Bringing Out the True Essence of Your Sound.
Studio Philosophy
KuroNekoMusicStudio is a private production studio dedicated to shaping your musical vision with precision, clarity, and depth.
Combining the flexibility of modern digital workflows, the warmth of analog outboard gear, and our custom high-performance parallel processing system, we maximize the dynamic impact of every track.
Built on over 17 years of experience in live sound and concert production across both major and independent projects, we offer professional audio engineering tailored to your specific creative goals.
Whether you need to resolve mix balance issues, enhance vocal clarity, or achieve a competitive commercial master, we provide reliable technical solutions and transparent workflows.
Services
- Recording / Mixing / Pre-Mastering
Using industry-standard software integrated with real analog hardware, we craft balanced, dynamic mixes. We deliver optimized masters ready for CD manufacturing and all major streaming platforms. - PA & Live Sound Engineering
Comprehensive audio support for concerts, live performances, and events. From system design and equipment setup to on-site operation, we ensure stable, high-fidelity sound.
Audio Samples
Engineer Profile: Wataru Matsui (Syo.D)
With over 17 years of hands-on experience in live sound (PA) engineering and concert stage production, I have operated on the front lines of demanding audio environments.
My approach combines fast, precise problem-solving under tight deadlines with a deep technical command of both hardware and software systems.
The name "KuroNekoMusicStudio" represents both the relentless agility required in high-pressure environments and the sharp, focused attention to detail needed to bring out the core qualities of a mix.
Technical Foundation: Distributed Processing & Custom Driver Architecture
Modern high-end plugins and analog emulations place heavy demands on CPU power, which can disrupt the creative flow during complex mix sessions.
To eliminate processing bottlenecks, KuroNekoMusicStudio operates a custom-built 84-thread distributed processing cluster (Distributed Plugin Server x 6).
Managed via our proprietary Linux-based monitoring engine, "KNMS DigitalMixingEngine," the system balances loads in real-time. This eliminates freeze and render wait times, allowing full-chain analog and digital processing with zero latency disruption.
Furthermore, to achieve ultra-low latency and peak stability under Linux, we developed and open-sourced a custom audio interface driver (ZOOM UAC-8 Linux/Ubuntu Driver), fine-tuning our production environment straight down to the kernel level.
Tangible Sound & Mix Quality Advantages
- Pristine Clarity & Precise Stereo Imaging: By bypassing generic OS middleware and utilizing direct kernel-level transmission via custom drivers, we minimize digital degradation and jitter. Every vocal detail and instrument placement remains defined, distinct, and transparent.
- Uncompromised High-Precision Processing: With 84 threads of processing power, we utilize high-ratio oversampling and complex non-linear analog emulation without compromise—eliminating digital harshness for punchy lows and smooth, musical highs.
- Lossless Analog Outboard Round-Tripping: Stable, low-buffer D/A and A/D conversion ensures that routing audio through physical compressors and vacuum tube gear imparts genuine organic harmonics and 3D depth without introducing noise or signal loss.
Analog Outboard Integration
In addition to surgical in-the-box editing, audio passes through selected analog hardware—including Focusrite compressors and tube preamps—to introduce natural harmonic richness, headroom, and organic texture.
Main Equipment List
Mixing Console / Stage Box
Digital Mixer: Behringer X32 Compact
Stage Box: Midas DL32
Microphone Preamps
Metric Halo ULN-2 2d
ART Tube MP Studio V3 [Tube: Mullard (Selected)]
Microphones
Lewitt LCT-840
RODE NT1-A
Audio Interface
ZOOM UAC-8 (Custom Linux Driver / GitHub)
Monitoring (Main)
Studio Monitors: BEHRINGER TRUTH B3031A
Headphones: HEDD HEDDphone / SONY MDR-MV1 / Sennheiser HD 650 / CLASSIC PRO CPH7000
Consumer Reference (Check System)
Reference system used to verify how mixes translate to standard consumer environments.
Power Amplifier: Panasonic WP-1100A
Speakers: ONKYO D-032A
Headphone Amplifier
Fostex HP-A8
DAW / Software
DAW: Ardour / Fender Studio Pro
Plugin Processing: Waves SoundGrid Server / Distributed Processing Servers x 7
Outboard Gear
Focusrite Platinum Compounder
Behringer COMPOSER PRO-XL MDX2600
CLASSIC PRO CPCLII
Workflow
Standard procedure from initial consultation to final master delivery.
Step 1: Inquiry & Estimate
Please reach out via email at info@knmusicstudio.com or use the Contact Form. Providing details such as track count, reference tracks, budget, and desired deadline helps us process your request faster.
[Studio Booking Policy]
For recording sessions, please submit your reservation request by the 14th of the preceding month.
We will review your requirements and provide a clear, itemized estimate outlining scope and fees.
Step 2: Order Confirmation & Specification
Once the estimate is approved, the order is confirmed. File transfer methods, track formats, and production timelines will be finalized.
Step 3: Production & Review
Work begins according to agreed specifications. Interim audio checks are provided at key stages to align on mix balance and tonal adjustments.
Step 4: Final Master Delivery & Invoicing
Upon final approval of the master deliverables, high-resolution master files are delivered, followed by final invoicing.
Rates & Pricing Guidelines
We provide tailored estimates based on track scale and project requirements.
The rates below serve as standard reference points, calculated at our base technical rate of 3,000 JPY / hour.
■ Standard Production (Full Package)
Starting at: 48,000 JPY
(Estimated Working Time: ~16 hours)
- Includes: Full multitrack mix, pitch/timing editing, detailed automation, and final mastering.
- Target: Commercial releases, album productions, and streaming distribution.
■ Lite Plan / Partial Processing
Starting at: 15,000 JPY
(Estimated Working Time: ~5 hours)
- Includes: Demo polish, vocal-over-backing mix ("Utattemita"), or individual stem editing.
- Target: Fast-turnaround tracks or smaller-scale projects.
Analog Reprocessing & Retake Policy
Because our mixing chain routes audio through physical outboard gear, major revisions requested after mix approval (such as late pitch modifications) require recalibrating hardware and re-recording audio passes.
■ Analog Reprocessing Fee: 500 JPY per instance
※ Applies to hardware pass re-runs. Clear initial direction and detailed feedback prior to analog routing prevent this fee.
※ Custom budgets and project scales are welcome. Feel free to contact us to discuss options.
Email: info@knmusicstudio.com
Inquiry Form: Google Contact Form
Contact Us
For project inquiries, pricing quotes, or general questions, please contact us via email or the form below.
Email: info@knmusicstudio.com
Inquiry Form: Google Contact Form
Specified Commercial Transactions Act Disclosure
- Business Name (Trade Name)
- KuroNekoMusicStudio
- Business Operator
- Wataru Matsui
- Location
-
3F, Shinjuku Dai-nana Hayama Bldg.
1-36-2 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku
Tokyo 160-0022
Japan - Phone Number
- 070-4475-8194
- Email Address
- info@knmusicstudio.com
- Business Hours
- Wednesday & Saturday, 10:00 - 22:00 JST (Inquiry form available 24/7)
- Service Fees
- Quoted individually based on project scope and track requirements.
- Additional Costs
- Bank transfer fees are the responsibility of the client.
- Payment Method
- PayPal / Bank Transfer
- Payment Terms
- Invoices are issued upon completion and approval of deliverables. Payment is due by the stated invoice date.
- Delivery Schedule
- Determined collaboratively during project scheduling.
- Cancellations & Refunds
- Due to the nature of custom creative services, cancellations and refunds are not accepted once active production has begun. For cancellations prior to production start, any incurred direct costs (e.g., equipment reservation fees) may be billed.
Privacy Policy
KuroNekoMusicStudio (hereinafter "the Studio") is committed to protecting your privacy. This policy outlines how personal data is handled.
Article 1 (Personal Information)
"Personal Information" refers to any information defined as personal data under applicable data protection laws, identifying a specific living individual, such as name, date of birth, address, phone number, and contact details.
Article 2 (Collection of Information)
We may collect personal details including name, contact email, address, and billing information when you submit inquiries or commission services.
Article 3 (Purpose of Use)
Personal data is collected and processed for the following purposes:
- Service provision and project execution
- Responding to customer inquiries and verification
- Issuing estimates, invoices, and deliverables
- Operational notifications and necessary system maintenance alerts
- Related administrative studio operations
Article 4 (Third-Party Disclosure)
The Studio will not disclose personal data to third parties without prior customer consent, except when required by applicable laws or regulatory authorities.
Article 5 (Data Subject Rights)
Clients have the right to request disclosure, correction, or deletion of their personal information upon confirming their identity.
Article 6 (Third-Party Links)
The Studio holds no responsibility for the data protection practices or contents of third-party external sites linked from our website.
Article 7 (Policy Updates)
This policy may be updated periodically. Revisions take effect immediately upon posting on this website.
Article 8 (Contact)
For inquiries regarding personal data protection, please contact us using the details on the Contact page.
Last Updated: October 1, 2025