How to Prepare for a Recording Session at Sonix Studios: A Step-by-Step Guide

Diego Alberto Rivera
Jul 23, 2025
2 min read

Whether you're an artist laying down your first EP or a podcaster recording a new episode, proper preparation can save you time, money, and stress in the studio. At Sonix Studios in Milwaukee, we work with creators of all levels, and we've seen firsthand how a bit of prep makes a massive difference.

This guide breaks down how to get ready for your upcoming recording session and make the most of your time with our engineers.

🎼 1. Finalize Your Material

Before stepping into the booth, be sure that your lyrics, script, or arrangement are complete. The studio is the place for polishing, not writing.

Musicians: Practice with a metronome. Know your vocal harmonies and transitions.
Podcasters: Rehearse your intro/outro and prepare key discussion points or questions.

🎒 2. Pack the Essentials

There’s nothing worse than arriving and realizing you forgot your gear. Here’s a quick checklist:

USB drive or hard drive to save final takes
Instruments, picks, drumsticks, extra strings
Water bottle, snacks, and comfortable clothes
Your script or lyric sheets (digital and print)

🎧 3. Rest and Warm Up

Recordings reflect your energy. Arrive well-rested, hydrated, and warmed up:

Vocalists: Do breathing and vocal warm-ups
Podcasters: Practice enunciation and volume control
Musicians: Stretch your fingers and rehearse transitions

🧠 4. Know What You Want

Have a clear vision for the sound you’re aiming for. It helps our engineers shape the perfect mix for your project.

Ask yourself:

Do I want a raw, live feel or a clean, polished sound?
Are there reference tracks I like the sound of?
What’s the final goal? Streaming? Broadcast? Portfolio?

🎛️ 5. Trust the Process (and Your Engineer)

At Sonix Studios, our engineers bring years of experience across genres. Communicate openly, and then let the professionals work. We’ll guide you on mic technique, takes, and sound optimization.