When choosing a recording studio, there’s more to it than Googling “recording studios near me.”
That’s a good first step, but whether you want analog recording or digital, full band or solo artist, here are a few other things to consider.
Is the recording studio equipped for your needs?
Every project is different. And every recording studio is different too.
Let’s say you write folks songs. You may want a studio with a collection of high-quality microphones that are sensitive enough to capture the detail of a finger-picked acoustic guitar.
Or if you’re a voiceover artist, you may want a studio with a “dead” room. Heavily treated walls will give you that standing-right-next-to-you quality of voice recording.
If you aren’t which questions to ask, you can always ask for examples of the studio’s recordings that might relate to your project. That’ll give you a good idea of what they’re capable of.
How comfortable is the studio’s live room?
Make sure the live room is comfortable enough to accommodate your project. Is there natural light? Is there ample storage?
Size matters too. Less so if you’re a solo artist. But if you’re a six-person band, it’s a very big deal. You’re going be to spending a lot of time in there. If you think you or anyone else will be uncomfortable, the studio may not be a good fit for you.
Is there a lounge or place to relax?
Having a nice place to relax is as important as having a nice space to work. Especially if you’re in a band, and may have down time while the other members are recording overdubs.
At the Orchard we have patios and other outdoor spaces, a kitchen and lounge area where you can watch TV, read or just hang out. This is an often-overlooked aspect of the studio experience.
How are the amenities?
Recording is hard work — don’t let anyone tell you differently. It requires physical strength and mental focus over long periods of time. Which is why it’s important that recording studios have good amenities to support this type of activity.
Amenities can include everything from climate control to Wi-Fi to TVs and games. Plus, if you have dietary preferences or restrictions, you may want to find a studio with a kitchen where you can store or prepare your own food. Clean bathrooms are a must. Decent coffee and tea are essential.
Is the recording studio near you?
Like we covered above, Googling “recording studios near me” is a good start. But if the perfect studio is far away, consider finding a place to stay near there. Especially if you plan to book multiple days. The alternative could be spending hours commuting, which could make you tired before you even arrive at the studio. That’s not a recipe for a successful recording session.
Ask the studio if they have lodging for clients, like we do here at the Orchard. If they don’t, they may be able to refer you to a nearby hotel or AirBnB.
Will you feel comfortable there?
One of the best compliments we ever got was from an artist who booked Orchard Recording Studio based on our equipment and space — but also the “vibe” he picked up from our email communication.
He wanted to make sure he could live and work with someone in close quarters when booking his 12-day lockout session.
Recording studios are service providers. And the most successful service providers go above and beyond to meet the needs of their customers.
So when you’re communicating with a studio, be sure to listen to your gut if it’s telling you something about the person you’re about to hire.
Does The studio fit your budget?
That’s the million dollar question. Every studio prices its services differently. It’s best to contact them for pricing. They may work on a sliding scale depending on the complexity of your project.
Don’t forget to ask if an engineer is included in the price. Some studios charge one price to rent the facility and another to include an engineer.
Got more questions? Let us know at info@orchardrecordingstudio.com. We pride ourselves on delivering great service — and great recordings. In the past few years we’ve recorded rock bands, folk duos, string ensembles, audiobooks, TV show theme music, experimental music and more. And helped even more people navigate the world of audio recording.