Recording Guide

Making Your Record at Free River Studios

Our Recording Philosophy

When you step into our studio, you're entering a space designed for capturing authentic musical moments. We believe that while technology is important, it should never get in the way of a great performance. Our approach combines the warmth of traditional recording techniques with the flexibility of modern production.

The Studio Space

Our recording room provides enough space for full bands while maintaining the acoustic control needed for professional results. We've found that musicians perform best when they can see and hear each other naturally, so we've designed our space to encourage this interaction.

Equipment Approach

While we have professional-grade equipment at every stage of the recording chain, we focus more on how we use our tools than on the tools themselves. We choose microphones and processing that capture your sound faithfully, rather than imposing a particular style or character. Think of our equipment as a clean canvas that lets your music's true colors shine through.

Session Flow

A typical recording session unfolds in three phases:

Setup and Soundcheck (30-60 minutes)

We'll get everything set up while you get comfortable in the space. We'll work together to find the right sounds and make sure you can hear everything you need to perform your best.

Recording (Bulk of the session)

This is where the magic happens. We typically record the foundational elements first (often drums, bass, and rhythm guitar for bands), then layer additional parts as needed. We encourage recording live as a band when possible, as this often captures the best energy.

Review and Planning

We'll review what we've recorded and plan any needed overdubs or additional sessions. We'll also discuss mixing preferences and make sure we understand your vision for the final product.

After Recording

Once tracking is complete, we'll begin the mixing process. We'll send you progress mixes and work with your feedback to achieve the sound you're looking for. After the mix is approved, we'll master your songs to sound great everywhere they're played.

See our FAQ page for more details about preparing for your session