I’ve Rented a Daily Rehearsal Space—Now What?
By T. Perry Bowers
So, you’ve gone ahead and booked a rehearsal space at Taylor Sound (or a similar facility). Congratulations! But what’s next? Here’s a guide to ensure your session runs smoothly and you make the most of your time.
Before Your Session
Once your booking is confirmed, you’ll receive a confirmation email detailing your date, time, and booking specifics.
On the day of your session, you’ll get a confirmation text with:
- Access codes
- Facility maps
- Any other important details
You’ll receive your access email shortly before your session starts. Remember:
- Do not enter the space before your scheduled time.
- Be packed up and out the door before your session ends.
What’s in the Room?
Depending on the room size you’ve selected (small, medium, or large), here’s what to expect:
Small Rooms (e.g., Band Share A)
- PA System:
- 2 powered speakers
- 8-channel digital mixer
- 3 microphones, cables, and stands
- Drum Kit:
- 5-piece kit with hi-hat, crash, and ride cymbals
- Other Gear:
- Guitar stand, keyboard stand, and music stand
Medium/Large Rooms (e.g., Band Share B & C)
- Similar to small rooms but with additional features like a 16-channel mixer and 4 powered monitor speakers in Band Share C.
What to Bring
The room provides a good foundation, but you’ll need to bring your essentials:
- For guitarists: Guitars, amps, pedals, and cables.
- For drummers: Cymbals and stands (if you need more than the provided crash and ride). Consider bringing your own kick pedal, snare, and drumsticks.
- Extras: If you have more than three vocalists, bring additional microphones, cables, and stands.
Tech Assistance
If you need help setting up or navigating the gear:
- Hire a tech: $75/hour (one-hour minimum).
- PA System Basics: The provided QSC Touchmix digital mixers are ready to go but allow for advanced customization like reverb, delay, and EQ settings.
- Pro Tip: Watch free YouTube tutorials in advance if you’re unfamiliar with digital mixers.
- Speakers: QSC powered speakers are preset to half volume, which is typically sufficient. If you find the need to increase speaker volume, check your stage volume first—it might be too loud.
During Your Session
- Take time to adjust vocal volumes and ensure a balanced sound.
- Practice to your heart’s content!
Wrapping Up
As your session nears its end, you’ll receive a checkout email with instructions. Follow these steps:
- Pack up your gear.
- Turn off the thermostat.
- Lock the door.
- Ensure all provided equipment is accounted for.
- Report any missing or broken items.
- Leave a rating!
Important Notes
- Taylor Sound is a DIY facility—there’s no on-site tech, so be ready to manage the gear yourself.
- Everything is set up for easy operation; just turn on and rock.
- Be proficient with your own equipment for a hassle-free experience.
Quick Packing Checklist
Essential Gear:
- Guitars
- Amps
- Pedals
- Cables (including power cables)
- Drumsticks
- Keyboards
- iPhone (or device) for backing tracks
- Guitar picks
Optional Gear:
- Snare drum
- Kick pedal
- Auxiliary cymbals
- Drum key
- Guitar stands
- Extra microphone, stand, or cable
- Spare guitar strings
- Toolkit for quick instrument fixes
Key Things to Remember
- Access codes, maps, and instructions will be sent to you before your session.
- Mixers are QSC Touchmix models—tutorials are readily available online.
- Follow checkout instructions carefully to ensure a smooth experience.
At Taylor Sound, we aim to provide a seamless rehearsal experience. With a little preparation, you’ll have everything you need to focus on your music. Have an incredible session, and we can’t wait to hear what you create!
