Vocal recording

Booth and acoustics

Obligerpath has 2 iso booths; vocal sessions use the 14 m² booth with treated walls, floor absorption and a window to the control room. The sound is dry enough to mix flexibly without feeling airless. Sing standing or seated; we provide a music stand for lyrics.

The 28 m² live room is not used for lead vocals, but sometimes for group hooks when several singers record together. Ask via contact which layout fits your plan.

Microphones and signal path

Our collection includes around 18 microphones. At the start we usually compare two or three models on the same phrase: often a large-diaphragm condenser for detail, a dynamic for powerful vocals or close rap, sometimes a ribbon if the top end feels harsh. You listen in the control room; we decide together.

We record at 24-bit, 48 kHz by default unless your project needs another sample rate. Signal runs through preamps and converters into Pro Tools; deliveries use clearly labelled tracks, not anonymous folders.

Headphone mix and direction

A strong take comes from hearing yourself and the backing clearly. You get a personal monitor mix: more or less beat, vocal, click or a touch of reverb to sing against. We adjust between takes without stopping the flow.

The engineer sits in the control room; you keep eye contact through the glass. Want feedback on pitch, timing or diction — say so. Prefer space to work — say that too. We have 8 headphone sets; bring your own closed-back pair if you rely on them.

Doubles, stacks and ad-libs

After the lead we often schedule separate passes for doubles, harmonies or ad-libs. Every track is named consistently (for example VOX_Lead, VOX_Dbl_Chorus) so mixing here or elsewhere starts quickly.

• Tight doubles on the chorus for width
• Harmonies on their own tracks, not one compressed pass
• Ad-libs on a dedicated track for easy muting later

If you already have a rough mix, send it so we know where space sits in the spectrum.

Comping, tuning and scope

Comping — building the best lines from several takes — is part of a normal vocal session. Discrete pitch correction on request is possible; we treat it as finishing, not a mandatory effect. Obvious autotune as a stylistic choice goes on a separate track so the natural recording remains.

Not included in the hourly rate: full mixing or mastering, album-wide tuning, or producing the instrumental. Those are separate services with their own rates on services. On request we can deliver a simple rough mix for home listening.

Who it is for and age policy

The booth suits singers, rappers, spoken-word artists, podcast hosts who want one voice at studio quality, and bands adding vocals after a band session. Publisher demos, dance hooks and release tags are common too.

Minimum age for a session without a guardian is 16. Younger artists need written consent from a parent or guardian and an adult on site. Up to 6 people total in studio and control room; extra visitors can break focus — mention them when booking.

What to bring

Prepare the following; more detail is in our vocal prep guide:

• Instrumental or multitrack WAV export, ideally without guide vocal
• Lyrics, tempo (BPM) and key if known
• Two or three reference tracks whose vocal tone you like
• Your own tablet for lyrics if you prefer; we have a stand

Avoid heavy dairy or excess caffeine right before the session if you know your voice reacts. Arrive ten minutes early rather than rushed — 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.

Rates, VAT and payment

All listed amounts are consumer prices including 21% VAT. Business invoicing is available; payment terms of 14 days after invoice date apply to approved B2B clients under our terms.

Extra hours beyond a day package are agreed upfront. Free cancellation up to 7 days before the session; closer to the date, 50% of the reserved amount may apply as set out in the terms.

Hours, booking and next steps

We are open Monday–Friday 10:00–22:00, Saturday 11:00–18:00, Sunday closed. Weekday slots run daytime or evening; Saturday hours are shorter — check contact for your preferred date.

Many clients follow vocals with mixing at Obligerpath B.V.; Lars van den Berg and Sanne de Vries then already know the session layout. Mixing elsewhere? You still get tidy stems. Questions on rights, archives or privacy: privacy policy and FAQ. Call 020 737 0842 or email [email protected].

Included

• Engineer for the booked time
• Microphone choice and basic setup
• Personal headphone mix
• Lead comping within session time
• Same-day WAV export when feasible
• Session backup for 12 months
• Water and music stand in the booth