Our Policy
It's your music. We're your studio.
Studio Rates and Billing Clock
Rates are based on hourly intervals. The "Billing Clock" starts at the scheduled time and stops when all studio activities concerning the client are completed for a session. Tracking sessions that include complicated instrument set up, such as drums, the client is given free time, not to exceed one hour, for set up. The clock will begin when the engineer or assistant begins placing mics and running cables.
Deposits
All sessions require a $75 deposit at the time of booking. Any booking without a deposit will be considered "tentative" and may be scheduled over by a booking with a deposit. If this is your first time working in the studio and no deposit has been given for the session, the session does not exist. Deposits can be made over the phone with Visa or Mastercard, by mail or in person with cash or check. All deposits are considered a credit to the clients account. Deposits are non-refundable. There are no deposits required for sessions booked after a client's initial session as long as sessions are booked in a consecutive manner and the clients account is in good standing. Babblefish Studios does retain the right to request deposits for any session and has the option to cancel any session at any time. In case of a cancellation made by the studio a refund of the deposit and/or any credit will be refunded should the client not rebook or not be rebooked as long as no balance is carried on the clients account, in which case the balance will be deducted from the credit.
* Deposits for Block Time; Block time must be paid in full at least 30 days prior to the scheduled block. There are no refunds after 30 days on block time. If a block is canceled prior to 30 days a refund will be given less $75
Cancellations
A cancellation by the client may be made any time prior to 5 days before the scheduled session date with any deposit transferring to the new date. Clients canceling within a 5 day period of their scheduled date will lose the entire deposit and be required to place another deposit for any rescheduled bookings. In the case of a cancellation of a return session with no deposit, within 5 days of the scheduled session a charge of $50 will be added to the clients account.
* Any client or potential client that cancels on the day they are scheduled in the studio will be charged for the full time they were scheduled for at the full hourly rate.
* Block Studio Time; Due to the large amount of time set aside for one client for a block of studio time, the studio requires a 30 day notice for cancellation and 15 days notice to move the session. Failure to give notice of cancellation within the restricted time results in full billing for the entire block. (The client is financially responsible for the entire amount of time booked.)
* Moving or rescheduling a block of time with in 15 days may be done but will result in a charge for every day that the session was moved back. For example the client calls 10 days prior to a scheduled block and needs to start two days later he will have to pay the block daily rate for the two days plus the agreed amount for the block.
* Block Time that ends early. The client is responsible for the entire block no matter how much of it is used.
* Please understand that when a client books block of time they are getting exclusive use of the studio. No other bookings exist for the studio during this time. The larger the block the more unlikely it is that we can fill that space in a short time in the case of a cancellation. Therefore we are forced to make the policy above.
Payment
Payment in full is due at the end of each session. Payment may be made by cash, check, money order or credit card. Make checks or money orders payable to Babblefish Studios. Babblefish Studios also accepts Visa and Master Card. If a client is unable to make payment in full at the close of a session, payment may be made later on the condition that he/she leave collateral of equal or greater value of balance due with Babblefish Studios. Client must also be able to prove ownership of said collateral. Credit arrangements may be made in advance on a per client basis and is at the discretion of Babblefish Studios. New non-corporate clients are not eligible for credit.
Tapes
All media, including: Master Session Multi-tracks (Analog, Digital or Hard-drive), DAT, 1/4 inch reels, Cassette and CD-R must be purchased by client unless a rental agreement is made. Babblefish Studios stocks all mediums that would be needed for sessions. If a client wishes to purchase media from an independent supplier, he/she may do so, however, it is the client's responsibility to make sure the media is of the proper format and quality prior to session. Once media and other items are paid for it is owned by and becomes the responsibility of the client. Babblefish Studios will store media for clients at no charge for up to one year at which time they will be erased or destroyed. Babblefish Studios is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged property left on premises.
Equipment Use and Rental
Babblefish Studios has a considerable selection of musical instruments. (Call for a list.) This equipment is offered to the client for use or rent with the stipulation that the instruments and other gear are used with care and respect and that the client takes responsibility for any damage done to any instrument or gear while being used by him/her or their associates. Babblefish Studios has many resources for procuring specialty items wanted for sessions. These would include vintage guitars, amps, mics along with boutique items. These items are available on a rental basis. The client is responsible for rental payment and any deposits required. Babblefish Studios asks that clients not handle anything not belonging to them without permission and/or instructions.
Mixes
Babblefish Studios prefers to have a member or agent present during mix sessions. This is a critical process and requires many artistic decisions. Babblefish Studios will mix without a member or agent but takes no responsibility for final product. Mixes are not guaranteed.