Vocal recording
Our 10 m² isolation booth and an engineer who builds takes calmly — headphone mix, mic choice, and pacing without watching the clock.
At Olivevanta in Amsterdam, a vocal session is about capturing a performance you still believe in weeks later. We start by listening to your demo, references, and what your voice can do today. Recording begins only when level, distance, and monitoring feel right.
We track sung vocals, rap, stacks, short voice-over lines, and spoken word. Bring a finished beat, a DAW export, or lyrics and a guitar — we adapt the workflow. For preparation, see our guide to voice care before recording.
How it works
Brief
Send the backing track, lyrics, and references. We confirm date, duration, and rate within 2 business days; a 25% deposit applies under our terms.
Setup
Quick A/B on two microphones, personal headphone mix, pop filter and gain check. Allow fifteen to twenty minutes — it saves retakes later.
Tracking
Full passes first, then targeted lines and ad-libs. We flag keeper takes in the session so comping stays organised.
Delivery
Comping in session or shortly after, depending on time booked. You receive 24-bit WAV stems at 48 kHz plus a download link. We keep project backups for 18 months.
Booth and communication
The vocal booth is about 10 m², treated for a dry capture without feeling airless. Glass to the control room lets you stay in eye contact with the engineer while you sing.
Your headphone mix is yours to adjust: more click, less bass, a touch of reverb for pitch comfort. We also spot-check takes on nearfield monitors in the building — 3 pairs are available across rooms.
Microphones and preamps
We route mics through the studio’s 14 preamps. Choice depends on timbre and how close you work to the capsule — not a single default mic for everyone.
- Large-diaphragm condensers for detail in pop, soul, and folk
- Dynamics for loud rock, close rap, or a tighter sibilance profile
- Alternate capsule if the first pass sounds harsh or thin on your voice
Distance and pop-filter angle are tuned with you in the room; small moves change low end and consonants noticeably.
Who books vocal time
Solo artists finishing a single, rappers on an EP, bands adding vocals after a live room day, songwriters with a publisher demo, creators needing a clean VO — the booth fits all of these.
Minimum age 16 to book independently; younger artists need a parent or guardian present by arrangement. Sessions run by appointment during Mon–Fri 09:30–21:30, Sat 10–17 — details on contact.
What to prepare
Send the instrumental as WAV without guide vocals when possible, plus BPM and key. Bring lyrics and two or three reference tracks whose vocal tone you like. Your own IEMs are welcome if you rely on them.
Skip ice-cold drinks and heavy dairy right before singing; our hydration guide covers warm-ups and rest. Tell us in advance if medication affects your voice so we can plan shorter blocks with breaks.
Comping and tuning
Assembling the best lines from multiple takes is part of vocal work when time allows. Pitch correction is optional — subtle repair or an obvious effect on a separate track, only with your approval.
Full-song tuning, heavy time editing, or vocal production chains are outside the hourly booth rate; book a mix session or agree extra hours upfront. Doubles and ad-libs are named clearly for whoever mixes downstream.
Files and turnaround
Default delivery is 24-bit WAV per vocal track, aligned from bar one. On request we can also hand over the working session or a quick rough mix for home listening.
| Item | Format | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Lead vocal (comped) | WAV 48 kHz | Same day or within 48 hours |
| Backings / ad-libs | WAV per track | With lead or shortly after |
| Download link | Secure link | E-mail after wrap |
Backups are kept 18 months; after that projects are deleted unless you extend storage.
Rates and VAT
Vocal recording is billed hourly or in four- and eight-hour blocks. Prices on this page include 21% VAT for consumers. Business clients receive ex-VAT invoices with 21-day terms where applicable.
Extra hours beyond your block are charged at the hourly rate. Free cancellation up to 5 days before the session — see terms and conditions for the full policy.
Not included
The rate covers booth, engineer, basic comping within booked time, and stem export. Not included: full song mix, mastering, writing harmonies, hiring session singers, editing beyond the session, or off-site engineer travel.
Want mix or master right after tracking? Mention it on contact so we can hold consecutive slots in the diary.
Included
- Engineer for the booked time
- Isolation booth (~10 m²) with control-room view
- Microphone comparison and gain staging
- Personal headphone mix
- Comping within session time when feasible
- WAV export of vocal tracks
- 18-month project backup
- Sarphatistraat studio, Amstel metro nearby
FAQ
How long for one song?
A three- to four-minute track with lead, chorus, and a few doubles usually takes two to four hours. Many singles fit a half day; heavy backing layers may need a full day.
Can someone sit in with me?
One or two guests in the control room is fine. Larger groups make monitoring harder — tell us via contact if you expect more people.
Do you mix the song too?
Mixing is a separate per-track service. We deliver clean stems any mixer can use; see Mixing for rates and 2 included revision rounds there.
What if I am ill on the day?
Contact us early on 020 244 8619 or [email protected]. Reschedule free within 5 days of the session; after that the cancellation rules in terms apply. If your voice is unwell, a new date beats forcing half-finished takes.
Where is the studio?
Sarphatistraat 72, 1018 GE Amsterdam — From Amstel metro (lines 51, 53, and 54) it is about a six-minute walk via Sarphatistraat. Tram 12 or 14 to Sarphatistraat stop, then one minute on foot toward Sarphatistraat 72.. Full address on contact.
Other services
- 02
Mixing
Balance, depth, and dynamics for singles, EPs, and albums.
€192 · per track
- 03
Mastering
Final loudness and translation for streaming, download, and vinyl.
€92 · per track
- 04
Podcast recording
Two to four voices, monitoring, and rough edit in one session.
€82 · per hour
- 05
Live recording
Band or ensemble in the live room with multi-mic capture and iso booth.
€118 · per hour
Recording in Amsterdam?
Plan your next session with us
Briefly describe what you want to capture: within 2 working days you receive a slot proposal and a written quote, with no obligation.