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Studio
Recordings
Welcome to StarTrax Recording Studios, located in Pretoria. Our recording environments are designed to provide professional quality sound for individuals and groups at competitive rates. We are passionate about helping local artists create awesome-sounding recordings, and our team has over 25 years of experience in the industry. Our rates include the expertise of a skilled recording engineer, ensuring that you get the best possible sound for your project. Feel free to contact us with any questions or inquiries.
What is a demo?​
A demo is typically recorded for limited release for promotional purposes, personal reference, keepsakes, or gifts for friends and family, rather than for commercial release.
What do I need to record?
To record a demo, please bring your backing track on the day on USB, or send it to us via email beforehand. If you don't already have a backing track for your recording, let us know, and we will be happy to assist you in obtaining a suitable track.
How long does the recording process take?​
Typically, we record multiple takes of your song, blend the best sections, and address any timing and/or pitching errors. The entire process usually takes no more than one hour.
When and how will I receive my recording?
Please allow 24-72 hours for the delivery of the final mixed and mastered recording. We will upload your recording and provide you with the link for downloading it.
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How much will it cost?
We offer a flat rate of R750 per song for a demo solo recording and R1250Â per song for a demo duet recording inclusive of mixing and mastering.
Yes! You will receive a complimentary ProTrax backing track voucher (valued at R225) for each demo recorded at R750 (solos) or R1250 (duets).
Let us know what you need by using our contact form, sending an email to info@startraxstudios.co.za, or calling us at 082 7700902. We will promptly contact you to confirm a suitable time and date for your recording.
How does payment work?
Feel free to reach out to us to request a formal quotation. Upon acceptance of the quotation, a 50% deposit is required to secure your booking. The remaining balance is due upon delivery of the final product.
What about royalties?
The purpose of a demo recording is solely for non-commercial, promotional, or private use, which does not necessitate a mechanical license. However, if the intention of the demo recording extends beyond this and involves digital download, or streaming or posting on YouTube, Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, or any other social media platform or website, copyright law necessitates a license for the recording. Feel free to contact us for more information.​
Tips & Ideas
Your recording can be a truly unique and perfect gift for someone special, providing enjoyment for years to come.
What is a group recording?​
A group recording involves 3-12 individuals in the recording space at a time. This format is well-suited for small ensembles, schools, and revue groups.
What do I need to record?
A form of accompaniment, whether it's a backing track, pianist, guitarist, etc., is essential unless the group is performing 'a cappella'. If you require a backing track or accompaniment for your recording and don't already have one, please inform us. We are eager to assist you in obtaining a suitable track for your recording.
How long does the recording process take?​
The time required for group recordings vary depending on several factors: 1) The number of songs, or the duration of the medley; 2) The technical difficulty of the material; 3) The complexity of harmonies (if applicable); 4) Preparation On average, recording a 10-minute medley with a group of 5-10 school children, given they are well-rehearsed, takes about 3-4 hours. Post-recording editing, mixing, and mastering usually requires an additional 1-2 hours to finalize the project.
When and how will I receive my recording?
Please allow 7-10 days for the delivery of the final mixed and mastered recording. We will upload your recording and provide you with the link for downloading it.
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How much will it cost?
Studio time for album recordings is charged at an hourly rate of R750.
Yes, indeed! School revue groups are eligible for a special discount of 15% on the backing tracks needed for their studio recording if they schedule their recording session for the year by 31 March 2024.​
Let us know what you need by using our contact form, sending an email to info@startraxstudios.co.za, or calling us at 082 7700902. We will promptly contact you to confirm a suitable time and date for your recording.
How does payment work?
For schools, no advance payment is necessary. A written acceptance of the quotation based on estimated recording time is required. An invoice will be provided upon the completion of the project, and recordings will be released upon receipt of payment. For individuals, contact us for a formal quotation. Upon acceptance of the quotation, a 50% deposit is required to secure your booking. The remaining balance is payable upon delivery of the final product.
What about royalties?
Depending on the final use of the recording, such as the performance venue and whether it involves selling a digital download, TV broadcast, or streaming, or posting on YouTube, Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, or any other social media platform or website, a license may be required. Feel free to contact us for more information.
Tips & Ideas
Secure your recording session by booking before 31 March 2024, to enjoy a 15% discount on backing tracks. Order and finalise your music backing track as early as possible. Come prepared for your recording session!
What is an album recording?​
Recording an album for commercial release in a studio typically involves several stages, including pre-production, track production, overdubbing, live sessions, mixing and mastering.
What do I need to record?
The music production process typically begins with songwriting or selecting suitable cover versions (i.e. reinterpretations of existing songs with the artist's unique musical style). Once you have the songs you want to record, you need musical arrangements. Then, the actual recording process can commence, along with any live instrument sessions, backing vocals etc.
How long does the recording process take?​
The process of recording a professional album can take several months. Once we have an idea of what you have in mind we can provide you with an estimated timeline from start to finish.
When and how will I receive my recording?
Once all the recordings are finalised you will receive a master copy.
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How much will it cost?
Studio time for album recordings is charged at an hourly rate of R750. Any new or custom arrangements, as well as instrument or backing vocal sessions, will be quoted separately.
Are there any discounts?
Not applicable.
Let us know what you need by using our contact form, sending an email to info@startraxstudios.co.za, or calling us at 082 7700902. We will promptly contact you to to set up a meeting to discuss your project.
How does payment work?
Feel free to contact us to request a formal quotation. Upon acceptance of the quotation, a 50% deposit is required to secure your booking. The remaining balance is due upon delivery of the final product.
What about royalties?
If you are recording your own compositions, it's necessary to register your songs. For cover versions, you'll need a mechanical license for digital and physical distribution. Feel free to contact us for more information.
Tips & Ideas
If you're unsure, take it slow and start with one or two fully produced songs. This will provide you with the opportunity to go through the entire process and have a professional 'single' to market yourself online and to prospective record labels.
Miscellaneous recordings?
This refers to a diverse collection of audio recordings that don't fit into a specific category, including backing vocals, voiceovers, podcast and instruments. Recording sessions like these are customizable and will be quoted on based on your requirements.
What do I need to record?
Given the broad nature of this option, we will discuss and relay the specific requirements for your project.
How long does the recording process take?​
Based on the broad nature of this option, once we have assessed your needs, we will communicate an estimated time frame.
When and how will I receive my recording?
Based on the broad nature of this option, it can be as a master, a downloadable link, Whatsapp or email. Once we know the nature of your project we can discuss delivery options and a time frame.
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How much will it cost?
Studio times are range-based on your needs and are charged from a half-hourly rate of R375 (for voiceovers) or an hourly rate of R750 (normal full-hour rate).
Are there any discounts?
Not applicable.
Let us know what you need by using our contact form, sending an email to info@startraxstudios.co.za, or calling us at 082 7700902. We will promptly contact you to confirm a suitable time and date for your recording.
How does payment work?
Feel free to reach out to us to request a formal quotation. Upon acceptance of the quotation, a 50% deposit is required to secure your booking. The remaining balance is due upon delivery of the final product.
What about royalties?
Given the broad nature of this option, we will discuss when we can assess the full scope of your project.
Tips & Ideas
Voiceover Recording Guidelines:Â We recommend having your script on paper before the session. Podcast Mixing Services:Â If you prefer to handle your own recording, we offer professional mixing services for podcast clients. Instrument Recording Checklist:Â If you plan to record your own instrument, please remember to bring all the required cables and any other accessories you might need.