Suggestions for Picking a Studio

Topic(s): Studios

Some basic tips

• Get copies of CDs recorded at any place you're interested in and take them home. Listen to them on different stereos, and compare them to your favorite albums. Get a sense of the audio quality and mixing style. Listen to them at low volumes and high volumes.
• Talk to bands that have recorded there previously. Talk to the studio operator/engineer about their recording techniques, process, role, rules, etc. It's important to get a sense of what dynamic you will be dealing with. Some people like a hands-off style, others want an engineer to tell them what to do. Get the right fit.
• It's easy to try and save money and end up screwing yourself. No one wants to listen to 10 songs recorded badly. Try recording a couple songs at a much nicer studio, where the quality will at least put you on the same playing field as everyone else. If people love those 1 or 2 songs, future albums could follow.