Vocal recording

Booths and monitoring

Meresmensignal runs 2 vocal booths next to the control room at Haarlemmerweg 84. Both are treated for a dry, controllable signal without a stuffy feel. You keep eye contact with the engineer through the window; talkback and gestures keep the flow natural.

10 studio headphones are available, or bring your own if that is what you are used to. Your cue mix can include vocal, instrumental and a touch of reverb — ask for fader changes at any time.

Microphones and signal path

No single microphone fits every voice. We often compare two or three models on the same line at the start: large-diaphragm condenser for detail, dynamic for loud rap or tight pop, sometimes a ribbon if the tone feels harsh. You listen in the control room and we decide together.

Signal passes through preamps and compression only when it stabilises the take — no surprises later. Tracks are recorded without clipping so mixing downstream stays straightforward.

What to bring

Send your beat or stems as WAV ahead of time, ideally without a guide vocal. Lyrics on paper or phone, tempo and key if known, plus one or two reference tracks whose vocal tone you like. If file formats are unclear, use contact or the knowledge base.

Avoid heavy dairy and ice-cold drinks right before the session; warm tea or water is easier on the voice. Plan enough time: a three- to four-minute single usually needs two to four hours including setup and doubles.

Comping, tuning and post

Comping — stitching the best parts from several takes — happens by agreement. Some artists want to hear every edit; others leave it to us within booked hours. Pitch correction is applied only on request and as subtly as possible, unless you want an obvious effect.

Heavy tuning, creative vocoder lines or long time-stretch work sit outside standard booth time; mention them upfront so hours stay realistic. For a full song balance, book our mixing service separately.

Delivery and file handling

By default we deliver labelled WAV files per vocal stem, aligned to your instrumental. On request we also export a Pro Tools or Logic session without plug-ins you lack at home. Quick rough mixes are possible when time allows.

Files go via secure download or to your SSD in the studio. Meresmensignal B.V. stores a backup for 18 months; projects are then removed unless you extend storage. Keep your own copies too.

Rates and payment

Vocal studio hour with engineer: €118 (21% VAT included). Half day — four hours booth plus engineer — is €435. Net amounts for business invoicing: €97.52 per hour and €359.50 for the half day.

We ask for a 35% deposit when booking. Free rescheduling up to 5 days before the slot under our terms and conditions. Hours: Tue–Fri 10–21, Sat 11–17; sessions by appointment.

Who it is for and house rules

Singer-songwriters, rappers, bands adding vocals after instruments, voice artists with a melodic hook — the booth supports these workflows. Minimum age 16 to book independently; younger artists need a parent or guardian and written consent.

One or two guests in the control room are welcome; larger groups are better split across breaks in the live room to keep focus. No smoking in the building. Getting here: The studio is on Haarlemmerweg in Haarlemmerbuurt, about a ten-minute walk from Amsterdam Central Station. GVB bus 18 and bus 21 stop at Haarlemmerweg (Haarlemmerweg stop); from there it is roughly a three-minute walk. Bicycles can be parked at the facade; cars use paid parking at Haarlemmer Houttuinen or Q-Park De Looiers, about an eight-minute walk.. Questions? Call 020 737 4521 or email [email protected].

Not included

Outside producers, extra musicians, extensive post-production, mastering and artwork are not part of this rate. Long comping sessions beyond booked time are billed at the hourly rate. Travel and parking are on your side.

Moving straight to mastering after vocals? See mastering or read loudness for streaming masters so you know the level your mix should hit.