Freelance recording, editing and mixing, London


I'm a fully independent, freelance recording engineer, Pro Tools and SADiE audio editor and mixer, for speech-based work such as podcasts, TV, interactive and radio. I can provide recording, editing, or a full production service from start to finish. Most of my work is in the London area, but I'm happy to work further afield. I live in Essex, about 35 minutes on the train from central London.

I've worked as a sound engineer in busy London studios since 1999, on a variety of work including BBC Radio Four features, comedies and discussion programmes; podcasts; TV documentary mixing; feature film ADR; TV and radio ads; foreign language reversioning; AAA videogames and more. I finally decided to go freelance in 2011. I've been a regular user of both Pro Tools and SADiE since 2007 and 2001 respectively, and with 25 years of solid experience you're in good hands. I've tried to cover most bases below, but do get in touch if you have any questions!

If you're looking for help with your podcast, I now have a dedicated podcast page.

Mobile recording service

I have my own portable recording rig comprising a Zoom F8n 8-mic channel location recorder and four matching broadcast-quality condenser microphones with foldable table stands and pop shields (see picture below) - effectively a mobile radio studio that fits in a rucksack. I also have a handheld Tascam stereo recorder complete with fluffy windshield for outdoor and 'roving' mic recording. I can offer location recording for podcasts, round-table discussions, interviews and more, and have recorded client projects all over the UK and abroad. I've also recorded live comedy and panel shows at venues such as the London Palladium, The Hay Festival, Theatre Royal Brighton, The Latitude Festival, The Dancehouse Manchester, and The Royal Albert Hall. I get to record and make some of the most exciting podcasts on the internet, including The Guilty Feminist, How to Fail with Elizabeth Day (seasons 1 to 19), Best Friend Therapy, Comeback Coach and Ex Libris, all of which I've worked on since their inception.

Remote recording service

I use various broadcast platforms to remotely record presenters and guests, all from my studio at home. Guests simply need a decent mic, headphones, and a web browser on their computer. Clients tend to use Cleanfeed or Riverside, but if you have a preferred platform then that's fine too. The quality of guests' mics and set-ups will still be a factor, but it's far superior to recording via consumer video conferencing platforms. I also run an SD card hardware recorder as a back-up machine for all sessions.

Editing and mixing

When working on projects like podcasts, I will generally remove 'ums' and 'ers', tidying up things like long pauses, mistakes, stumbles, repetitions and so on, so that it flows and is a nice listen. I'll then move on to mixing and balancing each mic channel separately. This stage is crucial in making a podcast sound broadcast-quality rather than like it's been recorded in a bathroom, yet it's amazing how many people leave this out. Finally I'll add any atmos, music or stings, before final file mastering.

(If your edit doesn't look like this, you haven't really edited your podcast...)

SADiE audio

I have my own SADiE system, and have used the software for over 20 years, mostly for BBC radio programmes and features. I regularly work remotely with a client who sends me their SADiE projects for post-production. It's an incredibly flexible platform.

I have a powerful arsenal of sonic goodies available at your disposal. For most of my work I use the industry-standard Pro Tools, but I also have SADiE 6 for my ex-BBC clients; the incredibly good Izotope RX restoration package; Waves limiting and loudness plug-ins; and Adobe Audition for fine file editing, mastering and batch processing. All software is fully licensed. I have fibre-optic broadband for fast up/downloads, and 100GB of cloud storage for client deliveries.

Podcast showreel


The extracts are all location recordings by me in various places including a front room, an office, an old library, and a bookshop in St. Andrews. All extracts were recorded using my mics, except the live shows where the venue mics (normally the ubiquitous Shure SM58s) were used, in conjunction with my stereo X-Y mic rig for audience recording.

Extracts: How to Fail: Phoebe Waller-Bridge; The Guilty Feminist (Zoe Lyons); Ex Libris: Val McDermid; In Good Company: Alison Roman; Ex Libris: Bobby Seagull (Deborah Peck); Global Pillage (Sarah Bennetto); How to Fail: Nigel Slater.

Studio engineering

I've spent years at the sharp end in London studios working on buckets of BBC Radio programmes, radio and TV ads, ADR for feature films, dialogue for major videogames and more. I'm happy to visit your facility and can offer recording, editing, and mixing for:
  • Podcasts
  • Radio programmes
  • Audio dramas
  • TV documentary dubbing
  • Audiobooks
  • TV and radio commercials, including R128-compliant mixing
  • ISDN and Source Connect link-ups
  • AAA videogames
  • ADR for feature films and TV
  • Corporate communications
  • Live radio PR days
  • Foreign localisation / language dubbing and more.

Please note: I am an experienced engineer for audio-post, and am not a sound engineer for music. I do not offer location/boom mic recording for TV or film. I do not offer video filming or video editing.

The obligatory shot of a random mixing desk can be found here.

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Rates:

I'm very flexible, so if you'd like to hire me for recording, editing, mixing, or any combo of those then that's great. I do different things for different people, so just get in touch with your requirements.

For some jobs like podcasts and live shows, I'm happy to negotiate a set price per item, so you know what you're spending. Prices will be affected by things like duration and amount of voices involved, so do contact me for a quote. For example, editing for a simple one-voice podcast can be as little as £100.

Freelance studio engineering rates:

These rates are if you would like to hire me to engineer in your own studio or facility.

Per day (10:00 - 18:00) £250

Per half day (Any 4 hours between 10:00 and 18:00) £150

Additional hours (between 10:00 and 18:00) charged at £35ph

Weekends/out-of-hours charged at time and a half

Public holidays charged at double

Prices exclude any dry-hire studio costs.

Please note that if you'd like me to record at your location or venue, I'm happy to work outside London but it will incur additional charges to cover transport from/to London and any accomodation costs. Often in these cases, my clients tend to arrange my transport and accomodation themselves which keeps things simple.

I'm afraid I don't allow clients to visit my home audio suite - all remote editing/mixing work is carried out unattended.

My diary is usually pretty full, so it's strongly advised that you book well in advance.

Contact:

chrisjsharp@gmail.com

My home audio suite

Location round-table recording, North London

Recording atmos in Paris. They let me outside sometimes.


The calm before the Guilty Feminist storm at King's Place, London.


Some unprompted comments from clients:

'...Chris was excellent, and if you could try to ensure that I could work with him again, it would be much appreciated.' Gail S, Advertising agency, London Complete audio production of radio ad

'Thanks so much for your hard work (again) on this series honey. We can't do it without you you know!' Elaine W, radio producer, London BBC radio comedy series

'Chris was great to work with, and the whole experience totally pleasant!' Vanessa D, Multimedia and interactive company, Symonds Yat West, UK Multimedia speech recording and editing

'Thanks so much for your diligence and a whole lot of patience too in getting all those jingles made [...] a huge round of applause from me and everyone here for all the work you've done.' Rupert W, studio manager, London Radio branding and idents

'I LOVE LOVE LOVE IT. It sounds so great with the music - perfectly judged.' E.D., writer and journalist, London Podcast record, edit and mix

'I just wanted to say I think you've done a really good job. The voices are crystal clear, I can hear the audience well and the balance between the two is perfect.' Tom S, live comedy show director, London Live comedy show mix and record

'We were all agreeing how brilliant you are and also how helpful.' Jonathan S, business journalist and presenter, London Podcast recording and production

'You were amazing and saved the day on Wednesday. Thank you so much. Can't wait to hear the show.' Gillian D, broadcast producer, London Podcast recording and production

'That's great! Many thanks for the speedy turnaround!' N.L., multimedia project manager, Dublin Multimedia speech recording and editing

'Thanks for all of your help. It was a pleasure working with you!' Bill M, business software company, USA Speech recording for multimedia project

This sounds superb! I'm really thrilled with the brilliant work you have done. Thank you thank you! Ben H, writer and producer, UK Podcast record, edit and mix


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