Band recording
Drums, bass and amps at once in one room, with iso booths for spill control — how bands in Amsterdam capture songs with live energy.
Many bands want the stage moment without crowd noise and with mics that catch every detail. Our 28 m² live room on Overtoom fits a drum kit, bass amp and guitars while 2 iso booths isolate vocals or solo instruments.
Sanne de Vries and the engineer team tailor mic placement to your setlist. After tracking you can continue with mixing or mastering here. Ask availability via contact; typical hours Mon–Fri 10–22, Sat 11–18.
Process
- 01
Pre-production
You share the setlist, tempos and approach (live, overdubs). We hold the room and backline after a 30% deposit.
- 02
Soundcheck
Mic drums, amps and DI; line check with headphone mixes for every player.
- 03
Tracking
Takes per song with time for booth overdubs; engineer watches phase and dynamics.
- 04
Export
Multitrack WAVs and session notes; files online for 12 months.
Which bands we host
Band recording suits rock, indie, jazz combos, funk and other ensembles on real drums and amps. Duos playing everything live fit; larger horn sections may work if 6 people fit in the room. Rapper with backing track? Sometimes fine, but pure vocal sessions are smoother via vocal recording.
We do not offer full album production with a producer deal — you hire studio, engineer and space. Labels and managers are welcome in the control room within the guest limit.
Live room and iso booths
The live room is 28 m² with gobos and absorption so drums stay present without guitars flooding every overhead. Each iso booth (14 m²) has its own monitoring; we capture vocals and solos there while rhythm keeps playing in the big room, or the other way around.
We stock 18 mics — enough for detailed drum miking plus several amps. Headphones: 8 sets for players during tracking.
Engineer and session style
A dedicated engineer runs the desk for your booked time; no unattended self-recording. We work take-by-take, mark best passes and leave room for punch-ins. Want everything live in one pass? Possible when arrangement and levels allow — discuss in pre-production.
Overdubs after basics happen the same day if time remains, otherwise book extra blocks at €115. FAQ covers volume and safety questions.
Backline and what to bring
A basic drum kit, bass amp and guitar amps are on site; bring your snare, cymbals, pedals and favourite amp for specific tone. Tune before soundcheck — do not burn studio time re-tuning in the room.
- Strings, sticks, picks and spare cables
- Setlist with keys and tempo (BPM)
- References for desired drum or guitar sound
Instrument insurance is yours; mention fragile vintage gear upfront.
Rates and overtime
| Option | Price |
|---|---|
| Per hour | €115 |
| Full day (8 hours) | €790 |
| Overtime hour after day rate | €135 |
The day rate covers eight hours of engineer time within Mon–Fri 10–22, Sat 11–18; overtime after that is €135. Hourly blocks: €115. Business net rate on request: €652.89 with payment within 14 days.
Delivery after the session
You receive labelled WAV tracks per mic/DI, 24 bit 48 kHz, plus a rough mix for home listening when time allows. Session notes describe takes and tempo; no Pro Tools/Logic project unless agreed upfront at extra cost.
Download within 12 months; we then wipe servers per privacy policy. Mixing elsewhere? Read delivering stems if you mix externally.
Scheduling and cancellation
Book at least two weeks ahead in busy periods; last-minute sometimes via 020 737 0842. A 30% deposit confirms the day. Free move up to 7 days before; later terms may charge 50% of the day rate.
Address: Overtoom 141, 1054 HG Amsterdam. We are at Overtoom 141, a short walk from the Overtoom stop (GVB tram 1 and 7). From Amsterdam Centraal, allow about twenty minutes on tram 1 towards Osdorp. There is on-street paid parking and bicycle racks; the entrance is at street level beside the large front windows.
Not included
No mixing, mastering, editing, tuning or sample clearance. No backline hire outside the session and no tour-bus parking — use street parking or public transport. Take decisions stay with you; we advise, you approve.
Revisions on raw tracks do not apply — revisions start at mix/master with 2 rounds there.
After tracking
Many bands stay at Obligerpath for mixing studio and mastering service so tone stays consistent. Podcast or interview after the session? That is podcast recording, not the band rate.
Legal framework: terms, disclaimer. Large projects can reach Sanne de Vries via contact form.
Included
- Engineer during booked hours
- Live room 28 m² plus 2 iso booths
- Basic drum kit and amps
- Multitrack WAV export per channel
- Headphone mixes for players
- Rough mix when time allows
- Session backup for 12 months
FAQ
Can we record everything live in one take?
Yes, when arrangement and levels allow. We mic so leakage stays manageable; vocals in the booth are often cleaner.
How long per song on average?
Allow thirty to ninety minutes for a new song including soundcheck time; familiar songs go faster. Day rate €790 covers several songs with prep.
Can our manager attend?
Yes, within the total of 6 people in control room and live room combined.
Do you provide tuning or editing?
No, that is outside band recording. Book mixing for timing, tuning and balance.
What if we run past eight hours?
Each hour after the day rate is €135; tell the engineer early so we can wrap export cleanly.
Other services
Vocal recording
Isolated booth, engineer and backline for vocals and spoken word.
€95 · per hour
Mixing
Balance, space and dynamics for singles, EPs and albums.
€185 · per track
Mastering
Final polish for streaming, download and vinyl-ready masters.
€78 · per track
Podcast recording
Table setup for two to four voices, including basic edit prep.
€88 · per hour
Recording in Amsterdam?
Talk through your next session
Tell us what you want to capture: we reply within 2 working days with a slot proposal and written quote, no obligation.