Frequently Asked Questions About Recording Sessions
Whether you’re a producer or musician, if you’re planning a recording session, you want to find the most professional recording studio in your area and make the most out of the experience. However, you may have a ton of questions about the process, duration, cost, and so on, and finding answers to these questions can be difficult. To ensure you have the most clear and accurate information, Troubadour Recording Studios has answered some of our most frequently asked questions about recording sessions.
1. What is the process of recording like?
A recording session can look many different ways, depending on your project. It mostly depends on what you are working on, and what your end goals are. Recording a vocal over a pre-recorded music track is a much different process than recording live with a group. A heavily produced song is a much different process than a live recording, and so on. No matter what your process looks like, we pride ourselves on making the most comfortable environment for you to express your creativity possible. Don’t be nervous, because this is a judgment-free zone. We are here to help you create something you can really be proud of. The best part is, unlike live performance, if you aren’t happy with it, you can try as many times as you want! Also, keep in mind that with today’s recording technology, it is very easy to edit things together, so don’t feel the pressure of thinking you have to nail everything from start to finish!
2. How long will my project take to complete?
This depends on many different factors. Every production is a different process, and each takes a different amount of time for completion. An acoustic singer or songwriter performance typically takes less time to record than a full band, so the material makes a difference. Basically, the more details there are, the more time it usually takes to complete. Consider all of the details you want to add to the song in advance so we can communicate about expectations. It also helps to have reference songs of other artists that have a production you like/aspire to, so we have a better idea of your goals going into the project. This will help you estimate how long you expect your part of the process to take. Being prepared upfront makes sessions go much faster. The less time it takes you to get the part you want, the less time we will spend editing and compiling performances.
3. How much will my recording cost?
Once we get a rough estimate of the time your project will take, we can figure out the approximate estimated total. All sessions are at a rate of $35 per hour. So say we estimate your project will take 20 hours to complete. 20 hours X $35 per hour = $700 project total. Of course, this can vary depending on many things (see FAQ 2), but if you are on a specific budget, we can work with that in mind to accomplish as much as possible with your time and money.
4. How does payment work for my recording session?
Payment is to be made in full at the end of each recording session or can be pre-paid in advance of the session. We accept Cash, Check, Credit, CashApp, and PayPal. If you would like to pre-pay for your time in advance, we can maintain credit on file for you indefinitely until your next session.
5. What should I bring to a recording session?
Bring anything related to your music that you think you could need during the session. This may include things like pre-recorded digital files, instruments, amplifiers, pedals/effects, notebooks of ideas/lyrics, etc. Anything you think could be helpful, often will be helpful. We may discuss in advance, and plan for you to use certain in-house equipment (i.e., Drums, Cymbals, Amps, etc.) We typically recommend you bring most of your own equipment anyway, even if you think you will be using the studio equipment, that way we have as many options as possible. If you would like to bring food and drinks to the studio, you are welcome to do so. We have a kitchenette with a fridge where you can keep anything you like.
6. Is it okay to have friends or family come to my recording session?
Yes, you can have guests at your sessions, but we do ask that any guests observe proper studio etiquette. We ask that any children present be under complete adult supervision to ensure the safety of them and the equipment. We also ask that any guests not impede or disrupt the recording process, and stay respectfully quiet during recording, as to not interfere with the quality of the product.
7. When should I book my recording session?
You are welcome to inquire about sessions at any time! We are sometimes available on short notice, but the shorter the notice, the more likely the time is already booked. If possible, we ask that you give us between 2-6 weeks of advanced notice, so we can be sure we can accommodate your preferred scheduling.
8. What is proper studio etiquette?
We ask that any guests or clients treat the space carefully and respectfully. This includes proper handling of studio equipment, respectful treatment of the studio facilities, and appropriate behavior during sessions. We certainly aren’t trying to create a rigid environment, but if someone doesn’t stop interrupting the process, it can be very distracting and damaging to progress. Otherwise, most things are just fine. Food and drink are allowed in the studio, again just observing respectful etiquette (i.e., don’t put a sweaty soda can on top of the piano or an amplifier, clean up any food waste when finished). This is a non-smoking facility, but if you smoke, there is a designated location where you are welcome to take breaks.
If you have any more questions about recording sessions, get in touch with the experts at Troubadour Recording Studios. As one of the largest recording studios in Lansing, MI, we offer modern facilities, professional-quality results, and a comfortable atmosphere. We are proud to serve clients across Lansing, Grand Rapids, Jackson, Detroit, Kalamazoo, Flint, Ann Arbor, Battle Creek, Saginaw, Midland, and Mount Pleasant, Michigan.
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