Booking a studio session is a financial commitment. Whether you're spending $120 or $500, you want to know what you're getting before you walk in. Most artists don't ask enough questions upfront — and most bad studio experiences come down to a mismatch in expectations that a five-minute conversation would have caught. Here are the five questions worth asking every time.
1. Is an Engineer Included?
Some studios charge hourly for the room and bill the engineer separately. Others include engineering in the session rate. This is a significant cost difference and it affects your budget. An experienced engineer isn't optional for most artists — they're managing your headphone mix, setting gain, coaching your delivery, and keeping the session moving. Know whether that person is in the rate before you book.
At Cabin Studio, engineering is always included. No extra fees.
2. What's the Microphone and Preamp Chain?
Ask specifically. "We have a great mic" is not an answer. The difference between a $200 condenser and a Neumann U87 through a Neve 1073 is not subtle — it's audible in the finished recording. If a studio can't tell you exactly what microphone and preamp they're using, that's useful information about how they run their operation.
3. Do I Own My Files?
You should always leave with your raw multitracks and the final mixed file. Some studios hold files hostage until additional fees are paid, or have vague language in their booking about file delivery. Confirm before you book that all your recorded material is delivered to you at the end of the session, in full, with no strings attached.
4. What's the Cancellation and Deposit Policy?
Life happens. Understand the terms before you pay a deposit. Typical policy is that deposits are non-refundable past a certain cancellation window (usually 48 hours), but can be credited toward a rescheduled session. Knowing this ahead of time avoids frustration and makes rescheduling a straightforward process.
5. Can You Hear Work They've Done?
Any studio worth booking should be able to point you to recordings they've made. Artist credits, SoundCloud links, Instagram clips. You're not asking for a portfolio presentation — you just want to hear whether the room sounds like somewhere you want to record. If a studio can't show you anything they've done, that tells you something.
Cabin Studio in Chicago answers yes to all five: engineer included, Neumann U87 through Neve 1073, all files delivered, clear cancellation policy, and a track record of sessions with artists across rap, R&B, and indie. Sessions start at $120 for 2 hours. Book your slot directly — no back-and-forth required.