Band and live recording

Live together versus overdubs

Playing together captures groove and interaction you cannot easily fake. We tune the live room for isolation between drums and guitars, not for a completely dry studio feel. Vocals or solos later the same day? Possible in the booth or on a return visit — see vocal recording.

Sometimes bass and drums go live while guitar is re-tracked the same afternoon for control; mention that workflow in the brief so time and patching match.

Drums and percussion

The kit sits on rugs and gobos to tame reflections. Multiple mics on shells, overheads and room — how many depends on genre and desired space in the mix. Snare and kick stay on separate channels so mixing stays flexible.

Bring your sticks, snare and cymbals if that is your sound. A house kit is available when reserved; tell us about double kick pedals or extra toms ahead of time.

Guitars, bass and amps

Combos and stacks can live in the room or in a treated corner. DI plus amp mic is standard for bass and often guitar so the mixer can choose later. Volume stays moderate — we do not chase SPL for a rough take that makes mixing harder.

Bring your pedalboard and favourite amp if you like; we supply basic backline and cables. Tune before soundcheck to keep time for takes.

Keys and synths

Keys go direct or through a small monitor if the player needs acoustic dynamics. MIDI can be recorded in parallel when you want to swap sounds later — say which plugins or hardware you use at home.

Parts coming from speakers get extra isolation or a separate pass; otherwise click bleeds into drum mics.

Monitoring and talkback

Each musician gets a headphone mix: more drums, less of their own instrument, click when needed. The engineer talks over talkback; a room mic lets you discuss between takes without leaving the floor.

Up to 8 people total in the building — audience or friends stay in the control room or lounge so takes stay focused.

Prep and tempo

Send a setlist with BPM, structure and priority songs. Rehearse to click if you plan to use it live; without rehearsal, click eats the first hours. Read band planning and budget for realistic song counts per day block.

Change strings, heads and sticks before the session when worn — that saves takes. Studio access: From Vijzelgracht metro (line 52) it is about a 7-minute walk via Ferdinand Bolstraat to Maasstraat. Tram 4 (Stadhouderskade stop) is roughly 5 minutes on foot. On-street parking is limited; P+R or garages near Overtoom are easier.; hours Mon–Fri 10–20, Sat 11–17.

Delivery after the session

Default is multitrack WAV per channel, 24-bit / 48 kHz, with session name and date. Drums can ship as a submix plus separate tracks when requested upfront. No automatic mix — book that separately or with your own mixer.

Download link within a few business days unless we export on site for shorter blocks. Retention 24 months; request stems in time if your project needs archive copies.

Rates and terms

Deposit 30%; cancel free up to 5 days ahead. Engineer included on studio time; extra production outside recording is not default. Business net about €103.31 per hour ex VAT. See terms and conditions.

Limits and safety

• No pyro or smoke machines without written approval
• No unlimited gear without weight and placement plan
• Minimum age 16 for unaccompanied band members
• No public live streaming without a separate agreement

Questions on volume or neighbours? We work at normal studio SPL; heavy metal with dual stacks needs a prior chat. 020 737 0418 or FAQ.

Included

• Recording engineer for booked time
• Live room with basic drum kit (when reserved)
• Mic and DI setup for a standard line-up
• Individual headphone mixes
• Take marking and basic session organisation
• Multitrack WAV export
• Studio patch to control room