Scott Schroedl's Pro Drum Tracks Frequently Asked Questions

"Should I include MIDI drums when I send my mp3 for tracking?"
No! Unless you think it would help me understand what you want (when to come in, any breaks in the song, how to end, etc.). You could then send both the track with the MIDI drums, and the track minus the drums.

"How many drum tracks will you be sending me on CDR?"
Typically I use: kick, subkick, snare, tom 1, tom 2, tom 3, hi-hat, ride, overhead left, and overhead right. Depending on the song, there may be a room mic, snare bottom, as well as any percussion tracks you may have added.

"Will the drum tracks be dry?"
Yes, I will send you the unprocessed tracks (no eq or effects added) unless you’d prefer that. If so, additional charges will apply (depending on the amount of tracks, and what you want).

"Once I’ve paid you, will I own the drum tracks?"
Yes, but you can only use them for the song for which I recorded it. You may not cut the song into loops and sell them (or sell the tracks as a whole), or sample my drum sounds for resale.

"What is your privacy policy?"
Your personal information will not be shared or seen by anyone other than me for the sole intent of contacting you and shipping the product. Your songs will not be played for any purpose other than for me to record drum track to.

"How long will it take for me to receive my final drum tracks?"
It depends on how many songs you want me to do, if there will be added percussion, how long it takes for your approval, how long you takes you to reply to my PayPal request, the shipping type you prefer as well as my availability. Having said all of that, typically it should only take 5-7 days. You can email me to give you a time estimate once you are ready to get things rolling.

"Why do I need to use a click track?"
The first and most obvious reason is for the song count off. It’s also helpful if there are extended breaks in the song (so we can all land on one to come back in!). It also keeps the song at a steady tempo (for you and me). Having the click sent to me on a separate track allows me to have control of the click’s volume.

"Can I get a discount for multiple songs?"
Yes! I discount my rate for three or more songs done at the same time (not two done now, and another sent a month from now).

"Can I make changes once you email me the mp3?"
Yes, once I record my drum tracks, I will email you an mp3 for your approval. If you see the need for any changes at that time, I will re-record the song (or section) to your liking and once again, email you an mp3. My goal is your satisfaction. However, any takes beyond the second may be subjected to additional charges, so please make it very clear what you would like changed.

"I am from a different country than the US. Can I still use your services?"
Absolutely! That’s not a problem. All correspondence will be via email, but there will be additional shipping charges when I send you the final CDR. Payments made through PayPal handle the currency exchange.

"Would it be cheaper to hire you or find a studio drummer in my town."
I would expect it would be less expensive to hire me since you’re getting my drumming and studio time included. If you consider hiring a local drummer, keep in mind that you’ll have to find a studio that can handle recording live drums to separate tracks, booking the time you’d like, travel costs, possibly cartage costs, engineering fees, etc.

"I have an act that plays live using MIDI drum tracks. Do you record live drums of cover songs for my purpose?"
I most definitely can. In fact, I record cover tunes all of the time for instructional books for Hal Leonard and Cherry Lane Music. The only problem that arises can be if the original song fades out. We would have to decide on a logical ending. My rates would be the same as for original music.

"I have no click for my song. Is it still possible for you to record live drums to it?"
Yes, only if your timing is really steady. I would have to hear it to say for sure.

"I don’t need you to record a full song. Would you possibly do drum loops?"
Yes, I could do custom drum loops for you. We would have to figure out costs depending on the project. I also have three CD-ROM loop packages available at $24.95 each. Click here to order.

"Do I need to credit the drummer on my CD?"
You don’t have too, but it would be appreciated to include: www.scottschroedl.com in the credits. I would also appreciate a copy of the final product if you don’t mind.

"What kind of mics and recording gear do you use?"
Click here to find out!

"What kind of drums and percussion do you use and do I have any say in that?"
Click here for my list of gear. Generally clients leave the drum choices up to me, but we could discuss in detail the sounds you are looking for, and I can tell you what drums can achieve those requests. If you decide on using extra percussion for your songs, you can let me know what you’d like me to include (shaker, tambourine, congas, etc.)