Common Questions

Straight answers about how dailyray works with studio engineers, producers and small media teams, from the first message to the finished report or guide.

FAQ

Questions we hear often

These are the points teams raise most before asking us in. If your question is not covered, write to us and we will answer it plainly.

Who does dailyray usually work with?: Mostly studio engineers, producers and small media teams in television and live production. Some are running a single studio, others a few venues. We are a small consultancy based in Cambridge, so you deal directly with the person who does the work.
Do you only work with teams in Cambridge?: No. We are based in Cambridge, but we travel to studios, venues and control rooms elsewhere when the job needs us on site. Written guides and many reviews can also be prepared from documents and calls, which keeps travel to a minimum.
What happens in a studio workflow review?: We look at how a programme moves from planning to transmission or recording, watch your control room in use, and speak with the crew. Afterwards you receive a written report showing where time and quality are being lost, with practical suggestions in order of priority.
Can you advise on equipment we already own?: Yes. Much of our camera and audio advice is about getting more from existing kit through better rigging, shading, matching and routing. Where something genuinely limits your results, we say so and explain what would address it, without pushing a purchase.
Do you write documentation for our own crew?: Yes. Tom writes operating manuals, checklists and training guides in plain language, based on how your crew actually works. We test the drafts with the people who will use them and revise until the steps are easy to follow under pressure.
How quickly can you start?: It depends on the diary at the time you ask. Send us a short description of the job and any dates that matter, and we will tell you honestly when we could begin and how long the work is likely to take.
Will we understand the report without technical training?: That is the aim. We avoid jargon, explain any unavoidable term the first time it appears, and structure findings so an engineer and a producer can each find what they need. Anything unclear, we are happy to talk through with you afterwards.
How do we start an enquiry?: Use the form on the contact page, or email or phone us using the details there. Tell us about your studio or event, what is not working, and what you would like to have by the end. We reply with questions or a written quotation.

How we answer

What you can expect from our advice

Our guidance is meant to be used on a busy studio floor, not filed away. We keep it specific to your rooms, crew and programmes, and we are open about what we can and cannot tell from a distance.

Plain, checkable advice

We explain why we recommend something as well as what to do. That lets your engineers test the reasoning against what they see in the room. If a point depends on measurements we have not taken, we say so and suggest how to check it. Recommendations are written so a producer can follow them as easily as a technician.

Fitted to your set-up

A single-camera interview corner and a multi-camera live stage need different answers, so we start from your actual space, kit and budget. We ask about crew size, turnaround and how a typical day runs. Advice on lighting, cameras or audio is then shaped around those limits instead of an ideal studio that you do not have.

Left in your hands

The goal is that your team can carry on without us. Reports, plans and guides are handed over in a form your crew can keep, edit and reuse. Where training or a short follow-up conversation would help, we offer it, but nothing is designed to make you dependent on a return visit.

Still have a question

Ask us about your studio or live production

Send a few lines about what you are working on. We will reply with questions, or a written quotation if the scope is already clear, and agree the next step with you.

Contact

Send us a message

By phone: 01223 458 217
Write to us: hello@dailyray.info