3 Ways Rudy Van Gelder's Hackensack Studio Shaped the Relaxin' Sound

Close-miking technique Van Gelder placed microphones unusually close to instruments, capturing a dry, immediate sound that became the Prestige Records signature.

Home studio acoustics The Hackensack studio was a converted living room with low ceilings and carpeting, creating a tight, intimate acoustic that suited small jazz combos.

Live recording approach Van Gelder recorded the album in a single session with minimal overdubs, preserving the spontaneous interplay of the Miles Davis quintet.