What the budget is made of
The visible line item is studio hire: band recording is €385 for a half day (four hours) or €695 for eight hours. Extra hours after the day rate are €95 each. On top come mixing (€245 per track or €420 from supplied stems) and mastering (from €75 per track).
Also plan rehearsals before studio, guest players and backline transport. Consumer rates include 21% VAT; business invoices may use a 14-day payment term where applicable.
How much studio time you actually need
One song tracked live often takes two to four hours including soundcheck, full passes and a few overdubs. A four-track EP rarely fits a single half day if you care about quality — budget one to two full recording days plus separate mix time.
Our 22 m² control room looks into the live room; 8 headphone sends give everyone a own mix. That saves floor arguments but does not replace rehearsal: parts should be solid before you arrive at Van Boetzelaerstraat 35.
Tell us via contact how many titles, tempo changes and instrument swaps you expect. We will suggest half day, full day or multiple blocks.
Sample maths for three songs
Assume three songs, well rehearsed, mostly live with drums and bass, some overdubs same day.
| Item | Estimate | Guide price (incl. VAT) |
|---|---|---|
| Recording | 1 full day | €695 |
| Mix | 3 tracks, 2 revision rounds each included | 3 × €245 |
| Master | 3 tracks | 3 × €75 |
Add the 25% deposit on booking per our terms and conditions. Cancel within 5 days of the session and you owe nothing; after that, 50% of the reserved amount may apply.
Saving time without cutting corners
Arrive with tuned gear and fresh strings or heads. Change guitars only when needed — tuning eats minutes. Bring a set list and tempo sheet; mark which take is the safe one and where overdubs remain.
Track vocals while the band is fresh, or book a separate vocal recording block if the singer fades after three hours live. Sometimes €320 on another day beats overtime on the band day.
Batch mixing: deliver three titles together keeps tone consistent and cuts email ping-pong.
What is included at Murkiernode
Band recording includes an engineer, basic backline where available, headphone mixes and recording to our systems. We archive sessions for 12 months; ask in time for exports if you want your own backup.
Mixing includes 2 revision rounds per track; further rounds are quoted separately. Mastering sets level and delivery formats — see master formats for streaming and CD for detail.
Parking nearby is limited; many bands use public transport (Tram 13 or bus 18 to Surinameplein, then about seven minutes on foot via Van Hallstraat; bike rack next to the entrance.) or bikes. Allow setup time for the drum kit.
Scheduling and communication
Send a short note via contact with genre, track count, lineup and target month. We usually reply within 2 business days with slots inside Mon–Fri 09:00–21:00 · Sat 10:00–17:00.
Confirm who receives the invoice (band or management) and whether you need a B2B invoice with trade register details. Murkiernode B.V. is registered under KVK 82181318; VAT NL842646279B01.
Read our FAQ on deposits and cancellation before you commit.
After tracking: mix, stems and mastering
If you mix yourself, ask for stem exports or consolidated WAVs; otherwise we handle mixing. When you supply stems externally, follow delivering stems for mixing so levels and names are consistent.
Master only when the mix is final. EPs of four to six tracks use €295; albums up to twelve tracks use €520 — often better value than singles.
Sort credits and copyright between members; our disclaimer explains what Murkiernode does and does not advise on.
Summary
- Count recording + mix + master + rehearsal, not just the band day.
- For three songs: expect at least one full recording day plus mix/master.
- Prep and set lists save costly overtime.
- 25% deposit; free cancel within 5 days.
- Book via contact or see band recording for rates.
Adding vocals later? Read vocal warm-up before session so band and vocal days reinforce each other.
