Studio Rental with Engineer
Combine professional acoustic environments with the technical expertise of a seasoned sound engineer to bring your musical vision to life. We provide more than just a room; we offer a comprehensive rental plan where technical precision is integrated into every second of your recording.
Located in the heart of Shibuya, our 120m² studio provides a sanctuary for creativity. From strategic instrument placement and microphone selection to precise level management, our engineers handle the technical burden, allowing artists to focus entirely on their performance.
Request a Booking
The 4-Step Session Process
Pre-Session Planning
After booking confirmation, you will consult with our engineer regarding instrument configuration, desired sonic direction, and reference tracks to ensure a seamless start on the day of recording.
Setup & Sound Check
Our engineer optimizes equipment placement and tunes the tone for each instrument, utilizing high-end condenser microphones to maximize the studio's unique acoustic properties.
Principal Recording
Within the 8-hour window, we capture takes until perfection is reached. The engineer monitors in real-time to prevent clipping, manage phase issues, and optimize recording levels.
Backup & Delivery Prep
Following the session, all multitracks are organized and backed up. Data is compiled in your specified format to ensure a smooth transition to the mixing phase.
Who This Plan Is For
This plan is designed for those who require a partner with deep acoustic knowledge rather than just a physical space. It is particularly effective for the following scenarios:
- Groups performing simultaneous full-band recordings who wish to minimize bleed and interference between instruments.
- Recordings of orchestral or acoustic instruments that require complex, multi-microphone setups for natural depth.
- Independent artists who have the budget for professional engineering but lack the specialized hardware.
- Productions needing to capture a large volume of high-quality raw material within a strict, short timeframe.
By involving a professional engineer, you significantly reduce the risk of spending hours on corrective work during post-production, establishing a highly efficient creative workflow.
Workflow and the Engineer's Role
In our engineer-led rental, the professional acts as a "technical director." Their role extends beyond the control room; they work actively in the live room to fine-tune microphone positioning and provide immediate feedback to the performers to enhance the recording's precision.
Specifically, the engineer monitors for unwanted noise, optimizes gain staging, and selects the specific equipment needed to achieve the "texture" the artist desires. Utilizing the 120m² space, they decide whether to incorporate room ambience for a natural feel or keep the sound completely dry for later processing.
Time management is another critical component. Within the 8-hour limit, the engineer provides an objective perspective on which parts require more time and which takes are the most viable, ensuring the session stays on track.
Client Preparation Requirements
To ensure maximum efficiency, we ask clients to prepare the following. Lack of preparation leads to wasted studio time and fewer usable takes.
- Song Charts: Documents specifying tempo (BPM), time signatures, and the overall structure of the piece.
- Reference Audio: Existing tracks that demonstrate the desired sonic texture and balance.
- Instrument Maintenance: New strings, tuned percussion, and fresh reeds to ensure performance is not hindered by equipment failure.
- Recording Priority List: A list of parts to be recorded, ranked by priority for the session.
For detailed guidance on financial planning for your time in the studio, please refer to our Session Budgeting Guide.
Deliverables and Final Assets
After the session, we deliver the following data. All files are stored in our studio archive for 12 months for your security.
- Multitrack Data: Individual WAV files for each instrument and part (24-bit/48kHz or 96kHz).
- Rough Mix: A basic mixdown created immediately after recording to verify the balance.
- Session Logs: Notes on the types of microphones used and their positioning, which are invaluable for the mixing engineer.
Deliverables are provided in digital format. If physical media exports are required, please consult us in advance.
Timeline and Schedule Management
Recording data is organized and prepared for delivery immediately following the session. Depending on the transfer method (such as cloud storage), we typically send the download link within 24 hours of session completion.
Regarding bookings, please contact us well in advance as engineer schedules fill up quickly. We commit to responding to all booking inquiries within 24 hours.
What Is Not Included
This rental plan is specialized for the "capture" phase of production. Please note that the following are not included:
- Detailed Mixing and Mastering: These are provided as separate services under our Mixing & Mastering plan.
- Song Arrangement: Changes to the composition or structural arrangement of the music are not part of this service.
- External Musician Casting: The hiring and coordination of session musicians are the responsibility of the client.
- Equipment Off-site Rental: Studio hardware cannot be removed from the premises.
Detailed Service Scope
The Studio Rental with Engineer plan includes all of the following professional supports:
- Dedicated engineer operation for the full 8-hour duration.
- Full access to both the control room and the live room.
- Selection and placement of high-end condenser microphones from the studio collection.
- Customized monitor speaker and headphone mixes for all performers.
- Recording management via professional Digital Audio Workstation (DAW).
- Comprehensive organization and backup of all recorded data.
Pricing Plan
| Plan Name | Unit | Price (Excl. VAT) | Price (Incl. 10% VAT) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Day Pass (with Engineer) | 1 Day (8 Hours) | €409.09 | €450 |
Prices are listed in Euros. For payments within Japan, the total will be converted to Japanese Yen based on the exchange rate applicable at the time of booking. Please review our Terms for detailed payment conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a deposit required for booking?
Yes, a deposit of 30% of the total fee is required at the time of booking to secure the studio and the engineer's schedule.
What happens if I need to cancel my session?
Cancellations made up to 7 days before the session date are free of charge. For cancellations within this window, the deposit may be non-refundable.
Can users under 16 years old use the studio?
For safety and management reasons, individuals under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
Can I bring my own equipment?
Yes, you may. However, as the engineer will handle all connections and configurations, please provide a list of your equipment in advance.
Book Your Session
Our engineer-led rentals prioritize pre-session communication. When requesting a date, please provide as much detail as possible about your recording plans so we can propose the most effective session structure.