Frequently Asked Questions
What services do you offer?
Three main services are available:
Production: Whether it is an idea at its earliest stages or a ready-to-rock tune, I can help with arrangement, tone shaping, tempo and overall feel to make the song feel just right!
Recording: I will focus on capturing clear, high-quality audio recordings so that you can focus on the performance and feeling of your song!
Mixing: I will mix your recorded tracks to achieve clarity and balance, to ensure that everything is sitting in its sonic pocket!
OR ALL OF THE ABOVE! :)
Who / What / Where is Duff's Audio?
Who? Producer / Engineer / Drummer Harry Duff. I typically am soft on the sticks, but I play in 2 Thrashy / Punk (ish) Newy bands Comedown & Spicy Lemons. I enjoy making Pop sounds but enjoy listening to (sort of) Indie music.
What? Duff's Audio is an audio production, recording and mixing service, helping bands and solo artists record, polish, and finish their music in a relaxed, creative setting.
Where? Based on the Central Coast, Australia, but I can work from wherever your project needs me (remote or on location) and whatever your budget allows!
How do I book and how do I prepare?
How do I book? Get in touch via my contact page, here you can choose to either:
Fill out the onboarding form
Book a call
Fill out the expression of interest form
How do I prepare for a session? A few quick steps help make your session fun and stress-free:
Send over any phone voice memos / home recordings
Prepare reference songs you like ahead of time.
Bring your instruments along with spare strings, sticks, and picks.
Where do you work from?
We can work from a few different places depending on what your project needs and what your budget allows. Here is a typical example of my common work places:
Studio: Spaces that are purpose built for Production and Recording, that grant access to great gear and thoughtfully treated acoustic environments.
Mobile: I can bring a portable recording setup directly to your rehearsal space or preferred room. This will allow you the comfort of knowing your space and not having to lift a finger!
Home: I usually take my work home to mix because I know the sound of my room and monitoring setup well.
What are your rates?
My rate will depend on the services required and the amount of post-production; editing (time alignment & vocal tuning), mix revisions, stems required (Instruments / Vocals).
It is worth noting that if we work out of a Recording Studio, you will receive two separate invoices: one from the studio for using their room and gear, and one from Duff's Audio for the chosen service.
To discuss pricing in detail, please get in touch via my contact page.
What is the process like?
The process can vary depending on your project, but here is an ideal workflow:
Meet & Greet: We can go for coffee or just catch up over the phone to put names to faces. Here we will discuss the initial ideas and the scope of the work.
Demos: If you have one, please send it through! If not, I can record a free demo of your song! From here we can get to know each others sounds and get a better idea of the direction of the project!
Pre-Production: Armed with the demo, in these sessions we will discuss and compare song references, finalise ideas, tighten up song structures, and record rough scratch versions before entering the main studio. This saves you time and money when tracking the real thing.
Recording Session: Roll into the studio, set up and play the songs! With the right planning and prior preparation done we will get takes of all the desired tracks, compile the best of what we capture and have time to get creative in the space (use fun studio effects and get experimental).
Post-Production: Here we can throw in more production tricks, edit things to be tighter and overdub things we may have missed in the Studio.
Mixing Session: Now with the tracks finalised, I will focus on blending everything together nicely to feel ‘glued’. We can recall our previously discussed song references to compare with our mix as we progress to ensure your song sits nicely alongside some of your favourites!
Revisions: When you receive my first mix it is time to listen in your favourite speakers (Car, Air Pods, Home Stereo or straight out of the phone). Take notes and communicate your opinions of the mix to me. Often tweaks are required to ensure that all involved in the project feel heard (literally)!
Final Files: Once all revisions are finalised I will send you all the required files (Stereo Mix File, stems and different mix versions too if required) and I can put you in touch with some recommended Mastering Engineers. This step is necessary to ensure your mixes don’t fall flat (in LOUDNESS) against other songs of your genre / scene.
Feedback: Please let me know what went well and what could be improved in-person, via email, google review, or better yet- let’s book your NEXT project in!