This page is about audio production Edinburgh at Black Cave Recordings. Whether you’re producing an album, recording an audiobook, recording your first demo, or mixing and mastering a project, we can help. Black Cave Recordings provides a relaxed, professional environment focused on achieving the best possible results.
Black Cave Recordings is run by Andrew Rankine, BA (Hons). He runs the record label ABAGA Records and produces and DJs electronic music as Tactus. As a multi-instrumentalist, he has toured and performed with several bands (Scumpulse, Subvision, Tower of Flies, Burt Ward, and Wolvesrot). His productions, mixes, and masters have been heard worldwide. They have featured on Top 20 charts, BBC Radio 1, and BBC 1Xtra.
Speaking about the music industry at MOBO, Wide Days, and industry events strengthened his passion for helping emerging artists. Andrew now works with artists locally and internationally from Edinburgh, Scotland.
Andrew has worked in several recording studios with artists across many genres. He happily offers creative input whenever it’s helpful. Every session keeps the atmosphere relaxed while bringing out the best performance from everyone involved.
Andrew has over 20 years of live performance, recording, and production experience. He graduated with a BA (Hons) in Popular Music in 2009. Since then, he has worked throughout the music industry. As a player of several instruments, Andrew understands exactly what musicians need during a recording session. He works confidently with a wide range of DAWs, equipment, and plugins. He has built a reputation for excellent results and an enjoyable recording experience. Whether you’re recording your first project or your tenth album, you’ll receive the same care, attention, and commitment to quality.
FAQ
Why work with Black Cave Recordings?
Every project is tailored to your goals, ensuring you get the most from your recording experience. Whether you’re recording your first demo or a commercial release, we’ll work with you to achieve exactly what you have in mind using our extensive knowledge and experience.
We record in the studio, on location, or using both approaches (recording on location and then overdubbing elements in the studio).
How long do I need to book a recording session for?
This depends on whether you’re a solo artist. It also depends on how big your band/ensemble is and how long the songs are. A vocal over a backing track usually takes one to two hours.
As a guide, recording all band members simultaneously usually takes three to four times the total playing time. This usually allows time for three or four takes of each song. Add approximately two hours for setup and breaks.
If tracking each musician separately, multiply the previously mentioned whole band recording time by the number of members in the band/ensemble.
Audiobook recording times vary depending on the length of the book. Audiobooks usually take eight to ten hours to record.
Where can you record me/us?
We can record you anywhere. At your own home, in our studio, at a practice studio of your choice, a church, or any other location.
Bear in mind that we’ll need power sources for the equipment. We’ll also need some cover if it’s outside. Exposure to the elements could damage our equipment. Most music production and location recording takes place around Edinburgh. We are more than happy to travel further afield.
Most of our projects are carried out at our Edinburgh recording studio in Scotland.
I’m a complete beginner. Will you take me on for a project?
Everyone starts somewhere. We work with complete beginners and experienced professionals alike.
If you need any guidance throughout the process, we can help you with some tips. We’ll make you feel comfortable and help you enjoy the experience.
How should I prepare for my recording session?
Please refer to this page on our website: How To Get The Most Out Of A Recording Session.
I have an idea for a song/melody/lyrics. Can you make that into a full song production?
Yes. We can help you with the composition and arranging of a song. We can also work with you and record the instrumentation for you where needed. This includes guitar, bass, drums, keyboards, percussion, and more.
If the song requires samples or electronic sounds, we can work on those together in the Black Cave Recordings studio. We’ll help turn your ideas into a finished production.
We can also bring in highly skilled session musicians. They can add vocals, violins, cellos, string sections, trumpets, brass, voiceover artists, and more. We can discuss these options before your project begins.
Do you record vocals to a backing track or cover songs?
Yes, we are more than happy to accommodate this. We can get a professional-sounding result. We can provide backing tracks or produce custom backing music when required.
The length and price of this type of session depends on how many songs you’d like to record. It also depends on how well rehearsed you are. Approximately an hour or two per song should be sufficient.
What kind of projects/musicians/bands/artists do you work with?
We work across virtually every musical genre, including rock, metal, hip-hop, trap, reggae, classical, choirs, funk, drum’n’bass, house, techno, dubstep, and many more. We record artists ranging from professional musicians to complete beginners.
Our studio also offers tracking for single instruments. We can record vocals over a backing track or acoustic singer/songwriter acts.
We’ve also worked on countless audiobooks, podcasts, adverts, meditations, and dialogue for films and documentaries. Just name it, and we can plan a session around your needs.
What can I expect from my mix or master?
We’ll discuss the sound you’re aiming for. Reference tracks are helpful and are always welcome.
We can use pitch correction, drum replacement, timing edits, and other techniques when appropriate. If you have reference mixes or specific ideas, we’re happy to work towards them.
We’ll also edit your recordings where required, aligning timing and removing unwanted sounds or dialogue mistakes.
We’ll revise your mix or master until you’re happy with the result.
Here’s an example of a before and after comparison of what we can do to your recordings: https://youtu.be/7FK8mmuwSdI
Can you mix recordings produced elsewhere?
Yes, we can mix and master anything that you send us, regardless of where you have recorded the project.
What file formats do you deliver?
Audio is generally recorded and delivered as downloadable 48kHz, 24 bit wav files. You are welcome to ask for different formats if required, and we can also offer to burn your recordings onto CD.
Do you do pre-production meetings?
Yes, we are more than happy to meet up with you before a recording, mixing, or mastering project. A project can hugely benefit from a pre-production session. It helps ensure we’re working towards the same result. We can also prepare elements where necessary. These include click tracks or record guide tracks.
Generally, it works best to talk about the music production in our Edinburgh location. It can also be done online, over the phone, or by email.
Can we meet in your Edinburgh music/audio production location before the project?
Yes, we are more than happy to meet in person. We can talk about your specific project and make sure we’re on the same page. Just get in touch, and we can meet up to discuss any project you may have.
How long does mixing/mastering usually take?
The turnaround for mixing and mastering depends on how many projects we are working on at the time of your recording. Your project will be added to our waiting list, and you will usually receive it in 3 to 4 weeks. If you have a specific deadline, you are welcome to discuss it with us, and we can do our best to accommodate you.
How much do you charge?
Every project is unique, so every quote is tailored. Contact us to discuss your requirements.
Can I get a discount?
Refer a new client to us and receive a 15% discount on your next project. Their booking should be similar in size to yours.
Do you have Terms and Conditions?
Please click here for a short list of our terms & conditions.