Frequently Asked Questions
Q: 'What's the difference between an engineer and a producer?'
A: In strict terms, the role of an engineer is predominantly a technical one - setting up and running equipment, monitoring levels, and listening to the sounds to ensure things are recorded as intended by the band.
The role of producer in today’s recording world is usually someone who will be involved at a more creative level with the band - potentially assisting with all aspects of album production from the choice of studio, musicians and instruments, right through to song arrangement and, of course, assessment of a band's performance on the day of recording.
Naturally, there is a lot of room for cross-over between the two roles. An engineer, in addition to his or her role in the technical realm, may also perform some of the tasks of a producer, and the opposite may also occur.
We believe there is no 'right way' for every band to approach this, and would be happy to discuss the merits of the varying approaches with you.
Q: 'What's with the huge analogue mixing desk?I thought everything was mixed "in the box" on a computer these days'
A: Audio software on a computer (a Digital Audio Workstation, or DAW) has become an integral part of almost any recording studio. At Head Gap, we believe that the precise, complex and repeatable functions that a DAW provides are a wonderful adjunct to the way we mix, but we also believe that a sound quality trade-off is made when people choose to mix entirely 'in the box'.
The quality of DAW-based recording and playback has come a long way over the past decade, but as a tool in the audio world, DAW systems are still playing catch-up with analogue circuitry when comparing simple sonics, as a separate issue to functionality. This is why we continue to utilise a high calibre analogue console as part of the recording and mixing process, in conjunction with a DAW system. Besides, there is nowhere to put your feet up on a laptop.
Q: ‘I just want to track some drums and stuff with you, then transfer the tracks to digital and take them home to finish the rest myself. Is that cool?’
A: We understand that in some cases your budget may dictate that part of your project may need to be completed at a smaller studio, or at home. However, before finalising those arrangements we would invite you to have a chat with us about some of the options available if you have decided that is the way you need to work. We may be able to offer some suggestions about how best to allocate your budget in order to minimise the sonic compromise that comes with working in an environment where the acoustics or equipment may be less than optimal.
Q: ‘Our band has made a recording at home. Can we get that mixed at Head Gap?’
A: Indeed you can. Benefit from our professional monitoring environment, equipment and experienced ears to get the most from your recording. All you'll need to provide are exported .wav files for each song (or ProTools sessions, if that is what you already have).
Q: 'Can my band record at Head Gap if we are not working with Finn or Rohan?'
A: When scheduling permits, we are happy to make the studio available for other folks to use. Please contact us to check on rates and availability.
Q: ‘Do you offer work experience or training for people interested in, or studying, audio production'
A: We thank you for your interest, but we do not offer work experience or training opportunities at Head Gap. We occasionally offer intern positions to volunteers, but we do not have any intern positions available at the moment.