FIVE THINGS YOU MUST KNOW
BEFORE BOOKING A STUDIO
Ready to make your 1st demo, or move your quality up a few notches from your friends home studio? If you are going to a recording studio for the first time you need to plan. To make your experience the best it can be, here are five things you must know before booking a studio session!
1) Pick the right type of studio for your project.
Recording Studios are not created equal. All studios DO NOT record all genres of music equally well. Ask to hear samples of their work. Compare what you’ve done in other places to what they’ve done. Check that the studio is clean and run in an organized fashion and that the staff is friendly and knowledgeable. The place must have a vibe that you like and that inspires your creativity. Your music is very important to you. Make sure you’re comfortable with the lab that you choose to make it in.
2) Meet the engineer.
Your relationship with the engineer and his ability to “tap in” to your vision for your music may be the most crucial thing you have. The engineer is mainly there to operate the gear in the studio, but they will be very hands on with your music. The more versed they are in the genre of music that you are doing the better. They should be knowledgeable about the music genre, knowledgeable about their audio engineering craft, open minded and willing to help. You’re a paying customer and your music is too important to deal the stress of an unprofessional.
3) Don’t get fooled by price.
You should get a studio with a rate you can afford, but don’t automatically go for the lowest rate. If so, you may be in for a surprise. It may come with sub par music quality, under experienced engineers, or disorganization that can lead to traumatic things happening to your music. Also, don’t assume that because you’re paying the big bucks that you’re automatically going to get the best. Do your research. We’ve had projects come in from big name studios that charge hundreds per hour and they weren’t the best. We’ve had projects from smaller home type studios that charge low rates, and the quality doesn’t shine. Find a place that will make your project sizzle consistently, and that has a reputation for good work.
4) Come to your session prepared.
Time is money. Magical things can happen spur of the moment in the studio, but don’t depend on it. Have your material ready to go. Confirm the time and attendance of any vocalists or musicians that you have on the session. Don’t let them leave you hanging because they forgot about the session.
5) DO NOT LEAVE YOUR MASTERS AT THE STUDIO WHEN THE PROJECT IS DONE.
The Master is the “tracked out” data files that can be further edited or remixed. This will be in Pro Tools, Logic, DP or other choice DAW program. The value of your project is usually in the physical ownership of your masters. It is YOUR responsibility to get your master data files backed up and take them with you when your project is completed. Store them like jewels in a safe place. One day they may be “worth their weight in gold”. Do not depend on the studio to store them when you’re done with your project. It’s not their responsibility. ALWAYS leave with and keep track of ALL of your masters.
These pointers will help you have a smooth session with a successful outcome, at your newly chosen “Pro Recording Studio“.
