What to Bring to Your Recording Session (Complete Checklist)

Walking into a recording session unprepared is one of the fastest ways to waste money and leave frustrated. The artists who get the most out of their studio time at CW Soundlab are the ones who show up ready. Here is the complete checklist.

Your Music

• Your lyrics: printed on paper or pulled up on your phone, tablet, or laptop. Know them well enough that you are not reading every single word
• Your beat file: WAV format on a USB drive, or sent to cwsoundlab@gmail.com in advance. Never rely on streaming a beat from YouTube during a session
• Reference tracks: two or three songs that represent the sound and energy you are going for
• Any existing session files if you are continuing a project started elsewhere

Personal Items

• Water bottle: room temperature water, not iced
• Light snack if your session is long: something without dairy before you record
• Phone charger: sessions can run long and you need your phone for lyrics and reference tracks
• Cash: the remaining 50% of your session cost is due in cash at the studio
• Your booking confirmation: have it pulled up on your phone so check-in is fast

Optional But Helpful

• Your own headphones if you prefer monitoring with a specific pair you know well
• A notebook for any last-minute lyric edits or production ideas
• A small group of trusted people for energy and feedback, keep the crew tight

What NOT to Bring

CW Soundlab is a professional studio. It has hosted Calboy, Lil Keed, Tory Lanez, Mr. 97, Fat Money, Ashlee Bankz, SG Batman, and hundreds of other artists. The culture in the room reflects that standard.

• A large group of people who are not involved in the session: studio space is limited and extra bodies create distractions and noise
• Alcohol before recording: it affects your vocal performance, your timing, and your judgment in the booth
• Drama or bad energy: the session should be focused and creative
• Unfinished lyrics: if you are still writing the song when you arrive, you are paying studio rates to do what you should have done at home

Studio Etiquette at CW Soundlab

Respect the gear. The equipment in a professional studio is expensive and it is the tool that makes your record sound the way it does. Do not touch equipment without asking the engineer. Do not bring food or drinks near the mixing console. Follow the session rules outlined at booking, including the liability agreement you sign.

Book Your Session

CW Soundlab sessions are booked online with a 50% deposit. Available 8AM to 2AM, seven days a week. Sessions start at $65. Pick a date, lock it in, and come ready to work.