Q Division Studios

Making great sounding records in comfort and style in Boston's best recording studio

recent news

Our Big News

by

We have a rather big announcement; after roughly TWO decades at our Davis Square location, we’re getting ready for another big move. That’s right – we’ll be closing the doors on our Highland Ave home this coming summer and opening them at our new digs at nearby Rindge Ave in Cambridge.

It seems like we just re-opened Studio B and reshuffled the office and bathrooms. At the time we signed a 5 year lease, and this summer it will be up… The pandemic throws a wrench – into everything, of course – and it also affected our relocation, but we’re persevering and ironing out the details of our next location. We can’t wait to share the new space with folks. We’re leaving two great rooms, but we’re taking incredible memories and some great music with us, looking forward to sharing our next adventure with you all.

In the meanwhile – we’re still here and open for recording and mixing – drop us a line and get in touch!

FAQ

Q: Wait, what’s that now?
A: Yup. We’re moving!
Q: Didn’t you just move?
A: Well, we did and we didn’t. Studio B, the bathrooms, and our office space moved. 
Q: So why are you moving again?
A: We knew our time at 363 Highland Ave was limited; the new landlords have other plans for the space. 
Q: Where are you moving? 
A: We’re moving about 3500′ (as the crow flies) away! Our new location will be on nearby Rindge Ave in Cambridge. 
Q: When?
A: We’re leaving our current location by July of 2021.
Q: Can I still book time at Q Division?
A: Yes, please! Although of course we have new protocols. Call us up to discuss. 
Q: When will the new studio open? 
A: Uhhh. We’re working out the details, but it’s hard to answer this question concretely! We’ll keep both studios operating for as long as possible while building out the new space. And we’ll share news of our progress as we go.
Q: What’s going to be in the new studio? 
A: Lots of the same things you’re used to seeing and using now, but in new spaces!
Q: Hey, that reminds me – I left my _____ there – what should I do about that?
A: Come pick it up! Seriously. we are cleaning out stuff. and if that stuff is tapes and you want us to transfer it for you, now’s the time to ask.

Update 6.24

by

Hi Everyone!

We’ve been cautiously optimistic about the Covid-19 news in Massachusetts over these last few weeks. Governor Charlie Baker has announced the beginning of “the second step of phase 2”. For most people, that means indoor dining, and at Q division we are starting to book sessions involving more than one person recording. That doesn’t mean we’re back fully, but it means we can host more folks than we have.

What sessions can we book, EXACTLY?

While we’d like to give clear yes/no guidelines, the reality is that it has to be a conversation. The first principle is that everyone involved needs to feel comfortable with the session. We’d probably feel comfortable with a trio where the members have been isolating together, and not comfortable with a 12 piece live band with horns and singers (no masks) where people are flying in from around the country. We’ll save the specifics for later, but it’s going to involve all the (now) usual things- Screening, masks, distance, hand washing… The goal here is to create a good creative situation where everyone feels safe and knows what to expect.

So with that in mind- give us a call when you’re ready to work.

Update 5.18.20

by

Hello, welcome to the much anticipated “opening up day”. Governor Baker has laid out a plan with phases- “Recording Studio” isn’t one of the named categories of business (they have a lot on their minds), so we’re following the “office” guideline, and we’ve been working on our own “phased opening” plan for a while. (Hey we’re audio engineers; we are very good with phase.) Currently we are in “phase one” in which engineer-only sessions are possible- Mixing, transfers, re-amping. However, we are now booking “phase two” sessions where there is one engineer and one artist/ client: solo piano, overdubs, remote sessions to have a session musician play on your record… There will be rules of course, but in general one good thing about recording studios is that there is really good isolation between the control room and the studio. For groups larger than that- let’s talk. We’re not booking those yet, but we’re working on it.

Quaran-amping!

by

Starting this week, we’re offering remote access to Q’s collection of pedals, amps, analog tape, plate reverb, Neve console, tube compressors and more. Just as we’ve been doing for decades, we want to help your tracks sound their absolute best – but, this time around, since we can’t invite you physically to Q, we’re invite your tracks for a visit… Let us re-amp, compress, print to tape or whatever it is that your songs need. Check out our TOYS and the various gear pages – Studio A & Studio B for ideas.

Treatments will be done in Studio A, with easy access to the 1/2″ ATR, the 2″ Studer, the 1/4″ Studer, all our other tape delays, and of course, our Neve console. If folks want to access gear that’s normally racked up in Studio B it will also be available for processing – not to mention our collection of vintage and contemporary amps, cabs, and pedals…! Maybe you’ve recorded drums in your bedroom and want them to sound like they’re in a live room? We can pump your drums into Studio A’s live room and record them through our U67’s, the Neve and a pair of tube compressors.
To make this all work smoothly, we’ll send you a high quality audio feed so that you can stay as hands/ears on during the process.

And of course, now is a great time to transfer all your old media… We can handle 2″, 1/2″, 1/4″ and ADAT transfers, and we can bake your analog tape if they need it.

And, while not strictly in the “analog” domain, we’re also happy to tune and tweak tracks till the cows come home. Drop Ed a line (we’re offering special “quarantine” rates) and let us know how we can turn your quarantine tracks up to 11.

Q Division & Covid19

by

We wanted to check in and let everyone know that we’re still here!

We ARE laying low for the time being – keeping everyone safe, but  planning for the future – one that includes us all working in person.

For now we’re doing much needed maintenance, transferring and archiving analog tapes, and soon we hope to make our vast collection of amps, mics, preamps, tube compressors, pedals, and general toys available to folks who want re-amping and mixing services.

Drop us a line if this sounds like something that interests you.

We’d also love your help – if you don’t see a project you worked on at Q on our website, let us know, and we’ll remedy the situation! And you can even visit our collaborative Spotify playlist and add your album, and help us keep track of all the incredible albums made here.

We can’t wait to get back to hearing and seeing you all in person. Feel free to drop us a line and let us know how you’re doing!