How much does it cost to use a recording studio in the UK?
Recording studio costs in the UK will vary depending on the location of the studio, the quality of the equipment and the cost of the engineer. In this blog post, we’ll break down the average cost to use a recording studio in the UK, explain how it works, and what we charge per day and per hour as a recording studio in Bristol.
Interesting in learning more about the average recording studio costs in the UK? From hourly rates to day rates and the price of engineers, we’ll explain it all clearly and how you can get started here at OCS.
Average recording studio costs in the UK
In general, the average recording studio costs in the UK range between £25 per hour to £150 per hour.
Meanwhile, day rates can range from £100 to £500 per day, and that doesn’t necessarily take into account the cost of hiring an engineer for your session.
Prices really vary, with studio location and equipment quality being key factors in dictating how much studios can justify charging. Understandably, big city studios will be more expensive than in smaller towns.
London studios typically charge between £45 and £70 per hour. You can view the latest information about our Bristol recording studio rates here.
Before going ahead and booking your session, it’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with all of the different costs involved.
Breaking down recording studio hire fees
When you hire a recording studio, you can choose to pay by the hour or by the day. Which option you choose will depend on what you’re working on! Smaller projects may only require a few hours or a half day, while larger projects will require full days. Always try and liaise directly with the studio before booking, as they may have special arrangements available that allow you to access the studio for a lower price if you intend on using it for a longer period of time.
Hourly rates
Recording studios charge hourly rates because it allows them to fairly cover recording studio costs, which include high-end equipment, acoustically treated rooms, software, and the expertise of engineers or producers. This pricing model also accounts for ongoing operational expenses like rent, utilities, and maintenance. Since every project is different, hourly rates offer flexibility and encourage artists to use their time efficiently. Additionally, charging by the hour is an industry standard, making pricing transparent and manageable for clients of all sizes.
Day rates
Recording studio day rates offer a flat fee for booking the studio for an entire day, typically 8 to 12 hours, and are often a more cost-effective option for longer sessions. This pricing structure benefits artists or producers who need extended, uninterrupted time to work on complex projects like full albums or multi-track recordings. Day rates also help simplify budgeting for clients while ensuring studios can plan their schedules efficiently. While the upfront cost may seem higher, day rates often reduce overall recording studio costs compared to booking multiple shorter sessions at an hourly rate.
Packages and deals
Recording studio packages and deals are bundled offers that combine multiple services – such as recording, mixing, mastering, and sometimes even production assistance – at a discounted rate. These packages are designed to provide value and convenience, especially for independent artists or bands working on EPs or albums. By offering a set price for a defined scope of work, packages help reduce overall recording studio costs and make budgeting easier. Studios may also run promotional deals during slower seasons to attract more clients, giving artists the opportunity to access professional services at a lower rate than standard hourly or day rates.
Added costs
When booking a recording studio, it’s important to consider the added cost of hiring a sound engineer, as their expertise plays a crucial role in capturing high-quality recordings. Engineer rates are often separate from the base studio rental and can vary depending on their experience, skill level, and involvement in the project. A professional engineer handles everything from mic placement and audio levels to troubleshooting equipment and optimizing the overall sound, which can significantly impact the final product. While this adds to overall recording studio costs, the investment often results in a more polished, industry-standard recording that’s ready for mixing and mastering. For more information about engineer rates, read our recent blog post “how much does a recording engineer charge per hour?“.
How much does it cost to hire our recording studio in Bristol?
Our recording studio in Bristol offers competitive rates to suit a variety of project needs. You can view the latest information about our rates here. Please note that day and hour rates do not include an engineer. Engineer rates are variable and depend on the scope and complexity of your project, but we’re happy to provide a personal quote based on your specific requirements. Whether you’re bringing your own engineer or looking to work with one of our experienced in-house or associate engineers, we offer flexible options – including room hire plus assistant rates – to help keep your recording studio costs manageable.
We understand that every project is different, so recommend you reach out to tell us more about your project and receive a personalised quote. Contact us via the contact form below or email theoldcitystudio@gmail.com.
Contact Us.
We work with artists of all levels and stages of their journey. Send us a message via the form or email theoldcitystudio@gmail.com and we’ll be in touch.
