Emphatic Audio
Recording for loud, live bands.
A real room, real amps, and a producer who actually plays in loud bands. Emphatic Audio is built for rock, metal, punk, and anything with attitude.
Capture the performance that actually sounds like your band — not a stock preset. Perfect for local Austin acts who want pro results without corporate-studio weirdness.
About Emphatic Audio
Emphatic Audio is a home-based studio in Austin, Texas, built around real instruments, real amps, and a workflow that understands what it’s like to be in a band. No pressure, just good sounds and honest feedback.
- Comfortable, relaxed space: track without the “big studio” anxiety tax.
- Engineer/producer who plays in working bands and understands loud guitars, fast drums, and vocals that actually cut.
- Flexible scheduling for real lives: day jobs, kids, gigs, and weird work hours welcome.
- Bring your own ideas, or get help with arrangements, tones, and performance.
Who is this for?
Emphatic Audio is ideal for local bands who want a serious recording without getting lost in a giant commercial facility.
Great fit for:
• Punk / metal / hard rock bands
• DIY artists ready for a step up in sound
• Bands who want to record live in a room and keep the energy
About Me
I’m a guitar player, studio rat, and long-time member of the Austin heavy music scene. If you’ve spent time in local clubs, there’s a decent chance we’ve crossed paths.
Bands & background
I’ve spent decades playing, writing, and recording in loud bands — from classic heavy metal to punk, doom, and weird rock. I’m not just hitting record; I understand what it takes to actually play this stuff.
That experience feeds directly into how I track and mix: helping with tones, performance, and keeping sessions focused while still fun.
Video & content
I also do video editing and basic production, especially for music-related projects: performance clips, live session videos, and short social-media-ready pieces that help bands get seen.
If you’re interested in adding simple video to your recording session — even just a few good performance angles — mention it when you reach out and we can talk options.
Services
Whether you need a full-length, a single, or a tight live demo to book shows, Emphatic Audio can handle tracking, overdubs, editing, and mix work.
Full-band & overdub recording
Live-off-the-floor basics, then tighten with overdubs as needed. Real amps, real drums, and a workflow that keeps sessions moving.
- Multi-mic drum recording
- Dual-guitar setups & reamping options
- Vocal comping & harmonies
Mixing & polish
Punchy, clear mixes that still feel like your band. No overcooked radio gloss unless that’s what you want.
- Mix from Emphatic sessions or your own tracks
- Drum enhancement / sample support
- Revisions to get it sitting right
Extras & add-ons
Need more than just audio? Ask about options for simple live performance videos or social media ready clips.
Reach out with what you’re thinking and we’ll figure out what makes sense.
Pricing
Simple, band-friendly rates. Pick a project-style option or pay straight time. No surprises — you’ll know exactly what you’re spending.
$200 / day
Recording sessions for full-band basics, overdubs, and getting solid takes without feeling rushed.
- MP3 rough mixes included
- Pay at end of each session day
- Dropbox links for roughs
A “day” typically runs up to ~6 hours of tracking time.
$60 / song
Final mixes I start on my own, off session. Later we'll work together on tweeks and revisions.
- Final stereo WAV + MP3
- Delivered via Dropbox link
- Reasonable revisions included
Major re-tracking or big arrangement changes may be billed hourly.
$30 / hour
Prefer to pay straight time? No problem — we punch in/out and you pay for exactly what we do.
- Punch-in / punch-out timer (Clockify)
- Pay at end of each session day
- Great for one-offs or unknown scope
Please tell us you want hourly before we start.
Payment
We accept Venmo and cash.
Venmo: @Stuart-Laurence-2
Selected Gear
The exact list changes over time, but here’s the kind of rig you can expect at Emphatic Audio. If you’re chasing something specific, just ask.
Recording Front-End
- Multi-input audio interface
- Individual headphone mixers for each player
- Low-latency monitoring for live tracking
Mics & Amps
- Dynamic & condenser mic selection
- Guitar heads & cabs suited for heavy music
- Bass DI & amp options
In-the-Box Tools
- Modern drum enhancement & editing
- Mix bus processing tailored for rock/metal
- Vocal FX, delays, reverbs, and more
Audio Samples
One song each from some of the bands I’ve worked with over the years — a cross-section of styles, eras, and energy that shaped Emphatic Audio.
These samples represent different eras, different bands, and different approaches — but all recorded, mixed, or produced by Emphatic Audio.
Studio Gallery
A look inside Emphatic Audio — the control room, live room, iso booths, and some of the toys you’ll be using when you track here.
Booking & Contact
Tell me about your band, what you want to record, and your timeline. You don’t need a perfect plan — just a rough idea of songs and goals.
- Band name & style
- Number of songs & rough length
- Band instrumentation (who plays what)
- Reference bands / records you like
- Any deadlines (shows, releases, etc.)
Rates are project-based and fair. DIY-friendly budgets welcome — the goal is to get your music out of the practice room and into speakers.
Social & Links
You can also reach out or follow along on social. Right now, Facebook is the easiest way to connect.
Want to tour the space or talk through a project idea before booking? Email with "Studio Tour" in the subject line and we’ll set something up.