Business Details
Professional Music Recording Studio in Wilmington
Hourglass Studios was founded to provide musicians with a professional yet comfortable environment for creating high-quality recordings. With over 15 years of studio experience and Avid-certified Pro Tools expertise, owner Trent Harrison combines technical precision with a passion for authentic sound. Our facility in Wilmington, NC, offers state-of-the-art equipment and a tailored approach to recording, editing, mixing, and mastering. We prioritize capturing genuine performances without sound replacement, ensuring artists maintain creative integrity. Our services cater to bands and solo artists seeking affordable rates without compromising on quality.Trent's background in recording engineering from Guilford Tech and recognition as Producer of the Year by the Carolina Music Awards underscore our commitment to excellence. We focus on coaxing the best performances from musicians while utilizing premium tools like Neumann microphones and Pro Tools HDX systems. Client satisfaction drives our personalized service, from initial consultation to final mastering. Our lounge area, amenities, and flexible scheduling create a welcoming space for creative collaboration. Hourglass Studios remains dedicated to evolving with industry standards while maintaining a hands-on, artist-centric philosophy.
Services
Recording
Editing
Mixing
Mastering
Studio Rentals
Highlights and features
- We offer 15+ years of studio experience with Avid-certified Pro Tools expertise.
- Our facility uses premium gear like Neumann microphones and Barefoot speakers.
- We guarantee no sound replacement to preserve artistic authenticity.
- We provide personalized guidance from tracking to final mastering.
- Our lounge area and amenities create a comfortable creative environment.
Associations and certifications
- Avid
What people say
Authentic sound
Expert guidance
Premium gear
Comfortable space
Artistic integrity
Services
Recording
Our recording process captures musical performances using premium Neumann and Shure microphones, Pro Tools HDX systems, and acoustically optimized spaces. We specialize in both live ensemble recordings and layered individual tracks to suit project needs. Trent Harrison's 15+ years of experience ensures optimal microphone placement and signal chain configuration for each instrument.
Mixing
Mixing services combine technical precision with creative balance using Neve and API outboard gear alongside digital tools. We focus on EQ, compression, and spatial effects to create cohesive sonic landscapes. Our approach maintains artistic intent while achieving commercial-grade clarity and dynamics for modern releases.
Mastering
Mastering prepares your music for distribution through stereo imaging, limiting, and sequencing. We use Waves SSL and iZotope Ozone tools to enhance tonal balance while preserving dynamic range. This final step ensures consistency across platforms and optimizes playback on all devices from streaming services to vinyl.
Studio Rentals
Our Wilmington studio offers hourly rentals with access to full production gear, including microphones, amplifiers, and software suites. The space includes lounge areas, refreshments, and 24/7 technical support during sessions. Ideal for independent artists needing flexible recording environments with professional-grade equipment.
Editing
Editing services refine recorded material through comping, timing correction, and noise reduction. We utilize Pro Tools' advanced features to enhance performances while maintaining natural feel. Pitch correction and transient shaping are applied judiciously to preserve artistic authenticity without over-processing.
People
Trent Harrison
Owner/Operator
Trent Harrison is an Avid-certified Pro Tools engineer with 15+ years of studio experience. He holds a degree in Recording Engineering from Guilford Tech and won Producer of the Year at the 2015 Carolina Music Awards. Trent specializes in capturing authentic performances and has worked with diverse artists across multiple genres.
Questions
What recording equipment do you use?
We use Neumann microphones, Pro Tools HDX systems, Barefoot MicroMain26 speakers, and vintage analog gear including Neve and API consoles.
Do you offer mixing and mastering services?
Yes, we provide full post-production services including mixing with Waves SSL tools and mastering with iZotope Ozone for commercial-ready results.
Can I rent studio time without engineering?
We offer facility rentals with engineer-on-call support, but recommend professional guidance for optimal results.
What genres do you specialize in?
Our experience spans rock, jazz, country, electronic, and hip-hop with customized approaches for each project's unique needs.
How do session rates work?
We provide hourly and daily rates with package deals for full production cycles from tracking to mastering. Contact us for customized quotes.
Do you accommodate remote collaboration?
Yes, we support file sharing and online session participation through Pro Tools Cloud Collaboration and Zoom integration.
Reviews (5)
Cade Tropeano
Jan 08, 2022
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Would highly recommend! Trent is amazing. We were in from out of town and needed a place to tape a VO spot last minute. Trent got us in and taped on short notice. The studio is awesome and the Vocal Booth was top notch. Great mics and great sound. Will definitely use again if the need arises!
James Michael
Aug 27, 2021
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Hourglass Studio is awesome, I highly recommend recording here! Trent knows exactly how to create great songs! The studio is so comfortable and relaxing which really helps especially for nervous first timers like myself! Great experience and great mastered product!!
David Walker
Aug 03, 2021
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Trent really works the group recording and offers good input. He is very knowledgeable and the whole experience is something I would do again.
Chad Martin
Jul 18, 2021
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Trent is a total professional and a dream to work with. I couldn't have asked for a better set up for our first time recording. Trent's patience and easy going nature made everything so easy. We will be back for sure. Thanks for everything, Trent!
Adam Osarczuk
Apr 08, 2021
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Recently booked my first recording session at Hourglass. Prior to that, I had booked Trent for the analog color service as well as mastering. Weather you work with Trent in person, or over the internet you can expect a high quality product that will be tailored to specifically to your needs. In regards to my first session at the facility, Trent made the entire experience very comfortable. We started off with a quick tour and conversation of the place to get comfortable. After about 15 minutes of warming up, we got right to business. Trent had all the instruments I requested for the session ready