The Unwritten Rules of Studio Etiquette

Punctuality is the number one rule. In LA, 'On Time' is late. Aim to be 10 minutes early so you're ready to start tracking exactly when the clock starts. However, don't walk into the control room if a previous session is still finishing up—wait in the lounge.

Respect the gear. Never put a drink on a console, a speaker, or a guitar amp. If you need to move a microphone, ask the engineer first. Some mics are incredibly fragile and expensive; if you knock one over, you could be looking at a $5,000 repair bill.

Communication is king. If you don't like the headphone mix, say it early. If you are feeling tired, speak up. A good engineer wants you to perform with focus, but they can't read your mind. Be polite, be specific, and stay focused on the goal.

Finally, handle the 'entourage.' Bringing friends can add energy, but too many people in the control room make it hard for the engineer to hear accurately. Keep your guests to a minimum, and ensure they know that the engineer's workspace is off-limits.

Session etiquette also extends to how you handle disagreements with the engineer in real time. Professional sessions occasionally involve moments where artistic direction conflicts with engineering judgment, and how that tension is handled determines whether the rest of the day stays productive. The most effective approach is to frame disagreements as questions rather than directives, asking what you are hearing explained rather than demanding a different result. Engineers who feel respected by the artists they are working with tend to go further to solve problems creatively rather than defaulting to technically correct but uninspired choices. Collaborative sessions depend on that tone from artist and room alike.