Line-up size and instruments
The live room is laid out for up to 5 simultaneous players: typically drums, bass, one or two guitars, keys if needed and vocals on a stand mic. Larger line-ups split across passes — rhythm section first, horns later — so every track stays clean.
Bring your amps and pedalboards; we DI where it helps limit bleed. Acoustic instruments (violin, horns) are placed with room to move toward the booth if isolation is needed. Tell us your backline plan so we reserve cables and DI boxes.
Live together vs overdubs
Many bands come for the energy of one take: everyone hears each other, dynamics are real. That needs discipline and a tight arrangement. Alternative: rhythm section live, solos and vocals as overdubs — less bleed, more control later.
Before the clock starts we agree which songs must be live and where you leave room for fixes. Surprises halfway through the day cost takes and trust. For vocals afterward we link to vocal recording in the 8 m² booth.
Headphone mixes and talkback
Each musician gets a own mix with enough click or backing where needed. The singer hears themselves clearly; the drummer gets bass and rhythm guitar without cymbals blasting the headphones. With 6 outputs and an analogue monitor section we can tweak quickly between takes.
Hand signals and a talkback mic keep communication simple. Want visual feedback? The engineer sits visible behind the glass — no mystery button wall without a face.
Drums, phase and room tone
The 38 m² live room gives natural ambience without mushy reverb. We place the kit mindful of bleed into the vocal mic: sometimes the singer turns slightly, sometimes we add a gobo. Overheads and room mics are phase-checked against snare and kick.
Bring your sticks, snare and cymbals if you rely on them. We do not rent drum kits on site; standard hardware and stands are available. Using a click? Send BPM and a WAV ahead of time.
Preparation and rehearsal
A studio day costs more than a rehearsal room — you feel it immediately if the arrangement still wobbles. Arrive with:
- A fixed set list with tempo per song
- Parts and arrangement agreed, no open bridges
- Fresh strings, intonation checked, drums recently played in
- Backup strings, picks, triggers and a power strip for amps
Our band budget guide helps estimate time per song. Unsure? Send a rehearsal recording — not production quality, but tempo and structure must be clear.
Delivery and mixing next
After the session you receive numbered WAV tracks or a Pro Tools session with clear names (Drum_OH_L, Bass_DI, Gtr_Rhythm_01). Optional rough balances for home listening are not a substitute for mixing.
We mix per track (€235) or as an EP package (€520), including 2 revision rounds. External mix engineers prefer stems — see guide stems for mixing. Files stay 12 months with us; download and archive locally.
Rates, deposit and cancellation
Prices include 21% VAT for booked time with engineer and basic routing.
| Package | Time | Price incl. VAT |
|---|---|---|
| Half day | 4 hours | €335 |
| Full day | 8 hours | €615 |
Booking: 25% deposit. Free cancellation up to 5 days ahead. B2B invoice possible with payment within 14 days after delivery. Full rules: terms and conditions. Extra hours beyond the package are invoiced by agreement.
Location, team and access
Neustonorix B.V. has operated since 2019 from Overtoom 282, 1054 GZ Amsterdam (Amsterdam-West). Tram 1 to Surinameplein, then about four minutes on foot via Overtoom; bus 15 stops on Overtoom. Bike rack outside; on-street car parking nearby (paid, evening rate). Hours: Monday to Friday 09:00–21:00, Saturday 10:00–18:00, by appointment only — band days are usually booked in four- or eight-hour blocks within that window.
Recording engineer Lars Bakker leads band sessions; scheduling runs through Sanne Jansen. Questions upfront? Email or call. More services on services; general answers on FAQ.
Included
- Recording engineer for booked band time
- Mic and DI setup for up to 5 players
- Separate headphone mixes via 6 outputs
- Multitrack recording in Pro Tools
- WAV or session export on recording day
- Talkback and sightlines between live room and control room
- Backup 12 months at Neustonorix
