Make sure everyone knows their way around the arrangements and is clear on what they are playing. Next time you rehearse, try doing so at a low volume to catch any mistakes that will be laid bare in the studio.

The happier everyone is with their parts the better the finished product.

Do some rough recordings and email them to us well before your session. We are happy to give any input that will make your time in the studio run smoother.

Bring reference material. If you love the vocal sound on a particular track or the drum sound on another, then bring it on CD or provide internet links.

If you are after something live/raw for your new Myspace page then 4 tracks in 2 days.

If you want radio/broadcast quality then at least 5 days recording, 4 days mixing for a 4 track EP.

Re-skin your drum kit or at least the top skins on snare and toms. If you have a track in mind then try to find out what equipment they used and get as close as budget allows.

Make sure all your hardware is in order.

Re-string guitars the day before you arrive with a few spare sets in case of breakage. Get your instrument professionally set up for the type of strings that you use in whatever tuning. This will save a lot of time messing with screwdrivers or fixing out of tune guitars. The general rule of thumb is the lower the tuning the thicker the gauge.

Cables do make a difference so invest in some decent guitar leads. Planet Waves/Monster Cables are a safe bet. Also buy proper speaker leads. Guitar leads are not speaker leads.