Recording at Minislap Studios was definitely the most laid-back, relaxed recording experience I’ve ever had. Furnished with enough comfy couches for all your lounging needs, a fridge stocked with water and sodas (and great bars and restaurants always easily accessible down the street – Blue Monkey, The Station House Coffee and Park Place Cafe), and a great location in wonderful South Jersey–Minislap is easily one of the best recording options in the area–plus you CAN’T beat the price (shy of selling your soul). I have heard other projects recorded at Minislap, and they all measure up as really high quality recordings–frankly, they don’t make crap. If your music sounds bad, it probably won’t be on account of the mix, the recording equipment, the recording techniques, or the sound engineers. It’ll be because you suck. But never fear–Minislap even offers rehearsal time for next to nothing, so you can tighten up before deciding to throw down your hard earned clams on what you hope will be a multi-platinum record. Seriously though, I recorded at a studio that charged more than THREE TIMES what Minislap charges per hour, and I now have a three song “coaster”. That won’t happen at Minislap. But don’t take my word for it…
Minislap ROCKS!!!! I’ve recorded all over Philly and this was by far our most enjoyable project and our best recording. You guys really know what you’re doing.
The only place to go if you wanna rock hard, sound great, play on awesome equipment in clean facilities, deal with flexible, friendly staff, mix like hell, be surrounded by cute, knowledgeable men . . . This place ROCKS!!
May your music bless you. I know you know this already, but you’ve got a good thing going at Minislap…..your the only guy in town, or the country who really makes music because he loves it, besides me:) However i need more practice…….your not looking to get rich quick or be the Bill Gates of the Music Industry…that’s what I always liked about you… The rewards you seek are far greater, much deeper than vanity has to offer…….I know that if and when Minislap and Fairwell make it “Big” you wont change…you’ll still be Donal…and your recording rates will probably still be 30 bucks and you’ll still be doing the best recording and production in the city…which i think rocks….you’ve a heart of gold…..I am privileged and honored to have met you and experienced the Minislap!! God Speed to You…
Minislap Studios is, dollar for dollar, the very best recording studio in the Philadelphia area. No question about it. Before discovering Minislap, I had done recordings at several local studios, and after recording at Minislap I realized at those other studios I had been paying THREE TIMES AS MUCH for a final product ONE THIRD as good as what Minislap provides. Chief engineer Donal McCarthy and his team of engineers are fully dedicated to making your music sound as good as possible. They pay as much attention to detail with your music as they would their own- if something is out of tune or off – Donal will spot it and tell you. Having that kind of engineer/producer in the console room with you really brings out your best performance. I’ve worked with several producers over the years and by far Donal is the best- he lets you, the artist, completely run the show but also volunteers great ideas and is NOT a “yes man.” If something is slightly out of tune or if your 12-minute opus could stand to have a chorus or bridge added, Donal will tell you. I’ve worked with “yes men” producers and engineers before and I realize now how much I value Donal’s critical ear and insight.
The recording equipment and sound quality is top of the line. My recordings from Minislap sound better than other discs I’ve heard that I KNOW cost much much more at other studios.The feel and vibe of the studio is fantastic- its comfortable, homey, and relaxed. Couches, rugs, a stocked fridge, nice wood paneling on the walls, cool lighting- its a great place. I’ve practiced and recorded in some real dumps before and the first time I walked into Minislap I was VERY impressed. And its in the heart of Pennsauken & Merchantville, very close to a number of bars, restaurants, and public transportation.
With Minislap’s low rehearsal and recording rates, it simply is the best place to record in the greater Philadelphia region and an asset to all Philly and NJ-based musicians