Skip to content
Milepostvivo

Band load-in and setup

Amsterdam studios often sit in row houses — logistics are half the session. This guide covers getting gear into Milepostvivo, placing up to 6 musicians on the live floor, and what the €899 ten-hour day rate means in practice.

Published · 4 min read

Band carries drum hardware inside while engineer points to cables.

Location and access

We are in Oud-West at Helmersstraat 73, 1054 CV Amsterdam. Tram 1 and 7: get off at Overtoom (towards the city centre), then walk about six minutes via Helmersstraat. Metro 51 or 53: De Vlugtlaan stop, then tram 1 towards Leidseplein. On-street bicycle parking; load gear through the rear roll-up entrance by appointment. Visitors enter from the street; heavy racks and drum cases use the rear roll-up entrance by appointment. Tell us vehicle types in contact — Helmersstraat is narrow and parking is limited.

Hours: Monday–Friday 10:00–22:00, Saturday 10:00–18:00, Sunday closed.. Load-in is usually thirty to sixty minutes before tracking, depending on amps and kit size.

What to bring

Bring instruments, amps and pedalboards you know. We have 32 console inputs and 24 microphones; standard drum mic kits are on site. Extra snares, vintage pres or unusual amp needs — discuss ahead.

Label cables and power supplies at home. A box with power strips, gaff tape, spare strings and sticks saves trips. No smoking indoors; see terms and conditions for house rules and age 16+ with guardian.

Rear load-in

Park briefly at the rear only while loading; keep the lane clear for neighbours. Use a solid trolley — our stairs are typical Amsterdam pitch. A full drum kit usually needs two people; bass amp plus 4x12 is easier with help.

Name the bandleader on arrival for layout sign-off. We show where cases can wait in the hallway without blocking exits. Bicycles stay on-street; do not leave pedals or stands unattended on the pavement.

In winter, watch for slippery steps with metal hardware; we keep cloths for wet floors in the hallway.

Live floor layout

The live floor is 46 m² with a glass drum booth. Typical layout: drums in the booth, bass and guitar on the floor with iso platforms where needed, keys on the side on DI. Sightlines beat picture-perfect staging.

Up to 6 musicians at once; larger groups move to overdubs. See vocal preparation if vocals are live — booth time may follow band takes.

Level and neighbours

We play only as loud as the take needs; the booth contains drums but bass travels. Evening sessions after 20:00 need extra care. In a residential block, short soundcheck then headphones where possible keeps everyone friendly.

Send BPM if you use a click. Room click vs. phones is decided on the day. Our 3 rooms share one building — we coordinate with other bookings so your load-in slot stays realistic.

Time and budget

band recording is €129 per hour incl. VAT; day rate €899 for ten hours within Mon–Fri 10–22, Sat 10–18. Load-in counts when agreed; setup-only blocks can be quoted separately.

Deposit 30%; free cancellation up to 7 days ahead. B2B: 14-day terms where applicable.

After the session

Pack-out is faster when cables were labelled. Check nothing stays in the booth or on the floor. Multitracks remain 24 months; copy to SSD if you mix quickly — see stems and formats.

Mix and master are separate on services; agree what can still happen the same week.

Load-in checklist

ItemTip
VehicleConfirm rear access when booking
DrumsHardware in labelled bag, bring rug
AmpsLet tubes warm during setup
DocsSetlist, BPM, reachable contact
SparesStrings, power cables, picks

Book via contact or 020 244 8619. Space or gear questions? FAQ or email a plan — we reply within 2 business days.

Recording in Amsterdam?

Tell us about your session

Outline your plan: within 2 working days we reply with a proposed slot and a written quote, no obligation.

Request a quote 020 244 8619