Making Your Record

Chris Steinmetz brings his clients some of the best sounds in the world using both analog and digital tools. He uses the latest version of Pro Tools in his studio to get your music recorded, mixed and mastered.

Studio Highlights & Features

• Full Band Tracking
• Production
• Big Band (Horns, Strings, Orchestra) & Choir Accomodation
• Commercial Projects
• Video Shoots
• Overdubs
• Rehearsal
• 25ft High Ceilings
• Unique Wall Materials
• Great Gear

The Mixing Process

Chris provides professional song mixing at an affordable rate. Having your music mixed by Chris is fast and easy. Simply contact Chris using the contact form here and decide on the package that’s best for you. From time of payment, you will get your mix returned to you within 48 hours for final edits and feedback.

The Mastering Process

We provide Professional Song and Album Mastering at an affordable rate. We create master copies you can be confident to play on any speaker system.

What is a master and why do I need one?

At the end of the mastering session, the mastering engineer creates a duplication master. This master represents the culmination of all the creative aspects of the recording process. The artist’s performance and vision must, at this point, be fully captured. This master must also be technically prepared for duplication. The duplication house will make a glass master for pressing large quantities of discs, but if duplication is performed properly, every copy ever made should sound exactly like the master created at the end of the mastering session. Say no more, right?!

When I’m done recording and mixing, should I master? Why do I need it?

From the final mix which is generated during the mixing session, the mastering engineer performs some or all of the following tasks during the Mastering Process: put tracks in order (sequence); edit within the music; remove unwanted pops, clicks or other noises; add sound effects such as crowd noises or cheers; place appropriate IDs and spaces between songs; make the album or program sound consistent (equalize, compress, etc.); maximize music so it is as powerful as possible; create the duplication master to meet technical requirements of final format(s).

What Does Mastering Accomplish?

Mastering serves both the creative and the technical needs of the final audio program. During the mastering process, an album is made more powerful, polished and professional, always with the artist’s vision in mind. If mastered properly with the assistance of specialized equipment, ears and expertise, the final version of an album should be competitive on radio, disc, and streaming, with the levels and overall sonic fingerprint matching that of the industry’s major albums.

Vocal Tuning

Need a little tune up for your lead vocal? Don’t worry, no one is perfect. Chris can help you put together the best performance from multiple takes (comping) and make your vocals sparkle with his signature vocal effects chain and recording setup.

Drum Editing

Got a drummer who drifts a little too much? Chris is also an expert drum editor, and can make a shaky performance sound both in-time and natural.

Song Arrangement

Need tips on how to elevate the arrangement of your song? Chris can provide you with a variety of ideas, techniques, and modifications to bring out the best parts of your arrangement.

Other Editing: Audio Restoration, Noise Reduction, & Re-Amping

Chris also provides a variety of other audio editing services, including audio restoration, noise reduction, and re-amping.

If you have a mix that has distorted, fragmented, or corrupted audio, Chris can use his plugin suite to help restore any lost sounds.

If you have a noisy, dirty mix that lacks clarity, Chris has a variety of EQ, gating, and phasing tools that can help eliminate noise, hum, or leakage entirely from your mix.

For mixes that need more of a natural sound, Chris can reroute his setup to a mic’d up amp or speaker cabinet. This process, known as re-amping, can give your mix a more natural, live sound, allowing the natural acoustics of the room to affect the sound. Chris’ access to high-quality amps, speakers, and microphones can bring out the best of the re-amp process and elevate your mix to new levels.

Welcome to the Stonecutter Recording Studios Music Production and Music Businesses courses, Making Music Work! From the Stonecutter Studios Team, we are proud to announce in-person style courses highlighting major aspects of the music industry including Music Production and Music Business. Our mission is to introduce, develop, and educate music-minded individuals to enhance their skill sets and knowledge of the ins and outs of the industry to prepare students for their future opportunities in music. There are far more careers in music than simply trying to “make it”. Producers, engineers, marketers, managers, lawyers, and publishers are prominent positions in the industry as well as others.

It’s time to discover your place in the music industry! Whether you are simply interested in the concept or furthering your experiences on your career path, Making Music Work contains the levels of advancement appropriate for your skill level ages 12 and up.

Our Stonecutter Studios program course offers a unique inside look into the industry led by an award-winning producer and engineer veteran, Chris Steinmetz. With over 30 years of experience in the business, his skills led him to collaborate with a wide array of artists ranging from Miles Davis to Metallica and Paul Simon to Jay-Z alongside many others. Steinmetz is the proud owner of Stonecutter Records Recording Studios and now conducts his business in Chicago.

Music Production

Brief History of Recording discusses the development and evolution of recording technology from the earliest times to the present day.
Role of the Engineer discusses the essential role an engineer plays in music production.
Role of the Producer discusses the responsibilities of the producer.
Psychology of Working with Musicians explores the responsibilities in recording and producing in a professional setting.
Pro Tools Sessions gives students hands-on experience working in Pro Tools covering basic to intermediate techniques.

Music Business

Working with Other Music Professionals discusses the collaborative aspects of working with producers, record labels, and artist managers.
Producer/Production Deals explores the types of deals and the legal and financial aspects of producing music.
Budgeting, Scheduling, and Organization discusses the operational and other basic financial aspects of the business side of the industry.
Contracts and Agreements explores the legal aspects of agreements and the benefits and drawbacks of written and oral contracts.

Affordable & Cohesive to Your Schedule

As an affordable alternative to the duration and expenses of a music education, the course lasts 10 weeks, and it will provide students with the necessary knowledge and confidence to explore the music industry for themselves!

Do you want to get great recordings from your project studio?

Are you an audio engineer just starting out?

Do you need a consultation on getting the most out of your equipment?

There are any number of reasons to book a lesson with our esteemed staff. Get your questions answered and learn the tricks of the trade from an engineer with 30 years experience mixing top national acts!

We offer individual lessons at $75/hour.

Additionally, check out our 3 level course to get you back on track with recording your own projects!

Level 1 – Recording Technique

Introduction to Microphones, Preamps, EQs, and Dynamics
Secrets of Mic Placement
Setup/Basic Tracking (Guitar, Bass, Keys, Drums, Scratch Vocal)
Instrument Placement in the Studio
Setting Up Cue Monitoring
Recording/Comparing Real Instruments vs. Virtual Instrument & Plug-ins

Level 2 – Song Editing

Editing Vocal Tracks
Auditioning Different Vocal Mics and Processing Chains
Recording Vocals: Recording Multiple Takes, Track Comping, and More
Secrets of Track Editing: Using the Different Editing Tools Available in Pro Tools as Well as Programs Such as Beat Detective, Elastic Audio, and Third-party Plug-ins
Vocal Tuning and Pocketing: Tuning Vocal Tracks, Different Methods/Approaches, and Different Plug-ins

Level 3 – Song Mixing

Overview of Different Types of Processing and When/Where to use Them
Getting the sounds you want from the recorded instruments
When to use Automation
How to use Bus Compression
Learn the Best Ways to Use Compression, EQ, and Effects
Making the Final Adjustments: Techniques & Methods
Mixdown

Have an audio project that you need advice on? Chris has got you covered!

Chris offers one-of-a-kind remote consultation for songs and mixes. Using his 30+ years of experience in the music industry, he can provide you with a variety of tips and methods to improve your mix and overall sound/production quality. Remote consultation is currently available over-the-phone or via Zoom.

Contact Chris today to learn more about how he can help you elevate your mix!