The door swings open and the room seems to inhale. A hush, then a low electric purr as the Markbass warms, that soft orange glow promising depth. Rugs soften the wood underfoot. Cymbals gleam like small suns. Air moves cleanly—purified, cool, ready. You don’t come here to hide; you come here to be heard. Room B ‘Brett’ at SoundSpace @ Rabbit’s is 14 by 14 feet of practical magic, a space built to cradle a band of four without stepping on each other’s solos.
Trail Wisdom
Gain Stage First
Set input gains on the Midas DM12 before touching EQ. Clean gain prevents chasing problems downstream.
Protect Your Ears
Closed-back headphones or high-fidelity earplugs help you track details without fatigue during a long session.
Use the Room
The vaulted ceiling handles cymbal wash well—play dynamically to let the kit breathe instead of overpowering it.
Hydrate and Break Smart
Plan five-minute breaks every 45–60 minutes to reset ears and keep vocals strong, especially in dry winter air.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Triangle Park murals on The Block, honoring Asheville’s Black history
- •Foundy Street in the River Arts District for street art and quick inspiration between sets
Wildlife
Red-tailed hawk, Gray squirrel
Conservation Note
Keep volume reasonable and doors closed to respect neighbors and preserve indoor climate efficiency; pack out trash and use reusable bottles to cut waste.
Rabbit’s Motel served Black travelers and touring musicians during segregation and is associated with venues listed in The Negro Motorist Green Book, making this a culturally significant creative space.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Fresh set-building, Afternoon rehearsals before evening shows
Challenges: Pollen and allergies affect vocals
Mild temps and festival energy in town make spring ideal for pre-show tune-ups. Bring water and lozenges if pollen bothers your voice.
summer
Best for: Late-night sessions, Tour prep
Challenges: Higher humidity can fatigue singers and affect tuning
Hot days, lively nights. Book the cooler late-evening blocks and lean on the studio’s climate control to keep instruments stable.
fall
Best for: Recording demos, Tightening arrangements
Challenges: Peak visitor season in Asheville can make parking competitive
Crisp air and clear heads—great for detail work and demo days. Arrive a few minutes early to secure street parking and load in.
winter
Best for: Focused woodshedding, Pre-production
Challenges: Dry air can strain vocals and drum heads
Quiet months are perfect for deep practice. Bring throat care and tune drums thoughtfully as humidity drops.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Closed-Back HeadphonesEssential
Improves isolation and reduces ear fatigue while dialing in tight mixes in a small room.
High-Fidelity EarplugsEssential
Protects hearing during louder passages without sacrificing clarity.
Instrument Cables & PedalboardEssential
Reliable, noise-free cables and a tidy board keep setup fast and signal clean.
Reusable Water BottleEssential
Staying hydrated helps vocals and focus, especially in warmer months and longer sessions.
Common Questions
What backline is provided in Room B ‘Brett’?
You’ll find a PDP Maple 5-piece kit with Zildjian S series cymbals, a Markbass CMD 102P bass combo, a Fender Champion 100 guitar amp, a Midas DM12 mixer, two EV ZLX-12P powered monitors, and a Studiologic SL88 keyboard controller.
How many musicians can comfortably use the space?
Up to four musicians can work comfortably thanks to the room’s 14’x14’ footprint and vaulted ceiling.
Is loading gear easy?
Yes. The studio offers ground-level, easy loading, so you can roll in and set up quickly.
What are the hours and how do I book late-night sessions?
Open seven days a week, noon–midnight. For reservations after midnight, book the following day on the calendar.
Can I bring my own amps or snare?
Absolutely. The provided backline is solid, but you can bring personal gear if you have a specific tone or feel in mind.
Is there climate control and air purification?
Yes. The room features HVAC climate control and an air purification unit for comfort and cleaner air.
What to Pack
Closed-back headphones for isolation; high-fidelity earplugs to protect hearing; reliable 1/4-inch instrument cables to avoid noise; reusable water bottle to stay hydrated during long takes.
Did You Know
Rabbit’s Motel in Asheville’s Southside is recognized for serving Black travelers and musicians during segregation and has been linked to listings in The Negro Motorist Green Book.
Quick Travel Tips
Arrive 10–15 minutes early to park and load in; label your cables to speed teardown; set a timer for short breaks to reset ears; book evening slots for cooler rooms and live-show energy.
Local Flavor
Post-session, head to Benne on Eagle for contemporary Appalachian-Soul food that nods to The Block’s heritage, or toast a tight rehearsal with a pint at Burial Beer Co. in South Slope. Coffee needs? Swing by a neighborhood roaster before your late slot.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airport: Asheville Regional (AVL), ~20–25 minutes by car. Studio: minutes from downtown with ground-level, easy loading. Parking: plan a few extra minutes for street parking. Cell service: strong. Permits: none—bring your booking confirmation.
Sustainability Note
This creative space lives inside a historic property—treat it like a trailhead with a story. Use a reusable bottle, manage trash, and keep doors closed to conserve conditioned air.
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