We started Concept Records in late 2018 when our band needed to record our material but couldn’t afford any of the studios in Cape Town. We had learnt the basics of sound engineering through practical experience that we gained while performing in live bands during and after high school, so instead of paying for a few days in a fancy recording studio we bought our desk, monitors, and some microphones, and we learned to record our own and other people’s music. In 2019 we moved into our current space and slowly expanded our expertise and equipment collection. We have now recorded several award-winning albums, and more than 300 songs with various local and international artists. Check out our Productions page for more info!

Four. We have a Control Room, a Live Room, a Keyboards/Secondary Live Room, and an Office.

Logic Pro X

We run 8 channels from our Focusrite Octopre Mk-II via ADAT into our 16-channel Allen & Heath ZED-R16 desk and firewire interface for a total of 24 channels. We also have a pair of Rane MS-10 preamps. We mix through a SSL 2+ interface. For more information on our studio equipment, check out our Services page.

We monitor our recordings through a pair of Emes Quartz near-field monitors paired with a KRK 10s subwoofer. We mix using this setup, as well as through a pair of Yamaha HS7s. For more information on our studio equipment, check out our Services page.

We primarily use a Rode NT-1A for vocals and other situations that require a large diaphragm condenser, and we have multiple Shure SM-57/58s for situations that require dynamic microphones. We have a full set of Shure Beta series mics for drums, as well as several other microphones. For more information on our studio equipment, check out our Services page.

We started collecting effects pedals in high school, and have built up a collection of more than sixty pedals that each process and affect audio in different ways. We love experimenting with these pedals on different sound sources, and tweaking them to find the right tone for any situation. For more information on our studio equipment, check out our Services page.

We are happy to record any style of music! We predominantly work with live instruments, but we are also able to work on digitally produced projects. We have worked with many jazz, rock, and indie bands, as well as classical, metal, hip-hop, and singer-songwriter acts.

We’re always happy to welcome people into our space - if you want to stay updated on what’s happening at the studio you can sign up for our newsletter and follow us on Instagram. Feel free to get in contact with us if you have any specific questions or offers of support.

Recording involves capturing sound waves to digital or analogue formats so that they can be played back. We will set up microphones and other equipment to record your performance, and you will have multiple opportunities to get a take that you are happy with. If there are multiple instruments involved, we usually start with the rhythm section (i.e. drums and bass) and then add any additional layers on top.

Make sure that you rehearse all of your parts and have a good idea of the order in which you want to record them. Also make sure that you know the tempos and structures for all of the songs (if you are recording to metronome), or that your rhythm section is ready to play together at the same time.

You should bring your guitars, bass, and any other instruments that are important to your sound. If you are recording drums you should bring your cymbals, sticks, and your snare drum (although we have several snares that you are welcome to use). We provide a selection of amplifiers, keyboards, and pedals, as well as multiple percussion pieces and a 5-piece drum shell (with hardware). For a full list of equipment available, check out our Services page.

Yes. We can record live bands (up to 24 channels at a time), and we can add any additional layers afterwards if required.

We can record up to 24 channels at a time.

A full-day recording session runs from 9am until 5pm. We usually recommend taking a break around half-way through. We also offer half-day (4 hour) recording sessions.

We have recorded bands of up to 8 members in our live room, and we have an additional room if further sound separation is required.

Yes. There are also several restaurants and takeaway spots in the area.

A sound engineer sets up microphones and other recording equipment to capture the best possible recordings, operates the recording equipment, and manages the ‘session’ (the digital file containing the various recorded layers).

A song can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days to record - it all depends on the recording approach and how prepared you are to record your material.

An album can take anywhere from a few days to a few months to record - it all depends on the length of the album and the recording approach that you choose.

Yes. We charge you for a service, and once you have settled the final invoice will be the sole owner of the products of this service. Your copyright is protected from the moment you come up with a song, and if we contribute to the composition of your work we will develop a songwriting agreement with you.

No. Your copyright is protected from the moment you come up with a song, so there is no need to register with any professional bodies before recording your original material. However, there is value in understanding the rights and administrative processes associated with these entities, and we’d be more than happy to assist you in understanding how they are relevant to you.

Yes. We can record multitrack audio on location at music venues, or anywhere else with access to electricity. If required we also have several partners that can film and edit a video of your performance.

Yes

We generally record 24-bit 48kHz WAV files. This can be changed by arrangement.

Yes. We can record to 2-track magnetic reel tape or 4-track cassette (by arrangement).

A producer oversees the process of recording music and works with the artist to ensure that the project is completed. A producer can assist with many different tasks including project management, artist coordination and providing creative input.

In the simplest sense, a recording engineer performs a purely technical function (ensuring high quality recordings), while a producer focuses on ensuring the completion of the whole project.

Yes! We love meeting fellow sound professionals, and we are always happy to work alongside other producers.

Mixing involves the combination and balancing of various recordings into a single mix file.

A recording engineer is responsible for capturing sounds as they are created, while a mixing engineer is responsible for balancing those recorded sounds.

Yes, by arrangement.

Mastering involves the balancing of a ‘mix’ in order to make it sound as consistent as possible when it is played back by different devices.

Mixing involves treating and combining multiple sound sources into a single ‘mix’, while mastering involves treating that single ‘mix’ in order to optimise how it sounds when played back on different devices. We think about it like baking a cake: production and recording are like choosing the ingredients, mixing is like deciding on their proportions, and mastering is like choosing the perfect temperature and length of time for it to be in the oven.

Yes

It depends on how much studio time you need, which in turn depends on the complexity of your recording approach and your level of preparation. We charge R2000.00 per day for recording, but we also have special rates for projects that we mix. Get in contact with us to discuss the details of your project.

Our rates generally include recording and mixing costs only. Other important factors to consider are the costs of rehearsal, session musicians (if needed), mastering, and distribution. We are happy to help you map out these costs to ensure an accurate budget for your project. Get in contact with us to discuss the details of your project.

Yes. We charge lower recording rates for projects that we mix, and we can agree to a project rate in advance by arrangement. Get in touch with us to discuss the details of your project.

We accept cash, card and EFT payment. Unfortunately we do not yet accept Paypal or Bitcoin.

Session work and composition are not included in our recording/production rates, but we are happy to discuss making these contributions to your project. Get in contact with us to discuss the details of your project.

The easiest way to get your music onto streaming platforms is through a digital distributor such as Distrokid or CDBaby. We have extensive experience with releasing through these platforms, and we would be happy to assist you in the process.

No. Our services include the recording and production of recorded material, but it is your responsibility to ensure that the material gets the publicity and exposure that it deserves. We are happy to help you develop a strategy for approaching publishers

As soon as you are ready! Feel free to get in touch today to arrange a session.