Effective Date: January 1, 2026
These Terms of Service (“Terms”) govern the provision of professional audio services by Black Forest Productions LLC, a Wisconsin limited liability company doing business as Black Forest Recording (“Studio,” “we,” “us,” or “our”).
By booking a session, submitting payment, engaging Studio services, or delivering audio files for mixing or production, you (“Client,” “Artist,” or “you”) agree to be bound by these Terms.
Studio provides professional audio services including, but not limited to:
Audio recording and tracking
Editing, comping, and tuning
Mixing and Post-production
Remote mixing and mastering services
Audio consultation and production services
Services may be provided in-person at Studio facilities or remotely via digital file transfer. Studio reserves the right to decline any project or terminate services at its sole discretion.
2.1 Hourly Studio Services In-studio services are billed at Studio’s prevailing hourly rate, disclosed prior to booking. Billable time includes: setup/teardown, equipment configuration, recording, editing, mixing, file exports, and administrative project time. Time is billed in [e.g., 30-minute] increments with minimum session requirements where applicable.
2.2 Remote Mixing Services Remote mixing may be billed at a flat per-song rate or an hourly rate, as confirmed in writing prior to commencement. Unless otherwise agreed, remote mixing includes up to two (2) revision rounds. Additional revisions are billable at the prevailing hourly rate.
2.3 Technical Requirements (Remote) Client is responsible for properly preparing and labeling files for remote mixing. Studio reserves the right to pause work and request resubmission if files are distorted or technically unusable. Time spent organizing disorganized files or performing corrective editing is billable.
3.1 Payment Schedule
In-Studio: Payment is due in full at the conclusion of each session.
Remote: A 50% non-refundable deposit is due prior to commencement; the remaining balance is due prior to delivery of final high-resolution files.
3.2 Condition Precedent to Release Full payment of the total project invoice is a strict condition precedent to the delivery of final mixes, master files, stems, or session files. Studio maintains a possessory lien on all materials until the account is settled. No license to use, distribute, or upload the recordings is granted—implied or otherwise—until the balance is zero.
3.3 Intellectual Property & “Work Made for Hire” Upon receipt of full and final payment, the services rendered shall be considered a “Work Made for Hire” to the extent allowed by law. If the work does not qualify as a Work Made for Hire, Studio hereby assigns all right, title, and interest in the Sound Recording to the Client, effective only upon receipt of final payment. Studio retains no ownership in underlying musical compositions.
3.4 Late Payments Balances outstanding more than seven (7) days accrue interest at 1.5% per month. Client agrees to reimburse Studio for all collection costs, including reasonable attorney’s fees.
Cancellations must be made via [Email/Phone]. The notice window is calculated from the scheduled start time:
Less than 48 hours’ notice: Client may be billed 50% of the scheduled time.
No-shows: Client will be billed 100% of the scheduled time.
Studio reserves the right to require non-refundable deposits to secure calendar dates.
Client grants Studio a non-exclusive, perpetual, royalty-free license to use excerpts of the work (up to 60 seconds) for portfolio, website, and social media promotional purposes, unless Client provides written notice requesting confidentiality prior to the project start date.
Client represents and warrants that they own or have legal authorization for all submitted material (samples, beats, lyrics, etc.) and that such material does not infringe on any third-party copyrights. Client agrees to indemnify and hold Studio harmless from any claims, damages, or legal fees arising from a breach of this warranty.
Retention: Studio will retain session files for 180 days following the final session or delivery. After this period, Studio may delete files without notice.
Loss: Studio is not an archival service. While we employ industry-standard backups, Studio is not liable for data loss caused by hardware failure, corruption, or acts of God.
Limited Liability: Studio’s liability for lost data is strictly limited to a refund of the time spent recording the lost material; it does not include costs for session musicians, travel, or re-production.
Safety: Studio premises are strictly alcohol-, drug-, and tobacco-free. Studio reserves the right to remove individuals and terminate sessions immediately for disruptive or unsafe conduct without refund.
Equipment: Client is liable for the full replacement cost of any Studio equipment, instruments, or property damaged by the Client or their guests, regardless of intent or accidental nature.
To the fullest extent permitted by law, Studio’s total liability shall not exceed the amount paid for the specific services in question. Studio makes no guarantee regarding the commercial success, streaming performance, or market reception of any recording. All creative outcomes are inherently subjective.
Studio shall not be liable for failure to perform due to causes beyond reasonable control, including equipment failure, illness, natural disasters, or government action.
These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Wisconsin. Any dispute shall first be submitted to mediation in Polk County, Wisconsin. If unresolved, jurisdiction shall lie exclusively in Wisconsin courts.
By booking a session, submitting payment, or delivering materials to Black Forest Recording, Client acknowledges they have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms of Service.