How Much Recording Time Do I Need?
Studio Time Calculator – a helpful tool created for musicians and songwriters to estimate how much time they'll need in the studio and plan the number of days to book for a successful recording session.
The Studio Time Calculator is your go-to planning tool—designed to help artists, musicians, and producers estimate how much recording time they'll need and how many studio days to book for a smooth, productive session. Whether you're tracking a single or laying down a full EP, this tool takes the guesswork out of scheduling.
🎧 How Much Recording Time Do I Need?
It’s one of the most common questions we get: “How much time should I book in the studio?” Whether you’re a first-time artist, podcaster, voice actor, or an experienced band prepping an EP, understanding how much time you actually need is essential—for your workflow, your budget, and your final result.
Recording music or media takes more than pressing ‘record.’ Knowing what goes into each session helps you plan smarter, avoid surprise costs, and make the most of your time in the studio.
🎬 What Does Studio Recording Time Include?
Your session includes more than just tracking. Here's what a typical session may cover:
Setup & Soundcheck – Mic placement, software configuration, gear prep
Pre-Production – Finalizing song structure or script, gear setup
Tracking – Actually performing and recording takes
Reviewing – Listening back, making creative or technical decisions
Adjustments & Retakes – Fixing issues, refining performances
Breaks – Trust us, they matter
No one nails it all in one take (and if they do… we’re impressed). Recording is a process—even for pros.
🛠 Factors That Affect Recording Time
Project Type A solo track takes less time than a full band arrangement. Voice-overs and podcasts vary too—each format has different recording needs.
Preparation Artists who come in rehearsed generally record faster and need fewer takes. Preparation is the ultimate time-saver.
Complexity A simple acoustic song is quicker than a multi-layered electronic track or film score. More instruments = more time.
Sound Quality Goals Want that pristine, professional sound? Expect to spend more time dialing in the mix and mastering.
Studio Setup Technical prep, mic selection, software routing—all add to your time, especially if there are issues to troubleshoot.
Experience of the Performer Seasoned artists tend to record more efficiently. For newer performers, we factor in coaching and warmups.
⏱️ How to Estimate Your Time
🎵 Musicians
Single Song (Basic Demo): 3–4 hours
Single Song (Polished Mix): 4–6 hours
EP (4–6 Songs): 20–30 hours
Full Album: 50–100+ hours, depending on complexity
🎙️ Podcasts
Standard Episode (1 hour): 2–3 hours total
Add time for interviews, multi-hosts, or post-production needs
🗣 Voice-Over
Short Clip (5 minutes): 30–60 minutes
Commercial VO may require multiple takes, tones, and revisions
🎯 Wrap-Up
No matter your project, planning ahead can save time, reduce stress, and keep you on budget. Talk with your engineer, define your goals, and always build in a little buffer.
Still unsure how much time you need? Reach out—we’re here to help craft a session that fits your style and schedule. You can also use our Studio Time Calculator to help here