Production/Arranging:  Most producers tend to come from either the musician or the engineer side of the tracks.  Pier certainly started off as a musician with both classical and jazz training throughout high school and college, but also had the benefit of extensive engineering training.   Pier began live mixing before entering music school where he eventually designed, installed and managed SUNY Purchase's first 24 track digital studio.  All the while, Pier was interning and training at the world class Acme Recording Studios with renowned producers Rory Young (Atlantic Starr and Willie Colon) and Peter Denenberg (Spin Doctors).  This all took place while Pier was studying advanced music theory, ear and rhythm training, orchestration and composition as well as pop arranging.

In addition to recording, mixing and mastering, Pier offers performance on acoustic and electric guitar, bass, slide, mandolin, keys, percussion, etc which are included in the studio rental cost. .   Pier's extensive knowledge of music is one of the greatest assets Hopetown has to offer.  The work that goes in before hitting record is usually the most valuable.  Hopetown is also a hub of great musicians on a variety of instruments and styles.  Please ask for references if you need studio players.

 

Multi-Track Recording:  featuring world class microphones, mic pre-amps, EQs, compressors and converters.  The entire recording chain is Class A down to the oxygen-free cable.  The signal never touches a single cable or connector that isn't premium quality.  Most recently we just added the latest/greatest in converter technology - the new Lynx Aurora(N) which just hit the streets in June 2017!  The Aurora(N) features discreet analog signal paths with each pair of inputs/outputs getting its own dedicated converts.  The (N) is the sound quality of Lynx's boutique HiLO Mastering converter but in a multi-track format.

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Extra Large Live Room:  (approx 2,000 sq') with 2 large Iso rooms: 12'x16' and a 17' across (diamond) Studio B.  The live room offers killer drum sounds and works great for recording whole bands live as well.  It's also outfitted with stage lights and tapestries to make a great backdrop for videos.

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Voice Over and ADR: Out Studio A vocal booth is equipped with video monitoring for sound-for-picture recording.  In addition to Pro Tools we also run Steinberg's Nuendo which is built specifically for Post Production work.  We also have SE Connect which is the modern replacement for ISDN allowing Voice actors to be recorded off-site (NYC or LA) in real time at full resolution.

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Podcast and Video Blog Recording:  Both our studios are well equipped for professional podcast recording.  We have a Zoom Pro account and can host remote interviews with the ability to record both host and guest to their own tracks. Our cameras and backdrops are perfect for shooting/recording video blogs.  We can add things like "lower third" graphics and logo bugs as well. These can be streamed live via our SlingStudio hub or recorded for later webcast.

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First Class Mixing: Starting with incredible analog processing and amazing monitoring, then supported with the finest plug-ins in the industry by Universal Audio, Fabfilter, Sound Toys, Slate Digital, Waves, Lexicon, Altiverb, Melodyne, etc.  Studio A boasts 14 cores of DSP for our UAD system along with over 70 plug-ins - See the Gadgets page for a full list!

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Mastering: Featuring audiophile speakers by Roger Quested (v2108).  Acoustic treatment from GIK Acoustics and the incredible Dangerous Music ST Monitor Controller as well as premium outboard gear by DW Fearn, Empirical Labs. API and more.  Pier has been mastering since 1995 and has over 200 released titles including work for major labels in a variety of genres.  

 

Graphics:  Hopetown is incredibly fortunate to have the in-house services of professional graphics guru, and Pier's wife,  Jennifer Giacalone!  Jen does most of her work for a multi-national PR firm in NYC, but she also enjoys doing album cover art and layout for Hopetown artist at an accessible rate for independent artists.  www.jennifergiacalone.com

Lounge: Fridge, Microwave, Coffee (and espresso), toaster, tea kettle, WIFI.  1 1/2 acres of gorgeous country/creek. Affordable local lodging with buses and trains to Philly and NYC.



Concierge:  We're totally committed to meeting our clients every need so they can focus entirely on the music.  We're glad to extend our normal services when needed (additional rates may apply).  Please reach out to us so we can plan for your sessions.