The best recording studios to book in Manhattan

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

If you've got one too many noise complaints from your upstairs neighbors about playing the drums in your apartment, consider moving your band practice to Funkadelic Studios. Specializing in fostering up-and-coming artists, this recording studio and rehearsal space has state-of-the-art equipment to produce professional performances and recordings. If you happen to fall in love with a particular guitar or piano, they'll even rent it out to you for your next big show.

There are ten separate rehearsal studios that can accommodate up to 20 musicians. If renting the recording studio, you will be able to work with Funkadelic Studios' in-house, professional audio engineers. Rates begin at $35/hr.