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// FAQ
FAQ
What is your availability like?
Monday to Thursday are generally the busiest evenings of the week however, we do run a waiting/cancellations list. If you let us know what sessions you require, we give you a call the moment the booking becomes available. There is no obligation for you to take it.
Friday to Sunday availability is much better. It does pay to try and book 10 days or so in advance, so you get the room and time you want.
Day time sessions are also easier to find for you, but again booking 7 to 10 days in advance is recommended.
We don't set session times for most of our studios, so you can start and finish at whatever time that suits. There is no maximum limit to the length of session you can book. However, for full band bookings we set a 3 hour minimum session time. In our mini, mini ultra, and maxi rooms take a look at the time table on the page for session times.
Our opening hours are 10am to12 midnight every day except Saturday when the opening times are 10am to 8pm.
What is the sound proofing like in the studios?
The sound proofing is excellent. We can confidently say that the standard can only be rivalled by professional recording studios. This means that you can write songs without being disturbed by your next door neighbour! The studios were designed by Recording Architecture, a specialist firm with years of acoustic design experience. As a result this also means that the sound inside all our studios is outstanding for its clarity at all frequencies.
What's the storage situation like?
We run a flexible storage system . The charge is set by the calendar week. Availability is generally good, however, if you are going to be leaving your gear after the session please let us know in advance so we can check that we have the space.
Load in can be arranged for splitters or any large vehicle. Storage and studios are on ground and first floors and can be accessed by ramps or lift. Return of gear outside opening times can be arranged using our 24 hour access storage.
If I need help is there anybody I can ask?
Yes. Please ask if you have any issues with how to put something through the desk, or let us know if your equipment is buzzing, or our equipment appears faulty. Staff are here to help. We are happy to try and solve your problems, and if the problem is caused by our equipment, we are happy to replace it.
Yes. We have an ipod docking system available for hire compatable with:
iPod classic 80GB 160GB
iPod nano (3rd generation) 4GB 8GB
iPod 5th generation (video) 30GB 60GB 80GB
iPod nano (2nd generation) 2GB 4GB 8GB
and portable laptops using our download disk.
The recording is not demo quality, but having said that, most bands get good results. And if it's just a record of a song or ideas you're working on, then it's perfect. You can also record on to different formats mini disc and cassette.
There is an additional fee for this equipment.
In addition all our downstairs rooms have special audio and visual links so it 's possible to use one room as a control room and one room as a live room. We do have a number of mobile recording units that use our studios, so if it's pro quality you are looking for, we will be able to give you some contact numbers.
Do you have wifi?
Free wifi is available in all our studios. We do however, recommend that if you wish to do any kind of live video streaming, you set up your own network since our network is shared with all our customers and can get heavy use which slows things down. Moreover whilst we do our best to make sure that our wifi is up and running we cannot make guarantees.
Are you in the congestion charge zone?
We are outside the congestion charge zone.
Do have you parking?
We do not have parking. However there is plenty of parking available locally and parking on street is free after 1.30 on Saturdays through until Monday morning on single yellow lines. Please see ‘find us’ for full details
Can I print out documents with you?
Yes. We charge a small per page fee for printing. You will have to email the documents to us. We do not allow staff to use your memory sticks in our computers.
How do I pay?
We accept cash and cards, including American Express. If you wish to pay by cheque we will need a guarantee card, unless you pay in advance, in which case we can make sure funds are received well in advance of the session. All customers are asked to put down a £20 down payment the first time they rehearse with us. After this we ask for replacement details every 3 months, unless another arrangement has been made. We do not offer credit unless arrangement is made in writing and agreed in advance.
Are there any discounts or special rates if I just come in on my own?
We have a variety of different solo session rates. For example we currently have special rates for solo drummers, singers, pianists and guitarists. These are heavily discounted and generally available at the quieter times.
Can I use your rooms for other types of rehearsals?
Of course. We have accommodated theatre groups, film production, casting, auditions, dancers, orchestras, choirs, anger management courses, church groups and even the martial arts. We don't have sprung floors, but many of the rooms are large and several have mirrors. They are certainly ideal for performers to practice a song and dance routine, and the air conditioning in all rooms is a bonus. Plus we have full wheelchair access and a shower!
We're 2 minutes walk from King's Cross Thames Link exit. Please click on 'Contact Us' for more information.
Do you have a cancellation period or charge?
THE CANCELLATION NOTICE FOR BANDS ON BLOCK BOOKINGS IS 6 days. (Please call for more details)
THE CANCELLATION NOTICE FOR BANDS ON LOCKOUTS IS 4 days. (Please call for more details)
ALL OTHER BOOKINGS REQUIRE A 72 HOURS CANCELLATION NOTICE PERIOD.
All time is counted back from the start time of your rehearsal. If you cancel at or after the cancellation period we will charge the full cost of the rehearsal room hire booked. When you are cancelling you must ensure that you speak to a member of staff and obtain a cancellation number. We do not accept cancellations over the answerphone or by email. Your cancellation number is a record of the phone call and your proof that the cancellation was made, so keep it safe.
HELP US TO KEEP YOUR COSTS DOWN BY GIVING US AS MUCH NOTICE AS POSSIBLE OF ANY CANCELLATION.
Can we still smoke in the studios and building?
Smoke-free legislation from the 1st July 2007 covers all workplaces and leisure facilities including rehearsal studios. Please 'Contact Us' for industrial cleaning costs in the event of an infringement of this law.