My name is Scott Martinez and I have a passion for making music sound its' best. I take the greatest care from the beginning if I record it myself, and even if I don't, I treat every project like it is my own.
In late 2014, ACR began its' transformation to a "HYBRID" recording studio - utilizing the best that Analog and Digital offers, upgrading everything from the computer, to obtaining a real analog mixing desk and reel-to-reel tape machine, to outstanding and famous outboard processing equipment to bring our quality to the highest level. We have also endeavored to have some of the finest instruments, amplifiers and equipment available for musicians to use during tracking to really make a difference in the final product; and have obtained some of the finest and "staple" microphones used in most "big league" studios that we could afford. The "new and improved" ACR was ready for operation in May 2015.
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Interview with Audio Cave Recording Studio
Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?
A: I recorded an album from start to finish for a local alternative rock band, and was very very proud on how the recordings came out. The mixes were so easy to do because the recordings sounded so good and natural and organic, and I was able to capture a real 90's sound for this band utilizing these old-school techniques. So the album was actually reviewed saying it sounded vintage 90's, but was in fact recorded in my little modern studio.
Q: What are you working on at the moment?
A: Lots of albums and EP's for private clients.
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: BOTH!! Both have their upsides and downsides. So I don't choose, and I utilize the best of both worlds.
Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?
A: That I will treat every song like it is my very own.
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: Listening to music all day!
Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?
A: How long does it take to mix a song. My answer is above.
Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?
A: That a serious mix can be done within 30 minutes. There is no time frame that can be estimated. It all depends on how the source material was recorded, how much editing needs to be done, and the song in general. It is done, when it sounds great!
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: What they're going to be doing with their music? Any specific direction they're going with the sound they're trying to create (and ask for audio samples), how they will be or have recorded their material.
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: Listen to their work, talk to them, and find out about how they will approach mixing your music.
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: My guitar, my computer, audio interface, midi controller and SM7B microphone.
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: Started in recording studios in the 1980's as a musician and loved working alongside the engineers during my recording sessions. In the early 00's, home recording came within reach, and I have been dabbling in it and teaching myself. I am still learning every day!
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: Vintage with a futuristic attitude.
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: Any artist that wants their music taken to the next level and are serious about doing it right. Because artists like that are willing to listen and learn.
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: Performance is EVERYTHING!! A mediocre recording of a GREAT performance is infinitely better than a GREAT recording of a mediocre performance.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: Rock and blues-based genres, but also have done a LOT of Hip Hop.
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: Patience and the fact that I am a musician, I understand the creative process.
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: Objectivity, which is a great thing for a home musician creating their own music. I bring educated ears and can do wonders for tracks, even that have been recorded without the best of equipment. I treat every song like it is my own.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: For mixing work, I like to talk to my client and get to know them a bit, and then discuss logistics and how I need files prepared. I usually like to tackle 1 song to start, and then once we get that tweaked, the rest can follow.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: I use a hybrid studio setup, utilizing the best of analog and digital. I use analog summing, which separates the audio tracks into individual channels on my mixer, and am able to utilize hardware racks, reverb and tape units if desired, and also process with some of the best VST effects in the business. The result is a warm, extremely wide mix with depth, character and clarity.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: Eric Valentine, Engineer - Danny Elfman, Composer and Musician, Chris Lord Alge, Engineer
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: I record projects from start to finish - solo artists and full bands - and take the project from recording to finished mixes to mastering.
- Mixing EngineerAverage price - $100 per song
- Recording StudioAverage price - $350 per day
- Vocal compingAverage price - $40 per track
- ProducerAverage price - $300 per song
- EditingAverage price - $75 per track
- RemixingAverage price - $100 per song
- Mastering EngineerAverage price - $70 per song
50% deposit down at beginning of service. Remainder due upon project completion before final work is delivered.
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