5 Things Every A&R and Music Manager Should Know About Studio Sessions

‍Intro

Studio sessions are the backbone of music production, and as an A&R or music manager, you play a critical role in making them happen. At ProStudioTime, we work closely with industry professionals to understand the nuances of studio workflows and what it takes to make a session run smoothly. While every project is unique, certain insights can help you avoid delays, streamline the process, and keep the creative energy high.

In this article, we’ll share five practical tips drawn from our extensive experience organizing and managing studio sessions at the highest professional level, helping you achieve the best results from your next project.

1. Detailed Session Information Is Essential

As an A&R or music manager, you’re not always directly involved in the technical aspects of a session, but ensuring the right information is shared with the studio can save a lot of back and forth—or worse, some nasty surprises on the day of the session. By requesting key details from the artist, producer, or engineer (if not hiring an in-house one) and passing them on to the studio, you’ll make the entire process of finding a suitable studio much smoother.

Example: Rig Connectivity

For example, if the artist or producer plans to bring their own laptop, find out whether they’ll be using the studio’s interface or bringing their own. Sharing this information, along with how they intend to run the session, allows the studio to prepare the necessary connections and configurations in advance. Without these details, the session could face delays or require undesired compromises due to incompatibility with the studio’s setup.

Gathering and sharing detailed session briefs ensures the studio can prepare everything ahead of time, keeping the focus on creativity and avoiding unnecessary hurdles.

2. Setup Time Matters

Preparation isn’t just about the equipment—it’s about ensuring the entire workflow supports your session’s goals. Allocating time for setup ensures the studio is ready to meet your needs before the creative process begins.

Example: Writing Camps

For sessions with larger setups—like writing camps that require multiple rooms with different configurations—sharing a detailed plan with the studio is essential. Let them know what needs to be in each space, from microphones to instruments and rig setups.

This preparation allows the studio team to have everything ready, maintaining the high-energy atmosphere that fuels creativity. It also helps avoid deflating the excitement of your artists, producers, and writers with unexpected delays.

3. Engineers vs. Assistants: Why You Need Both

Studios often have engineers and assistants on staff, and while their roles sometimes overlap, each has unique responsibilities that contribute to a smooth and productive session.

The Studio Assistant

The assistant is your logistical problem-solver. They:

• Set up and navigate equipment.
• Troubleshoot technical issues.
• Keep the session running smoothly.

While assistants are essential for efficiency, they don’t make creative decisions or oversee the sound quality.

The Studio Engineer

The engineer focuses on the technical and artistic aspects of the recording. Their responsibilities include:

• Choosing and positioning microphones for optimal sound.
• Adjusting EQ, compression, and effects to shape the audio.
• Ensuring the final product meets professional standards.

By understanding how their roles overlap and complement one another, you can make the most of their expertise and ensure your session runs smoothly. Assistants handle logistics while engineers bring your creative vision to life.

4. Piano Tuning: Why It’s Charged as an Extra

If your session involves an acoustic piano, you may notice tuning is an additional cost. This is because pianos require tailored maintenance to perform at their best.

Why Studios Charge for Piano Tuning

• Condition Variability: Older or frequently used pianos may need tuning more often.
• Playing Style: Pianos can go out of tune faster depending on how they’re played. For example, heavy-handed or percussive playing (often seen in jazz or rock) can have a greater impact on tuning compared to lighter, more restrained techniques (often found in ballads or acoustic performances).
• Session Length: Longer sessions or heavy use may require multiple tunings to maintain consistency. It’s not unheard of to tune the piano each day during a multi-day session or even more than once a day, depending on the intensity of use.

Charging tuning as an add-on ensures the piano meets professional standards without unnecessary cost for sessions where tuning isn’t required.

5. Do You Really Need a Dedicated Vocal Booth?

Vocal booths are often considered essential for recording, and they do play an important role in many sessions. However, they’re not always necessary for achieving high-quality vocal recordings. Studios with separate live rooms can often achieve the same results as a booth by using acoustic panels to create a controlled recording environment around the singer. In some cases, vocals can even be recorded effectively in a control room, with the engineer monitoring on headphones. Control room acoustics are generally more neutral and controlled compared to live rooms, making them a viable option for professional recordings.

That said, it’s also important to consider the artist’s preferences. Some artists feel more comfortable recording in a booth, appreciating the privacy and controlled environment it offers. Others may prefer being in the same room as the producer, as this proximity can provide the confidence and connection they need to deliver their best performance.

It’s important to remember that high-quality vocal recordings can still be achieved without a dedicated booth, as studios are often equipped to adapt to the specific needs of each session. When evaluating studios, it’s worth focusing on their ability to tailor the recording environment to the artist’s needs and preferences.

Conclusion

At ProStudioTime, we work closely with industry professionals to ensure every session is tailored to the unique needs of each project. Studios aren’t trying to complicate the process—they’re working to set you up for success by addressing every detail.

By sharing detailed session briefs, allocating setup time, and trusting the expertise of engineers and assistants, you can streamline your sessions and focus on what matters most: creating incredible music.

Looking for a studio that fits your project perfectly? Explore ProStudioTime to connect with professional studios designed to help you get the most out of every session.