Walking into a professional recording studio for the first time can be both exciting and intimidating. The walls are lined with acoustic panels, the console glows with hundreds of lights, and you’re surrounded by microphones, instruments, and an array of audio gear that looks straight out of a sci-fi movie.
Whether you’re a solo artist, part of a band, or even a vocalist preparing for your debut track, knowing what to expect will help you make the most of your time in the studio. At Moreish Studios, we’ve worked with hundreds of musicians across genres, helping them turn musical ideas into professional recordings.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through every stage of the process — from walking through the door to leaving with a finished track — so you’ll feel confident and prepared for your first session.
Before You Arrive: Preparation Is Key
A smooth recording session starts before you even step foot in the studio. The best use of your time comes down to how well-prepared you are.
If you’re a vocalist, make sure your lyrics are finalised and that you’ve rehearsed them several times. The same applies if you play an instrument — come ready to perform your parts cleanly and consistently. The less time spent troubleshooting, the more time can go toward creativity and getting that perfect take.
It’s also a good idea to bring:
- A copy of your lyrics or chord sheets
- A reference track for the sound or mix you’re aiming for
- Water and snacks (singing and playing can be tiring!)
- An open mind — your producer might hear potential in an idea you hadn’t considered
At Moreish Studios, we always encourage artists to communicate ahead of time. If you have demo recordings, even simple ones from your phone, send them through — it helps us set up your session efficiently and tailor the gear to your sound.
Setting the Scene: Arriving at the Studio
When you first walk into a music studio in Melbourne like ours, your engineer will greet you and guide you through the setup process. This includes helping you settle into the space, showing you the live room and control room, and ensuring your instruments and equipment are properly positioned.
At Moreish Studios, we typically work in half-day (5-hour) or full-day (8-hour) bookings. This allows enough time to set up, record, and review without rushing through the creative process. We find that this approach encourages artists to focus on performance rather than watching the clock, which often results in more natural, confident recordings.
The Sound Check and Setup Process
Once you’re ready, it’s time for the sound check — a crucial step before the real recording begins. During this stage, your engineer will position microphones, adjust gain levels, and make sure everything sounds clean and balanced through the monitors.
You may see industry-standard microphones being used, such as the Neumann U87 Ai or AKG C414 — both highly respected for their clarity and versatility. However, at Moreish Studios, we also offer a wide range of class-A alternatives that can be perfectly matched to your voice or instrument. Not every microphone suits every performer, so having options ensures the best result for your unique sound.
If you’re interested in the specifics, we encourage you to check out our gear list and see the range of professional equipment available for your session.
Recording: Getting Comfortable and Finding Your Groove
Once the setup is complete, you’ll start recording takes. This is often the most exciting part of the session — and sometimes the most challenging. It’s completely normal to need multiple takes before everything feels just right.
Your engineer will help create a comfortable headphone mix, so you hear exactly what you need while performing. For vocalists, this might mean adding a bit of reverb or adjusting the level of the backing track to make it easier to stay in time and on pitch.
If you’re recording as a band, the process will vary depending on your workflow. Some artists prefer to track everything live, capturing the raw energy of a full performance. Others prefer to record each instrument individually for more control in the mixing stage. There’s no single correct way — it all depends on your sound and goals.
At Moreish Studios, we’re happy to guide you through both approaches. Our space is equipped for live recording but also ideal for isolated tracking when precision is needed.
Working With Your Sound Engineer or Producer
A good sound engineer or music producer does much more than press record. They help you shape your sound, offer technical and creative suggestions, and make sure your performance shines through in the mix.
If you have a specific direction in mind — such as the feel of a reference artist or the tone you want to achieve — let your engineer know. Communication is key. The better we understand your goals, the more efficiently we can capture the sound you’re after.
At Moreish Studios, collaboration is part of the experience. We’ve worked across pop, rock, hip hop, and experimental music, and we always adapt our approach to suit your creative process.
Reviewing Takes and Providing Feedback
After you’ve recorded a few takes, your engineer will play them back through the studio monitors. This gives you the chance to listen critically and decide what feels right.
You might notice certain moments where you want to re-record a line, change phrasing, or try something new — this is all part of the process. Often, the best takes are the ones that feel emotionally authentic, even if they aren’t technically perfect.
Once you’re happy with the results, your engineer may suggest next steps, such as mixing and mastering. These processes refine the sound further, balancing the elements and preparing your track for streaming platforms or release.
If you’d like to learn more about what happens after recording, read our article: Why Mastering Music Is Essential Before Release.
Budget and Booking Considerations
One of the biggest questions first-time clients have is about cost. How much should you expect to pay for your session?
At Moreish Studios, we believe in transparent and flexible pricing. Our half-day and full-day bookings are designed to give you the best value — whether you’re working on one detailed track or several ideas.
If you come into the session prepared and organised, you’ll naturally get more done. For example, a solo artist who already has a backing track ready might record multiple vocal takes in a single session. On the other hand, a band building songs from scratch may spend more time on setup, rehearsals, and arrangement decisions.
The key is planning how to use your time effectively. Our studio team is always happy to help you estimate what’s realistic within your budget.
Making the Most of Your Studio Time
- Rehearse as much as possible beforehand
- Bring all necessary files (backing tracks, click tracks, references) on a USB or drive
- Arrive on time and ready to go
- Communicate openly with your engineer — collaboration is key
- Stay relaxed and enjoy the process
Remember, a recording studio isn’t just a place to capture sound — it’s a space to explore creativity. Every artist’s journey is different, and your first session is a big step toward finding your professional sound.
Final Thoughts
Recording in a professional environment for the first time is an incredible experience. It’s where your ideas take shape and where you begin to hear your music come alive.
At Moreish Studios, we take pride in offering an environment that balances professionalism and creativity. With world-class gear, experienced engineers, and flexible booking options, we make sure every artist — from newcomers to seasoned performers — feels at home.
If you’re ready to record your first song or want to learn more about what’s possible, book a session with us today and bring your music to life.