Q: How can I book a session?

A: Please email us or give us a call toll free at 1-866-500-7304. Vancouver residents please call 604-484-3931. Our email is hello@thenoisefloor.ca. You can also fill out our booking form on the left sidebar of this page, and we will answer any questions you have promptly. We would be happy to discuss your project and/or give you a tour of the studio.

Q: Where are you located?
A: We are located in Ladysmith, BC on Vancouver Island. We are 20 minutes south of Nanaimo and 1 hour north of Victoria. We are a 2.5 hour trip from downtown Vancouver. Please call or email for our mailing address.

Q: How long does it take to record/mix a song/album?
A: This depends on many things. How well rehearsed you are, if the music will be recorded “live off the floor” or separate with multiple overdubs, how many takes you’ll need, how many tracks, how much editing if any, how much “experimenting”you want to do. We have recorded and mixed albums in 2 days, 2 weeks, and in some cases up to a month all will different results. It’s best to speak with one of us about your project to determine how much time you’ll need.

Q: Why would I want to record my album in a small town on Vancouver Island?
A: Well, the biggest reason is our location. Our beautiful heritage building is an inspiring and special place to be creative. Our gorgeous zen garden is a great place to work out parts and bond with your band-mates. The ocean is visible from the garden and from the main street in town. The town itself is full of great amenities and heritage charm. It’s like being on a productive vacation. You get away, have some great times and focus your attention on creating a well crafted album. 

Q: I’m traveling from Vancouver with a small amount of gear. Can you pick me up / drop me off at the ferry?
A: No problem. We are almost 25 minutes exactly from the Departure Bay ferry and about 20 minutes from Duke Point.

Q: I’m from out of town. Do you offer accommodations?
A: At present, there are two private sleeping bunks, one comfortable (no, really!) hide-a-bed, a cot, 2 good quality foam mattresses and plenty of floor space. We also have comfy bedding, a shower, lots of towels, a washer and dryer, and a full-size kitchen. There is one bathroom. 

If you require more privacy, there are plenty of bed and breakfasts and motels in the area. We can offer a list of nearby accommodations. 

Q: Is The Noise Floor a home studio?
A: Not really, although we do live in the same building. We are in a commercial building with a store-front. The live room, kitchen, lounge, bathroom, laundry room and control room are on the ground level and we live in an apartment on the second floor and share the kitchen and laundry room with the studio.

Q: Are there pets there?
A: Yes. A small, old dog named Moz. She’ll either totally ignore you or love you to bits. Do you have allergies? Hate Chihuahuas? Please let us know in advance as arrangements can be made for Moz to spend time at Grandma’s. 

Q: How should I prepare for my recording session?
A: Besides being adequately rehearsed, be well rested, bring extra everything: strings, picks, sticks, cables etc. Have arrangements and tempos figured out. We recommend drummers change their drum heads a day or two in advance. The sound of your recordings begins with you and your instrument so get it sounding the best it can. Vocalists should have their lyrics written before stepping up to the mic to keep the session moving.

Q: Do you offer mastering?
A: While not the main focus of our studio, we do offer mastering services for music we have not recorded or mixed.
For music we have recorded and/or mixed, we have a short list of mastering engineers we can recommend depending on budget and format (CD, vinyl)

Q: Do you record Demos?
A: Yes we do.

Q: What should I bring to my session?
A: Bring anything you consider necessary to your sound. You like the sound of your snare drum? Bring it. Also bring anything you consider necessary to your comfort - you’re favorite pillow, your lucky Ozzy figurine, your George Forman grill. We want you to feel totally at home. 

Q: Can I use your drums, amps, etc?
A: Yes you can. Please let us know what you’ll need ahead of your session.

Q: Can you transfer my vinyl records or cassette tapes to CD / MP3?
A: You bet. We can clean it up for you too; removing pops, clicks and noise.

Q: Do you have an original Nintendo Entertainment System?
A: Well of course we do.