Why prep saves studio time
Our vocal booth is about 12 m², isolated, with an engineer handling gain, monitoring, and takes. Without prep you spend billable minutes fixing lyrics or debating arrangement choices you could have made at home.
Vocal recording is €98 per hour including 21% VAT. A four-hour block is €349 and often covers several songs when you know your parts and bring references. For costs after tracking, see our mix budget guide.
Lyrics, structure, and arrangement
Print or export lyrics without distracting layout. Mark verses, choruses, and bridges. If you sing to a backing track, send it ahead via contact so we can load tempo and key beforehand.
Be clear about what is still moving. Changing half a line in the booth costs less than writing a whole new verse while the clock runs. Run through the song at home at least once with your demo and note awkward breath spots.
Voice, health, and rest
Do not stack a heavy session right after a long trip or night shift. In Amsterdam you reach us as described under Tram 1 and 7 stop Overtoom (Hoofddorpweg), 3 minutes’ walk to Overtoom 376A. Bike parking in front; on-street parking with permit or Q-Park Baarsjes 600 m away.; take five minutes for water and a gentle warm-up before take one.
Skip heavy alcohol or smoking the day before if you need clean high notes. If you are ill, reschedule: cancellation is free up to 7 days ahead, as set out in our terms and conditions.
References and production direction
Reference tracks do not have to match your genre exactly, but they should show what you mean by space, compression, or vocal level. Use timestamps: “chorus at 1:12, vocal forward in the mix”.
If you plan to mix with us later, say so now. We can suggest doubles or a dry export path. Vocal recording and Stereo mixing fit together but are booked separately.
What to bring to Overtoom 376A
Bring your instrument if you play live in the booth. We stock 18 microphones; you do not need your own unless it is part of your sound.
USB drives are fine, but send large projects digitally in advance. Make sure logins and export rights are sorted. On arrival, note parking or bike space — directions are on contact; note your arrival time when booking.
Pacing time in the studio
We are open Tue–Sat 10:00–22:00. Arrive ten minutes early so we can set headphone mix and pop filter. Early takes are often warm-up; do not save your hardest high note for the last five minutes.
Short breaks between songs reduce fatigue. The engineer may suggest comping — combining the best phrases from several takes — which saves re-booking later.
Booking, deposit, and confirmation
We reply within 2 business days after your request. Confirmed bookings need a 30% deposit; the balance is due around the session. Minimum age in the studio is 16.
Questions about file formats or archiving? See FAQ. We keep raw takes under our archive policy (24 months) while you remain a client — details are in the terms.
Checklist before you arrive
| Item | Action |
|---|---|
| Lyrics | Final or clearly marked edits |
| Backing | WAV or AIFF, no clipping |
| References | Links or files with timestamps |
| Schedule | Travel time + Tue–Sat 10:00–22:00 blocked |
| Health | Rested voice, water on hand |
Ready to book? See Vocal recording for rates and send your date through contact or call 020 737 0294.
