HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT RECORDING STUDIO
There are several factors to consider when selecting the right studio to work with. Let’s go through them.
The first thing to consider is the size of the studio, and in particular, the size of the live room. If you want to make a live recording rather than a multitrack one, you need to ensure the studio has a live room that is large enough to comfortably accommodate your ensemble. Is the size of the studio capable of capturing the type of sound you desire? Of course, conversely, you don’t want to be in a room that is far too large for your ensemble either.
After the size, you need to know if the studio has enough physical channels to record everything you need. This is most applicable if you want to do a live recording. You would expect even the smallest studios to be capable of recording 16 channels simultaneously, although a minimum of 24 simultaneous channels is more standard. In larger studios that work on an analogue console, the channel count is less likely to be an issue.
In addition to channel count, you may want to consider the quality of the equipment available at the studio, such as microphones, preamps, and outboard gear. This can affect the overall sound quality of your recording. The acoustics of the studio can also have a significant impact on the final sound of your recording. Consider whether the room has been acoustically treated to provide a neutral and balanced sound.
The next factor to consider is the studio’s location. Is it easily accessible for all your musicians, or is it difficult to get to? Is it well-located in an urban centre with local amenities, or is it isolated? These factors are more important the longer your session is. For example, if you’re working on an album for a month, you’ll probably want to be somewhere well-connected as there will be long periods of time where you’re not required in the studio. If recording a song over one or two days, perhaps the local amenities are less important.
Have you got a specific timeline for your project? Studios can get booked up months in advance, and some will be much busier than others. You should consider whether the studio can accommodate your schedule, including any long recording sessions or flexible working hours.
Do you require additional services, other than recording? Does the studio offer services such as mixing, mastering, or immersive audio? You may also want to find out whether the studio has additional facilities such as a lounge, kitchen, or accommodation.
What sort of relationship have you established with the studio and the recording engineer? Do they seem to understand the needs of your project, or do they want to impose their desired method of working upon you? Are they treating you and your project individually, and making you feel valued? Most importantly, are they willing to have a conversation with you, offering their expertise and experience, and discussing the most appropriate way to achieve the sound you want? Ultimately, it should feel like the right fit for you.
What can you find out about the reputation of the studio? Do they actively display reviews and testimonials from previous clients on their website and social networks? Do you know anyone else that has recorded there that you can talk to about their experience? If you can’t find any reviews from previous clients, this should be a warning.
Ultimately, your decision may simply come down to budget. It goes without saying that the cheapest isn’t always the best, but you may have a finite budget that you cannot exceed. This may dictate what studios you can and cannot afford. On this subject, are the studios you’re talking to being transparent about how they budget? Are they telling you clearly what is and is not included in their price? Ensure you know if they are quoting you including or excluding VAT.
GLOSSARY
A room within a studio used for recording live performances.
A type of recording where each instrument or sound source is recorded on a separate track.
The number of inputs available for recording simultaneously.
A type of mixing console that uses analogue circuitry to process and mix audio signals.
Device used to amplify microphone signals before they are recorded.
External hardware used for processing audio signals, such as compressors and equalisers.
The properties of a room or space that affect the way sound behaves.
The process of combining and balancing individual tracks to create a final mix.
The process of preparing a final mix for distribution, including adjusting levels, EQ, and compression.
Audio that creates a three-dimensional sound field.
The person responsible for capturing and recording the audio.
