Podcast and audiobook

Acoustics and room

Speech needs a different approach than singing: less reverb, more focus on articulation and steady distance to the capsule. We use the podcast corner and, when needed, the vocal booth (6 m²) for one voice; two people usually sit at the table with separate mics. Off-peak hours keep ambient noise low — no construction next door, but Amsterdam tram rumble can occasionally appear; plan critical lines outside rush when you can.

Address: Grote Bickersstraat 74, 1013 KS Amsterdam. Tram 13 (Westerdok stop) and bus 22 (Haarlemmer Houttuinen stop) are within walking distance. From Amsterdam Centraal station it is about a twelve-minute walk via Haarlemmer Houttuinen and Grote Bickersstraat. No private parking; paid street parking or Q-Park Centrale Markt. Tuesday to Friday 10:00–19:00, Saturday 10:00–17:00. Closed Monday and Sunday; evening sessions on request. Evening recording on request via contact.

Podcast vs audiobook

Podcasts are often conversational: two voices, interruptions, laughter kept in. Audiobooks need longer focus, even tone and chapter markers for export. We align to your distribution channel — we do not certify platforms, but we listen for monotony and clipping.

Fiction with multiple characters can use different mic distance per role; note that in the script. Translators or alternate cast book separate slots so fatigue does not flatten everything.

Who books speech time

Independent podcasters, publishers testing an author chapter, companies with internal training audio, teachers with course material: if it is spoken word, it fits. Minimum age 16 for contracts in your own name; minors with parent or guardian present.

We do not record political campaign spots or medical claims without your legal clearance — that stays your contractual responsibility, not our editorial desk.

Prep at home

Print or tablet with scroll lock avoids click sounds. Hydrate, skip rustling clothes and jewellery at the mic. Send a test recording from home if you doubt your room — sometimes home is enough; sometimes studio isolation wins.

Read guides on mix and master when you plan music intros; stem guide helps when external producers join.

Editing and revisions

Rate €42 covers basic edit per chapter: trim silence, one pass noise reduction where needed, not dramatic EQ. Light fixes happen in session. Heavier work (restructure, music beds) means extra hours at €78 or separate mixing.

Mix and master services include 2 revision rounds when booked. Spoken-only without mix: agree how many edit passes your package includes — default one feedback round on basic edit per chapter unless quoted otherwise.

Files and loudness

Delivery usually WAV 24-bit / 48 kHz plus MP3 320 kbps for review. State desired peak/loudness in your brief; we normalise conservatively so uploads do not surprise you. Chapters get clear filenames (book_title_chapter_03).

Storage 24 months; download via secure link. See privacy policy for personal data in scripts. Corporate clients needing a DPA: data processing agreement available.

Rates

Speech studio hour: €78 incl. VAT (€64.46 excl.). Four-hour half day: €265. Basic edit per chapter: €42 — useful when recording at home but editing with us.

40% deposit, quote reply within 1 business day. Questions: [email protected] or FAQ.

Not included

Music composition, stock licences, extended soundscape, translation, hosting on podcast platforms, marketing and music mastering — outside Podcast and audiobook. No legal review of scripts.

If content includes sensitive personal data, you provide lawful basis; we process audio per privacy policy and delete archive after 24 months unless contract says otherwise.

Included

• Engineer or operator during booked recording
• Speech mic setup (solo or duo)
• Quiet recording zone in Amsterdam studio
• Basic monitoring and safe headphone mix
• Export in agreed format on session day
• Optional basic edit at chapter rate
• Archive 24 months per terms