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Oaklandledger

Band recording

Up to 5 musicians play together in our live room while the engineer sets individual headphone mixes and records every source to its own track — so you sound like a band, not a stack of overdubs.

Band playing live in the studio with view of control room

Recording a band needs space, clarity and everyone’s place in the mix before take one. At Oaklandledger the live room is the hub: drums, bass, guitars and keys can play as a unit, with a booth for vocals or solo instruments when isolation helps.

We work with rock, indie, jazz combos, funk and other line-ups that fit 36 m². You do not need metronome-perfect rehearsal-room takes — you do need arrangement and dynamics agreed. For hours, mix and master after tracking, our band budget guide helps you plan before you book.

Process

  1. Plan

    Send setlist, line-up and target deliverables via contact. We estimate hours and reply within 1 business day.

  2. Soundcheck

    Positions in the room, drum shields where needed, individual headphone mixes. Everyone hears themselves and each other before we roll.

  3. Takes

    Live passes or section-by-section. We log tempo, tuning and keeper takes; punch-ins only where you want them.

  4. Multitrack

    Labelled WAV stems or session export the same day. Archive 12 months; continue with Mixing if you choose.

Live room and booth

The live room is about 36 m² with a floating floor and treatment against flutter and boomy lows. The separate 7 m² booth captures lead vocals or a solo while the rest keeps playing — useful for choruses without freezing the band.

With 16 mic preamps we can record multiple sources at once without cutting corners. We capture up to 96 kHz when your project requires it.

Headphone mixes and monitoring

Each player gets a custom mix: more click, less guitar, extra vocal in the cans — adjustable during soundcheck and between takes. That stops the drummer hitting harder because the bass was too quiet in the phones.

In the control room we listen on monitors and check bleed between mics. Moving an amp or snare mic often beats heavy EQ later.

Live takes vs overdubs

Many bands track rhythm live and add solos or keys later the same day. Others play fully live for feel and accept some bleed. We agree the approach before rolling, based on your songs and time budget.

Vocal recording in the booth can happen the same day as band tracks — handy when vocals come after instruments. Mixing is a separate path with 2 revision rounds when agreed; raw multitracks are the default output of band recording.

Rehearsal-room prep

Do not rehearse on studio clock. Sorting tempo, intros, endings and dynamics at home saves hours at €125. Tune guitars and drums before travel; bring spare strings, sticks and cables.

  • Setlist in recording order.
  • Tuning and capos noted per song.
  • References for drum or guitar tone — direction, not cloning.
  • One decision-maker for take approval.

Band budget walks through mix and master so you split costs internally before the invoice arrives.

Who fits the room

Line-ups up to 5 players: typically drums, bass, two guitars plus vocal, or smaller jazz and funk sets. Larger ensembles need overdub strategy or split days — discuss in intake.

Participants are 16 or older unless arranged with supervision. SPL in the room can be loud; bring your own earplugs if you are sensitive, alongside studio headphones.

Rates and booking

Band recording — blocks with engineer
BlockIncl. VATExcl. VAT
Hour€125€103.31
Half day€440€363.64
Full day€790€652.89

Rates include 21% VAT for consumers. 30% deposit on confirmation; free cancellation up to 7 days ahead. Within 48 hours of start, different carry rules apply — see terms and conditions. Hours: Tuesday–Friday 10:00–20:00, Saturday 10:00–18:00. Closed Monday and Sunday. By appointment only..

Delivery and next steps

You receive multitrack WAVs with clear names (DrumKick, BassDI, GtrAmp1 …) or a session export for your DAW. Same-day turnaround for standard exports; complex edits by arrangement. We keep backup for 12 months.

Not included: backline hire beyond what we stock, arrangement production, artwork, video. Address: Bilderdijkstraat 165, 1053 KV Amsterdam — Tram 3 and 12 stop Bilderdijkstraat (2 minutes' walk). Bus 15 stop Bilderdijkstraat. From Amsterdam Centraal about 15 minutes on tram 3 towards Muiderpoortstation.. Questions? FAQ or [email protected].

Mix, master and handoff

Band recording delivers building blocks; release-ready sound often follows in Mixing (€195 per track or €760 for a short EP) and sometimes Mastering. When we mix, 2 revision rounds apply within agreed scope.

Mixing elsewhere? Read delivering stems for folder layout and sample rate. Credits and ownership stay between you — see terms and conditions and disclaimer.

Included

  • Recording engineer for booked time
  • Live room and booth setup
  • Individual headphone mix per musician
  • Multitrack recording up to 5 players
  • Labelled WAV stems on recording day
  • Archive for 12 months
  • Basic drum and DI routing

FAQ

Can six of us play at once?

The room is laid out for up to 5 at a time. With six players we plan overdubs or a second day — share your line-up in intake.

Should we bring our own amps?

Many bands bring favourite combos. We have basic DI and some amp options; reserve specific gear ahead via contact.

Can we mix the same day?

Tracking day is for tracking. Mix usually starts fresh another day; book Mixing separately so 2 revisions stay realistic.

How long for a four-song EP?

Depends on performance and take count. Often one to three half-days tracking plus mix — band budget models examples with our rates.

What if a member is ill?

Tell us as soon as you can. Reschedule free more than 7 days ahead; closer to the slot, deposit and carry rules in terms and conditions apply.

Other services

Recording in Amsterdam?

Plan your next session with us

Tell us what you want to capture: within 1 working day we reply with a slot proposal and a written quote, no obligation.

Request a quote 020 261 4890