AVOLCA Studios FAQs
What equipment does the studio have?
AVOLCA Studios is equipped for professional recording, writing, production, mixing and content creation.
Our setup includes:
- 🎚️ Apollo Twin X Quad audio interface
- 🎙️ Neumann TLM 102 microphone
- 🔊 Focal Twin ST6 studio monitors
- 🍎 Apple Mac Mini M1 with Ableton, FL Studio, Logic Pro, Avid Pro Tools and more
- 🖥️ Curved 34" Philips monitor with the option to connect your own laptop
- 🎧 Headphones and recording essentials
- 🎤 Dedicated vocal booth
- 🎮 PlayStation 5
- 📺 65" Smart TV
- 📶 Super-fast WiFi
- 💺 Sybr Si1 chairs and lounge seating
- 💡 Lighting and layout optimised for filming, content and live streaming
- ❄️ Air conditioning and dedicated air purifier for all-day comfort
See the full studio equipment and facilities list.
Where is the studio?
The nearest station is Clapton Overground, approximately a 5-minute walk from the studio.
Full address details will be provided as part of your booking confirmation.
Read about our East London recording and music studio location.
Is there parking?
Yes, there is free parking outside, subject to availability.
What is dry hire?
Dry hire means you are booking the studio space and equipment without an AVOLCA engineer included.
Dry hire is best if you can confidently record yourself, bring your own experienced engineer, or already know how to use the setup.
If you do not have experience using studio equipment, we recommend booking an engineered session. Please be mindful that if you book dry hire and the equipment is used incorrectly, damaged, or something goes wrong due to misuse, you may be liable under AVOLCA's terms.
Read the complete dry hire guide and check availability.
Do I need an engineer, or can I bring my own?
You should book an engineered session if you want someone to record you, run the session, set levels, manage the technical setup, or support the recording process.
You may not need an AVOLCA engineer if you or someone in your team is experienced and confident using the equipment listed above.
You can bring your own engineer for dry hire sessions, but they must be experienced with professional studio equipment and must follow AVOLCA's house rules.
If you bring your own engineer and any equipment is damaged, misused, moved incorrectly, disconnected incorrectly, or affected because the person using it is not experienced with the equipment, the booker may be liable for repair, replacement, loss, call-out, or other related costs.
The person who made the booking remains responsible for the session, including their own engineer, guests, equipment use, damage, misuse, excessive cleaning, and any breach of AVOLCA's terms.
If you are unsure, we strongly recommend booking an engineered session rather than dry hire.
See what is included in a recording session with an engineer.
What software is available?
The studio Mac includes Ableton, FL Studio, Logic Pro, Avid Pro Tools and other core creative tools.
For plugin-specific needs, please check in advance by DMing @avolcastudio or emailing admin@avolca.com.
Can I bring my own laptop?
Yes. The studio has a curved 34" Philips monitor, and you can connect your own laptop where compatible.
Please bring any adapters you need, especially if you use newer MacBooks or devices with specific ports.
Do you provide beats or producers?
Beat production is not automatically included with studio hire.
If you would like beat production or a producer involved in your session, please enquire beforehand so we can confirm availability and pricing.
Do you mix and master?
Yes, mixing and mastering are available as an additional booking service.
You can add mixing and mastering at the time of booking where available on the booking site.
If you decide after your session that you would like mixing, mastering, or additional post-session edits, please DM your engineer, or @avolcastudio or email admin@avolca.com so we can confirm availability, pricing and turnaround.
Mixing, mastering and post-session edits are not automatically included in standard studio hire or recording session prices unless selected or agreed separately.
Can I cancel or reschedule?
Cancellation and rescheduling options depend on how much notice is given.
Please check our Cancellation & Payment Policy before booking.
In some cases, eligible clients may receive a 14-day booking credit rather than a refund.
Each booking is limited to one reschedule, unless AVOLCA agrees otherwise in writing.
Can I pay in cash?
Cash payment may be available for selected bookings where shown or agreed in advance.
If cash is due, it must be paid before the session begins.
How much does studio hire cost?
Dry hire starts from £15 per hour with a two-hour minimum. Recording sessions with an AVOLCA engineer start from £35 per hour.
Longer session packages and prepaid studio hours may reduce the effective hourly rate. See current studio prices and packages.
Do you take walk-ins?
No. Sessions must be booked in advance through the booking system.
What are the main house rules?
Please treat the studio, equipment and building with care and respect.
Key rules include:
- Booked time includes setup, recording, breaks, exporting, saving files, packing down and leaving.
- Please leave the studio tidy and ready for the next client.
- Food and drinks should be eaten upstairs and kept away from the studio area, electronic equipment, microphones, monitors, computers and the studio desk.
- All rubbish must be disposed of in the bin before you leave.
- Fixed or major studio equipment must not be moved without permission.
- The person who booked is responsible for themselves, their engineer, their guests, and any damage, misuse, excessive cleaning or breach of AVOLCA's terms.
- Smoke machines, candles, incense, flames, glitter, confetti, paint, powders or anything messy are not allowed unless explicitly approved.
- Alcohol is not encouraged and may be refused where it creates a safety, conduct or damage risk.
Clients and guests must remain respectful and in control at all times.
Can I bring guests?
Yes, guests are welcome within reason.
The maximum number of guests is 10 people, unless agreed in advance by AVOLCA.
The person who booked is responsible for their guests' behaviour, any damage, and making sure everyone leaves on time.
Guests must follow AVOLCA's house rules at all times.
What happens if equipment isn't working?
Please report any issue as soon as you notice it.
If you are on dry hire, you should check the equipment at the start of your session and report any pre-existing issues early so it is clear they were not caused during your booking.
Can I extend my session if I need more time?
Possibly, subject to availability.
Extensions must be approved and paid for before continuing. Please do not assume extra time is available, as there may be another booking after yours.
Will I leave with my finished song?
This depends on what is completed during your booked time and what services you have booked.
You will usually leave with your recorded files or a bounce from the session, depending on the session type and what was completed.
If you want a fully mixed and mastered version, please add mixing and mastering at the time of booking where available, or contact us afterwards to arrange this separately.
What should I bring to my session?
Bring anything you need for your session, such as:
- Lyrics
- Beats or instrumentals
- Session files
- Hard drive or USB
- Laptop and charger
- Adapters
- Reference tracks
- Water
- Any personal headphones if preferred
Can I get my session files afterwards?
Please export and save your files before the end of your booking.
AVOLCA cannot guarantee long-term storage of session files unless agreed in advance.
We'll help where possible, but clients should not rely on AVOLCA to store or send files after the session. Please make sure everything is exported and saved before your booking ends.
Can I record vocals, rap and singing?
Yes. The studio is suitable for vocals, rap, singing, writing sessions, voiceovers, production sessions and content creation.
Can I film content or live stream in the studio?
Yes. The lighting and layout are designed to work well for filming, live streaming and behind-the-scenes content.
Please make sure everyone being filmed is comfortable with it and that filming does not interfere with the session, equipment or other bookings.
Please let us know in advance if live streaming is a major part of your session so we can make sure the setup is suitable.
Can beginners book?
Yes. You do not need to be experienced to book with AVOLCA.
If you are new to recording, we recommend booking an engineered session so someone can guide you through the process.
Can I book if I'm nervous or this is my first studio session?
Yes. Lots of clients feel nervous before their first studio session.
Our aim is to create a calm, professional and comfortable environment where you can record without feeling rushed or judged.
Please add this in the booking notes so we can accommodate you where possible.
Do you work with under-18s?
Clients under 18 may need parent/guardian consent or an adult present.
Please contact us before booking if the artist or main client is under 18.
Is the studio private?
Yes. Your booking is private to you and your approved guests.
We do not allow walk-ins during your session.
For dry hire, only you and your approved guests should be in the studio unless AVOLCA staff need to attend for operational reasons.
For engineered sessions, your assigned engineer will be present.
Can I visit the studio before booking?
Studio viewings may be available by appointment only, subject to availability.
Please contact us to arrange this.
Can I decorate the studio for a shoot?
Small props may be allowed with prior approval.
Nothing can be attached to walls, equipment or furniture without permission.
Glitter, confetti, smoke, candles, paint, powders or anything messy are not allowed unless explicitly approved.
Are pets allowed?
Pets are not allowed unless agreed in advance, except assistance animals where required.
Still have a question? DM @avolcastudio or email admin@avolca.com.