Audio services

Conversion, editing and post-production

Services: Editing, podcasts, CD/DVD creation, other post-production and repair of damaged audio files

• Editing of existing audio files - remove mistakes or stuttering, assembling interviews, highlights, remove hiss, hum & transient noise such as clicks, pops & other glitches, adding crossfades or just cutting material down to a specific length. Sound effects can be added & I can suggest sources of royalty free music (or you can supply your own.)
• Indexing or transcription of interviews or other recordings for record keeping or assembling highlights.
• Podcast production (including enhanced podcasts with photos/chapters, feeds, bandwidth, submission to iTunes directory, addition of description/'lyrics' for viewing on iPod, iPhones, other MP3 players.)
• Conversion to and from multiple formats.
• Creation of CDs and DVDs (including formats suitable for computer, audio CD players, and DVD)
• If you have an audio file that has apparently become damaged or corrupted, I can examine and attempt to repair it.

Ways of sending/receiving your source material and finished work

• Any internet method (e.g. FTP, web download, email, Dropbox, Skype etc)
• Physical media (CD, DVD, minidisc) in the post or by courier
• Down any ordinary phone line (PSTN) or mobile
• ISDN (G.722 - high quality mono speech - compatible with most radio stations and remote studios)
• Conversion between all these formats and digital files (MP3, WAV, AAC, AIFF etc.) Support for PC, Mac and Linux.

Webcasts

• Immediately serve audio live at any time to audiences of 1,000+ (and can further scale up the audience size on request.) Support for live captions/metadata which can be viewed in certain audio software.
• Record a full copy of the broadcast and make it available online via a reliable and fast CDN (content delivery service). Also logging events for later editing and split audio into sections.
• Website for the event or a set of pages for it to be linked from your existing website.
• Live statistics showing the number of listeners in graph form (more detailed analysis possible later)
• Streaming audio in MP3 format, compatible with virtually every media player; (PC, Mac, Linux, mobile devices...)
• Automated monitoring of servers, with alerts in the event of problems.
• Advice available on suitable recording equipment should you not have your own.

Availability

• Flexible service to suit your requirements.
• Fast turnaround time (proofs and finished work can be made available immediately online or sent by courier.)
• Typically available outside office hours (weekend/evening/overnight).

Project Management

• Notification of likely start/completion date for your work.
• Notification as soon as possible in the event of problems or unexpected delays.
• Provide regular, free progress reports by email/text at your request.
• Backup of work at each stage so changes can be rolled back.
• Original source material can be kept safely if needed again for future work (please ask.)

Prices, terms and payment

• Please contact me (see right) for a free, no obligation estimate or quote.
• There is no 'set' price list - I try to be flexible depending on what you require. However here's a rough guide:
• My usual rate is £30 per hour (1 hour minimum then 30 minute intervals) - this is lower than mony companies.
• Once in possession of your source material, I will often be able to commit to a fixed price so you do not have to worry about the cost rising. Likewise I may be able to negotiate an alternative fixed rate for you for repeat work.
• Additionally there is a charge for media/consumables (CDs/DVDs and cases) plus postage.
• I may need to charge for phone or ISDN calls if these are for the purpose of recording material.
• For small jobs I will not invoice you until after the work is complete & there is no cancellation fee.
• Usually (unless, for example, I need to purchase equipment) I don't require a deposit.
• No VAT to pay (my turnover is below the HMRC limit required for VAT registration.)
• Payment can be by cheque, BACS or a credit/debit card using Google Checkout or Paypal.

Restrictions

• I won't undertake any work where people have been recorded without their knowledge or permission, which infringes copyright, is being used for any illegal or immoral purpose or which I consider unsuitable.