4 Things I Wish I Knew Before Opening a Recording Studio

Starting your own recording studio sounds like a dream, right? Working with artists, creating music every day, and being your own boss. But once you dive in, you realize there’s a lot more to it than just plugging in a mic and hitting record. After years in the game, here are four things I wish I knew before opening my own studio.

First, learn all the things. As mixing engineers, our job never stops evolving. New plugins, new gear, new techniques, there’s always something to learn. You don’t need a formal education to level up. YouTube Academy is a real thing. Watch tutorials, take notes, and apply what you learn. The more you know, the more valuable you become to your clients.

Second, practice makes perfect. Yeah, it’s cliché, but it’s true. The more you mix, record, and experiment, the better your ears get. Every session teaches you something new, even the bad ones. So don’t be afraid to make mistakes; they’re part of the process.

Third, make a business plan. This one’s huge. Figure out your weekly or monthly expenses before going full time. Know how many sessions you need to cover your bills, your gear upgrades, and your downtime. Don’t just quit your 9 to 5 because you’re excited. Plan it out and build momentum first.

Finally, you don’t need top tier gear to start. Everyone wants the latest interface or mic, but great sound comes from skill, not price tags. Use what you have, learn it inside out, and upgrade as you grow.

Opening a studio is a journey, not a sprint. Learn, practice, plan, and start with what you’ve got. The best time to begin was yesterday, the next best time is right now.

-Aaron On Audio