Step 1

This contact form or via email is the best way to get in touch. Please provide an overview of your project, along with any budget details or deadlines. If available, include a sample of your script so a demo read can be recorded. For an accurate quote, be sure to include the following:

• The type of production (Broadcast, web only, internal corporate, IVR, eLearning, documentary etc.)

• Whether it is intended for;
  Private/internal use only,
  Public with organic reach,
  Public with paid-placement online, or
  Broadcast on traditional media (please also state country, network or territory covered)

• The length of the script in words using this website

• The end client (who is being advertised / communicated) and how large that company is (e.g a startup with one office, business with multiple offices, or an international brand)

• The length of license - how long you intend for this to be used (eg. 13 weeks, 6 months, 12 months, in perpetuity)

• Any special requirements, such as if you need a live monitoring of the session via Skype, ISDN, Source Connect etc. Or if you need editing or audio post completed as well.
  

Step 2

Steve will contact you with a quote and a sample recording of your script (if supplied). We can also discuss availability to connect for a live Voice session if required.

Step 3

If you find the demo recording and price acceptable then email back a confirmation and attach the final script. Make sure the script is 100% correct as any alterations after this point may incur additional charges to those quoted.

Step 4

• Steve will record the full script and send to you a high quality wave file of the recording (or another format), in both RAW and PROCESSED forms.

• RAW is straight off the Neumann TLM 103 or Sennheiser MKH 416 microphone with very basic cleanup but no colouration.

• The PROCESSED version has EQ and compression and limiting applied (plus the Steve Gouws special sauce!) and is ready to use for broadcast / web - so just use which ever suits your post-production workflow best.

• You’ll receive an invoice, which you can pay via Paypal*, Wise, or Bank transfer.

• You can listen in to the session and give live direction if required using Skype or phone patch or even connect professionally studio to studio using Source Connect. 

• Or you can just wait for the files to arrive! It's up to you...

Step 5

If you are completely satisfied with the recording then the work is done and you pay the invoice. If you feel that the read is not quite right, or something is mispronounced, then email back with specific re-recording instructions. 

Steve will re-record as per your instructions and send through the revised files. You only pay once you're satisfied with the recording. If alterations are made to the script, or the brief changes dramatically then there may be a re-recording fee. This is usually US$100 for up to 200 words changed.

*invoices paid using Paypal or Stripe incur and additional 5% convenience fee

What formats will you supply the files in? 

Most audio formats can be supplied, but the most common are mp3 (at 198 kbps mono), wav, and aiff (uncompressed 48khz at 24bit). Any sample rate or bit depth can be supplied up to 192khz, 32 bit.

What sound equipment does your studio have?

I can record on either the industry standard Neumann TLM 103 or the Sennheiser MKH 416 shotgun microphone, into the Universal Audio Volt 276 interface. My DAW (audio recording program) is Adobe Audition, and most of my processing is ‘in the box’ which allows me to match recordings when I’m travelling to when I’m in my studio. I have a variety of Plugins from Waves and Izotope, as well as some ‘Steve’s secret sauce’…

What is your turnaround time?

24 hours is the target time frame for supplying audio to you from the time your confirmation email and final script is received.

Can I listen in to the recording live and provide real-time feedback?

Yes! Using Phone, Skype, Zoom, Meet, Teams, Source Connect Now, or source connect Pro you are able to listen in to the recording and provide real-time feedback anywhere in the world!

What if I don't like the recording?

I will give you several more reads if necessary to try to achieve your vision, but if after this time I am unsuccessful then I will cancel the invoice. You only pay for the files once they are recorded to your satisfaction. 

What are your payment terms?

My standard payment terms are net 7 days of supplying final audio files and invoice. This can be negotiated for regular clients. Please note: New clients are billed upfront unless otherwise agreed upon.