Think Forge Recording is just about music?
Think again.

Since 1976 Craig Recording has served the area's voiceover and narration market. And since 2005 Craig Recording has been a division of Forge Recording.

Just ask Jill Chernekoff, Emmy Award-winning television news anchor, journalist, and President of Chernekoff Communications. Jill recently recorded an interview with arborist and author Stephen Redding. The interview can be heard on the newly released CD that accompanies Stephen's second book More or Less. Last year Jill and Stephen worked with Craig Recording to produce another CD that was released with Redding's first book, Something More.

"Mike is absolutely wonderful. He clearly loves what he does, is very attentive to detail and makes sure everyone feels comfortable," says Jill referring to Craig Recording President, Michael Gallagher.

Craig Recording specializes in voiceovers and narrations for radio commercials, web sites, business presentations and training materials. "No two days are the same," Mike observes. "I love the variety. I never know what challanges my clients will bring me."

To speak with Mike Gallagher email mike@forgerecording.com or call 215.885.7000.

Producer, musician, singer, songwriter, performer. Mike B packs a lot into his week.

On weekends you can catch Mike performing live on keyboard, vocals and guitar for Split Decision. The band performs more than 200 shows a year at venues like Kat Man Du, the Borgata, Brownies 23 East, Reed's Blue Bell and Finnigan's Wake.

On weekdays Mike turns to engineering everything from rock to R&B to hip hop as a freelance producer at Forge Recording.

"I have a home studio and can do some things there. But I want a place with the best gear and the right vibe," explains Mike. It also helps that Mike can walk from his home to Forge. "I'll go over there around midnight and just drown myself in music. This place is sick."

If you need hip hop beats or that hot new sound for a project, email Mike B or call him at 215.885.7000.

Home Studio Help: Outboard Preamps

At Forge Recording we want you to sound your best, whether recording in our studio or in yours.

If you've done everything right and your mix still doesn't sound like a top-10 hit, then maybe it's not you. It could be your preamps.

Home studio systems are amazing at editing and mixing tracks with software that rivals that of professional studios. The hardware, however, is a different story. You just don't see the likes of API, Avalon and D.W. Fearn lending their names to home systems. That's because a single preamp from a top manufacturer can cost more than an entire home system.

Now, if your music is mostly midi-generated or line-level electronics, you won't need fancy preamps. But if you track vocals, drums, piano or guitar, the preamps (along with the microphones and converters) are going have a major impact on the recorded sounds. You have three options: 1) renting/borrowing, 2) purchasing or 3) using a professional studio.

Renting/borrowing. This option is great if you need the equipment only for a limited time and are experienced in operating the gear.

Purchasing. If your budget allows, purchasing quality outboard preamps is the way to go. Give us a call for our opinions on which preamps to buy.

Using a professional studio. Along with a variety of great preamps, a professional studio will also provide high-end microphones and converters. In addition you should expect an acoustically tuned room and well-maintained musical instruments (piano, drums, organ, etc.). For reference see Forge Recording's equipment list.

No matter which route you take, give us a call at 215.885.7000 to discuss your next project. Our experienced engineers, producers and arrangers are here to provide tips and tricks to make you sound your best. And remember, initial conversations are always free.

How To Register a Bar Code

Forge Recording provides bar codes to its clients. For the bar code to properly identify your music, you need to register it with Nielsen Soundscan. Registration is free and should be done at least 4 weeks prior to your CD release date. Here's how to do it.

The upper floor of the Forge Recording building is now available for rent. Two private offices—one currently used as an editing suite—a large clear-span work area, kitchenette and restroom encompass 1,500 square feet.

The facilities, located at 100 Mill Road in Oreland, PA (near Fort Washington) were completely renovated in 2003. The building was designed by the internationally known Walters-Storyk Design Group, whose credits include Carnegie Hall, Jazz at Lincoln Center, Hard Rock Cafe and Planet Hollywood Screening Room. Striking features include curved wood ceilings, exposed ductwork, track lighting and angled dormer windows.

The ideal tenant will be compatible with Forge Recording's world class studio and administrative offices which will remain on site.

If you would like more information on the rental space, email Larry or call 215.885.7000.