Services
Because every project
is important...
We have a goal.
Our goal is to create a superb, affordable audio product for every client.
Choose a turnkey package or only the services you need. Regardless of your choice, the work will be done with award-winning studios, engineers and producers.
Special Projects?
Just ask. Podcasts, foreign language, character voices, documentaries, interviews, on-location recording, too. Wondering about the feasibility or cost of a project? Contact us.
Children's Books
Ask about our special pricing for this fantastic art form. Our voice artists love to do work for children, and have an array of interesting, delightful...and sometimes scary...voices just for the kids. We play and collaborate well with animators, illustrators and DVD producers, too.
Services for Audio Books and Podcasts
Many elements go into a professional audio recording. We help you choose only those services needed to produce an audio product that fits your budget.
- Pre-production planning
- Script preparation
- Abridgment and audio adaptation editing
- Casting
- Experienced producers
- Digital studios
- Award-winning engineers
- Royalty-free music and special effects
- Editing
- Mixing
- Review and proofing
- Mastering
- Quality assurance
- Downloads and digital distribution
- Discounts on duplication and replication
- Money-saving packages
- We welcome custom requests and special projects
Every project begins with a relationship. We learn about your expectations and needs. You learn how our process works. We clearly explain our time lines and pricing. Together, we identify problems and agree on goals and solutions.
Typical stages of an audio production
Pre-production and planing
At the start of each project, we outline the scope of the production and agree on the goals. We tailor our work to suit your needs. Talent and delivery style is determined. There are always questions and concerns, and the pre-production and planning phase is where those issues are identified and resolved.
This is also the time when a working relationship with the producer is established, the client needs for being informed on the progress of the project are identified, and the channels of communication are defined.
Script preparation
The text is prepared for recording by researching and agreeing on pronunciations, place names and dialects.
Abridgment
Texts are often abridged to fit length, time or financial restrictions. It's not unusual for an audio book to be available in both abridged and full length versions. If requested, we can recommend independent editors to assist with abridgments and other editing.
Text adaptation
Some texts contain footnotes, graphics or other elements that work well within the context of the printed medium, but don't translate well to an audio performance. Often, it takes only a little effort to transform such work into a great listening experience. If requested, we can recommend independent editors to assist with adaptations.
Casting
We work with each client to find the voice and delivery style most appropriate for their material. Our core group of in-house readers will meet most expectations, but we can also choose from a broader pool of exceptional talent both locally and nationally. Because our core readers are accustomed to working with our producers and engineers, using them often results in a significant savings of time and money.
Producing-Directing
Each recording session is coordinated and overseen by an experienced producer-director. The director guides the talent and engineering efforts to reflect the vision and goals of each client.
Digital studios
Different projects require different studios. We match the needs of each project with the most appropriate producers and studios. Our digital studios assure that every production is compatible with the latest manufacturing and digital distribution technology.
Music and Special Effects
It's truly amazing how a few musical effects can establish a mood that adds a special feeling to a reading. Sometimes, only a few seconds of music can accomplish an important transition or change of pace. The same is true of special effects. We know the value of these enhancements, but are also aware that their excessive use can drive up the price of a production without significantly improving it. We work with our clients to strike a balance that respects both the production and the budget.
Royalty-free music and custom Sound Designers
Clients can choose from our excellent library of royalty free instrumentals and special effects, or at a very reasonable cost, we can have effects and music created and performed to fit any need. We also work with Foley experts and awesome sound designers experienced in creating magical sound effects for stage productions, video games, movies and concerts.
Editing
Our recording schedule allows for two hours of recording, do-overs, second and third and fourth re-takes for each hour of finished work. Then the polishing begins. Vocal pops, paper rustling, poor pacing, mispronunciations, a breath in the wrong place, and a multitude of other small performance errors are corrected during the editing process. The result is a seamless, flowing performance.
Mixing
Music and special effects must be properly placed in a recorded performance, and their sound levels must be appropriate to the desired effect. A bad mix can distract from, and even ruin an otherwise excellent performance. A good mix, properly balanced, can make a work come alive.
Review and Proofing--Quality assurance
After all the hours of editing and mixing, the entire production is listened to in its entirety to ensure a perfect text match and continuity of performance.
Mastering
This is the final process to ensure that a finished product meets rigorous professional and technical standards. The master audio file can be duplicated as a cassette, CD, MP3-CD or distributed in any digital format.
Manufacturing
If you want cassettes, CDs or MP3-CDs, we have a discount pricing arrangement with an excellent manufacturer for all aspects of duplication from artwork through pressing, packaging, bar coding and shipping. We will show you the pricing so you can compare.
Digital Distribution
We can help move your audio product into a variety of digital distribution marketplaces, Web sites and online stores.
Turnkey packages
Some studios offer turnkey packages that limit your choices. We help you select only the services you want, and then combine them into a flexible, time-and-money saving package that lets you control the cost and the outcome.
Contact us for information on how we can
help you achieve your audio production goals.