Recording Studios | Manchester
Recent Recording Sessions
Anderson .Paak
The Courteeners
Video Shoot
Aquarelle Quartet
Mammal Hands
Lang Lang
Skeltr & Kin Kai
Orchestra (25 piece)
Back To The Future Musical Cast
Videos @ 80 HERTZ
Recording Studios in Manchester
Purpose-Built for Music
80 HERTZ was designed and built by George Atkins specifically for music recording — and has been in continuous operation for over twenty years. Our recording studios in Manchester feature a stunning array of live rooms from the large-format 1,000 sq ft Jefferson Live Room to five other areas of dead acoustic. Our live rooms are paired with an extensive high-end mic collection, a wide selection of preamps and in-house instruments and amps.
George's recording and mixing credits include The Courteeners, Anderson .Paak, GoGo Penguin, Mammal Hands, New Order, DJ Shadow, Lang Lang, Lily Allen, Willy Mason, Frightened Rabbit, Stealing Sheep, Jane Weaver, Rae Morris, and Dwight Trible — alongside over 350 IMDb credits for ADR and post-production sound.
See our full equipment list, music mixing, and online mastering.
Recording Live as a Band
Our recording spaces lend themselves to 25-piece chamber string or brass ensembles, big bands, choirs, video shoots, live streams, and of course bands.
Artists are in their element live and can make great use of our setup. For example, a four-piece band could set up to record their album live, with all members in the same room, but guitar and bass amps housed in isolated booths.
This means the band play together — as they would in the rehearsal room or on stage — but importantly retain acoustic isolation between instruments. This allows for fast fixes, pickups, and drop-ins if someone makes an error, or allows musicians to overdub quickly in situ.
Engineers and producers have full control over the parts due to the acoustic isolation, retaining the ability to push and pull levels of each instrument in the mix without having to deal with spill or other instruments upsetting the balance.
The material recorded can then be mixed as if the band was tracked (recorded each instrument step by step), which obviously requires far more studio time. This recording process empowers artists and producers to capture the all-important performance. 80 HERTZ's design is sensitive to artists and bands that need to do more with less budget.
Furthermore, the artist and producer get an early picture of the song as a whole, to assess where to go or how to improve. This is essentially how music comes together in the practice room.
These powerful and rather unique options allow album projects or EPs to come together far faster than one would think — saving time and money and crucially not compromising quality.
Traditional tracking methods, starting with the rhythm section and a guide vocal, are still an option but usually incur more studio time.
The Neve Genesys Console
At the centre of everything is our custom Neve Genesys Blue 64 i/o via Dante, with 16 vintage 1084 EQs and 8 Neve 88RS EQs, along with DAW control, total recall, automation and Dante connectivity. The console provides 65-channel analogue summing for Pro Tools Ultimate HDX and Logic Pro X.
The console is paired with high-end analogue outboard from DW Fearn, Neve, API, SSL, Manley, Universal Audio, and Chandler Limited, along with Lynx Aurora(n) and Lavry Gold Savitr digital conversion.
The inspiring 1,000 square foot Jefferson Live Room provides a beautiful natural acoustic and is unique in the North West. The room is consistent with legendary large-format studios such as Abbey Road Studio 2 — globally known for its characterful and sought-after acoustic.
Analogue Tape Recording
Our 2-inch 24-track Otari MX80 tape machine can also act as a front end to Pro Tools HDX Ultimate. We record to tape and commit to digital simultaneously — giving you the benefit of classic tape characteristics as well as the convenience of digital.
A half-inch Otari MTR 12 stereo master recorder is also available, enabling a complete analogue workflow from live room to LP.
Downloadable Specifications
Download our full equipment list for your records: 80 HERTZ Equipment List (PDF).
Facilities & Getting Here
We know that when you're planning a recording session, you need to know the logistics are sorted.
- Free secure on-site parking with disability access
- Fully wheelchair accessible throughout, including restrooms
- On-site café with hot food and drinks (09:00–13:45 weekdays). Complimentary hot drinks and mineral water throughout sessions
- Public transport: Central Park Metrolink tram stop, 10-minute walk
- Minutes from Manchester city centre — 15 minutes by taxi from Manchester Piccadilly station
Address: 80 HERTZ Studios, The Sharp Project, Thorp Road, Manchester, M40 5BJ
Booking Terms & Conditions
The following is a summary of key terms. Download full terms and conditions (PDF).
Booking & Confirmation
Pencil bookings are held for 5 business days unless otherwise agreed. A session is confirmed on receipt of a Purchase Order or clear written instruction via email. The exchange of project materials (scripts, media files, or session sets) constitutes a binding agreement to our terms.
Cancellation & Rescheduling
Pencil bookings may be cancelled without charge. For confirmed sessions: more than 7 business days' notice receives a full refund or free reschedule; 48 hours to 7 business days' notice incurs 50% of the session fee; less than 48 hours' notice or no-show incurs 100% of the session fee. Rescheduling requests are treated as a cancellation of the original booking and a new booking for the rescheduled date.
Payment
Invoices are payable within 14 days (or 30 days for approved account clients). A 50% deposit is required for new clients and bookings exceeding £1,000. All rates are quoted exclusive of VAT.
Confidentiality
All project materials, scripts, talent details, and the existence of sessions are treated as confidential. Our terms include 7-year confidentiality obligations (perpetual for trade secrets and personally identifiable information). No press releases or public statements without your written approval.
Talent Consents & IP
The client is responsible for obtaining all necessary consents from talent and performers prior to recording, including UK GDPR requirements and any applicable Equity or union agreements. Upon full payment, the client owns the copyright in the recordings and deliverables created during the session.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I book a recording session?
Contact us by phone on +44 (0) 161 850 8088 or email info@80hertz.com with your project details and preferred dates. We'll pencil-hold your dates (typically for 5 business days) and confirm once we receive a Purchase Order or written confirmation.
How big is the live room?
The Jefferson Live Room is 1,000 square feet with 24-foot ceilings — one of the largest purpose-built live rooms in the North of England. It comfortably accommodates 25-piece ensembles, big bands, choirs, and full bands recording live.
Can we record a full band live?
Yes. The live room has four isolated booths so you can record with all members in the same room while keeping acoustic isolation between instruments. You get the energy of a live performance with the mixing flexibility of tracked recording.
Do you have analogue tape recording?
Yes. We record to 2-inch analogue tape using an Otari MX80 24-track with simultaneous digital recording into Pro Tools. A half-inch Otari MTR 12 stereo master recorder is also available for a complete analogue workflow.
What console do you use?
A custom Neve Genesys Blue 64 i/o via Dante with 16 vintage 1084 EQs and 8 Neve 88RS EQs, providing 65-channel analogue summing, full DAW control, total recall, and automation.
Can you record orchestral or chamber ensembles?
Yes. The 1,000 sq ft live room with 24-foot ceilings accommodates up to 25 players comfortably. We've recorded chamber strings, brass ensembles, big bands, and choirs.
Do you provide an engineer?
Yes. An experienced engineer is included in every session. George Atkins has over twenty years of recording and mixing experience with credits spanning albums, film scores, and orchestral sessions.
Is there parking and is the studio accessible?
Free secure on-site parking with disability access. Fully wheelchair accessible throughout, including restrooms. We're at The Sharp Project, Thorp Road, Manchester M40 5BJ.
Is there catering available?
The on-site café serves hot food and drinks from 09:00 to 13:45 on weekdays. Complimentary hot drinks and mineral water throughout all sessions.
What is your cancellation policy?
Pencil bookings can be cancelled without charge. For confirmed sessions: more than 7 business days' notice receives a full refund or free reschedule; 48 hours to 7 business days' notice incurs 50% of the session fee; less than 48 hours' notice or no-show incurs 100% of the session fee.
Book a Session
Get in touch to discuss your recording project.
Phone: +44 (0) 161 850 8088
Email: info@80hertz.com