If you’re an independent artist or band looking to book a recording studio in London, one of the first things you’ll notice is how hard it is to find clear pricing.
In most cases, you’re asked to fill out an enquiry form, wait for a reply, and only then find out the day rate. That process can make it difficult to quickly understand whether a studio fits your budget.
At 123 Studios, we take a different approach — our rates are published upfront, so you can make an informed decision before getting in touch.
But price transparency is only part of the story.
Because when it comes to recording studios, what you’re actually getting for that price matters far more than the number itself.
Why Price Doesn’t Tell You Much On Its Own
Studios can vary massively in what they offer — even at similar price points. Two rooms might both charge £500 a day, but one could have a world-class console, a full microphone locker, high-end outboard and an experienced engineer, while the other might be built around a much more modest setup.
That’s why comparing studios purely on price can be misleading. The real question is: what level of room, gear, and experience are you actually getting for your budget?
What 123 Studios Offers — And Why It’s Priced This Way
At 123 Studios, weekend and evening sessions start from £300 + VAT for a full day and £250 + VAT for a half day or evening. Backline is included, with no hidden extras.
For context, comparable London studios typically charge anywhere from £775 to over £3,000 + VAT per day — and those are exceptional rooms with world-class facilities. Their pricing reflects that.
What’s different about 123 Studios is how the room is maintained. Unlike studios built purely for hire, 123 operates as a working production and mixing facility — which means the gear is in constant use, properly maintained, and set up to a working producer’s standard. Weekend and evening sessions are available to independent artists at rates that reflect this. In other words: you’re accessing a high-end room without the overhead of a traditional commercial studio.
The Gear — What You’re Actually Working With
For artists who care about sound, the setup matters.
Console — A vintage SSL E-Series, the same class of desk used on countless major records over the last four decades.
Microphones — A full locker including Neumann U47, U67, ELAM 251, M49, FET47, KM84, U87, RCA/AEA 44 and more — the kind of mics typically reserved for top-tier sessions.
Outboard — Fairchild and Unfairchild compressors, 1176s, LA-2As, Distressors, API 2500, SSL bus compression, Pultecs, Chandler Curve Bender, Neve and API preamps.
Tape — Three tape machines, including a 3M M79 24-track, available for tracking or mastering.
Put simply, this is a signal chain you’d usually expect in rooms charging significantly higher rates.
The Engineer
The studio is built around the work of Brett Shaw, whose credits include Foals, Florence + The Machine, Clean Bandit and Daughter, along with multiple UK number one records.
Weekend and evening sessions are run by engineers selected by Brett — working in the same room, with the same setup and standards. Just as importantly, the focus isn’t only on equipment — it’s on creating an environment where artists can actually deliver their best performances.
What To Ask Before Booking Any Studio
Wherever you decide to record, it’s worth asking a few key questions upfront: what console do you use, and is it fully maintained? What microphones are available? Who will be engineering, and what are their credits? Is tape available, and is it included in the rate? What exactly does the day rate cover? Can I hear recordings made in this room?
Even if you don’t book with us, these questions will help you make a more informed decision — and avoid paying for something that doesn’t match your expectations.
Final Thought
There are some incredible studios in London at every level. The key is not just finding something within your budget — but understanding what that budget actually gets you.
If you’re looking to record in a high-end room without paying traditional London studio rates, 123 Studios offers a different way to access that level of quality.
Get in touch with a bit about your project, and we’ll let you know what’s possible.
Get in touch →
That’s the complete post. The only thing changed is the third paragraph under “What 123 Studios Offers — And Why It’s Priced This Way.” Everything else is identical to what’s live.