Choosing a recording studio

Since there are many other studios in central Ohio, you may be wondering: "How do I pick a studio?" The first things to consider are the purpose of the recording or the audience it is intended for and what level of quality is needed. For example: a recording which is meant to stream over a dial-up internet connection would not require as high level of quality as if it were for broadband streaming audio and a recording which will be put on a CD or used in a DVD movie and sold in every media store in the country would demand a much higher standard of quality.

Second, look at pictures of many studios. Even if you just need a simple demo recording, look at the high end studios for comparison. Be sure to look at how much and what type of equipment is being used, what does the room look like that you will be performing in. Will your act fit in the studio? What is the shape of the room? What building materials were used? Is there any sound absorption/diffusion? (*A side note on sound: microphones pick up sound from everywhere and from all directions to some degree. Sound waves, when they reach any object, will either pass through, bounce off, be absorbed or, the most likely, any imaginable combination of the three. Anytime you are recording with a mic, the room you record in is just as important as the equipment the studio is recording with because sound is hitting the mics from all directions, therefore the mic is picking up much more sound than what is directly in front of it. The amount and type of absorption and diffusion used in the studio is critical.)

Third, find out what style of music the studio specializes in. You may invest hundreds of dollars and many hours recording some great performances only to be disappointed by the final mix. When in doubt ask for samples of the studio’s work.

"Why should I use your studio?"

Let me first explain a situation you wouldn’t want to use my studio. If you are a band looking to make a record that you expect to be distributed in stores or given to radio stations for local and/or national broadcasting you are looking in the wrong place. My studio is a modest home studio which is capable of much greater results than anyone should expect from such a modest setup but it is still a modest home studio.

If you are looking to make a great demo disk to give to a talent booking agency, or to send to record companies to get your band noticed, or if you want to make a high quality recording of yourself to give to friends and family this is the place to do it. If you are an independent local band who wishes to produce and sell CD's at your concerts this is the place.

contact Central Ohio Sound today for all of your studio recording needs.