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Written by Tara Monjazeb - March 01 2024


The best recording studios to book in Manhattan


From Sinatra to Billy Joel to Jay-Z, Manhattan has birthed some of the most iconic voices in music. With the diversity of sound in the city, it’s no wonder that it’s home to some of the most well-loved recording studios in the industry.


Whether you’re a Grammy-nominated artist, an amateur podcaster, or just want to record a silly cover for a friend’s birthday, these recording studios will help you perfect your project.


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Cutting Room Recording Studio Soho NYC Rental Book
Cutting Room Recording Studio Soho NYC Rental Book

1. An authentic Manhattan recording studio to rent: Cutting Room Studios

East Village, New York

In 1995, Berklee dropout David Crafa started Cutting Room Studios with his friends while at NYU – today, their credits include Lana Del Rey, H.E.R., Depeche Mode, and Future. Their growth could be attributed to their authenticity, wide range of equipment, or their top-dog engineers: a recipe for success.


The studios are available to rent for solo vocalists and bands alike, with a selection of musical instruments like Fender guitars and a Yamaha grand piano. The software includes a 32 Channel Solid State Logic Origin Console and ProTools 11/12 HDX. Late-night sessions have customizable hue lighting, and daytime ones offer an inspiring urban view. Maximum capacity is 15 at a time, allowing for an inspiring, creative session for writing, recording, or producing.



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2. A recording studio in Manhattan by artists and for artists: Mirrortone Studios

Chelsea, New York

Favored by Grammy-winning artists and independent, emerging artists alike, Mirrortone Studios is well known for its impressive, small roster of three producers and composers. They also offer sound design services, including for Dolby Atmos, and podcast recording. There are three studios to book: the control room, live room, and intimate vocal booth.


The warm, inviting vibe of the studio fosters a creative atmosphere, with couches, patterned rugs, curtains, and hardwood. It’ll feel just like you’re brainstorming in your living room, with the added perk of having industry experts in the next room. Equipment includes a vintage Trident 65 Analog Console, a rare find in the city, Universal Audio Apollo 16, and a Yamaha U1 piano and Pearl Studio Drum Kit in the live room.



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3. A recording studio in Manhattan with remote technology: Dubway Studios

East Village, New York

Born in NYC with a new outpost in Los Angeles, Dubway Studios offers full-service audio production for music and audio posts. With over 30 years of experience and clientele like Ed Sheeran, Bjork, and Alicia Keys, these people know what they’re doing. Lucky for you, you can rent their rooms (and expertise).


The main floor studios have three control rooms and three isolated sound-proof rooms, both interlinked with audio and video. Two rooms can be connected into one for larger bands or vocal groups. The 1,100 square-foot mezzanine studio is ideal for extra-large ensembles, with 20-foot ceilings for those extra-tall baritones. They boast a long list of equipment that is far too extensive for this writer to summarize, but they also have remote participation available via ISDN, Skype, and Source Connect – the wonders of the modern age.



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4. Recording studios in Manhattan for audiophiles: Lounge Studios

Midtown, New York

Lounge Studios is a creative’s wet dream, an 11-room multimedia facility specializing in music, film, photography, podcasts, and TV production. Recording sessions start at $80/hr, and QuickMix can be added for a total of $390. Rates for full-day and timed sessions are also available.


There are four recording studios available to rent, all with names that sound a little… questionable, but are full of master equipment and amenities. Vanilla Sky features Wraith Audio mixing console, Neuman U87 mics, and Pro Tools HD3 accel, as well as iconic views of Midtown from the control room and vocal booth. Ivory is the largest studio and can accommodate a full band or a 12-piece string or brass section. Windows look out over Times Square, and equipment includes Pro Tools HDX as well as a Steinway grand piano and a Yamaha Drum Kit in the live room.



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5. A recording studio in Manhattan with a cool atmosphere: JAMBOX Entertainment

Chelsea, New York

If you’re looking for a studio that can inspire your projects as well as refine them, JAMBOX might be the place for you. This black and female-owned business has three rooms to book for recording and producing purposes, and they boast a laid-back atmosphere for amateurs and professionals alike. JAMBOX clients include J. Cole, Megan Trainor, and Travis Scott.


Studio A is for high-end work, with an original recording room and a balance between vintage and cutting-edge technology. There’s a lounge area, complimentary snacks, and a vending machine. Equipment includes a Native Instruments Maschine Studio, AVID Pro Tools, and Logic Pro X. The C-Lab is ideal for low-cost demo recording and solo sessions, equipped with Digidesign ProTools and MOTU Digital Performer. The Blue Room is exactly what it sounds like – a vibey, creative space with blue walls and colored lights, complete with a UA Apollo Quad Converter and Korh Triton Studio Pro Keyboard.



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Find the perfect recording studio near Manhattan.

Lay down your tracks in Manhattan's recording studios, where the city’s heartbeat is the rhythm of your next hit. Rent a space where sound and soul collide, and book a studio where the echoes are as rich as the history of Manhattan’s music scene. Here, hiring a studio isn’t just about the acoustics; it’s about capturing the sound of an event that’s pure gold.

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The Ultimate Guide to Hiring a Recording Studio in Manhattan

Ah, Manhattan—the land of towering skyscrapers, yellow cabs, and the eternal struggle to find a recording venue. So, you’ve decided to take your music from the shower to the studio. Good for you! But not just any studio will do; you need a Manhattan recording studio. The Big Apple has more recording studios than you can shake a drumstick at, and finding the perfect place to lay down your tracks can be daunting. Fear not, intrepid musician! We’ve got you covered with this exhaustive and humorous guide to finding and privately hiring a recording studio in Manhattan.

Know What You Need

Before you start your epic quest, ask yourself a few important questions:

  1. What’s your budget? (Remember, this is Manhattan; prepare your wallet for a workout.)

  2. How long will you need the studio? (Hourly, daily, weekly?)

  3. What type of equipment do you need? (Vintage mics, cutting-edge software, or just a really awesome lava lamp for vibes?)

  4. Do you need an engineer? (Unless you’ve got the technical chops, the answer is probably yes.)

Start Your Search

HeadBox It (Duh): Just fill in our brief building with all your necessities and any requests and HeadBox will match you with a plethora of venues that fulfil your recording studio needs. Think if Airbnb and Tinder had a baby - but for places where you jam.

Social Media Stalking: Don’t be creepy, but do check out Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Studios often post about their latest projects, equipment, and availability. Plus, you can see photos of the studios and imagine yourself there, looking like a rockstar.

Narrow down your options:

Once you have a list of potential studios, visit their websites. Look for:

  1. Rates: Are they within your budget?

  2. Equipment lists: Do they have what you need?

  3. Photos: Does the studio look inspiring, or like a dungeon?

  4. Location: Is it in a part of Manhattan you can get to without needing a GPS and a sherpa?

Read Reviews

Check out reviews on Google, Yelp, and even the studio’s Facebook page. Look for comments about:

  1. Sound quality

  2. Professionalism

  3. Cleanliness (You don’t want to trip over pizza boxes while recording)

  4. Atmosphere (Does it have that creative vibe, or does it feel like a dentist’s office?)

Narrow Down Your List

By now, you should have a shortlist of recording studios in Manhattan. Here’s where the fun begins.

Schedule Visits

Call the studios and schedule a tour. Yes, this means leaving your house. Here’s what to look for during your visit:

  1. Equipment: Is it as good as they said? Is it in working order?

  2. Space: Is there enough room for your band, or will you be elbowing the drummer all day?

  3. Vibe: Does it feel like a place where magic happens, or like a DMV with microphones?

  4. Staff: Are they friendly, knowledgeable, and eager to help you make great music?

Ask Questions

Don’t be shy. Ask about:

  1. Availability: When can you book the studio?

  2. Rates and Packages: Do they offer hourly, daily, or weekly rates? Any discounts for booking a block of time?

  3. Hidden Fees: Are there extra charges for engineers, equipment, or the coffee machine?

  4. Experience: Have they worked with artists in your genre? Can they handle your unique sound?

  5. Technical Support: If something breaks, who’s fixing it and how quickly?

Make Your Decision

You’ve done your homework, visited the studios, and asked all the right questions. Now, it’s decision time. Choose the studio that ticks all your boxes and gives you that warm, fuzzy feeling.

Book Your Time

Call the studio to book your session. Be clear about:

  1. Dates and Times: Confirm your booking in writing.

  2. Payment: Know what’s due when. Don’t forget to ask about cancellation policies (just in case your drummer decides to join the circus).

Prepare for Your Session

Before you hit the studio, make sure you’re ready:

  1. Rehearse: Know your material inside and out.

  2. Pack Up: Bring all your gear, including spares (strings, sticks, cables).

  3. Rest: Get a good night’s sleep. No one wants a cranky lead singer.

  4. Hydrate: Vocal cords need water, not whiskey.

Conclusion

Finding and privately hiring a recording studio in Manhattan doesn’t have to be a nightmare. With a bit of research, some legwork, and a sense of humor, you’ll find the perfect place to create your next hit. Remember to utilise HeadBox to match with your perfect venue during your search. Now go forth and make some music!

And remember, if all else fails, there’s always the shower.

Frequently asked questions

A professional recording studio in Manhattan should have a variety of high-quality equipment, including but not limited to:

  1. Microphones: Condenser, dynamic, and ribbon mics from reputable brands like Neumann, Shure, and AKG.

  2. Mixing Console: Analog or digital mixing boards.

  3. Outboard Gear: Compressors, equalizers, and preamps.

  4. Software: DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations) like Pro Tools, Logic Pro, and Ableton Live.

  5. Monitors: High-fidelity studio monitors for accurate sound reproduction.

  6. Instruments: Pianos, drum kits, guitars, and synthesizers (varies by studio).

7.Headphones: High-quality headphones for monitoring.

  1. Always check the studio’s equipment list to ensure they have what you need.

Most professional recording studios in Manhattan provide the option to hire an in-house engineer, but it’s always best to confirm this beforehand. Hiring an in-house engineer is often beneficial because they are familiar with the studio's equipment and acoustics. However, if you have a preferred engineer you’ve worked with before, many studios will allow you to bring your own. Just be sure to discuss this with the studio in advance to avoid any surprises.

Yes, many recording studios in Manhattan offer tours to prospective clients. Touring the studio allows you to check out the facilities, equipment, and overall vibe to ensure it meets your needs. It’s also a great opportunity to meet the staff and discuss any specific requirements you might have. Always call ahead to schedule a tour, as studios can be busy with ongoing sessions.

Cancellation policies vary by studio, but most will have a specific policy in place. Typically, studios require a non-refundable deposit to secure your booking. If you need to cancel, you might lose this deposit. Some studios may allow you to reschedule without penalty if you provide enough notice, usually 48 to 72 hours in advance. Be sure to ask about the cancellation policy when you book your session to avoid any unexpected fees.

For peace of mind and an easy booking process let us know exactly what you’re looking for via our brief builder. This way we can approach hiring a recording studio for your ideal event.

The cost of hiring a recording studio in Manhattan can vary widely based on factors such as the studio's reputation, equipment quality, and included services. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $200 per hour. High-end studios with premium equipment and experienced engineers can charge upwards of $500 per hour. It’s always a good idea to check if there are package deals or discounts for booking multiple hours or days.

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