If you are a songwriter, musician, or even a cover artist, you want to make sure the product you are putting out on YouTube or other streaming platforms is high quality. While some artists organize their home studios, it is better to use the services of the professionals since the specialized equipment is not everything you need.
To make a song sound the way you want it, you will need to get at least audio engineers and sound editors involved in the process, let alone have a powerful computer and setup.
There are many recording studios out there nowadays. Unlike popular opinion, it does not always cost a packet.
It is not surprising that in 2021, the best recording studios are in the United States, the country with the highest number of famous artists. If you want to record your creation in a special place, where some of the most iconic artists of the industry did it, you may want to consider:
- Electric Lady Studios
- Sunset Sound
- Air Studios
- Blackbird Studio
- Abbey Road Studios
In addition to being recorded by professionals, studios are great places to show the people from the industry who you are. If you are a talented singer/rapper/performer, it’s unlikely you will remain unnoticed. Only people, who are passionate about their job, work in the recording studios. They can provide essential support for emerging musicians and channel their creative energy in the right direction.
Take A Tour
Once you have got your eye on some recording studio, go there and check it out. Even though on the paper it might have everything you need, taking a little tour never hurts. You can walk around, talk with the staff there, and ask questions.
Based on that, see whether the studio is suitable for your personal needs. The acoustics of the room plays a vital role as well. If you are planning to record, say, a whole album, it is important that you can easily reach the studio, as taking a long trip both ways is not something that will set the right mood for making music.
Check The Equipment
Some people think the more equipment there is in the studio, the better the outcome, which is, unfortunately, far from the truth. The majority of songs that make it to the top charts were, in fact, recorded using only a microphone, microphone amplifier, good sound card, and a powerful computer.
Nonetheless, if you are already familiar with some professional equipment and know what works the best for you, there is no reason to change things drastically. If you are a newbie, feel free to reach out to customer support or get the answers to all your questions while taking a tour. Remember, good equipment with engineering work ensures the future success of your song.
Try To Find People Who Already Worked With Studio
When it comes to the biggest studios in the industry, there is virtually no need to doubt their professionalism, as their portfolios speak for themselves. However, if you are just starting out, the chances are, you won’t choose such expensive options, which is why getting feedback from people who have already had experience working with the studio is the key. Only these people may tell you about all the pitfalls or hidden gems of the studio, the services of which you are going to use.
Ask Sound Samples
Most recording studios have a website where they post the completed projects so that people have an idea of what to expect. Again, the end result is always a synergy of many factors mentioned above. Thus, if everything is fine with the equipment or acoustics, but the sound editor sucks, most likely you won’t be satisfied with the outcome. Listen to as many sound samples as they provide to avoid possible problems in the future.
Negotiate With Budget
Last but certainly not least is how much you are willing to spend on a recording studio. Since there is no shortage of such places, the prices range as well. The exact cost of services must be displayed on the site, or, at least, told directly to a customer. This way you will avoid hidden charges and overpayments. Check the average price tag in your city where you want to record and plan your budget wisely.