Recording Studios for Rent in Los Angeles, CA

Recording Studios Rent Guide

Ah, Los Angeles. The city of stars, and the home to thousands upon thousands of aspiring musicians and artists. Whether you're renting a recording studio for your band or just auditioning solo, or whether you're a seasoned pro or an absolute beginner, the City of Angels boasts plenty of options for everyone.

Recording in a professional studio is a great way for all sorts of projects. From music and spoken word to podcasts and web series, studios are a great way to get high-quality audio recordings. But you’ll want to make sure that you choose the right studio for your project. So, without further ado, here's everything you need to know to find (and book) your next LA recording session!

5 things to consider when booking a recording studio in LA

With so many recording studios for rent in Los Angeles, choosing the right one can be quite a challenge, but Tagvenue makes the task much easier with its intuitive search function and extensive selection of top-notch venues to choose from!

But before you start browsing, there are many things to consider when booking a recording studio, especially if you're new to the process. You need to know what you’re looking for! To help you figure things out, we’ve put together this short checklist.

1. Know your budget

The first thing you need to know is how much money you have available to spend on a recording studio rental. Determine whether you’re willing to splurge on some of the more expensive studios around town or if you’re going to need something cheaper that still gets the job done. Make sure you’re getting the best deal possible on all things: equipment, engineers and space.

The best way to ensure this is by comparing multiple studios’ booking fees and equipment packages against each other before making the final decision (online venue finding platforms such as Tagvenue will help you with this part). Once you've determined which place is best for both cost and quality, it's time to negotiate with them about rates and discounts!

2. Look for the perfect-sized studio

When choosing a studio, it’s important to consider the size of your project. Ask yourself: “What am I going to be doing in the studio?” and determine how much space and equipment you need.

If you’re making an album and collaborating with many other professionals, then it’s a good idea to have plenty of room for instruments and recording equipment. A studio that is too small will feel uncomfortable and you’ll have to worry about fitting in all of your gear and equipment.

On the other hand, a large studio may be expensive and difficult to manage. If there's only one artist or band member who needs the studio time, then there won't be much need for extra space and it’ll be much more cost-efficient to rent a smaller studio.

3. Go for quality equipment

Make sure that your recording studio offers the right gear, instruments, consoles and other items you will need to bring your project to life. That’s because the quality and reliability of the equipment that you use will have a huge impact on how well you sound.

Higher-end gear typically offers better sound quality than lower-end products do; however, this is not always true – some low-cost options do offer excellent performance for their price (this fact shouldn't stop you from trying out different pieces of equipment at different price points before making your final decision).

If you don’t have much experience yet and can’t tell very well whether the equipment is up to snuff, ask around! Try to find other musicians who recorded their material in the studio you're considering – were they satisfied with the result? You can also consult with an audio engineer, who will be able to tell you what kind of setup they need for their clients and provide recommendations based on their own experience in the industry.

4. Think about the acoustics

Besides considering the equipment that fills the studio, let’s also think about the room itself. Whatever audio project you’re working on, it is crucial to find a recording studio with good acoustics. Does the room sound good? Are there any spots where it sounds dead, or does it have too much reverb? Ask about noise bleed from other rooms into yours. If other people are recording in other parts of the building and their sound leaks into your room, it could cause problems when mixing your tracks together later on.

5. Choose a music studio in a great location

Another key thing you’ll want to consider is the location. When you’re renting a recording studio, it should be easily accessible to you and your musicians. You don’t want them spending more time getting there than actually performing at the session itself. It should also be convenient for your needs – if you're recording an album in Los Angeles, then having access to resources such as music stores and instrument rentals will help make things run smoothly on-site. If you’re going to spend long hours at the studio, you may also want to consider the area’s offer of cafés and restaurants, where you can grab a lunch or hang out with your crew during breaks.

Bonus tip: Once you’ve got a favorite (or a few), reach out to the studio’s manager and schedule a viewing. Why? It’s one thing to look at pictures on the Internet, read detailed descriptions and reviews left by fellow musicians – but the best way to check if the music studio is the right fit is to see it in person. Once you’ve checked out the room’s acoustics and tested the available equipment, you’re ready to make the final decision.

FAQs about Recording Studios in Los Angeles, CA

What kind of equipment can I typically find in a recording studio?

The equipment found in a recording studio depends on its size and purpose. Some of the most common pieces of equipment found in a recording studio include:

• Computer/DAW setup – Most studios have at least one computer with professional audio recording software installed on it, including Pro Tools, Logic Pro X, Cubase and more. In addition to these standard pieces of technology, many studios will have additional specialized hardware such as synthesizers and drum machines for creating unique sounds.
• Mixing board – This is where you'll do much of your work as an engineer or producer. The mixing board allows you to adjust levels, EQ (equalize) tracks and even add effects like reverb and delay. It may also include compressors and gates which help control dynamics (volume). You can mix multiple channels together so that each track sounds perfect when played back together as one song.
• Microphones – You’ll want at least one good condenser mic for vocals and one dynamic mic for instruments. Condensers are generally better for vocals because they pick up more detail; dynamics are better for capturing the full range of an instrument or voice without being too sensitive to plosive sounds like “p” or “b.” Some studios also have ribbon mics that work well on certain sources but can be expensive to buy new.
• Recording booth – A soundproof booth designed for vocalists or instrumentalists to sing or play their instruments without being distracted by outside noises. The booth usually contains microphones, headphones and a mixing board for controlling volume levels.
• Soundproofing – This helps prevent outside noise from interfering with your recording session. This includes everything from thick walls to double-paned windows and doors that close tightly when shut.

Where in Los Angeles can I find good recording studios for rent?

If you're considering renting a professional studio, then there are three main areas where they can be found: Hollywood, Burbank and Santa Monica. Hollywood and Santa Monica are extremely popular and offer a wide selection of both established studios and smaller places. If you're looking for something cheaper, then Burbank is the place to go. The area has a lot of music studios that offer great rates on their services and equipment rentals, and are still close enough to Hollywood.

What are some of the best recording studios in Los Angeles?

Check out our top three recording studios in LA:

• Ice Cream Sound Studio is an excellent opportunity to make a lasting impression. This venue is located in Downtown Los Angeles, and its best room is a penthouse with modern decor, beautiful views of the city, and the best equipment. The studio offers one-of-a-kind recording experiences for artists and companies looking to collaborate on creative endeavors.
• xTribe is a state-of-the-art recording studio located in Inglewood. It is a professional space for artists of all types to capture their sound at its best. Designed to provide a comfortable and welcoming environment, the studio features the latest in audio technology and has unparalleled equipment. Consider booking this studio today if you want that professional edge over your rivals!
• The Room Studios with locations in Melrose, Burbank and Studio City. They offer attractive options for all budgets, no matter if you’re already an established name in the industry or just getting started. The studios and engineers are available 24/7, so you’re free to pick a convenient time slot.

How much does it cost to rent a recording studio in Los Angeles?

The cost of renting a recording studio will vary depending on where in Los Angeles you are located, how many people you need to fit in the space and how much studio time you need. The majority of places charge hourly rates, so you can book the studio for however long you require (they may have a minimum booking time, though). Rental fees typically range from $25 to $150 per hour. (All data from Tagvenue.)