About
Since 2006, the focus here has been to make quality recording affordable and uncomplicated. From the layout of the space to the way sessions are engineered, everything at Handwritten revolves around making your project efficient and your recordings effective.
Whether its recording, mixing, or mastering - your audio is treated as you would hope it would be- with an attention to detail and a respect for your budget. Recordings here are made in conjunction with their creators- not just for them mechanically. You will be the reason your recordings sound great. I will be the resource that helps you connect the creative to the technical. Together our possibilities are exciting.
The space itself was constructed specifically for recording use and consists of three separate rooms and an isolation booth. No grain silos or haunted hallways - just a controlled room where the noises made are the noises heard.
Please don't hesitate to set up a time to come by, talk more specifically about your project, and see the space for yourself.
Rates
RECORDING: $395 per day (10hr) / $45 per hour
All Handwritten Recording sessions get an unattended mix and master at no additional charge.
MIX AND MASTER: $35 per track
MASTERING: $20 per track
Call or email for extended booking or monthly residency rates.
Equipment
CONSOLE:
Mackie 32 Track * 8 Bus.
DAW:
Digidesign 002 / Pro Tools
MICROPHONES:
A varied collection of condenser, dynamic, and ribbon microphones that is updated regularly. Please call or email with any specific microphone questions or requests.
PIANOS:
Knight Upright
Lyon Healy Upright
KEYBOARDS:
Roland EXR-7
Casio LK-55
DRUMS:
Gretsch Catalina Maple (6 piece)
Alesis SR-16 Drum Machine
ACOUSTIC GUITARS:
Taylor 414
Walden G570
Simon and Patrick Cedar 6*
ELECTRIC GUITARS:
Fender Stratocaster
Fender Jazzmaster*
Fender Telecaster*
Danelectro 56-US*
BASS GUITAR:
Ibanez GSR 190
BANJO:
Gretsch 4 String
THEREMIN:
Moog Etherwave
AMPLIFIERS:
Vox Ac4TVH
Vox VR30
Epiphone Valve Jr.
Orange 30WT
Fender 25WT FRT
EFFECT UNITS / PEDALS:
Also have a varied collection of effect units and stomp boxes. They range from distortion to delay, wah to whammy. Again, contact me with any specific effects questions or requests.
*Left Handed
New to Handwritten
For starters, thanks for checking out Handwritten.
I know the thought of taking your project to someone new or someplace unfamiliar can be an unnerving one. I appreciate the fact that you have gotten this far and hope to make you feel comfortable enough to be yourself from the onset.
Recording, mixing, and mastering audio can be a complicated process- but it is made much less complicated when someone can make it relevant to your particular project and sound.
When you work a project here, we work the way you want to work- at the pace you want to work. I don’t tell you how to record, I tell you the potential consequences of working in a variety of ways. I don’t mix the record for you mysteriously, I discuss with you the options that are relevant for the most powerful delivery of it. Mastering isn't a formula, its a technical process where we determine exactly how we want the listener to experience your audio. This is a collaborative process where you are encouraged to have as much input in to the production as you did in the creation.
Please don't hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions, ideas, etc.
Looking forward to it,
Rick Riggs
FAQs
HOW DO I BOOK A SESSION / SCHEDULE A TOUR?
Call: 773.472.7132
Email:rick@handwrittenrecording.com
WHERE IS HANDWRITTEN LOCATED?
1346 Belmont (at Southport). Free parking is available across the street on Belmont in addition to every block south of the studio.
We are easily accessible from both Lake shore Drive and 90/94. We are also a short walk (seriously) from both the Red and Brown lines.
HOW LONG IS MY PROJECT GOING TO TAKE?
An impossible question to answer without knowing the details of your project and the depths of your neuroses. Set up a time to discuss your project and we can do our best to plan it out.
I AM INTERESTED IN MIXING / MASTERING – MY PROJECT WAS RECORDED ELSEWHERE, WHAT NOW?
Call or email to set up a time where we can listen to what you have and discuss where you want it to go. You can also email me a track or two if you would like some initial feedback on what your options could be moving forward.
WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE BLUTH ON ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT?
Lucille.
DO YOU “PRODUCE” RECORDS?
"Producer" is a pretty loose term these days. I traditionally answer by saying that I will be as active as I am invited to be. My concerns are that sessions are productive and the recordings are effective- I'll do whatever I can to to ensure both. .
CAN I SPLIT THE DAY RATE INTO TWO, FIVE HOUR SESSIONS?
Yes, You can split it into two sessions however you would like.
WHAT FORMS OF PAYMENT DO YOU ACCEPT?
Cash or Check. No credit cards.
DO YOU SELL CERTIFICATES FOR STUDIO TIME?
Yes. Certificates are available in 1 hour increments and the same rates apply.
WHAT SHOULD I BRING TO MY SESSION?
Yourself, your band (if applicable), your gear, your ideas, an external hard drive, gummy bears, and whatever else makes you feel comfortable.
CAN WE USE THE GEAR (GUITAR, AMPS, KEYBOARDS, ETC.) AT THE STUDIO?
Of course. Any gear that is here at Handwritten is meant to be played by anyone and everyone (respectfully I might add).
CAN YOU PROVIDE SESSION PLAYERS?
Yes, Built up quite the rolodex of players over the years and happy to provide an introduction. From strings to drums to horns, there is a great chance I know someone that would be the ideal fit for your project.
DO YOU ALLOW OUTSIDE FOOD AND DRINK IN THE STUDIO?
Yes, just don't leave me alone in the control room with a dozen donuts. We will both regret it.