most cost effective way to get a sound-proof space in london?

matt99b

I'm hoping the question says it all.. I'm looking to stop sound coming in.

I need a sound-proof space for recording in London. For regular use. Needless to say I'm looking for the most cost-effective solution. I do have quite a bit of gear and will be recording large instruments and vox. It needs to be on the ground floor for access reasons. Does anyone have any idea how much I should be looking to spend, and where / what?

It must be in or near where I live for artistic reasons (nb. I can move if it will be in the same premesis as where I can live)

Having huge problems with all sorts of noise in London, everywhere I try to rent. If there's not tube noise, there's road noise. If there's no road noise, there's noisy partying 24/7 neighbours. If its a quiet area, the windows and exterior walls are so thin that the wind howles and general life is heard from outside, or there are planes flying overhead.. I must have tried around 9 different flats in different areas all around London, have tried window plugs and light sound proofing for rented accommodation and now is the time to stop and ask for advice.

In terms of budget, think as low as is possible to get a sound proof space.

I was thinking maybe buy a large detached garage and sound proof it, but looking at London prices for garages, I'm not sure if this will be the most cost effective option. (£50,000 for a single grotty garage in a plot of 12 where planning permission is restricted in white city? hmmmmm!)

Needless to say I've been researching for years with no solution as yet, and I'm sure there are those on here who have experience with this in London, and know how difficult it can be on all fronts, so your advice is much appreciated.

lostinrates

What's cost effective? It depends on if you are expecting to make money on what you are recording. FWIW we've used various studio space and found deals can be struck. Alternatively, try and get someone to record with with an indulgant parent! (I don't jest, I know of several very successful artists who have done this).

We did have a sound proof place at one point, but it was a fifth floor walk up. We got all sorts up and down regularly, even a harp, full drum kit, amps etc.

If you can show profit it might be worth looking at a live/work space? I don't know if these are available to rent as well as buy, but would solve your 'proximity' issue.

matt99b

sorry, by cost effective I mean the cheapest option. It must be on the ground foor.

lostinrates

How long do you intend to spend actually recording? Hiring studio space for recording might be the most cost effective solution.. a pain to get to and proximity seems to be a big issue here, but generally in all things it comes to cheap v convenient.

ETA I know what cost effective means, but you need to put it in context. Cheapest is not cost effective if the convience factor = money for you. Having exclusive access to recording space in your home and paying a premium for that is likely to be cost effective if you are doing an abnormal amount of recording and making money from doing this amount.

matt99b

lostinrates wrote: »

How long do you intend to spend actually recording? Hiring studio space for recording might be the most cost effective solution.. a pain to get to and proximity seems to be a big issue here, but generally in all things it comes to cheap v convenient.

ETA I know what cost effective means, but you need to put it in context. Cheapest is not cost effective if the convience factor = money for you. Having exclusive access to recording space in your home and paying a premium for that is likely to be cost effective if you are doing an abnormal amount of recording and making money from doing this amount.

I do need access to 24/7 recording using my own equipment in my own space, but I don't make much money from it at the moment. Convenience doesn't equal money for me, so I'm happy to give and take, but at the same time, if it isn't on the ground floor and in or within 5 mins walk of my living accommodation then there is no point, as I won't be able to use it. It doesn't have to be perfect though, lets say it has thick walls but a thin window. I can block up the window with a removable plug if necessary. Or lets say its a grotty basement; I don't mind doing it up myself.

I've spent years looking though and am no closer to a solution in London unfortunately.

PasturesNew

What have you got against looking for something outside of the area?

You could even share costs with 2-3 others who have the same dream.

Go to auction and buy something a bit secluded.

You've not given us much to work with for ideas really... but you've managed all these years without so you can't have a need, you've got a want - and wants come with more specific criteria than needs.

lostinrates

matt99b wrote: »

I do need access to 24/7 recording using my own equipment in my own space, but I don't make much money from it at the moment. Convenience doesn't equal money for me, so I'm happy to give and take, but at the same time, if it isn't on the ground floor and in or within 5 mins walk of my living accommodation then there is no point, as I won't be able to use it.

My guess is some sort of mobility issue?

I would return to the option of a live/work space then, and consider funding the enterprice by getting relevant planning and adaptation to let space for other people to record/rehearse.

sooz

matt99b wrote: »

I do need access to 24/7 recording using my own equipment in my own space, but I don't make much money from it at the moment. Convenience doesn't equal money for me, so I'm happy to give and take, but at the same time, if it isn't on the ground floor and in or within 5 mins walk of my living accommodation then there is no point, as I won't be able to use it. It doesn't have to be perfect though, lets say it has thick walls but a thin window. I can block up the window with a removable plug if necessary. Or lets say its a grotty basement; I don't mind doing it up myself.

I've spent years looking though and am no closer to a solution in London unfortunately.

I was going to suggest somewhere with a basement, but you said ground floor only. There are plenty of places to either buy or rent in London that have small unconverted original basements. Not all of them are near tube lines, & most only have a couple of air bricks & and old blocked up coal hole. Would none of them do?

sooz

lostinrates wrote: »

My guess is some sort of mobility issue?

My guess is it's for the sudden artistic urge


Do I win?

lostinrates

sooz wrote: »

My guess is it's for the sudden artistic urge


Do I win?

LOL, probably, but most of ''we artists'' manage We have a mac recording set up for middle of the night inspiration....(which in fact gave some pretty decent quality recordings in our London flat)

Gingernutmeg

OH used to run a studio from the 'basement' of his flat in North London (the basement was actually the living space but he used it as a studio). However, he didn't do much actual recording there but it was more the composing/mastering side of it. If he needed 'live' musicians then he tended to rent somewhere by the day as tbh, you're going to struggle to get anywhere that's perfect and silent in London - we've tried renting places in 'quiet locations' and they're generally worse than the ordinary places! One of the reasons we moved out of London was OH's music - he simply couldn't get the space and quiet he needed (and I couldn't live with the thought that we might be being 'bad' neighbours lol). Where we are now (Wilts) isn't brilliant in terms of noise but it's a lot better - easy travel into London too, so it's not put any of OH's clients off, in fact they like coming to the 'country'.

Also, road noise doesn't necessaily have to be an issue, OH often records his piano at home, it's in our living room that's on a busy-ish road, and with good microphones and a bit of judicious mastering you really can't tell there's a road there - one of his clients thought he'd recorded it at a well-known studio lol Obviously that's not the idea solution for bands, but I think in London you're going to have to be flexible.