Sotatu operates a fully equipped recording facility in North London, providing musicians, bands, voice artists, and content creators with access to industry-standard equipment and acoustically treated spaces. Our studio features a Neve 8424 console, Pro Tools HDX systems, and a collection of microphones including Neumann U87, AKG C414, and Shure SM7B models.
The main recording room spans 35 square metres with 3.8-metre ceilings, offering natural reverb characteristics suitable for drum kits, string sections, and ensemble recordings. Two isolation booths accommodate vocal tracking and amplifier placement. Our control room houses Genelec 8351B monitors calibrated to AES standards, ensuring accurate frequency response across the monitoring chain.
We work with artists across genres including rock, electronic music, classical, jazz, and spoken word. Sessions are led by engineers with backgrounds in commercial releases, film scoring, and broadcast production. Our approach focuses on capturing performances that reflect your artistic vision, whether you're tracking a debut EP, recording podcast episodes, or producing advertising content.
The studio operates on hourly and day rates, with block booking discounts available for album projects. We provide mixing services using both analogue outboard gear and digital processing, mastering to streaming platform specifications, and file delivery in formats suitable for distribution. Located near Highbury & Islington station, the facility is accessible via public transport with equipment loading access from street level.
Book your studio session now and receive a 25% discount on all recording packages. This exclusive offer includes free mixing for tracks up to 5 minutes, complimentary consultation with our sound engineer, and priority booking slots. Whether you're working on a single, an EP, or a full album, our studio provides the equipment and expertise you need. Take advantage of this opportunity to record in a space equipped with industry-standard gear at a reduced rate.
Practical knowledge and techniques from our engineers to help you get better results in the studio
Getting clean vocal takes requires more than just pressing record. We cover microphone positioning at distances of 15-30cm from the source, proper pop filter placement, and room treatment with bass traps in corners plus diffusion panels on parallel walls. These setups consistently deliver broadcast-quality recordings with minimal post-processing needed.
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Understanding signal processing order saves hours in mixing. Start with subtractive EQ to remove problem frequencies below 80Hz and resonances around 200-400Hz. Apply compression with ratios between 3:1 and 6:1 for vocals, then use additive EQ for presence around 3-5kHz. This workflow produces balanced mixes without frequency masking or pumping artifacts.
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Untreated rooms create flutter echoes and standing waves that muddy recordings. Install 10cm thick acoustic panels covering 25-30% of wall surface, focusing on first reflection points. Add corner bass traps with mineral wool density of 60-80kg/m³ to control frequencies below 150Hz. Measure results with a measurement microphone - aim for RT60 times between 0.3-0.5 seconds for tracking rooms.
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Marketing specs don't always reflect real-world performance. Focus on preamp equivalent input noise (EIN) below -127dBu, converters with dynamic range above 115dB, and latency under 5ms roundtrip at 96kHz sample rate. USB-C interfaces with Thunderbolt offer buffer sizes down to 32 samples. These numbers directly impact recording quality and monitoring experience during sessions.
Read ArticleFrom independent artists to established labels, we've recorded across multiple genres. Each project receives the same attention to detail and technical precision.
A 10-track indie rock album recorded over 3 weeks using our Neve 8424 console and vintage microphone collection. The band wanted a warm, analog sound with natural room ambience captured through our main tracking room.
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Electronic pop single produced entirely in our Studio B. We integrated the artist's synthesizer setup with our modular gear and processed vocals through our Manley VoxBox for character and presence in the mix.
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Weekly business podcast recorded in our dedicated podcast suite. We handle recording, editing, and distribution for 12 episodes per season. Each 45-minute episode includes intro music, sponsor segments, and post-production cleanup.
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Mixing and mastering for a jazz quartet's live session album. We preserved the spontaneous energy while balancing 24 tracks of acoustic instruments. Mastered to streaming and vinyl specifications using our analog chain.
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Six-track EP combining sampled beats with live instrumentation. We recorded vocals in our isolation booth using the Neumann U87, then layered live bass and keys in the main room for a hybrid sound that bridges old-school and contemporary production.
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Intimate acoustic recording featuring guitar, cello, and vocals. Captured in a single afternoon using minimal microphone placement to maintain the natural interaction between musicians. Mixed with subtle reverb to enhance the organic feel.
View Details →Sotatu opened its doors in 2015 in London, founded by three audio engineers who shared 15 years of combined experience in music production. What started as a single recording room in Islington has grown into a full-service facility with three separate studios, each designed for different recording needs.
We began by working primarily with local indie bands and solo artists. Our first major project was recording a debut album for a Camden-based rock group that later signed with an independent label. This success led to more referrals, and within two years, we expanded to accommodate voice-over work, podcast production, and commercial audio projects.
The studio relocated to our current premises on Elmfield Road in 2018. This move allowed us to install acoustic treatment designed by a specialist consultant and upgrade to digital mixing consoles alongside our analogue equipment. We maintain both vintage and modern recording chains to suit different production styles.
Our facility serves musicians, voice actors, podcasters, and businesses requiring audio production. We record, mix, and master projects across multiple formats. Each studio room is equipped with industry-standard microphones, preamps, and monitoring systems.
The main studio accommodates full band recordings with live room tracking. Studio B handles vocal sessions and smaller ensemble work. Studio C focuses on voice-over recording and podcast production with soundproofing optimized for spoken word clarity.
We work with clients to understand their specific requirements before starting any session. Our engineers have backgrounds in different genres - rock, electronic, classical, and spoken word - which allows us to adapt our technical approach to each project. We provide detailed session notes and maintain organized project files. Clients receive stems and master files in their preferred formats. We schedule sessions based on actual recording needs rather than fixed packages, and we're transparent about what can be achieved within different time frames and budgets. Our facility operates Monday through Friday from 9:00 to 18:00, with Saturday availability from 10:00 to 14:00 for ongoing projects.
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Real feedback from musicians, bands, and producers who recorded at Sotatu
We recorded our debut EP at Sotatu and the result exceeded all expectations. The engineer understood exactly what sound we were going for from the first session. The control room has excellent acoustics, and the equipment selection allowed us to experiment with different microphone placements until we found the perfect tone for each instrument. What impressed me most was the attention to detail during mixing – every element sits perfectly in the mix. The studio delivered the final masters within the agreed timeframe, and we've already received positive feedback from several radio stations. The investment was worth every penny.
Good studio with solid equipment. The recording process went smoothly, though the initial consultation took a bit longer than expected. The engineer was knowledgeable and helped us achieve a clean, professional sound. Pricing is competitive for London, and the location is convenient with nearby parking. Would recommend booking in advance as they get quite busy.
Brilliant experience! I needed to record vocals for a commercial project with a tight deadline. The team at Sotatu accommodated my schedule and delivered the edited files within 48 hours. The vocal booth is properly treated, and you can hear the difference in the recordings – no unwanted reflections or background noise. Communication was excellent throughout the project.
The studio has decent equipment and the engineer knows his craft. We recorded a three-track demo here. The sound quality is professional, though I felt the mixing stage could have been more collaborative – would have appreciated more revisions included in the package. The space itself is comfortable and well-maintained. Fair pricing overall, just be clear about your expectations upfront regarding the number of mix revisions.
I'm so happy with how my single turned out! This was my first time in a professional studio, and the team made me feel comfortable from the moment I walked in. They explained the technical aspects in a way that was easy to understand and gave helpful suggestions for my vocal performance without being pushy. The final track sounds polished and radio-ready. Already planning my next session here.
Our recording studio combines technical precision with creative flexibility to deliver recordings that meet your expectations
Two recording rooms with professional acoustic panels from Auralex and bass traps positioned according to measurements. Reverberation time under 0.3 seconds ensures clean recordings without unwanted reflections. Floating floor construction eliminates external vibrations from the building.
SSL console with 24 channels for mixing. Neumann U87 and Shure SM7B microphones for vocals. Universal Audio preamps provide signal path with total harmonic distortion below 0.001%. Monitoring through Genelec 8351B speakers calibrated to room acoustics.
Three sound engineers with 8 to 15 years working in studios. Each has credits on released albums and understands different recording techniques. One engineer specializes in orchestral sessions, another in rock bands, third in electronic music production.
Studio available in 2-hour blocks from 9:00 to 22:00 on weekdays, 10:00 to 18:00 on Saturdays. You can book single sessions or reserve recurring weekly slots for ongoing projects. Cancellation possible up to 24 hours before session without charge.
Raw recordings provided as 24-bit WAV files at 96kHz sample rate. Mixed tracks delivered in format you specify: WAV, AIFF, or MP3 at chosen bitrate. All project files backed up on studio server for 6 months after session completion.
Studio located in Highbury, 8 minutes walk from Arsenal station on Piccadilly line. Street parking available after 18:30 and weekends without charge. Equipment loading area directly outside entrance. Nearby cafes and shops for breaks between recording sessions.
Numbers that reflect our commitment to delivering recording sessions tailored to musicians, podcasters, and voiceover artists across London
Find answers to common questions about our recording services, equipment, and booking process at Sotatu.
Our facility features a Neve 8424 console with 24 channels, providing warmth and clarity to every recording. We use Neumann U87 and AKG C414 microphones for vocals, alongside Shure SM57 and Sennheiser MD421 for instruments. The monitoring system includes Genelec 8351B speakers and Focal Solo6 Be, ensuring accurate sound reproduction.
For digital processing, we run Pro Tools HDX with Universal Audio Apollo interfaces. Our microphone preamp collection includes API 512c, Neve 1073, and SSL VHD units. The live room accommodates full bands with 200 square feet of space, while the isolation booth is perfect for vocal tracking.
Our standard hourly rate is £60 per hour for recording sessions, which includes an engineer and access to all studio equipment. Half-day sessions (4 hours) are available at £220, and full-day bookings (8 hours) cost £400. These rates apply Monday through Friday during regular hours.
Weekend and evening sessions carry a 20% premium. Mixing services start at £50 per track, depending on complexity and track count. Mastering is priced at £40 per song or £300 for an album (up to 12 tracks). We offer package deals for album projects and monthly block booking discounts of 15% for clients reserving 20+ hours.
Yes, musicians should bring their own instruments for recording sessions. This ensures you work with equipment you're comfortable with and that matches your sound. However, we do provide certain backline items to make sessions easier.
Available at the studio: Pearl Export drum kit with Zildjian cymbals, Fender Twin Reverb and Marshall JCM800 amplifiers, DI boxes for bass and keyboards, music stands, and a selection of cables. We also have a Yamaha U1 upright piano and a Roland RD-2000 digital piano. If you need specific gear not listed, let us know in advance and we can often arrange rental from our trusted suppliers in London.
We recommend booking at least 2 weeks in advance to secure your preferred date and time slot. Our calendar fills quickly, especially for weekend sessions and during peak months (September through December). For larger projects requiring multiple consecutive days, booking 4-6 weeks ahead is advisable.
Last-minute availability does occur, particularly on weekdays. Check our online booking system or call us at +44 73518 04926 to inquire about openings. A £50 deposit is required to confirm your reservation, which is deducted from your final session cost. Cancellations made less than 48 hours before your scheduled time will forfeit the deposit.
Our team includes producers with 15+ years of experience across genres including rock, pop, electronic, and jazz. Production services cover arrangement consultation, tempo and key suggestions, instrumentation choices, and sonic direction. We can add programmed drums, synthesizers, or string arrangements using our extensive sample libraries and virtual instruments.
Production rates start at £75 per hour and typically involve pre-production meetings to discuss your vision. We work collaboratively, respecting your artistic direction while offering guidance based on technical expertise. Many clients book a 2-hour pre-production session before recording to refine arrangements and plan the tracking process efficiently.
Final mixes are delivered as 24-bit WAV files at 48kHz sample rate, suitable for all distribution platforms. We also provide 320kbps MP3 versions for online sharing and preview purposes. Mastered tracks come in both formats, plus a DDP file set if you're manufacturing physical CDs.
All files are uploaded to a secure cloud storage link within 48 hours of session completion. The link remains active for 30 days. If you need stems (individual instrument tracks), these are available for an additional £30 per song. We can also provide files in other specifications upon request, such as 96kHz/24-bit for archival purposes or specific formats required by film and TV licensing.
Street parking on Elmfield Road and surrounding streets in Highbury is controlled parking Monday-Friday from 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM. Permits are required during these hours, and visitor permits can be purchased via the Islington Council app at £4.70 per hour. After 6:30 PM and on weekends, parking is free with no time restrictions.
The nearest car park is Highbury Corner Car Park, located 0.3 miles away on Holloway Road, charging £3.50 per hour. For those using public transport, Highbury & Islington station (Victoria Line and Overground) is a 10-minute walk. The 4, 19, and 236 bus routes stop within 2 minutes of our location. We have secure storage inside for instruments and equipment during loading and unloading.
Absolutely. Many artists send us tracks recorded elsewhere for mixing and mastering. For mixing, send us individual track files (stems) as 24-bit WAV files, along with any reference tracks and notes about your desired sound. We typically deliver initial mixes within 5-7 business days, with two rounds of revisions included in the base price.
Mastering services work with your final stereo mixes. We apply EQ, compression, limiting, and stereo enhancement to ensure your tracks sound balanced and competitive across all playback systems. Turnaround time is 3-4 business days. Upload your files through our secure portal, or deliver them via WeTransfer to [email protected]. We accept Pro Tools, Logic, Ableton, and Cubase session files as well.
Arrive with your material well-rehearsed. This maximizes studio time and reduces costs. Bring fresh instrument strings if you're a guitarist or bassist, and tune up before arriving. Drummers should have spare sticks and check that hardware is in working order. Vocalists should warm up beforehand and stay hydrated, avoiding dairy products on session day.
Create a list of songs in your preferred recording order. Bring any reference tracks on your phone or USB drive to share sonic goals with the engineer. If you have specific plugin preferences or processing ideas, mention these during setup. Plan to arrive 15 minutes early for equipment setup and sound check. Most importantly, relax and trust the process—our engineers have worked with over 300 artists and will guide you through every step.
From vocal tracking to full album production, our facilities offer everything needed to capture your sound with clarity and precision. Each session is tailored to your project requirements.
Capture vocals in our acoustically treated booth using Neumann U87 microphones. Includes up to three takes, comping, and basic tuning. Suitable for singles, demos, or album tracks requiring clean vocal production.
Record guitars, bass, drums, or keyboards with professional microphone arrays and preamps. Our 250-square-foot live room accommodates full bands. Session includes setup time and basic monitoring mix for performers during tracking.
Balance your tracks using our SSL console and outboard gear. Includes EQ, compression, effects processing, and stereo mastering to streaming standards. Delivered in WAV and MP3 formats with two rounds of revisions included.
Record up to four speakers simultaneously with individual microphones and headphone feeds. Includes editing, noise reduction, and level balancing. Files exported to your preferred format with intro and outro music integration available upon request.
Complete album production packages for 8-12 tracks. Includes pre-production consultation, tracking, mixing, and mastering. Flexible scheduling across multiple sessions with project management and file archiving. Discounted rates apply for full album bookings.
Clean up existing recordings with timing correction, noise removal, and pitch adjustment. Suitable for live recordings, demos, or archival material. Includes dialogue editing for voice-over work and synchronization for video projects requiring precise audio alignment.
Custom instrumental creation in hip-hop, R&B, electronic, or pop styles. Includes arrangement, sound design, and mixdown. Delivered as tracked stems or stereo file. Exclusive or non-exclusive licensing available depending on your distribution needs.
Record narration, commercials, audiobooks, or corporate presentations in our isolated booth. Includes direction assistance, multiple takes, and file delivery in broadcast-ready format. Script review available before session to ensure smooth workflow and timing.
Create custom sound effects, ambient textures, and sonic elements for film, games, or multimedia projects. Includes Foley recording, synthesis, and layering. Delivered as organized sound libraries with metadata tags for easy implementation in your workflow.
Whether you need to book a session, discuss your project requirements, or simply have questions about our facilities and services, we're here to help. Reach out through the form or use the contact details below.
24 Elmfield Road
London, N5 1RS
The information provided by Sotatu on this website is offered "as is" and is accurate to our knowledge at the time of publication. However, studio specifications, equipment availability, pricing, and service details may be subject to change without prior notice. While we strive to maintain current and precise information regarding our recording facilities and technical capabilities, we recommend verifying specific details directly with our team before making booking decisions. Sotatu limits liability for any inaccuracies or outdated information that may appear on this site. For professional projects requiring particular equipment or specifications, please consult with our studio engineers to confirm availability and suitability for your recording needs.