Vocal warm-up and prep before your session

Why preparation pays off

In our 2 vocal booths you hear every detail: breath between phrases, slight hoarseness, jaw tension. That is not judgment; it is why pros treat warm-up and rest seriously. Good prep shortens the session, cuts retakes and makes it easier to keep emotion instead of fighting fatigue.

An engineer runs the desk; you focus on performance. The more consistent your voice is on arrival, the more time we spend on takes that matter. Plan your route via contact — From Wibautstraat metro station (M51, M53, M54) it is about an 8-minute walk via Wibautstraat and Linnaeusstraat. Trams 3 and 7 stop at Ruyschstraat, roughly 2 minutes on foot. The entrance is at street level next to the bicycle racks.

Days ahead

Treat your voice like an instrument that needs recovery. Skip long shouting at gigs, hours of loud talking in a bar or extra rehearsals without breaks. If lyrics still change, finish them before you book: nothing burns studio time like rewriting verses between passes.

Print or export lyrics, mark breaths and awkward syllables. Listen to the instrumental or guide track briefly each day so entries and tempo feel natural. Send tempo and file format (WAV or AIFF) via email beforehand so the session is ready.

The night before

Sleep is the cheapest upgrade. One short night shows in pitch, stamina and patience — yours and the engineer’s. Limit alcohol; it dries mucous membranes. Skip heavy, spicy meals if you are reflux-sensitive.

Pack your bag: lyrics, charger, your own headphones if you prefer them, room-temperature water and throat lozenges without menthol if you use them. Check Mon–Fri 10–19, Sat 11–17 and travel time to Ruyschstraat 14 in Amsterdam; reach Sipopojexadvisory on 020 244 1893.

On session day

Drink water through the morning, not only right before walking in. Vocal fold hydration takes time. Many singers avoid dairy and nuts in the hours before recording; test at home what works for you. A light meal about two hours ahead gives energy without a full stomach.

Small amounts of coffee are fine for most voices, but do not overdo it just before the session. Avoid whispering to “save” your voice — whispering can add strain. Speak at normal volume while travelling.

Warm-up: body, breath, voice

Start with shoulders, neck and jaw: gentle circles, a wide relaxed yawn. Breath work: long exhales on a hiss or through pursed lips. Then lip trills or ng sounds from low to high without pushing.

Finish with exercises in the song’s range, not the highest chorus first. For speech or rap: articulation drills slowly, then faster. Ten to fifteen minutes is enough; longer warm-ups rarely help if you were quiet in the days before.

In the booth at Sipopojexadvisory

Ask for a headphone mix that feels right: too loud makes you sing softly, too quiet makes you push. Many artists leave one ear off to hear themselves in the room — say so and we adjust levels to keep leakage low.

Keep distance to the pop filter steady: about a hand’s width, slightly farther on loud passages. Ask for breaks; ten minutes of silence and water beat ten tired takes. Our booths sit inside 3 rooms on roughly 28 m² of live space; you get a calm, controlled environment.

Time and rates

Our hourly rate for Vocal recording is €98; a half day (4 hours) is €355 and a full day €645. Short voice-over often fits in a few hours; a full single with doubles usually needs a half day. If unsure, describe the project via the contact form; we reply within 2 business days.

A 30% deposit confirms the booking; free cancellation up to 5 days before the session. See also session files and rights for what you receive afterward.

Checklist and limits

• Lyrics final, guide track known, files sent ahead.
• Rested, hydrated, no heavy meal right before recording.
• Warm-up: body, breath, voice — short, no forcing.
• In the booth: headphone mix, distance, take breaks.
• Plan realistic time and rate (hour, half or full day).

These tips are general and not medical advice. For ongoing hoarseness, pain or voice loss, see a doctor or speech therapist and reschedule. To book or ask questions: contact or FAQ.