Frequently Asked Questions
General
Is there parking at your studios?
All locations have street parking nearby. Arrive a few minutes early to find a spot.
Can I film a video at the studio?
Yes — as long as you follow the studio rules.
Can you teach me how to record or produce?
We do not offer lessons or teaching services.
Do you offer studio tours?
We do not offer tours as our rooms are always in use. Photos of all rooms are available here.
Can I throw a party at the studio?
No. Any violation will result in immediate removal, account suspension, and no refund.
I want to work at Sound Studios — where can I apply?
Email careers@soundstudios.io.
Do you offer internships?
Pricing
How much do you charge an hour?
From $30/hr in Brooklyn and $40/hr in Times Square, Manhattan.
Rates vary by day and time — mornings and weekdays are discounted.
What are your rates?
Brooklyn
$30/hr Mon – Thu / Before 4PM
$35/hr Mon – Thu / After 4PM
$30/hr Fri – Sun / Before 2PM
$40/hr Fri – Sun / After 2PM
Times Square, Manhattan
$40/hr Mon – Thu / Before 4PM
$45/hr Mon – Thu / After 4PM
$40/hr Fri – Sun / Before 2PM
$50/hr Fri – Sun / After 2PM
Is the rate the same for recording, mixing, and mastering?
Yes — the hourly rate covers all services.
Use your session time however you like across recording, editing, mixing, and mastering.
What payment methods do you accept?
For the deposit: CashApp, Apple Pay, debit or credit.
For the balance at the session we also accept cash.
Can I pay the deposit in cash or in person?
No — deposits must be paid online.
We accept CashApp, Apple Pay, or debit/credit.
Can I pay the full amount in advance?
We only accept the deposit in advance.
The remaining balance is paid directly to your engineer at the start of the session.
When is the balance due?
At the start of the session. If unpaid at the start, the last few minutes are reserved for payment, file export, and delivery.
Files cannot be sent until payment is received in full.
Will my card be automatically charged?
No — we will never automatically charge you. The balance is always paid directly to your engineer.
Is there a minimum session time?
Yes — all sessions have a 2-hour minimum.
Booking
How do I know my session is confirmed?
You will receive a confirmation email and text with your engineer’s name, contact info, and location.
I am clicking To Payment but nothing is happening — there is a red line under Terms and Conditions.
Check the box next to I accept the Terms and Conditions before proceeding to payment.
I am clicking To Payment but nothing is happening — there is a red line under Start Verification.
Click Start Verification, enter your phone number, and enter the code you receive by text. Once verified, continue to payment.
I want to book a time slot after midnight — I do not see it listed for that day.
All slots starting after midnight appear on the following day. Monday at midnight appears as Tuesday 12AM. Double-check the date for late-night sessions.
Can I book more than one session?
Can I extend my session while I am there?
Yes — the full balance is due regardless of whether you use the entire time.
Do I have to use my full booked time?
Yes — the full balance is due regardless of whether you use the entire time.
I want to book using Apple Pay but do not see it as an option.
Apple Pay is only available in Safari. Reopen the booking page in Safari and it will appear.
I am having trouble booking — what do I do?
Services
What services do you offer?
Vocal recording, mixing, and mastering — always with a professional engineer included.
Do you provide an engineer?
Yes — every session includes an experienced engineer.
Can I record my band?
We offer vocal recording only, with a single microphone setup in each room.
What genres do you record?
Any genre, any language.
What equipment do you use?
Pro Tools, Apple computers, Neumann TLM103 microphones, Apogee A/D conversion, Warm Audio preamps (Manhattan only), Yamaha HS8 monitors, and the Waves, iZotope Ozone, and FabFilter plugin suites.
Do you have Spanish-speaking engineers?
Yes — Junior is available at Times Square, Manhattan. Book by selecting City by Engineer on the booking page.
How long does it take to record a song?
It varies widely depending on the complexity of the song, the number of takes needed, and the experience of the artist. It can be as quick as 30 minutes or take several hours.
How long does it take to mix a song?
A quick mix typically takes 20–40 minutes, an intermediate mix 1–3 hours, and a detailed mix can take 3 hours or more. Your engineer can help you decide.
How long does it take to master a song?
A quick master is usually 15–30 minutes, a more detailed one around an hour, and a full master can take 2+ hours. Your engineer can guide you.
Can I bring music from another studio?
Yes — if recorded in Pro Tools we can use the session files directly. Otherwise bring aligned, pre-arranged audio stems. We may not have the same plug-ins as your original studio and cannot download additional ones. File importation counts toward session time.
Can I use my own engineer?
Yes — a Sound Studios staff member must be present at all sessions so our standard rate still applies. External computers and software are not permitted.
I am an engineer and want to rent a room — is that OK?
Yes, as long as the work is for yourself or friends. We do not allow other businesses to operate out of our rooms. Violations will result in account suspension.
It is my first time in the studio — what do I need to know?
Nothing at all — just bring an idea. Your engineer will walk you through everything from finding beats to getting the best out of your performance and deciding on mixing and mastering.
How soon can I get in the studio?
We offer same-day bookings subject to availability. For weekends, book in advance. We are open up to two weeks out.
Cancellation, Rescheduling, Lateness
Can I cancel or reschedule my session?
Yes — as long as the session is more than 72 hours (3 days) away. Email booking@soundstudios.io with your session details. Allow up to 24 hours to process and 3–5 business days for your refund to appear.
My session is less than 72 hours away — can I still cancel or reschedule?
No — sessions within 72 hours cannot be cancelled or rescheduled for a refund or credit.
I am going to be late — can we push the session back?
No — sessions start and end at their scheduled times regardless of when you arrive.
If I am late, can I get that time back at the end of the session?
No — time lost to lateness cannot be added to the end of your session.
If I am late, do I still owe the full amount?
Yes — the full balance is due at every session regardless of when you arrive.
I am going to be late — will the engineer still be there?
Yes, as long as you contact them. If 2 or more hours pass without attendance or contact, Sound Studios may rebook the time.
Studio Rules
Is smoking allowed?
No cigarette or tobacco smoking anywhere in our buildings. Smoking other products is permitted in the studio room at Times Square, Bushwick, and Park Slope. Williamsburg does not permit any smoking.
What are the studio rules?
Our full rules are available here.
How old do you have to be to book or attend a session?
Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Anyone 12 or under requires prior written approval from Sound Studios.
Can I bring guests?
Yes. Guest limits by room:
Emerald Room (Times Square) — 5
Sapphire, Amber, Onyx Rooms (Times Square) — 4
Williamsburg — 4
Bushwick — 4
Park Slope — 6
What happens if a studio rule is violated?
Sound Studios reserves the right to end any session immediately for rule violations without a refund.
Law enforcement will be notified if the situation warrants it.
Arriving & Your Session
What do I do when I arrive?
Text or call your engineer — their number is in your confirmation email. They will come down to let you in. Do not knock on neighboring doors.
How do I get my files at the end of the session?
Your engineer can send a download link by email, AirDrop files to your iPhone, or transfer them to a USB drive or hard drive you bring. Save your files before you leave — download links expire.
My first takes felt stiff — is that normal?
Completely normal. First takes in the booth almost always feel that way. Just keep going — it loosens up quickly.
When should I ask for stems?
As early in the session as possible. Stems take time to create and a last-minute request may not leave enough time. Tell your engineer at the start if you know you need them.
File Management
Can I access my files from a different location than where I recorded?
Yes — we can access session files from any Sound Studios location at any of our other locations.
How long do you keep my files?
Up to 30 days after the last edit, as a courtesy — not a guarantee. We strongly recommend keeping your own backups.
Sound Studios is not responsible for data loss due to hardware or software failure.
I do not want Sound Studios to keep my files — what do I do?
Let your engineer know at the end of the session and they can delete everything on the spot.
For post-session requests, email support@soundstudios.io from the address used to book.
My download link has expired — what can I do?
Email support@soundstudios.io with the file details and the date and location of your session. The email must match the one used to book.
I need stems — how do I get them?
Stems must be created during your session. If you need them after the fact, book an additional session.
In emergencies, email support@soundstudios.io — we may be able to provide the Pro Tools session files.
How should I bring my beats or files?
We can download from YouTube and most platforms. You can also email them to your engineer after booking, bring a flash drive, or email them to yourself. We cannot take files from a CD.
Can I use someone else's beats or instrumentals?
Yes — all copyright and legal matters related to material used are solely your responsibility.
Do you sell beats?
No — we offer recording, mixing, and mastering only.
Privacy
Who owns the music I record?
You do. Sound Studios does not claim any ownership rights over content created at our facilities.
Will Sound Studios share my files?
No — never, unless you direct us to.
Will I be the only one at the session?
Yes — sessions are private. No other clients will be present in your room.
Can I use copyrighted music?
All legal and copyright matters related to any material used in your session are solely your responsibility.
What does Sound Studios do with my personal and payment information?
Your information is used only to process your booking. We do not sell or share your data with third parties.