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Recording Engineer Agreement

For artists and engineers working together to capture music in the studio.

Drafted by a Harvard Law attorney.

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About this contract

This agreement is for artists and engineers working together to capture music in the studio. Mixing and mastering are separate services unless expressly included.

Key points covered in this contract

  • Recording session: session dates, studio booking responsibility, sample rate, and backup handoff.
  • Fee and schedule: the fee, payment dates, and when the work will be completed.
  • Delivery and extra work: what is handed over, and which changes count as extra work.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are source files, and are they included with the finished work?
Source files are the editable files used to create a finished result. They can make later changes easier, but may require particular software or licensed assets. A service fee may cover only the finished output; source-file delivery and permission to reuse its contents are separate questions.
When do revision requests become extra paid work?
A request can become extra work when it adds something beyond the original brief or exceeds the included revision rounds. A new concept, extra recording session, or additional format is different from a small adjustment. Correcting work that did not meet the agreed requirements may be treated separately from paid revisions.
Who is responsible for backing up recorded takes?
Recording, backup, and long-term storage are separate responsibilities. An engineer may save the working session without agreeing to keep it indefinitely. A recording agreement should explain who keeps backup copies, who receives the files, and when stored copies may be deleted.