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 come to a pro studio,
especially in Manhattan, it’s going to cost you some of your
hard earned money. What you want to do is plan your project out
before booking your studio time.
Here are 5 top things you should know when booking time to complete
your project.
1) Pick the right type of studio for your project. Recording
Studios are not created equal. All studios DO NOT do 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 going from that studio. The
engineer need not be a producer, he’s there mainly to operate
the gear in the studio, but he will be hands on with your music. The
more versed he/she is in the genre of music that you are doing
the better. He should be knowledgeable, and willing to help.
If you come across an engineer that seems to not really like
what he’s doing, has a lackluster attitude, or thinks he’s God’s
gift to music...steer clear of him. You’re a paying customer
and your music is too important to deal the stress of egomaniacs. Would
you go to a lackluster doctor, or barber? Get away Now!...Fast!.
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 your
automatically going to get the best. Do your research. We’ve
had projects come in from big name studios that charge hundreds
per hr. and they sound like crap. We’ve had projects from smaller
home type studios that charge low rates, but the quality doesn’t
shine. Find a place that will make your project sizzle consistently,
and that has a good 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 hangin’ because they forgot.
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. 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”
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