Songwriter and recording artist  questions

How do I get started?

The best way to get started is to simply contact us. In just a couple of minutes we can determine your needs and put you on course to accomplish your musical goals.

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I would love to do a Nashville produced CD project, but I don't have the time to go to Nashville to sing it. Can this be done?

Yes! We have extended our services to many artists with the same dilemma. Although you may be a long distance client, technology allows us to give you the same quality tracks that our Nashville clients enjoy without leaving your area. We produce master tracks and arrange for you to sing them in a local studio. Once you are finished, you simply send the vocal track back to Panda to be professionally mixed and mastered. 

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What is the turnaround time?

All projects are different and some may require some extra care, but as a rule we have the product completed in about two to four weeks. Unlike many demo studios, Panda Productions uses all live musicians. There are no drum loops or machines keyboard bass or bass loops. Individual studio musicians play all of the instruments that you hear in our projects. For this reason we may take a little longer, but the quality speaks for itself.

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How do I know I can trust you?

It is no secret that trust is a problem in this business. There are some unscrupulous people that make unsubstantiated claims and charge an enormous amount of money for their services.  Panda Productions has been in business since 1992 serving songwriters, publishing companies, and artists because we make promises we can keep. We produce high quality products at affordable rates.

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Are there any hidden fees?

All fees for any of the services are clearly stated in this website.

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How do I pay for your services?

All projects are payable by money order, personal check, or cashier's check. CD projects may be paid for in two installments using the same methods of payment. Half of the total is due prior to the session, and the balance is due upon completion.

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I own a great sounding studio, but I don't have access to studio musicians, and I am having trouble creating a mix I am happy with; can you help?

Yes! Panda Productions has become extremely popular with many studios across the country by producing and recording tracks for customers with home computer studios. It is a win, win situation. Your clients get great tracks by Nashville studio musicians and you get credit for supplying them with a great product at a reasonable price! We are also capable of using our expertise to mix and master your project.

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What about musicians?

During Dan’s many years in the business, he has woven very close working relationships with some of the finest studio musicians and vocalists in the country. He not only works daily with them at Panda Productions, but also performs with them on sessions for publishers, and works artist showcases on a regular basis. Dan is very capable of choosing the right musicians for your project.

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What is mixing?

Mixing is when all of the tracks (usually about 24) in a project are mixed down or blended to a two track playable stereo CD.

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What is mastering?

Mastering is when the mixed version of the project is given the final necessary touches. This post-production process includes editing, sweetening, EQ matching, level matching, limiting, song sequencing, and dozens of other procedures to create the finished album. Whether your project was completed at Panda Productions or another studio, we can give it that "in your face" sound, make it radio ready, and prepare it to be pressed.

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What recording format do you use?

The industry standard has quickly become the use of hard disk recording. Panda Productions records our projects on an Alesis HD 24 track hard disk recorder, and then we transfer all files to a computer-based program (Nuendo) to be mixed. That way we feel as though we have the best of both worlds; a stable hard disk recorder and the editing and mixing capabilities second to none.

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Do you have an equipment list?

Panda Productions’ complete equipment list would take too long to evaluate, but here are a few items of which we are the most proud: