Top Notch Tracking ROOM in Houston for HEAVY Drums ???

[sage691]

Hi all,

OK, I have a great space but I'm realizing thru research that I just don't have the time or energy to create a truly great sounding room in my studio for tracking drums. We are completeing 2 full length albums worth of material right now, and we pretty much have most of the production finished (minus the inevitable "ear candy" that will be added in the final mix phase).

Our stuff is "heavy" to say the least -- think Megadeath meets Metallica, but with the more trancey side of a U2 or Coldplay in the instrumentation. Anyway, it's frickin hard to describe, but I'll be sure to post some of the *hit when the mixes are done.

The drum sound we're going for is definitely on the heavy side. My drummer used to play with a band in New Orleans called Rigid, and is a frickin monster on the kit! Up until now we've been using midi samples from Tommy G's "Heavy Hitters" library with amazing results, but still far from the energy these tracks demand.

So, are there any studios you guys know of in the Houston area that have a GREAT ROOM for tracking the type drum sound we want ?? I ask, because the drummer has moved to Houston temporarily. All I care about is that the studio has the righteous room (preferably non-flat stone walls if possible), and a 16-24 track 2 inch machine -- along with a rep. for putting out records that kick ass in the heavy dept. concerning drums.

I don't give a diddly squat if they have a big SSL or not (or the slutty outboard rack), as the records will not be mixed there. If they have a righteous mic pre selection (API 3124, Neve, etc.) then fine; but if not I can bring 16 channels of some truly slutty drum tracking outboard myself.

As long as they have the mics and the room, that's all we really need. I have a 24 track 2" machine at my studio, and a plethora of outboard for processing. What I'm lacking obviously is THE ROOM!

Oh yeah, if they have a great kit that would be a plus. If not, we can bring my drummer's kit which is an old birch Tama that definitely kicks ass enough for what we want.

If you guys know of any studios in Houston (or within 100 miles) that meet this criteria, I would be forever greatful for your advice!


Sage

[4stringerfinger]

Well the best studio in Houston is Sugarhill Studios. They are known for doing all styles. Top of the line studios but I've never recorded there. They definately have the best rep in Houston.

http://www.sugarhillstudios.com/

I've done tracking at these two studios:

Sound Arts. I've worked with Engineer Brian and Nick is their drum guy so you can talk to him too. I highly recommend this place.
http://www.soundartsrecording.com/

Stone Wall Studios. This place is a little out of town. Groveton, TX. Travis, the owner is a great guy. Don May, the drum guy and also an engineer is my ex drummer. If you do track here I advise on using your own kit and engineer. They can be kind of sloppy when it comes to recording metal.
http://www.stonewallstudio.com/index.html

I hope this helps.

Joseph

[4stringerfinger]

Oh, forgot to add that your best resource for all your drum needs in Houston is none other than Mr Craig LeMay.

http://www.craiglemay.com/

You might want to contact him for a better list than mine. He's a good drum doctor too. He does drum rentals, tuning, set ups, etc.

[sage691]

Originally Posted by 4stringerfinger

Well the best studio in Houston is Sugarhill Studios. They are known for doing all styles. Top of the line studios but I've never recorded there. They definately have the best rep in Houston.

http://www.sugarhillstudios.com/

I've done tracking at these two studios:

Sound Arts. I've worked with Engineer Brian and Nick is their drum guy so you can talk to him too. I highly recommend this place.
http://www.soundartsrecording.com/

Stone Wall Studios. This place is a little out of town. Groveton, TX. Travis, the owner is a great guy. Don May, the drum guy and also an engineer is my ex drummer. If you do track here I advise on using your own kit and engineer. They can be kind of sloppy when it comes to recording metal.
http://www.stonewallstudio.com/index.html

I hope this helps.

Joseph

Thanks a million man!

[dillweed]

just mixed a rock project that was tracked at sugarhill.

drums sounded really good. the room mic sounds were great. very usable in the mix.

[sage691]

Originally Posted by dillweed

just mixed a rock project that was tracked at sugarhill.

drums sounded really good. the room mic sounds were great. very usable in the mix.

Hey thanks!

What are Sugarhill's rates per hour ?

Or, can you get a block for 1 day ? What price ?


Sage

[SteveE9C6]

Wow... quite the range of studios there.... From Neotek and Trident to a Mackie 8 buss.

Out of curiosity, did anyone else note the use of the Behringer auto comp at Sugerhill? I know Behringer has a bad rap (deservedly so) but I have an older autocomp that was manufactured in Germany, not China... and it actually works and sounds pretty good.

[sinsay]

Check out www.sunrisesound.com

Skips around gearslutz periodically.
He just hosted a digidesign d-control/pt 7.2 seminar a few weeks ago nice room.
The ssl room is quite nice also, with a great selection of outboard.

[dillweed]

Originally Posted by sage691

Hey thanks!

What are Sugarhill's rates per hour ?

Or, can you get a block for 1 day ? What price ?


Sage

not sure their rates. have to call them.

this is the band that tracked at sugarhill, might want to contact them and ask about their experience. http://www.myspace.com/structureband

[Dan]

Come on up to Dallas! We're working on a heavy project right now. PM me, and I'll give you the details.

www.artisan-recordingstudio.com

[djui5]

Originally Posted by SteveE9C6

but I have an older autocomp that was manufactured in Germany, not China... and it actually works and sounds pretty good.