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As an independent musician or artist, finding the right recording studio can make all the difference to your sound and creative process. London is a city full of world-class studios, but the best recording studios in London are those that offer more than just high-quality equipment. At Ten87, we believe that a studio should provide a creative space where artists can thrive.

Top 5 Features to Look for in the Best Recording Studios in London

1. A Collaborative and Creative Environment

A recording studio isn’t just about soundproof walls and equipment—it’s about the atmosphere. The best studios foster a community that inspires collaboration and creativity. At Ten87, we started with a vision to create such a space, offering artists a long-term home where they can feel comfortable to experiment and grow.

Our community-centric approach has helped build an inspiring environment where over 150 artists regularly connect, share ideas, and work together. With a public funding initiative and support from the music industry, we’ve created a space where both emerging and established artists can thrive. The creative atmosphere at Ten87 is designed to be inclusive and inspiring, ensuring that every artist, from solo performers to large bands, feels at home.

Why It Matters: Independent musicians often thrive when they are part of a supportive network. The ability to interact with fellow creatives can lead to new opportunities, collaborations, and fresh ideas that might not emerge in a more isolated environment.

Ten87 Tip: Look for a studio that provides more than just recording facilities. Seek out spaces that cultivate a sense of community, as this can enhance your creative journey.

2. State-of-the-Art Equipment and Acoustics

When searching for the best recording studio in London, one of the first things to consider is the quality of the equipment and acoustics. At Ten87, we pride ourselves on having top-tier recording facilities designed to meet the needs of any artist. Our rooms are equipped with industry-standard microphones, mixing consoles, and outboard gear, ensuring that you can capture your sound with the clarity and precision it deserves.

But it’s not just about the gear. Our studios are acoustically treated to produce a balanced, neutral sound that allows for accurate monitoring and recording. Whether you’re a hip-hop producer, a rock band, or an electronic artist, our studio spaces are built to deliver the highest-quality sound possible.

Why It Matters: A studio with poor acoustics can ruin a recording, making it difficult to achieve a professional mix. High-quality gear and proper acoustic treatment are essential for capturing your music at its best.

Ten87 Tip: Don’t settle for a studio with subpar equipment. Always inquire about the quality of the gear and the acoustic design of the room to ensure you’re getting the best possible recording.

3. Experienced Engineers and Staff Support

Even the best equipment in the world won’t help if you don’t have the right people behind the controls. A key feature of top-tier recording studios is access to experienced sound engineers and supportive staff who understand the creative process and technical side of recording.

At Ten87, our engineers are not just technicians—they’re collaborators. Many of our staff are musicians themselves, meaning they understand the nuances of different genres and can help bring your vision to life. Whether you need advice on mic placement, help with mixing, or just someone to bounce ideas off of, our team is here to support you every step of the way.

Why It Matters: The right engineer can elevate your recording from good to great. Having someone on your side who understands the technical and creative aspects of recording can save you time and frustration.

Ten87 Tip: Choose a studio where the engineers and staff have experience in your genre and are willing to collaborate with you on your project.

4. Flexibility and Accessibility

The best recording studios in London understand that every artist has different needs. Whether you need a long-term space to develop your sound or just a few hours to capture an idea, flexibility is key. Ten87 offers a range of studio spaces and flexible booking options to accommodate both short-term and long-term projects.

We know that many independent musicians juggle multiple commitments, so we offer round-the-clock access to our studios, giving you the freedom to work when inspiration strikes. Additionally, with 50 studios available, there’s always space to create without waiting for a room to free up.

Why It Matters: Flexibility is essential, especially for independent artists who may need a variety of studio setups or schedules. A good studio should offer options that suit your workflow and budget.

Ten87 Tip: Look for studios that offer flexible booking options and a variety of spaces to suit your specific needs. Studios that are easily accessible, both in terms of location and availability, will make your recording process smoother.

5. Affordability Without Compromising Quality

For many independent musicians, budget is a key consideration when choosing a recording studio. The best recording studios in London offer competitive rates without sacrificing quality, and Ten87 is no exception. Thanks to our public funding and industry partnerships, we’re able to provide world-class facilities at affordable rates, ensuring that all artists, regardless of their financial situation, can access the resources they need. We believe that high-quality recording should be accessible to everyone, which is why we offer flexible pricing structures to suit different budgets and project sizes.

Why It Matters: Independent musicians often have limited resources, so finding a studio that offers high-quality recording at an affordable rate can make or break a project. Look for studios that balance cost with quality.

Ten87 Tip: Don’t compromise on quality for the sake of budget. Look for studios like Ten87 that offer a combination of affordability and top-tier facilities.

At Ten87, we believe that the best recording studio experience goes beyond just great equipment. It’s about fostering a community of creatives, providing high-quality spaces, and offering the flexibility and support artists need to bring their ideas to life. Whether you’re an independent musician looking for a long-term home or just need a few hours in a professional space, we’re here to help you make the most of your recording journey.

Click here to explore our day hire studios and see why we’re considered one of the best recording studios in London. Get in touch with us today if you are interested in hiring a studio.

When you’re looking for a music studio to rent in London, finding the right space is crucial for your creativity and output. At Ten87, we understand that musicians need more than just a room with gear; they need an inspiring environment where creativity flows. Since 2014, we’ve provided just that—home to over 150 recording artists, our 50 studio spaces in the vibrant heart of London have become a hub for creators across the city.

Located in Tottenham, we pride ourselves on being more than just another music studio to rent in London. Our goal was to create a community—a collaborative environment for artists to grow and thrive. Over the years, we have evolved into a space where creators can work long-term, building connections and fostering creativity. We are publicly funded and supported by the music industry, giving us a unique ability to focus on our mission: providing artists with an affordable, professional, and welcoming space to call home.

High-Quality Gear at Ten87: The Tools for Success

At Ten87, we believe that every artist, whether established or up-and-coming, deserves access to top-tier equipment. Our studios are outfitted with industry-standard gear that can accommodate a range of projects, from recording and mixing to mastering.

We offer various studio sizes and setups tailored to different needs. Whether you’re looking for a cozy production room or a fully equipped recording studio, Ten87 has options to suit you. Here’s a glimpse of what you can expect:

• Fully Equipped Control Rooms: Our studios feature high-end outboard gear and monitoring systems to ensure precise mixing and mastering. Whether you’re working on vocals, instruments, or complex production, you’ll have the right tools to deliver studio-quality sound.
• Isolated Studios: For those who need a soundproofed environment for vocals or live instruments, we provide professionally designed isolated studios. These spaces ensure that external noise is eliminated, and internal acoustics are optimised.
• Professional-Grade DAWs and Software: We support a wide range of digital audio workstations (DAWs), from Logic Pro to Ableton Live. No matter your preferred platform, you can seamlessly integrate your projects into our setup.
• Top-of-the-Line Microphones and Preamps: High-quality microphones and preamps are essential to capturing clear, detailed sound. At Ten87, we have a wide selection of both, from classic condenser mics to ribbon microphones ideal for any genre.

Our facilities offer flexibility for every artist, whether you’re a solo producer or a full band. We provide everything you need to bring your vision to life in the heart of London.

Prime Location in London: Where Creativity Thrives

London is one of the most diverse and musically vibrant cities in the world. Being centrally located in Tottenham, Ten87 offers artists the chance to record in the heart of this creative capital. Our location offers more than just easy access to public transport—it’s also surrounded by a growing artistic community that nurtures collaboration and creativity.

We’re proud to have helped build a community of like-minded creators. Our proximity to other studios and artistic spaces means that musicians renting our studios aren’t just isolated—they’re part of a thriving network of artists, producers, and innovators. The Tottenham area, in particular, has become a melting pot for independent musicians looking for a music studio to rent in London.

But location isn’t just about the physical space—it’s about the energy and vibe of the community. At Ten87, we make it easy for artists to connect, collaborate, and inspire one another. When you walk through our doors, you’re entering more than just a studio—you’re entering a community that’s as passionate about music as you are.

The Ten87 Community: A Unique Home for Artists

What makes Ten87 stand out from the many music studios for rent in London is our commitment to community. Since 2014, we’ve worked hard to create long-term spaces where creators feel at home. Many of the 150 artists currently using our studios have been with us for years, and that’s because we offer more than just a place to record. We’ve built a supportive, collaborative environment where musicians, producers, and engineers can connect and grow together.

Our public funding has allowed us to keep our focus on the artists rather than the bottom line. We’re here to help musicians of all backgrounds, whether you’re just starting out or you’re already established in the industry. We believe that every artist deserves access to a professional, well-equipped studio space, and we work hard to make that a reality.

Several of our studios, like Studio 21 and Studio 38, have become popular among the Ten87 community, known for their balanced acoustics and intimate yet professional atmosphere. Artists have used these spaces for everything from solo projects to full band recordings, and the feedback we’ve received has been overwhelmingly positive. By offering a range of studios that can accommodate different needs and budgets, we give musicians the flexibility they need to focus on their craft.

At Ten87, we’re passionate about creating the best environment possible for musicians. Whether you’re looking for a short-term music studio to rent in London to record your latest track or a long-term studio to call home, we have what you need. Click here to explore our long term studio offerings today and see why so many artists choose Ten87 as their creative base in London.

London has long been a hub for musical creativity, serving as the birthplace for countless legendary tracks and albums. The city’s rich musical tapestry owes much of its success to its recording studios, where the magic happens behind the scenes. From the grand halls of Abbey Road to smaller, independent studios, London’s music scene has evolved, embracing new technology, trends, and, most importantly, community – are you looking for a recording studio in London?

Ten87 proudly carries forward this legacy as a recording studio in London, blending tradition with modern innovation to create an environment where creativity thrives.

The Modern Era: Community and Collaboration at the Heart of Ten87

In 2014 Ten87 was founded to meet a growing need within the industry: a space where artists could not only record but also feel part of a larger creative community. While London has no shortage of top-tier studios, what was missing was a place where creators could connect, collaborate, and find a long-term home for their music.

At Ten87, we believe that a studio should be more than just a room with equipment—it should be an environment that fosters creativity and collaboration. That’s why we’ve built 50 state-of-the-art studios, now home to over 150 recording artists, forming an inspiring community of creators. These studios are fully equipped for all stages of music production, from recording to mixing and mastering, ensuring that both emerging and established artists can bring their vision to life.

Bringing History into the Future

In the modern era of recording, the tools and technology have drastically changed, but the essence of a great studio remains the same: a space where artists can focus on their craft. At Ten87, we’ve taken cues from the rich history of recording studio in London, blending their time-tested methods with the latest innovations.

While studios like Abbey Road built their reputation on world-class acoustics and analogue equipment, we’ve embraced a hybrid approach at Ten87. Artists can tap into the warmth of analogue recording while also benefiting from the flexibility of cutting-edge digital technology. Our spaces are acoustically treated to the highest standards, ensuring that every note, lyric, and beat is captured with precision.

Supporting Independent Artists in a New Era

One thing that has set Ten87 apart in London’s recording landscape is our commitment to independent artists. In an age where many musicians are opting for DIY recording setups, we’ve created an environment that combines professional-grade facilities with affordability. We understand that not every artist has the budget to record in a big-name studio, but they still deserve access to high-quality sound.

By providing publicly funded studios, we help democratise music production. Our spaces cater not only to established acts but also to those just starting out. Whether you’re recording your first EP or working on your next album, Ten87 offers the tools and environment needed to succeed, regardless of where you are in your musical journey.

We work closely with the music industry to ensure that our artists have access to the resources and support they need. Long-term studio leases, affordable rates, and flexible booking options mean that creators can focus on what matters most – crafting their sound.

The Future of Recording Studios: What’s Next?

As London’s music scene continues to evolve, so do the demands of the artists creating within it. Studios are no longer just about recording; they’ve become creative hubs where musicians, producers, and engineers collaborate in real-time. Ten87 is proud to be at the forefront of this shift.

We recognise that the future of recording is all about community and collaboration. That’s why we’ve designed Ten87 to be more than just a place to record—it’s a place to connect with like-minded creatives. Our resident artists often collaborate on projects, share ideas, and support one another, creating a thriving ecosystem of creativity.

With new genres and musical styles emerging every day, the need for flexible, innovative studios has never been greater. At Ten87, we’re constantly upgrading our facilities to ensure we’re meeting the needs of the modern artist. From improved acoustics to the latest in digital production tools, we’re always pushing the boundaries of what a recording studio can be.

Why Choose Ten87?

If you’re searching for a recording studio in London, Ten87 offers a unique blend of professional facilities, a supportive community, and an inspiring creative environment. We’re more than just a studio—we’re a place where your ideas can come to life. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or an independent artist looking for your first studio experience, Ten87 provides the space, technology, and support you need to succeed. 

London’s recording studios have played a significant role in shaping the music world as we know it. From the early days of Abbey Road to today’s modern recording hubs like Ten87, these spaces have been home to some of the most iconic sounds in music history. As we continue to build on this legacy, Ten87 is proud to offer London’s artists a space where they can create, collaborate, and thrive.

Ready to book your session? Explore our studios and join our vibrant community of creators at Ten87.

The club has undergone a refresh! We’ve made some exciting new additions to our collection and we just had to share our top five favourites with you. From vintage classics to modern favourites, there’s nothing quite like delving into a new piece of equipment and figuring out how to get creative with it. 

Here’s a very small insight into some of our favourite new gear!

Eventide H3000

It seems only fitting to start with something that’s been described as the “holy grail” of multi-effects units. Since its inception in 1987, Eventide’s iconic H3000 Ultra-Harmonizer and its later iterations have proved to be unique creative tools and staples of many studios – including now Ten87! We were so excited to get our hands on this unit.

The H3000 can handle everything, from pitch manipulation and harmonisation, to complex delays and a myriad of reverbs, to dynamic processing tools.

The diatonic pitch shifting (which Eventide pioneered) is one of the most exciting and fun features to play around with. It makes it easier to maintain musicality and avoid dissonance when using the unit to add harmonisation, and works equally well on instruments as it does on vocals.

Navigating through the menu and generally using the unit becomes second nature very quickly, the creative possibilities the H3000 has to offer are endless, and we are very excited to add this to our collection!

Teenage Engineering OP-1

The OP-1 has become a cult favourite for many electronic and crossover artists in both the studio and live, including Bon Iver, James Blake and Flume.

The tiny device manages to pack in a lot. Not only is it a synthesiser; it’s a complete portable recording an

d production unit. The intuitive interface and colour-coded controls make it a breeze to navigate, even for beginners.

While it really does function amazingly as a standalone piece of gear, it’s also something that’s fun and simple to incorporate into more extensive recording sessions, as both a jumping off point for creativity, or for adding a few final touches to an almost finished composition.

One of our favourite parts is the tombola sequencer, which allows you to throw notes into a visual tombola and create random sequences, from ambient synth sounds to percussive progressions.

This unit feels as though it could inspire endless creativity and experimentation. The most portable of our picks today, you could quite literally take the OP-1 wherever you wanted, however we think the club is a pretty good home for this little toy!

Rhodes MK8

The latest and greatest evolution in the legendary line of Rhodes electric pianos, the MK8 seems to have taken everything musicians love about the classic Rhodes and elevated it to new heights.

Here are a few reasons why the MK8 feels like the perfect addition to our live room:

The Rhodes MK8 is all about that classic, warm, and punchy sound that’s been a staple in countless hits across multiple genres. This piano manages to retain the vintage Rhodes sound we all know and love while also bringing a bunch of modern enhancements to the table. The range of tones it offers means that it works equally well as a lead instrument and for a softer chordal sound. It’s also extremely customisable – from different hammer tips to various preamp settings there are so many possible sounds you can get out of this instrument – whilst simultaneously feeling super intuitive and overall just comfortable to use! Plus, it looks beautiful!

We really couldn’t ask for more out of this piano. Sleek, versatile, reliable and simply one of the best sounding instruments we’ve heard, we think it’s safe to say you’ll love it too…

AEA A440 Ribbon Microphone

Released as AEA’s version of the legendary RCA 44 mic, the A440 is one of our favourite mics we’ve tried to date.

The A440 is an active ribbon microphone and houses a built-in preamp which gives it a few advantages over other ribbon mics. Firstly, it delivers a stronger signal than a lot of other ribbon mics which means there’s less risk of noise. The built-in electronics also ensure a consistent performance regardless of the preamp you use, making it more versatile in different recording setups. We’ve loved using it on strings, vocals and guitars especially! Additionally, most ribbon mics are notoriously delicate, and while we will not be throwing this microphone around, the A440 is a much more sturdy and reliable choice than most ribbon mics out there.

If you’re looking for a warm, rich, smooth sound, we think we’ve found the mic for you!

AMS S-DMX

We’ve given a few rave reviews to some of the newer pieces of gear and touched on the benefits that new technology and manufacturing can bring to the table, but sometimes you just can’t beat a vintage classic, and so we thought we’d round off the line up with another recording veteran – the AMS S-DMX.

The best way to describe the unit is that it just seems to add depth and character to everything it touches. The vintage vibe is undoubtedly present, the textures it can provide your sounds with are so unique, and it performs beautifully whether you want to subtly enhance or dramatically change your recordings. We tried it on guitars, vocals and synths; and after hearing what it can do, we’re going to be using it on everything else too.

If you love experimenting with sound, the AMS S-DMX Effects Processor is a piece of gear that’s 100% worth checking out. It’s a piece of history that continues to influence modern music with its distinctive sound, and spending a bit of time in the studio with it is going to provide you with some crazy sonic rewards.

This year, we welcomed more incredible artists and creators into our studio community. We’re truly blessed to expand on the family we’ve built here at the studios.

A heartfelt winter welcome to some of our latest arrivals! 🫶

Sherelle and the Beautifulmusic studio, in collaboration with aiaiai.audio: providing an, “inclusive studio space for Black and queer artists, fostering creativity and empowering marginalised communities in music. (Creators can apply for studio time via the link in their bio).

Moko tottenham – Our on site Hi-Fi Music Bar & Restaurant, Serving delicious vegan soul food from Sisterwoman vegan,  celebrating the sounds & flavours of the African-Caribbean diaspora.

Quantic music – musician, DJ, and record producer blending tropical, cumbia, salsa, and soul, & Andreya Triana – singer-songwriter, known for incredible albums ‘Lost Where I Belong’, and ‘life in colour’ and hits like ‘Gold’ and ‘Woman,’.

Dan Parry – Grammy winning producer / mixer. Clients include Adele, Loyle Carner, Amy Winehouse to name but a few.

Dj Boring – aka Tristan Hallis – known for helping reshape modern house with tracks like  ‘Winona’. His sets and live shows blend classic and contemporary, a unique musical fusion.

Jasper Tygner – Ninja Tune latest signing  a producer, composer and multi-instrumentalist creating kaleidoscopic arrangements of rave-inspired, melody

Legendary producer and DJ Dance System – aka L-VIS 1990. responsible for Systemrecords and there legendary Night slugs

Keep Hush – a global underground dance community whose primary mission is to ‘Back the Underground’

For more information on joining our long term community, feel free to get in touch with a member of the team here

It’s been a mad year for sessions here at the studios  

Our first full year of recording has been a whirlwind. With close to 170 sessions (and counting), we’ve been lucky enough to welcome some of the most exciting artists the UK has to offer . below we have complied some of our favourite moments. We hope you enjoy.

1. Jay O –  various tracks – (forthcoming) Engineered by Matt Hua & RZ2. AJ Tracey & Kwollem – Grandmas kitchen, Engineered by Sanjeev Shajan

3. Joel Culpepper – Happiness Is Only A Few Miles Away – (Live) with super band including Tom Misch. Engineered by Oliver Middleton

4. Frank Carter & the Rattlesnakes – Dark Rainbow (various tracks). Engineered by Sanjeev Shajan & Matt Hua

5. Tsha – (live) Engineered by Joe Clegg and Sanjeev Shajan 

5. Nissi – ‘Higher’ from the album – Unboxed. Engineered by Jay Withers

6. Ash Walker –  Various tracks (forthcoming). Engineered by Sasha Marley

7. EJIJAH & JAMMZ – ‘Close The app’ album (vocals recorded in one day.) Engineered by Sanjeev Shajan

8.Superjazz Club – Live from London. Engineered by Sanjeev Shajan

For more information on booking a session or to check our availability for 2024. You can get in touch with one of the team here

In an effort to embrace sustainability we are excited to share a recent milestone: the installation of a 30 kWp, 60 panel solar panel array at our Markfield Road complex in Tottenham. 

This transformative project was made possible through a generous grant from Haringey Council’s Carbon Community Fund. Their ambitious initiative reflects our commitment to reducing our carbon footprint, protecting our business from rising energy costs, and giving back to the incredible Haringey community that has supported us throughout the years.

This panel array is thought to be the largest of its kind used solely for a recording studio in Europe, possibly globally. 

Our Vision: Moving Toward Carbon Neutrality

Our primary goal with the solar panel installation is to take meaningful steps toward becoming carbon-neutral. While we celebrate this progress, we understand that there’s much more work to be done. Our vision extends beyond our studio doors, and over the next 5 years we will be making considered changes business wide in an attempt to move towards carbon neutrality. 

Supporting Our Community: In Gratitude

We are deeply grateful for the support of our community, and we’re dedicated to giving back. The savings generated from this solar power project will be reinvested into the Ten87 community and the broader Haringey area. This will be actioned via access to free studio time through partnerships with local youth/arts organisations, we hope to alleviate some of the challenges and barriers faced by those who may be experiencing economic hardship. 

Measuring Our Impact: The numbers

Over the next five years, our solar panels are expected to generate 50,000 kWh of clean energy. To put this in perspective, it’s equivalent to planting over 2,000 trees or powering 13 homes annually. Every kilowatt-hour generated is a testament to our collective commitment to a greener future.

Certified B Corp: A Start to Positive Change

As the first Certified B Corporation recording studio, we’re taking our newfound recognition with humility. Being a B Corp means holding ourselves to the highest standards of social and environmental responsibility. It’s a journey of continuous learning and growth, fuelled by our sincere respect for the values we uphold.

Our journey toward greener business is ongoing. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Haringey Council’s Carbon Community Fund for their support and vision. 

Stay tuned for more updates on our sustainability journey, where we’ll continue to share our progress.

Ten87 Studios isn’t just a recording studio; we are a community of artists, creators, and music lovers coming together. We hope to make a positive difference. We invite you to join us on this collective journey toward a brighter, more sustainable future—a journey guided by the belief that even the most humble steps can lead to profound change.