When the time comes to get your songs recorded in a professional recording studio, you want to be sure you make the right choice. These tips for choosing a studio will put you on track. Finding and choosing the right recording studio is both a right-brain and left-brain activity. There are practical sides and there are emotional sides to the equation. Here are four things to consider when looking for a good recording studio:
THE PEOPLE
Get to know the people behind the studio – the owners and the staff. If you are not working with your own audio engineer, get to know the studio engineer and find out if you’re a good fit. Talk about music, experiences, and figure out how they align. If there are areas where you are incompatible, ask yourself if it will be a roadblock or helpful in bringing a different perspective to the recording process.
THE FACILITY
There are two sides to deciding if the facility is a good fit – the practical and the inspirational. Ask yourself practical questions like: is the live room big enough for the band? Do I need multiple isolation rooms? Where is it located? Are there hotels, restaurants, and entertainment nearby?
On the inspirational side, ask questions like: do I like the vibe here? Do I like the way the rooms sound? Will I be comfortable recording here? Is there space to relax? What’s unique about the facility? As an artist, try to capitalize on the specific advantages that different facilities offer.
THE EQUIPMENT
You certainly want to assess studio equipment to determine whether it fits your wants and needs. Do they have high-quality professional recording equipment that will produce good results? Is there any vintage gear available? Are there multiple monitoring systems for playback? How is the mic collection?
THE RATES
Obviously, money is an important consideration. Keep in mind, the cheapest rates don’t always mean the worst quality, and the highest rates don’t guarantee the best results. The key is to know what you’re getting and make sure you are comfortable with it. Plan for contingencies by including an extra 10-15% buffer into your budget. Things come up, and you may need more time, extra equipment, have something breaks down, etc.
TAKE A TOUR
Now that you’re armed with the right questions to evaluate a recording studio, what’s next? Call the studio and take a tour. Check out their website and social media pages. Ask for references – bands, artists, producers, and engineers who have recorded in the facility and have an understanding of acoustics and gear.
