Recording studio hire is a remarkably detailed endeavor. You’ll need to consider an array of factors, including scheduling, equipment, capacity, surrounding break areas, and more.
We’ve got a list of top tips to make recording studio hire London even easier. Making sure your recording session or rehearsal flows as seamlessly and creatively as possible.
Where's your local?
When you’re checking out a potential studio, it’s good to see what’s local. Especially when you’re using your own equipment. Finding somewhere that’s easy to get to is vital when it comes to ease.
Making sure that there are good places to take a break nearby. Good coffee shops, delis, pubs, and restaurants are all places where you and your Guests can relax and reflect on what you’ve recorded or rehearsed.
If you’re on a strict planning schedule, you’ll need somewhere with great surrounding Spaces so not to overrun your designated stay at the venue.
The best idea is to find a recording studio that’s within walking distance of a coffee shop, so you’ve got a place to go before, during and after. You’re bound to need to keep those energy levels up, so making sure it’s not a 3-mile hike to the nearest cafe might be a good idea!
When choosing a recording studio to fit your individual requirements, there are few things you’ll need to consider first.
If you’re planning on filming any behind-the-scenes footage or videos of band members or recorders during the day, always ask the venue for permission first. Make sure everyone is aware that you might be filming certain sections of the day, and you’ll need to specify why and where this footage will be used. Defining your expectations early on makes sure that large groups are all on the same page before the big day. Next, there are the issues of time management, equipment and post-production facilities that need to be considered.
The main 3 things you want to get when considering recording studio hire London are the venue’s recording facilities, the quality of their production equipment and if they have software for mixing and mastering your audio post-recording.
Time Management
Creating some kind of schedule will ensure all Guests know exactly where they should be and what they should be doing.
Figure out exactly who needs to be involved in the recording process, what their role will be and the timings of the day. If you’re paying for your London recording studio by the hour, or have a strict timeline, this is essential so that you don’t overrun.
Planning ahead will also help you meet deadlines if you’re recording for a third party.
Know your equipment
Another vital thing to check is what recording studio equipment the studio provides. Is it good enough quality for what you want to achieve? It’s best to begin with some research. Delve deeper into the specifics of what you’ll need, so your team and the studio staff have the same vision.
Ask the studio team if equipment is included in the studio hire fee too, as there may be additional costs. If you need analog or digital format for your recording, most studios in London will have the capacity to record in both, but it’s always good to check first so there are no surprises.
If you are a first time recorder, then the studio team will be able to explain in more detail the difference between the two and which one best fits your needs. Generally, analog recordings help to minimize distortions of sound that might crop up in your recordings.
Digital makes it easier to use other digital technologies that will help you edit and tweak your recordings once it’s completed. Whatever you decide, make sure you’re up to speed on what the studio can accommodate.
If there’s anything the studio doesn’t have, make a note of it so you can start organising what equipment you will need to source yourself from a local supplier.
Post Production Facilities
The final thing to consider is what post-production tools the recording studio has on offer. Find out what mixing facilities they have for all your post-recording touch-ups. Do some research into the product to see if it does everything you would need it to do.
Most good London recording studios will already have state of the art mixing facilities. Often the use of this equipment will be included in the studio hire fee, but you can message the Host directly on the HeadBox platform to make sure they know what you need.
If this is one of your first recordings and you’re still a little unsure, then find out if your studio has an in-house engineer. They will be able to help you out along the way with any problems or difficulties you come across.
