Band and ensemble recording

Live room and drum iso

The live room is the largest of our 3 spaces: 38 m² floor, height and wall treatment so guitars stay lively without blowing up. The kit sits in a glass iso booth — you hear each other in headphones while drums stay on separate faders.

Backline is available (bass amp, guitar cabs) but many bands bring their own tolex for tone. The amp guide helps pick what suits the song and the room.

Capacity and routing

We typically plan up to 5 players at once. Larger ensembles may stack overdub layers: rhythm live, horns or strings in a later overdub session. With 32 inputs there is room for dual kick and snare mics, room mics and DIs on bass and keys.

Keys and synths via DI or small monitor; we avoid open speakers in the live room unless the aesthetic demands it. Live lead vocal is possible, but many bands track vocals in the vocal booth after the rhythm take for cleaner edits.

Band prep

Bring:

• Fresh strings, tuned drums, enough sticks and picks
• Set list with tempo and structure (intro, bridge, outro)
• References for room balance you like
• Click track if you rehearse with one

Rehearse with headphones at home if you want them in studio. The general session checklist applies to bands too, minus solo-vocal-only details.

Overdub blocks

Already have rhythm tracks and only need solos, backing vocals or percussion? The overdub rate (€195) covers a fixed three-hour block with engineer. Handy after a tight studio day or when bass was tracked at home and drums belong in the room.

Overdubs are not a full live day — we reserve one zone (booth or live spot) and route accordingly. Longer projects often pair a €920 live day with one or two overdub blocks.

What you receive

After the session you get multitrack WAV per channel, 24-bit 48 kHz unless agreed otherwise, with clear names (kick_in, gtr_l, bass_di). Optional Pro Tools or Reaper session if we tracked on our machine. A rough mix helps judge gaps at home.

Mixing is separate: offline mix with 2 revision rounds here, or export to your mixer. Mastering via mastering and delivery. Files stay 14 months on our side; download and back up locally.

Rates and logistics

Prices include 21% VAT. Hourly €125 suits short tests; studio day €920 is usually better value for 6–8 songs in basic takes. Deposit 35%; free cancellation until 4 days ahead (terms).

Parking is limited; Wibautstraat 224 is in Amsterdam Oost. Metro stations Wibautstraat (M52/M53) and Amstel are within walking distance. Trams 1 and 7 run along Wibautstraat; get off at Wibautstraat stop. Bike racks are in front of the entrance; on-street car parking is limited.. Questions? 020 261 4783 or [email protected]. Reply within 2 business days.

Limits and safety

No overnight sessions outside Mon–Fri 10–19, Sat 11–17 unless explicitly agreed. Minimum age 16; younger members only with parent or guardian. No open flames; smoke outside only. Keep load-in volume respectful to neighbours.

Damage to studio gear through negligence may be charged per contract terms. Insure your own instruments — we cover our rack and mics, not your vintage tele.

Working with other services

Many bands book mixing the same week so Noor Bakker knows the session. Vocal overdubs after band day via vocal recording in the booth. Trailer or e-learning narration uses voice-over and narration pricing.

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Included

• Live room and drum iso for booked time
• Recording engineer and multitrack capture
• Basic backline (confirm ahead)
• Headphone mix per musician
• Labelled WAV track per channel
• Rough monitor mix on request
• Session archive 14 months