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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 serviceI 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
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:
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. Like some crazy '90s throwback, there are no tracking cookies on this website at all. |
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) £300 Per half day (Any 4 hours between 10:00 and 18:00) £180 Additional hours (between 10:00 and 18:00) charged at £40ph 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 a week or two in advance to avoid disappointment.
Contact: Please be aware that I do not film nor edit video. chrisjsharp@gmail.com
My home audio suite
Location round-table recording, North London
Recording atmos in Paris. They let me outside sometimes. |
