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Soapwoodcoreco

Vocal recording

Two vocal booths, an engineer in the room with you on comms, and time to stack takes without watching the clock.

Artist singing in a vocal booth with engineer behind glass.

At Soapwoodcoreco in Amsterdam, Vocal recording is about capturing a performance that sits in the mix before heavy processing. Our 2 booths sit next to the control room (18 m²); you see the engineer and adjust your headphone mix while you sing.

You might book a chorus, a full single, rap verses or spoken word. Bring an instrumental on a drive, a project from your DAW, or lyrics and a tempo map — we match sample rate and routing to your material. Preparation tips live in our vocal checklist; for mix planning see mixing budget guide.

How it works

  1. 01

    Brief

    Send instrumental, lyrics and references through contact. We confirm date, rate and a 30% deposit under terms.

  2. 02

    Setup

    Mic choice from 24 inputs, pop filter, headphones and gain. Allow fifteen to twenty minutes before the first take counts.

  3. 03

    Tracking

    Full passes first, then targeted lines and ad-libs. We flag the best takes in the session as we go.

  4. 04

    Handover

    Basic edit and export of vocal files; backup for 12 months. Book mixing or mastering separately when you are ready.

Who this service fits

Solo artists locking a hook, rappers tightening flow, bands adding vocals after a band session, songwriters needing a clean demo — the booth is sized for one voice with room to move. Minimum age on site is 16; younger performers only by prior arrangement via contact.

We do not host audience recordings in the booth or large choir sessions in one space. More than two singers at once often belongs in the live room; we will say so plainly.

Microphone and signal path

No single microphone suits every voice. We often compare two models at the start: a large-diaphragm condenser for detail, sometimes a dynamic for loud rap or a drier tone. You listen in the control room and we decide together.

Distance to the grille, height relative to your mouth and pop-filter angle shape low end and sibilance. We record 24-bit at 48 kHz by default, or your project rate to avoid surprise conversion later.

Rates and when to choose each

All figures on this page are consumer prices incl. 21% VAT. Business invoicing can use 14 days payment terms after quote approval.

OptionPrice incl. VATTypical use
Studio hour€95Short session, extra passes, ad-libs
Half day (4 hours)€340Single with verses, chorus and doubles
Per track incl. basic edit€165One finished song with comping and light cleanup

The per-track rate covers engineer, recording and basic edit; heavy tuning, creative effects or a full mix are outside that package. Net amounts for accounting: hour €78.51, half day €280.99, track €136.36.

What to bring

Instrumental as WAV or AIFF at the correct tempo, without a limiter that flattens dynamics. Lyrics on paper or tablet, tempo and key if you know them, plus one or two reference tracks that illustrate the vocal tone you want — direction, not imitation.

Your own headphones are welcome if you rely on them. Go easy on dairy right before singing; the prep guide covers voice rest, getting here (Take tram 22 to Haarlemmerplein, then walk about 6 minutes via Haarlemmerdijk. Bus stop Buiten Oranjesluis (lines 18, 21 and 22) is within walking distance.) and hours: Closed Monday. Tuesday through Friday 10:00–22:00, Saturday 11:00–18:00. Sunday by appointment only..

How a session runs

After setup we start with full takes so emotion and timing stay honest. Then we pick off tricky lines, doubles and ad-libs on separate tracks. Breaks are part of the plan — tired voices rarely produce usable doubles.

Want feedback on pitch or diction? Say so upfront. Some artists want a second pair of ears; others prefer silence — both work. We label backing vocals by role (double, harmony, ad-lib) so any mixer — us or elsewhere — can navigate quickly.

Delivery and retention

You receive consolidated vocal WAVs aligned to the song start, plus a rough session export on request. Transfer via secure download or your drive on site. We do not supply stems of instrumentals you do not own; processing of personal data is described in privacy policy.

Project files stay on our systems for 12 months, then we delete unless you ask to extend. Keep your own copy — storage fails happen.

Revisions, mixing and exclusions

Vocal recording itself has no separate revision package: you choose takes during the session. The track rate includes light edit (comping, breaths, obvious clicks); heavy tuning or stylised effects are quoted as extra.

Mixing and mastering are separate services (mixing, mastering) with 2 revision rounds included on mix jobs per terms. We do not promise chart positions or streaming numbers — we deliver solid recordings.

Booking and reachability

Book via contact, [email protected] or 020-737 4821. We usually reply within 2 working days. Free cancellation up to 5 days before the slot; details in terms and conditions.

Soapwoodcoreco is at Grote Bickersstraat 74, 1013 KS Amsterdam (Haarlemmerbuurt). Closed Monday. Tuesday through Friday 10:00–22:00, Saturday 11:00–18:00. Sunday by appointment only. Cookie choices: . More services on services and answers on FAQ.

Included

  • Engineer for booked time
  • Microphone selection and placement
  • Personal headphone mix
  • 24-bit / 48 kHz capture (or project rate)
  • Best-take notes during session
  • Vocal WAV export after session
  • Backup for 12 months

FAQ

How long for one song?

For a three- to four-minute track with verses, chorus and a few doubles, many artists allow two to four hours. The half-day block (€340) often fits; email your plan to contact if unsure.

Can someone sit in the control room?

One or two guests are usually fine. Larger groups distract quickly; tell us in advance via contact.

Do you mix as well?

Yes, as a separate job via mixing. You can mix elsewhere too — we deliver clearly named files. See stems and formats if you mix yourself.

What if I am ill on the day?

Tell us as early as possible via 020-737 4821 or [email protected]. Reschedule rules within 5 days are in terms; hoarse on the day — better to move than force takes.

Is pitch correction included?

Light correction on request may fit the track edit; obvious autotune or extensive tuning is extra. Discuss before booking €165.

Recording in Amsterdam?

Let's plan your session

Tell us what you need: within 2 working days we reply with a slot and a written quote, no obligation.

Request a quote 020-737 4821