recording studio Tag

There’s no avoiding the conversation right now. Every producer forum, every music tech newsletter, every panel at every conference is asking the same question: what does AI actually mean for the recording studio?

At Ten87 Studios – a community of over 60 professional studios in Tottenham – we hear it constantly from our members and day hire artists. Some are excited. Some are sceptical. Most are somewhere in between: curious enough to try things, experienced enough to know when something isn’t quite right.

So here’s an honest take. Not a sales pitch for any particular tool, and not a dismissal of something that genuinely is changing the way people work.

The tools that are actually useful right now

Stem separation

This one has quietly become indispensable. Tools like Meta’s Demucs – which splits a mixed track into vocals, drums, bass, and everything else – used to produce results that were clearly artefacted. Now they’re clean enough to use in a professional context.

In practice, producers at Ten87 Studios use stem separation for: sampling and interpolation without legal headaches, learning a mix by isolating elements, and rescuing old recordings where the original sessions no longer exist. It’s one of those tools that saves hours and asks for nothing in return except a decent export.

AI-assisted mixing and mastering

iZotope’s Ozone, Sonible’s smart:comp, Waves’ AI-powered plugins – these have genuinely improved. The useful framing here is not “will AI mix my track for me?” but “can AI handle the analytical groundwork so I can focus on the creative decisions?”

The answer, increasingly, is yes. Loudness matching, frequency balance checking, basic dynamic control – these are tasks where the machine is fast and accurate. Where human ears still win is in the judgement calls: the choice that makes a mix feel like something, not just measured correctly.

Platforms like LANDR have also made rapid strides on mastering turnaround. For an independent artist who needs a competent master at speed, it’s a real option. For an artist who wants a master that stands out, there’s still no substitute for working with an experienced engineer in a calibrated room – which is exactly what our mixing and mastering suite at Ten87 Studios is built for.

Arrangement and composition assistance

More contested, but genuinely useful for the right workflow. If you have a strong melodic or harmonic idea but blank out on arrangement, tools that suggest chord variations or fill out instrumentation can break a creative block. The key distinction – one most working producers will instinctively understand – is using the suggestion as a starting point, not a finished answer.

Noise reduction and restoration

Probably the clearest win. AI-powered noise reduction (iZotope RX being the benchmark) has reached a level where recordings that would previously have been unusable can now be salvaged. Room noise, mic handling, background hum – treated non-destructively and with a quality that simply wasn’t possible five years ago.

The things that aren’t what they seem

Fully generative song creation

Suno, Udio, and their peers are genuinely impressive as demonstrations. As professional tools, they’re more limited than the headlines suggest. The issue isn’t technical – it’s creative. Output tends toward the generic because the models are trained on the aggregate of what already exists, not on taste or intention.

There’s also the question of ownership, ethics, and the music industry’s ongoing reckoning with how these models were trained. These aren’t settled questions, and for working artists, that uncertainty is real. A significant number of producers surveyed by Sound on Sound in early 2026 cited ethical concerns as a reason to hold back from generative tools specifically.

AI as a replacement for a proper acoustic environment

No plugin corrects a bad room. No algorithm compensates for a mic placed wrong, monitors that aren’t calibrated, or a performance captured through a compromised signal chain. The ceiling for what AI can fix in post is much lower than the marketing implies.

This is where a dedicated professional space matters more than ever. When the source material is right, AI tools are powerful. When it isn’t, they’re limited.

What good producers are actually doing

The 2026 Sonarworks survey of over 1,100 working producers found the majority treat AI as a selective, task-specific tool – useful for audio cleanup, stem separation, and technical analysis, but kept away from the core creative decisions. The language that came up repeatedly was “assistant, not replacement.”

That tracks with what we see at Ten87 Studios. The producers who are thriving with these tools aren’t the ones who have handed over creative decisions. They’re the ones who’ve identified the parts of the process they found tedious or slow and have found specific tools to handle them – while keeping the things that actually make music interesting firmly in their own hands.

The bottom line

AI is a real and permanent part of music production in 2026. It’s not a fad, but it’s also not the revolution some of the coverage suggests. The most useful framing is: it’s a set of genuinely powerful tools for specific tasks, and like any tool in the studio, the quality of the output depends entirely on the skill of the person using it.

At Ten87 Studios, our members have access to professional hardware, calibrated rooms, and experienced engineers – the foundation that makes any production approach, AI-assisted or not, actually work.

If you want to book a day hire session and bring whatever workflow suits you, find out more here. If you’re interested in what our mixing and mastering team can do, take a look at our services.

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.

Ten87 Co-working Recording Spaces

Ten87, a thriving community hub for independent musicians, recording artists, and producers in London, has witnessed firsthand the economic advantages that co-working spaces offer. Here, we delve into how choosing a co-working space like Ten87 can provide significant economic benefits for individuals and businesses alike.

Cost Efficiency

One of the primary economic benefits of co-working spaces is cost efficiency. Traditional office rentals often come with high upfront costs, including deposits, long-term lease commitments, and the expense of furnishing and maintaining the space. Co-working spaces, on the other hand, offer flexible membership plans that allow businesses and individuals to pay only for the space and services they need. At Ten87, members can choose from various membership options that fit their budget and requirements, making it an affordable option for independent musicians and small businesses.

Flexibility and Scalability

Co-working spaces provide the flexibility to scale up or down based on the needs of your business. For startups and growing businesses, this is a significant advantage. Rather than being locked into a long-term lease, members at Ten87 can easily adjust their studio requirements as their projects and teams evolve. This scalability ensures that businesses are not overpaying for unused space or scrambling to find additional space during growth phases.

Access to High-Quality Facilities

Investing in high-quality facilities and equipment can be prohibitively expensive, especially for independent musicians and small businesses. Our Co-working spaces offer access to state-of-the-art studios and equipment, including high-spec acoustic design and top-notch recording gear. This access allows members to produce high-quality work without the financial burden of purchasing and maintaining expensive equipment.

Networking and Collaboration Opportunities

The economic benefits of co-working spaces extend beyond direct cost savings. Being part of our co-working community fosters networking and collaboration, which can lead to new business opportunities and partnerships. At Ten87, our community is designed to encourage interaction among members, with regular events and a shared common area where ideas can be exchanged. This collaborative environment can lead to innovative projects and increased business opportunities, providing economic benefits that are difficult to achieve in isolated office settings.

Reduced Overhead Costs

Co-working spaces help reduce overhead costs by providing shared amenities and services. At Ten87, members benefit from shared utilities, reception services, and maintenance, which are included in the membership fees. This shared approach to amenities means that businesses can operate more efficiently and focus their resources on their core activities rather than managing office logistics.

Increased Productivity and Work-Life Balance

Economic benefits also arise from increased productivity and improved work-life balance. Our co-working spaces at Ten87 are designed to create an inspiring and comfortable work environment, which can enhance productivity. Additionally, the flexible nature of co-working spaces allows members to choose their working hours and balance their professional and personal lives more effectively. This balance can lead to higher job satisfaction and reduced turnover, ultimately benefiting the business economically.

Enhanced Professional Image

For independent musicians and small businesses, maintaining a professional image is crucial. Co-working spaces provide access to high-quality facilities that can impress clients and collaborators. At Ten87 we help members present a polished and credible image Ten87, with our modern design and professional environment, which can be beneficial for business growth and attracting new opportunities.

Community Support and Learning

Being part of a co-working space often means being part of a supportive community. At Ten87, members have access to a wealth of knowledge and experience from fellow musicians and industry professionals. This community support can provide valuable insights and learning opportunities, helping members navigate challenges and grow their businesses more effectively. The shared experience and advice can lead to better decision-making and economic advantages over time.

Sustainability and Environmental Impact

Finally, co-working spaces often promote sustainability, which can have long-term economic benefits. At Ten87 we are proud to be part of Europe’s largest solar-powered studio complex, reducing our carbon footprint and promoting environmentally friendly practices.

The economic benefits of co-working spaces are manifold, offering cost efficiency, flexibility, access to high-quality facilities, and a collaborative environment that fosters innovation and growth. At Ten87, we are dedicated to providing an inspiring and supportive community for independent musicians, recording artists, and producers. By choosing a co-working space like Ten87, businesses and individuals can enjoy these economic advantages while being part of a vibrant creative community.

For more information on how Ten87 can benefit your musical journey, click here and explore our membership options. Join us and experience the economic benefits of co-working spaces firsthand.