Self-Recording vs Engineer — What to Choose?
When booking a session at Flightcore, you choose between self-recording (you operate the equipment yourself) and a session with an engineer (the engineer runs the session). Which option to choose?
| Aspect | Self-Recording | With Engineer |
|---|---|---|
| Price | 150 PLN/h | 200 PLN/h |
| For whom | Experienced | Everyone |
| Equipment operation | You | Engineer |
| Artistic feedback | None | Yes |
| Required skills | DAW, microphones, interface | None |
Self-Recording
Section titled “Self-Recording”What Does It Mean?
Section titled “What Does It Mean?”You rent the studio and operate everything yourself — record, set levels, switch between DAW and booth. The engineer is not present.
150 PLN/h
For Whom?
Section titled “For Whom?”✅ Choose self-recording if:
- You have experience with DAW (FL Studio, Cubase, Studio One, Ableton)
- You know how to operate an audio interface
- You just need space and equipment
- You want to save 50 PLN/h
- You record often and have an established workflow
❌ Don’t choose self-recording if:
- This is your first studio session
- You don’t know the equipment
- You need artistic feedback
- You want someone to say “that take was good”
What Do You Get?
Section titled “What Do You Get?”- Access to studio and booth
- Equipment (microphones, interface, monitors)
- Basic technical support (if something doesn’t work)
What You DON’T Get?
Section titled “What You DON’T Get?”- Engineer running the session
- Artistic feedback
- Help with comping (choosing best takes)
- Recording direction
Introduction to Self-Recording
Section titled “Introduction to Self-Recording”What Is It?
Section titled “What Is It?”A training session — the engineer shows you how to operate the studio so you can work independently afterward.
200 PLN/h (one-time)
What Will You Learn?
Section titled “What Will You Learn?”- Operating Antelope interface (including Auto-Tune)
- Microphone setup
- Recording in DAW
- Basic headphone mixing
- Session workflow
For Whom?
Section titled “For Whom?”- Artists who want to switch to self-recording
- Producers developing skills
- People wanting to understand the recording process
After training, you can book self-recording and save 50 PLN/h.
Session with Engineer
Section titled “Session with Engineer”What Does It Mean?
Section titled “What Does It Mean?”The engineer runs the entire session. You focus only on singing/rapping — they handle everything else.
200 PLN/h
For Whom?
Section titled “For Whom?”✅ Choose an engineer if:
- This is your first session
- You want artistic feedback (“that take was better”)
- You don’t know the equipment
- You want to maximize your time
- You need direction (“give more energy in the chorus”)
❌ An engineer may not be needed if:
- You have experience and your own workflow
- You’re recording simple things (e.g., quick demo)
- You want to save money
What Do You Get?
Section titled “What Do You Get?”- Everything from self-recording PLUS:
- Engineer runs the session
- Sets up microphone for your voice
- Manages levels and sound
- Gives feedback (“that take was great,” “try it differently”)
- Helps with comping (choosing best parts)
- Directs the recording (suggests how to sing/rap)
Detailed Comparison
Section titled “Detailed Comparison”| Aspect | Self-Recording | With Engineer |
|---|---|---|
| Price per hour | 150 PLN | 200 PLN |
| DAW operation | You | Engineer |
| Microphone operation | You | Engineer |
| Comping | You | Engineer |
| Artistic feedback | None | Yes |
| Recording direction | None | Yes |
| Experience required | High | None |
| For beginners | ❌ | ✅ |
| For professionals | ✅ | ✅ |
How Much Will You Save?
Section titled “How Much Will You Save?”| Session Length | Self-Recording | With Engineer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 hours | 300 PLN | 400 PLN | 100 PLN |
| 4 hours | 600 PLN | 800 PLN | 200 PLN |
| 8 hours | 1200 PLN | 1600 PLN | 400 PLN |
With regular sessions, savings add up.
Our Engineers
Section titled “Our Engineers”Each of our engineers has a different specialization and working style. When booking, you can choose a specific person or let us match someone to your project.
Can I Change My Mind?
Section titled “Can I Change My Mind?”Yes. If you booked self-recording and need help — we can switch to a session with an engineer (if someone is available). You pay the difference.
Can the Engineer Stay for Part of the Session?
Section titled “Can the Engineer Stay for Part of the Session?”Yes. You can order, e.g., 1h with an engineer (recording) + 2h self-recording (corrections).
Can I Bring My Own Engineer?
Section titled “Can I Bring My Own Engineer?”Yes. You book self-recording, and your person runs the session.
Recommendation
Section titled “Recommendation”First Session Ever?
Section titled “First Session Ever?”→ With an engineer. Not worth saving 50 PLN/h only to waste time learning equipment.
Record Often?
Section titled “Record Often?”→ Do “introduction to self-recording” (200 PLN one-time), then self-record. Savings over 10 sessions = 500 PLN.
Need Artistic Feedback?
Section titled “Need Artistic Feedback?”→ With an engineer. Self-recording doesn’t provide that.
Have Budget and Want Best Results?
Section titled “Have Budget and Want Best Results?”→ With an engineer. Focus on creating, someone else handles the technical side.