Why Invest in a Professional Recording Studio? Musicians Take Note!

April 24th, 2024

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A home music studio in New Mexico with recording equipment, a computer, speakers, and an electric guitar. | MOON MUTT Recording Studio

As a musician, you know that the recording process can be one of the most challenging and rewarding parts of your creative journey. Whether you’re a s…

Intro

As a musician, you know that the recording process can be one of the most challenging and rewarding parts of your creative journey. Whether you’re a seasoned vet or just starting out, it’s essential to get your music recorded and mixed to the highest possible standard. While it can be tempting to go the DIY route and record your music at home, there are many benefits that come from your investment if you choose to use a professional recording studio. In this post, we’ll explore some of the reasons why capturing your next project at a pro recording studio is worth the investment. From the audio quality and gear to the expertise of the engineers, we’ll show you why you should consider taking your career to the next level.

1. Introduction to recording at a professional studio

black and white recording studio getting ready for a session

If you’re a musician or a band, chances are that you’ve already spent countless hours rehearsing, writing lyrics, and composing melodies. Now, you’re ready to take the next step and capture your sound. But where should you do it? Should you set up a home recording studio, or should you invest in a pro space? This is a question that many musicians and bands face. While recording at home may seem like a more cost-effective option, there are many benefits to tracking at a pro-studio that are worth considering. When you invest in a pro space, you’re not just paying for the space and equipment. You’re also paying for the expertise and experience of the engineers and producers. These pros have years of experience working with different genres and styles of music, and they know how to help you bring out the best of your craft. They can offer suggestions on how to improve your songs, provide guidance on how to get the best possible performance from you and your band and help you achieve the sound you’re looking for. In short, they can help you take your craft to the next level. Another advantage is the access to high-end equipment. They will have top-of-the-line microphones, mixing consoles, and other equipment that can capture your nuances and sonic subtleties. This equipment, combined with the expertise of the engineers, can help you achieve what you may not be able to replicate at home. Overall, if you’re serious about your craft and want to create high-quality releases, investing in a tried and true recording studio is definitely worth considering. It may cost more upfront, but the end result will be a release that you can be proud of and that will help you stand out from the crowd.

2. The benefits of recording at a professional studio

the value of a professional recording studio

Laying down your music in a pro setting can be a game-changer for your project. They offer a range of benefits that can’t be found in other tracking environments. Firstly, they are designed with acoustics in mind and are built to ensure that the audio quality captured is of the highest standard. This means that you will be able to capture the most accurate audio possible from your instruments and vocals. Secondly, they have an array of equipment that is not available to the general public. This includes high-quality microphones, preamps, compressors, and other essential gear. These tools will help to enhance the quality of your project, making it more polished and skilled. Another advantage is the expertise of the engineers and producers who work there. These individuals have years of experience in the music industry and know how to help you get the best out of your music. They will be able to guide you through the tracking process, providing feedback and suggestions to improve your art form. Finally, they can provide an environment that is conducive to creativity. You will be able to focus solely on your music without any distractions. This can lead to better performances and more inspired songwriting. Overall, investing in a pro recording studio for your next project is worth the expense. The benefits of improved quality, access to specialized equipment and expertise, and a creative environment far outweigh the cost.

3. Access to professional equipment and expertise

a laid back space to lay down tracks

One of the most significant advantages of choosing to invest in a pro studio to record, versus a home studio, is access to pro equipment and expertise. They are well-equipped with high-quality studio equipment, which can make a significant difference in the overall quality of your tracks. They also have experienced engineers and producers who are well-trained in using the equipment and know how to get the best out of your performance. They have worked with many artists, and they can provide valuable feedback and suggestions that can help enhance your music and take it to the next level. Moreover, they provide a comfortable and controlled environment that is designed to minimize external noise and distractions. This means that you can focus on your performance without any interruptions, which can significantly improve the quality of your sessions. They can also give you access to a range of other services that can help you with your project, such as mixing and mastering, which are essential components of any successful release. These services can help you achieve a polished and pro sound that can make your releases stand out from the crowd. Overall, the investment is well worth it if you want to produce high-quality tracks that can take your music career to the next level.

4. Improved sound quality and production value

a comfortable recording studio

One of the biggest benefits of capturing your next project in a dedicated space is the improved quality and production value. They invest in high-end equipment and technology to ensure your tracks are crisp, clear and can stand up against other major releases. Moreover, they have experienced engineers who know how to use this equipment to achieve the best possible quality for your project. They also have specialized rooms that are acoustically treated to prevent unwanted background noise and echo, resulting in a pure and clean take. In addition, they have access to a wide range of instruments and equipment that you may not have at your disposal. This can help to add depth and variety to your takes, making them more polished. Having high-quality cuts can make all the difference when it comes to standing out in a crowded music industry. With pro quality and production value, your releases will be more impressive and more appealing to listeners, helping you to gain more fans, followers, and success in your music career.

5. More creative options and opportunities

musicians working together

Tracking your next project at a professional recording studio can offer you more creative options and opportunities. They are equipped with all the necessary equipment and technology to help you achieve the sound you are looking for. Not only that, but they also have experienced sound engineers and technicians who can help you create a unique sound for your project. They can suggest different techniques and arrangements that can take your project to the next level. Moreover, they offer a great opportunity to collaborate with other musicians and producers. You can invite other artists or session musicians to add their own touch to your project. This can lead to unexpected and exciting creative results that you may not have achieved otherwise. Furthermore, they can offer you access to a wide range of instruments and equipment that you may not have at home. This can allow you to experiment with different sounds and textures to create a unique and rich sound for your project. In conclusion, tracking your next project at a professional recording studio is worth the investment because it can offer you more creative options and opportunities. You can work with experienced experts, collaborate with other musicians, and experiment with different sounds and instruments to create a unique sound for your project.

6. The importance of a dedicated space for recording

recording space with a drum kit

When it comes to your next project, having a dedicated space is crucial. While it may be tempting to record at home or in a makeshift space, a pro space offers a controlled environment that is specifically designed for capturing high-quality audio. They have been acoustically treated to minimize any unwanted noise or echoes, and the sound quality is far superior to what you can achieve in a home setting. In a home setting, you may have to deal with outside noise, such as cars passing by, dogs barking, or even your neighbors mowing their lawns. Moreover, a dedicated environment is equipped with top-of-the-line equipment that is maintained and regularly updated to ensure optimal performance. You don’t have to worry about purchasing or renting equipment, and you can focus on your performance and creativity. Another advantage of a dedicated space for capturing audio is the absence of distractions. When you’re at home, you may be tempted to check your phone, attend to household chores, or get distracted by family members or pets. In a dedicated space, you can fully focus on your craft without any interruptions. In summary, a dedicated space is essential to achieving top-quality sound and minimizing distractions. While it may require an investment, it is well worth it in the long run when you consider the quality of your final product.

7. Networking and collaboration opportunities

a recording studio waiting for musicians to collaborate

One of the most overlooked benefits of a pro studio is the networking and collaboration opportunities it can provide. They have a team of experienced engineers, producers, and other music industry experts who have experience working with a wide range of artists and genres. (Check out samples of projects MOON MUTT has worked on in the past by clicking here!) By working with these pros, you can gain valuable insights and knowledge about the industry, as well as make connections with other artists and industry pros in the field. In addition, they can open up opportunities for collaboration with other artists who may have worked there. Many studios have a network of musicians and producers who are available for collaboration, which can lead to exciting new projects and creative endeavors. Furthermore, they can help you gain exposure and recognition in the industry. Studios often have connections with record labels and other industry peers who can help promote your work and get your music out to a wider audience. Overall, the networking and collaboration opportunities that come with them can be invaluable for any artist looking to establish themselves in the music industry. So, if you have the opportunity to invest in a professional studio recording, it’s definitely worth considering.

8. The drawbacks and potential expenses of recording at a professional studio

a musician writing at a console

It’s important to note that utilizing a pro studio does come with some drawbacks and potential expenses that you should be aware of before making a decision. One of the biggest drawbacks is the cost. A professional recording studio can be expensive, especially if you’re on a tight budget. You’ll need to pay for the studio time, the engineer’s time, and any additional musicians or equipment you may need. Another potential expense is the time it can take to track at a pro studio. Depending on the complexity of your project, it may take several days or even weeks to complete the tracking process. It can be quite challenging to juggle this task along with other important commitments such as work or school. You also need to be prepared to work within the studio’s schedule. Pro studios can be in high demand, especially during peak seasons, so you may need to book your session well in advance and work around their availability. Finally, they can be intimidating for some musicians. The pressure to perform at your best can be high, and you’ll be working with experienced vets who will not hesitate to push you to get the best takes possible. Although there are benefits to working in a pro environment, it’s important to acknowledge that it can also bring about feelings of stress and anxiety, particularly for those who are not accustomed to this setting. Despite these potential drawbacks and expenses, they are often worth the investment if you’re serious about your music career. The quality, the expertise of the engineers, and the access to high-end equipment can all help take your music to the next level and give you a competitive edge in the industry.

9. How to find the right professional studio for your project

a recording studio that serves your needs perfectly

When it comes to finding the right recording studio for your project, research is key. You want to make sure the studio you choose has the equipment and expertise to bring your vision to life. First, consider the type of project you’re working on. Are you capturing vocals, instruments, or a full band? Make sure the studio you choose has the appropriate space and equipment to handle your specific needs. Next, read reviews and check out samples of projects the studio has worked on in the past. This will give you an idea of the quality of their work and if it aligns with your vision. You’ll also want to consider the studio’s location and accessibility. Is it in a convenient location for you and your team to travel to? Does it have ample parking or public transportation options nearby? Don’t be afraid to reach out to the studio directly and ask questions. A good studio will be transparent about its processes and pricing. They should also be willing to work with you to create a customized plan that fits within your budget and timeline. Overall, taking the time to find the best recording studio for you can make all the difference in the final product. With the right studio, you can ensure that your project is polished and ready to impress.

10. Conclusion and why recording at a professional studio is worth the investment

your release is a part of your path

In conclusion, laying down your next project at a pro studio is definitely worth the investment. Yes, it may cost more than tracking at home, but the benefits are clear and numerous. Firstly, the quality of the release will be significantly higher. A pro studio will have top-of-the-line equipment and experienced engineers who know how to get the best out of it. This means that your music will sound clearer, more polished, and more seasoned, which is crucial if you want to stand out in the competitive music industry. Secondly, they will provide a comfortable and creative environment for you to work in. You won’t have to worry about technical difficulties or interruptions, and you’ll have access to a range of instruments and equipment to experiment with. Finally, they will give you access to a network of industry pros, such as producers, engineers, and musicians. This can be invaluable for your career, as it can lead to new collaborations, opportunities, and exposure. So, if you’re serious about your music career, investing in a studio is definitely the way to go. Not only will it improve the quality of your craft, but it will also provide you with a supportive environment in which to create.

We hope you enjoyed our article on why capturing your next project at a dedicated studio is worth the investment. Recording, mixing, and mastering are not easy tasks, but they can be an incredibly rewarding experience when done right. Collaborating with seasoned pros in a pro setting can have a significant positive impact on the overall excellence of your end product. It may be a significant investment, but it’s an investment in your career that can help take it to the next level. With access to pro gear, experienced engineers, and a high-quality recording environment, you can be confident that your final product will be something you can be proud of. Contact MOON MUTT Recording Studio to talk about your next project over a web meet-n-greet, or jump right in with both feet and book a session! No matter what you do, good luck with your next recording project, and don’t forget to share the finished product with us!

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    After we’ve finished capturing your vibe though, rest assured that MOON MUTT is also operated by a fellow lifelong musician who actually is invested in helping you! I can offer tasteful input when asked, assist with a riff or vocal harmony when needed, or simply sit back and feel blessed to share a love for the sonic picture you, the artist, are painting.

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    After we’ve finished capturing your vibe though, rest assured that MOON MUTT is also operated by a fellow lifelong musician who actually is invested in helping you! I can offer tasteful input when asked, assist with a riff or vocal harmony when needed, or simply sit back and feel blessed to share a love for the sonic picture you, the artist, are painting.

    I have enjoyed the opportunity and privilege of helping (and learning from) talent to get their music from the “idea stage” to the masses, and have over 40 years of combined schooling and practical experience, not only as an engineer but as a working musician (and music lover and enthusiast).

    So, I know what it’s like to be in your shoes, which is why I want so badly to help you!

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    MOON MUTT is a custom-built, beautiful & budget-minded recording studio located in the country just south of Roswell, New Mexico. It is available for live recording & multi-tracking, mixing & mastering services both in-house & through online collaboration.

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    From there, all tracks are recorded using the widely accepted industry standard bit depths and sampling rates through quality A/D/A converters allowing for clean, well represented sonic reproductions within the dynamic audio spectrum.

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    Hopefully, you started getting all your ducks in a row when you entered the studio, but if you didn't there's still hope! We know you're stoked to drop your track, but just pump the brakes a little and exercise some discipline. You want to generate some hype and get your fans salivating for your release before you make it public. 

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    You're able to post your events online, and now you've got the ability to sell tickets, too! Know exactly how many fans to expect, get attendees to fill out forms and learn more about your fans, and even set up tiered tickets!

    The average ticket commerce system takes a 15% cut of the face value of your ticket price. So, imagine selling 100 tickets a month at $10 a pop. If you're part of a 5 piece band, that's each of you bringing 10 paying fans to two shows a month. Easy! (Thanks for coming Mom and Dad, and for bringing the dogs!)

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    Your music is killer, but your eye for fashion is even killer-ee-er. (It's a word. Look it up. Please, don't.)

    And one of the cool things about good-looking merch? Even non-fans will sport it if it looks hot! Now you've got fans and not-yet fans as walking supporters of your brand. That gets attention. And that's worth way more than the cost of a shirt.

    This isn't your grandad's slideshow presentation. (Not you, pops! I really enjoyed your 76-slide presentation of how your liver spots have progressed.)

    Set up a live stream for your fans! Plus, you can sell seats or even put your live feed behind a password-protected wall, available only for your special fan club. Take advantage of reaching your fans even when you're not in their city.

    By the time all of this is said and done, we will have gotten to know each other pretty well. We'd say that entitles you to a little "hook up"! (Just please don't ask us to help you move. Ok, maybe just once. We'll see.)

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    Rack up those savings!

    These days, authenticity is where it’s at. Let’em know you’re a real person with your stats and put your professional foot forward for the industry with a 300-word pro bio.

    Your vital statistics, the town you're reppin’, and other basic demographic info will be easily seen. A 300-word biography will also be written by a professional, published author. You’ll have exactly what is needed when you start to push your press kit to DJs, bloggers, or anyone else who needs the info for their audience.

    Your music isn't just up against other music. It's up against everything else out there! News, DM's...you name it. Everyone and everything is vying for the attention of your fans and potentially stealing their time away from you and your craft. Cut down the noise at least a little by embedding your social feed on your site! 

    Your fans can now listen, download, or even shop, all while still checking out your live IG feed.

    Hey...every minute spent with your music is another opportunity for someone to get it stuck in their head. (Which is a welcomed thing, as opposed to this infernal CD that is skipping in my mind!)

    You've poured your heart and soul into your music. Don't drop the ball now by just throwing it 'out there' with hope that someone will listen! (Just dropped a new track! Take a listen! Hello? Anyone out there?)

    Hopefully, you started getting all your ducks in a row when you entered the studio, but if you didn't there's still hope! We know you're stoked to drop your track, but just pump the brakes a little and exercise some discipline. You want to generate some hype and get your fans salivating for your release before you make it public. 

    This Basic Plan will equip you with at least the minimum tools you need to execute a solid release strategy. Customizable social-buzz templates, content ideas, and even a calendar outline and release checklist to make sure you're all set to unleash your music beast with maximum impact.

    Your music isn’t a “one and done” sorta thing. You’ve got more hits coming. When you’re ready to release, your website is ready to host.

    • – Your first release is included**

    • – $25 credit/year/3 years

    • – $2.50/track thereafter to upload, store, and stream

    You've got your fans craving your TikTok content. (All that dance MTV really paid off!) What about your long-form content? Add your super-rich video content to your YouTube channel so it can also be streamed from your website. 

    Again, all so you can keep your fans focused on the greatest thing you have to offer them; you!

    Plus, by adding a custom subscribe button near your award-winning video, you can focus on driving fans to your site, and your CTA's (call-to-action) like your email opt-in form, without having to sacrifice potential subscribers to your YT channel!

    Standard Version: Add your entire channel to your website so your videos aren't just front and center, they're the whole enchilada! This way your fans can watch your video content, add streaming views to your channel, and see what else you, and only you, have to offer.

    Facebook event is a great place to mention what you've got going on. That is, so long as your fans, both current and potential, see it in time! (I missed The Ramones' farewell show, again?!)

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    You put in the hard work. You put in the hours honing your craft. You put in the blood, sweat, and tears. Why should "they" reap all the rewards??

    Sell downloads to your fans and see why streaming only is the worst way to go. (Hack: you could even make that B-side recording available only by downloading on your site <wink>)

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    We will handle setting up and installing your SSL certificate so that the web, and more importantly your visitors, know that your site is safe and secure. (Isn’t that cozy?!)

    There are a ton of places to host your site. Saying they’re all the same is like saying any economy car is like a Benz. We host on reliable and fast servers. And, we do the heavy lifting of setting it all up.

    The painstaking and tedious task of finding reliable servers has already been done. You’ll have plenty of storage and plenty of power to run your website, and it’ll be with servers that utilize the latest technology and are here to stay.

    The web was born for the full-screen experience. But, let’s face it. Too many people miss out because they use their cells. No worries! Now you can include them, too.

    How infuriating is it to try and navigate a website that was obviously not meant to be seen on a smaller screen, right?! Get a website design that dynamically adjusts to the size of the screen the user is…using.

    Your music isn’t a “one and done” sorta thing. You’ve got more hits coming. When you’re ready to release, your website is ready to host.

    • – Your first release is included**

    • – $2.50/track thereafter to upload, store, and stream

    These days, authenticity is where it’s at. Let’em know you’re a real person with your stats and put your professional foot forward for the industry with a 100-word pro bio.

    Your vital statistics, like what town you're reppin', and other basic demographic info will be easily seen. A 100-word biography will also be written by a professional, published author. You’ll have exactly what is needed when you start to push your press kit to DJs, bloggers, or anyone else who needs the info for their audience.

    Collect your fans’ emails. Send out blasts with “need to know” info. The point? Your fans are your fans. The platforms can’t take’em away.

    Create a powerful custom form that integrates with your very own email management service account. Collect emails and have the ability to send out campaigns, notices, and automatic replies, or get creative and send out things like contest notices. You name it! And, keep your brand on your fans’ minds. Keep the keys to your fans in your pocket…not the pockets of big socials’.

    Share important music news, or chronicle your road trip, backstage antics, or even what “they” wore on stage, if that’s your bag! (Dear Diary…)

    Get your own login and access to your site’s blog and say or promote anything you think is valuable. That sort of thing keeps’em coming back!