Q: Who are you, what do you do, and what do you want from me?

A: I am Ryan Hafer - owner/operator of Secret Ninja Studios, I make records, and I want to make your next record!

Q: What are your rates? Do you have packages available?

A: Contact me so we can discuss your project and rates. Often, my hourly/daily rates can initially seem higher than perhaps another studio, but I generally work MUCH faster and more efficient. So usually, not only does the project sound better than another "more affordable" studio/engineer, it actually ends up costing less due to the efficiency.

I do occasionally offer package deals. It's usually on a project by project basis. Contact me so we can discuss your project and determine if a package deal can be arranged.

Q: Do you have a lot of really cool gear?

A: I do! Check out the list here. There's lots of stuff coming and going all the time as well, so if it's not listed, I'll bet I can get it!

The chief engineer and owner of Secret Ninja Studios is me, Ryan Hafer. I'm a native to southern California, and have been in the professional audio and music industry for over 18 years, working as a freelance engineer/mixer in studios in and around Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Francisco. Also, I have toured extensively as a Front Of House engineer and Production/Tour Manager. Currently a member of NARAS (the Grammy people) I try to stay active in the audio and music community, and strive to provide a high level of professionalism to established and independent artists.

I have been a musician all my life, beginning with piano lessons at a young age, then selecting the saxophone early in school. Continuing to study the sax all through school and as a working/gigging musician, I also learned several other instruments along the way. Early in school, I was involved in a special music program that included a multi-track analog recording and midi studio. This is where I was first exposed to the art of making records. I was hooked, and after finishing school, I spent the majority of the '90s as a freelance recording and live audio engineer in studios of all types and sizes around L.A. and San Francisco, as well as extensive touring.

While working on a record in 2000, I landed at The Headway Music Complex in Orange County. Here I discovered a studio available for long term rent, and 2001 I decided to take on the lease and open a private studio of my own to handle the steady flow of projects. Secret Ninja Studios was born! Continuing on in the tradition of expert engineering, excellent sonic results, and great relationships with artists and clients, Secret Ninja Studios expanded in late 2009 to the much larger facility it is now, and the Headway Music Complex was renamed the Orange County Music Complex.

Secret Ninja Studios is part of a larger, artist-oriented multi-studio facility known as The Orange County Music Complex. Here, artists can find all the help they need for their projects. Rehearsal, recording and mixing, editing, remote/live recording, mastering, graphic design, CD manufacturing, video capturing and editing services, and artist management. Everything from bluegrass to hip hop, and classical to rock, even audio books and voice overs.