How much does it cost to record a song in a music studio?
The cost of recording a song in a Melbourne recording studio studio in Melbourne ranges from $100 to $500 per hour, or $800 to upwards of $10,000 per song.
Melbourne is rich with good recording studios and amazing people behind them. It might feel a bit daunting when you first start looking for a studio to entrust your music to. From project studios to large multi-room facilities, we have it all. So where do you begin with deciding how much you’d want to spend, and where?
The Music Studio Space
The recording studio industry is not exempt from the notion of ‘you get what you pay for’. A good recording studio Melbourne recording studio space is one that is well-treated and well-planned, and therefore one that sounds and feels good. Both these factors tremendously affect the outcome of your project. You might consider going to a studio with a bigger control room space if you’re bringing a band or your mates along for example. The investment made into building and maintaining a space is often reflected in a studio’s rate.
Gear Needs
The quality and range of available equipment is often a factor as well. Depending on the needs of your project and the sound you’re going for, you might choose a studio with the appropriate gear to facilitate that. Do you need 80 channels of Neve preamps with sends for a large live setup or a simpler vocal chain for a vocal demo? Do you need a wall of guitar cabinets to audition tones or is an amp modeller more your thing?
Audio Engineer Needs
Most project and mid-sized studios will include an audio engineer in the booking rate since the studios are often owned and operated by the same people. Larger studios usually exclude the cost of an engineer, since artists and labels in that marketplace might have specific engineers they prefer to bring in. Larger studios are also often booked by producers and engineers on a per-project basis. In any case, check whether the rate you’re quoted includes or excludes an audio engineer.
Hourly or Day Rates
Most music studios will give you the option of hiring at hourly rates or a discounted day rate. Your decision to go with either should really come down to your working style and preference. If an hourly rate puts you in a position of feeling stressed and uncomfortable, opt for a daily rate or even try discussing a flat recording fee altogether. As a guide, most professional studios in Melbourne would charge about $100 per hour or $500 per day at minimum. You might be able to find project studios that charge a little less than that; these are good options if your budget is tight and you’re willing to make some admissions to the factors above.
Package Pricing
Studios also often offer EP or album recording packages, or full production packages if you’re looking for more than a recording space and engineer. Always reach out to ask about these options!
Ask about Studio Chaddy’s package options
Melbourne Recording Studio | Final Piece of Advice
The final piece of advice we have when considering if a music studio is right for you is checking out their past work and deciding if it fits the sound you’re after!
If you’d like to learn more about our rates and services, please reach out with a short description of your project and we’ll get you a custom quote as soon as possible.
You can listen to some of our past work here.
