Radio Days.. a different kind of soul experience

Radio Days  Till recently, making a radio show was quite a technical process, requiring dj training in operational skills such as cueing records, cd’s, tapes, jingles, setting levels and learning how to operate a studio audio mixing console.  With the introduction of studio automation such as Enco-Dad and our preferred "Radio Host" system, it is possible for a complete novice to produce a professional sounding show. The automation system does everything except talk for you! It assembles the music you choose into the order you want in a playlist, inserts jingles where you want them and controls audio levels for you. It’s like driving an automatic Rolls Royce. This leaves you free to be creative and concentrate on presentation, rather than worrying about which button you need to press next. It virtually eliminates the possibility of technical errors by the operator.   

Radio Days  offer three methods to record your show: offer three alterntive methods to record yor show.

Radio Days  Method One - Full automation

Like most modern digital radio studios, ours can be run in fully automated mode and no previous experience or tehnical know how is necessary to operate it. There is one button to turn the microphone on when you want to speak and a “next” button that makes the next song play, it is that simple. The show is recorded in one hit and any small mistakes are edited out or re-recorded and fixed at the end of the main recording. Of course if there are no mistakes or they are insignificant, the recorded show is a "take" and no post production is necessary. This full automation mode is now commonplace in almost all live music radio shows.

Radio Days  Method Two - Manual

For those who want to do it the old fashioned "traditional" way the studio can be operated in manual mode, where you control everything yourself. This would suit an experienced dj / presenter who enjoys cueing records, cd's, jingles etc and wants to be in total control.

Radio Days  Method Three - Voice Tracking with automation

Voice tracking is where all the "talkie bits" or "speaks" as they are known are recorded first and then slotted in to fit around the music. It is a production technique often used by radio stations where the announcer or dj pre-records his talking parts then a producer assembles the show afterwards. This method would also suit an inexperienced presenter who lacks the confidence to talk "live" on the mic. Each talking section is recorded individually, often recording several "takes" till each one is word perfect and  we do the rest.

Radio Days  FAQ

How do I know what to say when the microphone is on? 

If you are worried that you will “dry up”, stumble over your words or forget things you wanted to say, simply prepare a mini script. This can be written on your home pc or laptop in Microsoft Word and either sent in advance by email or bring it with you on the day on a usb memory stick. Your script will then be displayed on an “auto cue” screen in front of you for reference during recording. Make a list of dedications to friends or family, information about songs or artists or anything else you want to include in your show. We can also "voice tracking" for the less confident (See "Method Three" above).

What if I make a mistake during recording, can it be corrected? 

Yes, we simply record a 2^nd take of that section and at the end of the session it can be seamlessly edited in. You can do as many retakes as you wish till you are happy. 

I would like to play songs I don’t have in my collection. Can you help? 

Yes, you have full use of our music library of thousands of soul and Jazz funk tunes. Almost all are original 12” or album versions. All the music is stored on a hard drive and any track can be called to the playlist in seconds. We also have thousands of pop and rock songs from 1960’s to current top 40 hits. We can send you a spreadsheet of available tracks in advance for you to browse. 

All my music is on CD or / and vinyl, is that ok? 

Yes, CD is better because we can easily “rip” the tracks into the automation system. Vinyl has to be played live (no automation) or we can record it to digital before you start your show so you can use the automation, but this takes time and could add to the cost of your session. 

Can I bring music with me on a usb stick or hard drive? 

Yes. Music files can be in WAV or any mp3 format. If you are using mp3, it is best to use a bit rate of at least 160kbps to ensure good quality sound. 

Can I bring music stored on my ipod, iphone or mp3 player? 

No. These devices can be problematic to connect to the studio. 

Will I have my show to take away? 

Yes of course, it is yours to keep forever. You will receive a copy on 2 x 1 hour CD’s plus the complete two hour show in mp3 format on CD to play on your computer. You can also bring a usb memory stick or hard drive to take a copy if you wish. 

Can I make copies of my show to give to family and friends? 

The master discs you are given are not copy protected, so you are free to make as many copies as you like on your home pc. One master of the show is included, if you want us to burn extra copies on CD they are charged at £3 per show (2 CD’s).  

Can I use my show as a demo to send to radio stations? 

Yes, although some stations will want an edited version, not the full two hours. We can edit it for you but that will be charged at £25 per additional hour required to perform the edit. 

Can I bring a friend to the session? 

Yes. Up to three Guests are welcome to sit in on your session. They can also participate in the recording if you wish. If you want to make a joint show together there is no extra charge. There are three microphones so two additional guest presenters can participate. 

Do I need to bring a microphone or headphones? 

No, but If you have a favorite pair of headphones you are welcome to bring them along.  

Can I use the session for making a show for broadcast or podcast? 

Yes, but you can’t use our Solar Radio or stock jingles. You may bring station ID jingles with you or we can make some for you. 

Are refreshments provided? 

We supply tea, coffee, soft drinks and biscuits. No alcohol is permitted in the studio. 

I might be a bit nervous, can I smoke in the studio? 

Yes, it is a privately operated studio and therefore not covered by the public no smoking laws.  

Smokers are welcome but be careful where you flick your ash! 

Is there parking nearby? 

Yes, there is free on street parking directly outside the studio. 

Do you keep copies of my show? 

We retain masters for 7 days, allowing time for you to make copies and ensure the masters are ok. After 7 days your show and any jingles we produced for you will be destroyed. We will not play or send your show to any 3^rd party unless specifically asked to do so. 

If I am not happy with my show can I get a refund? 

All shows are produced and mastered to broadcast standard in terms of technical quality. In the event of a technical issue that prevents a recording or spoils it, we will be happy to issue a full refund or re-book at a later date when the problem is rectified.