Vocal recording
In our iso booth in Amsterdam you work on singing, rap or spoken lines with an engineer who listens in, keeps levels steady and leaves room for multiple takes without rushing.
Listeners notice the vocal first — and forgive it last when the recording sounds messy. At Milepostvivo we therefore start by listening: your voice, the song and the mood you want on the release. Only when mic, pop filter and headphone mix feel right do we roll takes.
You can arrive with a finished beat, a home-studio demo or lyrics and melody only. We have 2 iso booths and 24 mics in our lockers; Lars Bakker or another engineer runs the session. Preparation tips live in our vocal session guide.
Process
Intake
Send the instrumental, tempo and references beforehand. We reply within 2 business days on your request and schedule within our opening hours.
Setup
Short mic comparison, pop filter height, personal cue mix. Allow fifteen to thirty minutes before the first take sounds the way you want.
Tracking
Full passes, then targeted retakes per verse or ad-lib. We flag strong takes in the session so comping stays quick later.
Delivery
Vocal stems as WAV plus a short note on preferred takes. Files via download link; backup kept 24 months on our side.
Who this is for
Solo artists finishing a single, rappers planning a mixtape, bands adding lead vocals after a band session, voice-over for video or theatre, songwriters needing a clean demo for a publisher — the booth fits any project where one voice leads. Minimum age 16; younger only with a parent or guardian present by arrangement.
We work across 3 rooms at Helmersstraat 73 in Amsterdam-Oud-West. Getting here: 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.. Compare all options on services.
Microphone and signal path
No capsule suits every voice; we often compare two models from stock at the start. Condensers add detail and air, dynamics tame loud rap or rock vocals. Distance to the capsule, pop-filter angle and stand height shape low end and sibilance.
Signal runs through our 32-input console; we monitor dry in the control room so you hear what is actually recorded. If you plan to mix with us later, stems leave with clear names and aligned starts.
Session flow and coaching
You choose how much feedback you want. Some ask for honest notes on pitch, timing or diction; others arrive with a tight plan and prefer hands-off engineering. Sanne de Vries can weigh in as producer; Lars focuses on capture and routing.
For backing vocals and doubles we use simple rules: chorus doubles on separate tracks, ad-libs on their own lane, harmonies numbered where needed. Breaks happen when your voice asks for them — tired cords rarely deliver the take you need.
What to bring
Beat or session as WAV (without guide vocal if possible), lyrics on paper or phone, tempo and key if known, and one to three reference tracks for vocal tone. Your own headphones are welcome if you rely on them.
For day-of preparation: hydrate, skip ice-cold drinks right before the session, warm up gently. Questions: 020 244 8619 or [email protected].
Formats and handoff
Default recording is 24-bit, 48 kHz; other sample rates on request when your project requires them. You receive aligned WAV stems from song start, ready to drop into your DAW. On request we also export a rough mix for home listening.
Sessions stay on our servers for 24 months, then we delete unless you book an extension. Always keep your own copy on disk or cloud.
Rates and booking
Vocal rates include 21% VAT and an engineer for the booked time:
| Option | Price incl. VAT | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Studio hour | €89 | Short demo, doubles, voice-over |
| Half day (4 h) | €329 | Single with verses, chorus and comping |
Booking requires a 30% deposit; change or cancel free up to 7 days before the session. Full terms in terms and conditions.
Included and excluded
The hour or half day covers the booth, mics, headphone mix, basic comping of strong takes and same-day export. No hidden studio fee on top of the hourly rate.
Not included: heavy tuning as an effect, full mixing or mastering, extra revision rounds outside the session (mastering includes 2 rounds in its flat fee — vocals do not). You handle music rights; we deliver engineering, not legal advice — see disclaimer.
After the session
Many artists send vocals to an external mixer; others book a mix slot with us straight away. Allow time: mixing usually takes longer than tracking day. Questions about privacy of your takes? Read privacy policy.
Hours: Monday–Friday 10:00–22:00, Saturday 10:00–18:00, Sunday closed.. For urgent or late slots outside the roster, contact us — we see what fits.
Included
- Recording engineer for booked time
- Choice of several microphones
- Personal cue mix in the booth
- Basic comp of preferred takes
- WAV export on session day
- Session backup 24 months
- Access notes via contact page
Frequently asked questions
How long for one song?
For a three- to four-minute single with verses, chorus and a few doubles, most artists plan two to four hours. The half day often leaves room for comping without pressure.
Can someone sit in the control room?
One or two guests is normal. Larger groups often slow focus; mention it when booking if you expect more people.
Do you deliver a mixed vocal?
We export dry stems and can make a quick rough mix for home. A full production mix is a separate mixing service at the per-track rate.
What if I am ill on the day?
Tell us as early as you can. More than 7 days ahead we reschedule free; closer dates may move the deposit once per terms.
Can I request stems again later?
While the session remains in our 24-month archive we resend files. After that recovery depends on your own backup.
Other services
- 02
Mixing
Balance, space and dynamics for singles, EPs and albums.
per track€195
- 03
Mastering
Final polish for streaming, vinyl and broadcast with clear references.
per track€99
- 04
Band recording
Live floor, drum booth and room for up to six musicians at once.
per hour€129
- 05
Podcast recording
Table setup for two to four voices, including basic editing.
per hour€75
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.