Recording Studio - FAQs
Answers to the most common questions about booking, sessions, deliverables, and policies at Creative Underground in Leesburg, VA.
How do I book time?
Use our booking portal to see live availability, choose your service, and pay in one go - creativeunderground.co/Booking.
Is an engineer included?
Yes - all sessions include an engineer. Andrew can also wear the producer hat if you want creative input.
What is the minimum session length?
Recording - 2 hours. Rehearsal - 2 hours. ADR-VO - 2 hours due to setup.
Can we switch services inside one booking?
Yes. Because our audio services are hourly, you can pivot from tracking to editing, mixing, or mastering within your booked time.
When is payment due?
All payments are taken during booking in the portal.
What are your hours?
Open daily 10am-12am. Phone-email hours 10am-7pm.
Can I tour the studio first?
Yes - free in-person tours. Book a tour time in the portal.
What are your rates?
Recording - $150 for the first 2 hours, then $75 per additional hour. Mixing and mastering - $75 per hour. Rehearsal - see portal for current pricing and extras. ADR-VO - $200 per hour with a 2-hour minimum.
Which in-studio video options do you offer?
Single-camera recording - $295 first hour, $195 per additional hour. Multi-camera livestream - $395 first hour, $195 per additional hour. Multi-camera recording - $395 first hour, $195 per additional hour. Popular add-ons include a 2-hour pre-production package, multitrack audio, and a digital copy of the stream.
What should I prepare for a singer session with a backing track?
Email or bring the instrumental. If possible, share BPM and sample rate in advance - 44.1 kHz is ideal for music. If you are unsure, we will sort it at the session.
Any prep tips for bands?
A basic input list, click-BPM notes, and any reference recordings help us pre-build the session. Arrive a few minutes early for load-in.
What should I provide for ADR-VO sessions?
Send the script, picture or timecoded reference, preferred delivery format, and your producer’s contact if they will join remotely.
Do I need to bring gear?
We provide mics and core backline for rehearsals - PA, drum set, bass amp, and guitar amps. You are welcome to bring your own instruments and pedals.
When do we get our files?
Session files are typically uploaded and available before you leave.
How long do download links remain active?
Links remain active for 7 days. We do not maintain client backups.
Can you make a quick reference recording of our rehearsal?
Yes - add the studio stereo reference extra for a simple 2-track file.
Can we get multitrack stems?
Yes - add the multitrack audio extra to rehearsals or book a Recording Session for full multitrack capture.
How do revisions work for mixing and mastering?
We bill by the hour, not per mix, so you can request as many revisions as you like within your booked time.
Do you master to streaming or other specs?
Yes - we can target streaming, CD, broadcast, podcast, or audiobook standards. For audiobooks, we record, edit, and master to ACX specs.
What deliverables can you provide?
By default - WAV files at your session’s sample rate and bit depth. We can also provide MP3s, stems, instrumentals, TV mixes, and clean edits on request.
Should we book Rehearsal or Recording?
For run-throughs with a simple playback, book Rehearsal and add the stereo recording extra. For isolated tracks to mix later, book a Recording Session.
Can a producer or collaborator join remotely?
Yes - browser-based audio patch-in (+$75 per session) or video patch-in (+$200 per session) so they can listen in and direct.
Can you livestream our session?
Yes - multi-cam livestream is available hourly. Add the Digital Copy extra if you want a downloadable file afterward.
What is your cancellation and reschedule policy?
Inside 48 hours - 50 percent fee. Inside 24 hours - full session fee. Late arrivals reduce booked time and arrivals 15+ minutes late may forfeit the session.
Do you take royalties or points?
No royalties are expected. A credit such as "Produced/Recorded/Mixed/Mastered by Andrew Eade at Creative Underground" is appreciated.
Do you offer gift certificates?
Yes - we are happy to issue a digital gift certificate for studio time.
Can you rent specific microphones or gear?
Yes - we can source rentals at cost with at least 7 days notice. Rental fees are non-refundable if you cancel or postpone.
How many people can you accommodate?
We've had sessions with over a dozen people, but it does start to get congested if there is a lot of equipment in the room also. Perhaps consider booking a free tour to take a look at our space before booking. If your setup is unusual, contact us to confirm.