and perform music, utilize Ed Bolda at Spyder Byte Studios...an unbelievable value, an unforgettable experience!

Joe Brisson
Seasons Change




You may think recording your CD is something you simply can't afford.  That's not true.  Unlike many studios that lease their equipment and must charge an arm and a leg to pay for it, Spyder Byte Studios has gone to great lengths to research and purchase the best suited equipment for independent artists.  We select and purchase our equipment based on quality, efficiency and flexibility for our clients.

Edward A. Bolda
Proprietor,  Engineer

Home Services Equipment Rates Downloads Photos What To Know


All studio rates include a qualified engineer

Studio Rates
In Studio Tracking, $35.00/hr
Remote Tracking, $35.00/hr including mileage
Mixing (D8b or Pro-Tools), $35.00/hr

What can you expect to pay for a full length, retail ready project?
There is a tremendous amount of room for extra hours to creep into a project.  As the artist you should be aware of the pitfalls and be prepared to address them as timely as possible.

Assuming you have a high level of preparation (songs fully written and arranged, well rehearsed, and a realistic schedule, etc), an average full fledged CD of 12-14 songs with a total playing length of 50 minutes that's ready for retail distribution may take upwards of 65-85 hours of studio time for tracking and mixing.  Photography, if necessary for any graphic work can be a few more hours.  An average full color duplication run of 1000 CD's can be an additional $1700-$2200 depending on the number of pages in the insert and assuming normal packaging options.

Our goal is a $4.75-$5.50 unit cost for the client.  This should allow them to recoup their investment by selling 500 units of a 1000 unit CD order at $10-$12 each.  Be realistic, if you don't think you have the distribution plan to sell 500-600 CD's, then you may want to reconsider why you are spending your hard earned money to create a CD in the first place.  (See "What You Need To Know")

What's My Budget?
A successful CD project starts with one key ingredient, knowing and understanding your budget.  Nearly any project can be completed on nearly any budget.  The only variable is the quality of the end product.  If your budget is limited, then you may have to accept limitations like only allowing a few takes, no vocal pitch correction or comping tracks, no waveform editing and restricted time constraints for mixing.  It is important that both the artist and the studio find a common ground between what the client is able to spend, and what the expectations are for the end product.

Can't You Just Quote My Project?
Unlike many industries, short of any special package offers, it is very rare to find a studio that will quote a project and hold that number.  Why is that?  It is nearly impossible for a studio to know all the variables that will impact a project.  Will band "XYZ" show up on time?  Will they be prepared?  Are they competent musicians?  Can they really sing in pitch?  Are they going to make me do five different mixes of a song so they can compare and then pick one?  Are their songs really completed or will they start re-arranging in the studio?  Will the bass players rig be fraught with buzzes and hums?  Recording is not unlike painting a picture, it's very easy to "never be done", you can keep throwing paint on, layer after layer.  Using an hourly rate helps everybody to focus and use the time they have as efficiently as possible.

We can help you determine your budget and your outlay plan.  If you're not successful and happy, then we've failed our primary job.  It is important for us that you succeed, we look forward to working on several CD projects with you, so it is in our best interest to assist your directive needs.

We can also help you choose a production company that can perform much of the legwork for you.  Historically, the extra few bucks have been worth it for our clients.  We are currently endorsing Crossway Productions.

The Small Print
We typically require a deposit to book time to protect us from cancellations.  Your deposit will be applied to your studio bill.  We will not release any reference material (CD's, MP3's or other) until the outstanding studio balance is paid.  This protects our investment in the project from clients that may take a reference CD and never return.

Session Musicians
Studio musicians are currently compensated at $25.00/hr or $75.00 whichever is greater.  All session players may not be available all the time, so we suggest advising of your needs at the projects inception so that scheduling can be pre-arranged.  Spyder Byte Studios does not mark up nor take a profit from session player earnings.  The amount you are billed for session players is paid in full (100%) to the musician.

We welcome any musicians you may wish to bring in to help with your project.

Graphic Design Services
Design services are provided free of charge for all full length CD projects.

 
 

© 2004 Spyder Byte Studios