Tiny Studio, Big Sound
RECORDING
MIXING
PRODUCTION
Based in Papamoa Beach, Tauranga, Mockingbird Music Studios specialises in producing, recording, mixing, and mastering. We record in-house acoustic and vocal acts, and can mix stems recorded elsewhere, i.e. drum kits.
Have some rough stems? Mockingbird can polish your song into a professional mix. We mix everything "in the box" (digitally, on laptop), reproducing the modern sound that you need to stand out.
Have an idea for a song? We can help guide you through the arrangement and instrumentation, while providing lyrical and composition feedback. We also provide a range of additional in-house and outsourced instrumentation to bring your idea to life.
AUDIO SAMPLES
With experience recording and mixing hundreds of songs, Mockingbird Music Studios specialises in Folk, Rock, Trip Hop, Electronic, World Fusion, Celtic / Irish, and Singer/Songwriter. We pride ourselves in providing professional-level mixes and arrangements for a fraction of the price of the expensive studios.
ABOUT US
Melissa Cox began her audio engineering journey at the age of 15. "I cut my first album in my parents' basement using an old Mac computer, some pirated software, and a friend's condenser mic." It was then she realised that she loved recording and mixing just as much as songwriting and performing. "I was hooked. I loved making the sounds I heard in my head come to life."
Melissa is a graduate of the Produce Like a Pro Academy, led by esteemed audio engineer Warren Huart (Aerosmith, Howie Day, Better than Ezra). She co-produced her own albums alongside Marc Moss of Target Studios, who engineered David Bromberg's 2007 GRAMMY-nominated album Try Me One More Time.
After moving to New Zealand and becoming a mother, Melissa decided to launch Mockingbird Music Studios in Papamoa Beach, Tauranga, with a mission of providing professional level mixes at an affordable price. "Many musicians, especially young ones, cannot afford the huge hourly rates that many recording studios charge. It's my mission to help musicians reach their goals without breaking the bank."
THE GEAR
Unlike traditional recording studios, Mockingbird mixes everything "in the box" (on a laptop, digitally). We record everything in our acoustically-treated, mixed-used studio. But don't let our size fool you: many big-name engineers these days mix "in the box" because it gives them flexibility, lightning-fast turnaround times, and lower overheads. This is how we are able to offer significantly lower rates compared to other studios, while pumping out great-sounding mixes for our clients.
RECORDING SOFTWARE & HARDWARE
DAW: Reason 12 :: Pianoteq 6 Stage :: Focusrite Scarlett Interface :: Full suite of plugins
MICS include: Lewitt LCT440 Pure :: audio technica AT2020 :: Shure beta58 :: Shure SM57
INSTRUMENTS
30th Anniversary Edition Taylor 6-string acoustic guitar :: Godin A8 Mandolin :: C and D Tin whistles :: Ukulele
Alesis V61 electronic MIDI keyboard :: Tukituki NZ-made cajon :: authentic piano, pre-piano & string sounds (Pianoteq)
Assorted hand percussion :: unlimited virtual instruments (harp, dulcimer, flute, drum kits, bass & much more)
Studio Musicians available for hire, upon request - violin, lead electric guitar, drums, bass, finger-picked acoustic guitar & more
RATES
GENERAL RATES
$50 per hour (NZD)
STUDENT & NON-PROFIT RATES
$40 per hour (NZD)
CHILD RATES (ages 13 & under)
$35 per hour (NZD)
Mockingbird Music Studios
Papamoa Beach, Tauranga
Melissa Cox, engineer
027 834 4349
GET IN TOUCH
We're ready to help you reach your musical goals!
Ring Melissa at 027 834 4349 to chat about your project today
and to book time in our studio!