FAQs
Q: When will the studio remodel be completed?
A: We're now open for business! The new studio build-out is at about 90% completion, and it's already hosted many excellent recording sessions. We'll still be refining the acoustics, dialing-in the equipment layout in the racks, and settling-in over the coming months. Check out the progress videos in the meantime, and find us on Instagram @soniczen for the latest.
Q: Do you still have a "Covid-19 Pandemic" statement in your FAQ?
A: Great question! We figured we should leave this up here, even though it's exhausting to remember the days when this was necessary to stipulate... All of our staff members are vaccinated, because they care about others. Studio ventilation includes MERV-13 filtration, which reduces viruses in the air. But if you have symptoms similar to flu or covid, please definitely take a covid test before coming to the studio. Masks are encouraged if you're coughing or sick, just in general. We also have free covid tests at the studio, if you start to feel sick. Thanks for taking care of others, so we can all make it to our gigs!
Q: What genres does Sonic Zen typically record?
A: We love all genres of music and have recorded a wide range of styles (see the Music page). Studio A is capable of recording large or small bands of all types, and Studio B is ideal for post-production and limited overdubs.
Q: Can I visit the studio before I book a session?
A: Certainly! Please Contact us to schedule a studio tour -- or we are happy to show you the facilities over Zoom or FaceTime at your convenience.
Q: Can we bring our own engineer?
A: We welcome outside engineers and producers, but still require one of our house engineers to be on site as well, to ensure that everything goes swimmingly.
Q: How are session hours/days booked?
A: We usually book sessions on any day of the week, between 9 am and 11 pm, with some flexibility. Day rates include up to 10 hours, and shorter overdub/mix sessions have a 4-hour minimum. Lockout rates can include 24-hour access to the facilities with all of your gear left set-up. Full-band tracking sessions are always booked at day-rate, as they are higher-impact on the space and we do extra prep to ensure everything is taken care of before and afterwards.
Q: Is a deposit required?
A: Yes, we ask for 50% of the session cost to confirm it on the calendar. Our Payments page has options for how to send this. Deposits are non-refundable, but we'll do our best to accommodate rescheduling with no penalty, when necessary.
Q: When do I need to pay?
A: The deposit needs to be paid as soon as you want to confirm your booking. The session is not confirmed, and other clients may book those dates unless you have submitted the deposit payment. The remaining balance is due on or before the day of your session. Your Engineer or Studio Manager can answer questions about the exact balance due, and you can pay with cash, check, or any of the online methods offered on our Payments page.
Q: Does the piano require tuning?
A: Yes, we generally suggest for the client to have the piano tuned before tracking any songs that depend centrally on the piano. The piano tuner costs $175 and we're happy to make those arrangements for you with two weeks advance notice. Unless you want a slightly-out-of-tune piano sound in your song. That's cool too.
Q: Is there a house drum set?
A: Yes, and it's free to use! Several snare drums and a selection of cymbals are at the ready. It’s a Frankenstein studio kit consisting of a 20” kick, toms at 10/12/14/16” and a selection of wood and steel snare drums. The house cymbals are good for most styles, but the drummer is welcome to bring their own cymbals and snare and use whatever works. The hardware is DW 3000/5000/random, and most drummers are totally happy with it. The kick and snare both sound great, and the toms are easy to tune for your style. All we ask is, if you break a drum head, leave us $20 and we'll replace it. Likewise, if you demolish our sticks, leave us an extra pair or two.
Q: What about amps, instruments, and other equipment?
A: There's a detailed Gear List you can check out, and most of those items should be available for your session. Often we move equipment to/from other studios that we partner with, or send it in for maintenance, so the exact gear on site will vary. If there's a particular piece you're looking for, let us know and we can make sure it's there, or let you know about other options we can bring in for you.
Q: What's the parking situation?
A: There is generally plenty of unrestricted street parking available within 1-2 blocks of the studio, if not right in front. There's also space for one van or two smaller cars to load-in directly through the side gate. This is an urban area, so please don't leave valuables in your car.
Q: Are there food options nearby?
A: Tons! Just a few blocks away is Coffee Cultures with excellent pastries and espresso. There's also a 24-7 Mini Mart on the corner if that's of any use to you. Less than a mile away, in Alameda, Cholita Linda has fantastic fish tacos, Scolari's does perfect burgers, fries, and a fried chicken sandwich. Greens & Grains makes epic salads to order. Monkey King does huge plates of fried chicken and Chinese stir-fried garlic noodles and veggies. Sidestreet Pho kills it with the Vietnamese food. Burma Superstar will blow your mind for lunch or a celebratory dinner after the session. Wild Ginger will clear your sinuses with Szechuan dumplings and noodle soups. And a new spot called Spinning Bones covers everything from Japanese ribs to salmon salad. But the absolute star of the show, for lunch or takeout at any hour, is the Mediterranean food from Tahina. So, you won't go hungry... Just sayin.
Q: Is there anything else I should know before booking a session?
A: We love good music and we're flexible here. Our priority is to accommodate you and make your recording experience fruitful and memorable. That being said, we like our studio clean and gear unbroken, so please be prepared for the replacement cost of anything you break or... "irreversibly reconfigure." Responsible musicians welcome!