Farm Factory Studios
REHEARSALS - RECORDING - MUSIC ACADEMY
About us
Under new ownership (since April 2015) we are dedicated to maintaining our industry-standard facilities and great customer service.
We have seven rehearsal studios. All rooms are fully fitted with professional sound proofing to give you the best sounds and acoustics possible. All our Rehearsal Studios are equipped with a P.A. system and Vocal Microphones.
Drum kits, Guitar Combos, Heads and Cabs, Bass amps and Cabs, Guitars & Bass Guitars are available to hire.
Click Here for rehearsal prices
We keep a comprehensive range of guitar and bass strings, electric, acoustic, twelve string and singles. Also we stock Pro-Mark drum sticks, spare Remo snare heads, plectrums, ear plugs, disposable and re-useable, batteries etc.
We have a wide range of refrigerated drinks, coffee, tea, chocolate bars and crisps available.
Click Here for more information about recording at Farm Factory
Re-Opening
Full re-opening scheduled for 12th April 2021
As of 1st April 2021, the current Musicians Union guidance states: The use of rehearsal and recording studios can continue, provided it’s for the purpose of work (whether by professionals or part-time professionals). The guidance states the rehearsals may be to prepare for “an upcoming gig or potential gigs”. Therefore, anyone rehearsing with a view to getting potential paid work in the future is welcome to rehearse on the premises.
As of Monday 12th April 2021, Farm Factory Studios will be open for rehearsals and recording for musicians of all levels.
All of our covid-secure "Rehearse Safe" measures will remain in place.
We look forward to seeing you all again soon!
Book a Rehearsal
Under the current circumstances and to help us look after everyone, we feel that it's sensible that we minimise the level of contact and interaction between Farm Factory Studios staff members and our clients (click here to read more about the safety measures that we have put in place).
Therefore, for the time being, we are only accepting bookings by phone or through our new online booking system.
We highly recommend that you use the online booking system as this will be the quickest way of booking the time slot that you want. We will not always be able to answer the phone (we are not always on-site if there are no bookings running) and if you leave a message, we may not be able to get back to you to process your booking before someone else books your requested slot online.
For the time being, we will not be taking payments for rehearsals at reception:
ALL PAYMENTS WILL BE TAKEN AT THE POINT OF BOOKING
So please have your card details ready when you book.
Cancellations can be made up to 48 hours before the start of the booking
If you wish to book more than 4 hours, or you want to make a single musician booking, please email us or call us on 01707 392030
Rehearse Safe
VOCALIST SCREENS NOW AVAILABLE: We have a limited number of free to use, portable vocalist screens available (enough for one per room if all rooms are operating). Please ask at reception if you would like one for your room.
Dolly demonstrates the correct use of a vocalist screen!Price Increase
This was due on 1st July 2020 (2 years since the last increase). Due to the recent circumstances, we have deferred this and will re-evaluate again later in the summer. So, until further notice, rehearsal prices will be frozen.
ALL BOOKINGS ARE LIMITED TO A MAXIMUM OF 6 PERSONS.
Booking
The biggest change will be to how you book your rehearsals.
Under the current guidelines and to help us look after everyone, we feel that it's sensible that we minimise the level of contact and interaction between Farm Factory Studios staff members and our clients. Therefore, for the time being, we are only accepting bookings by phone or through our new online booking system.
We highly recommend that you use the online booking system - this will be the quickest way of booking the time slot that you want. We will not always be able to answer the phone (we are not always on-site if there are no bookings running) and if you leave a message, we may not be able to get back to you to process your booking before someone else books your requested slot online.
For the time being, we will not be taking payments for rehearsals at reception:
ALL PAYMENTS WILL BE TAKEN AT THE POINT OF BOOKING
So please have your card details ready when you book.
Staggered Rehearsal Times
To minimise contact during “crossover” periods, we have staggered booking start / finish times by 15 minutes. You will be able to pick your rehearsal room, how many hours you want to book for and your start time from the online booking system.
To accommodate this, we have adjusted our opening times slightly.
Ideally you will arrive promptly at the start of your booking. However, it is important that you arrive and load in within 10 minutes of the start of your booking time. This will help us minimise “crossover”.
Please do not arrive excessively early for your booking – we will not be able to allow you access to your room until the actual start time of your booking.
Once you arrive and load in, please send one member of your group up to reception to collect mics and XLR leads etc.
Room 6
If you book a rehearsal in room 6 you will need to load in / out from the rear of the building. It may be possible to park at the rear of the building as long as the access road is passable for other vehicles. If this is not the case, once you have loaded in / out, please move your vehicle and park elsewhere so that the rear access road is clear for other users.
Setting Up within the Rehearsal Rooms
All of our available rooms are large enough to cope with keeping at least 1 metre distance from other band members. However, we recommend that any vocalists set up pointing away from the rest of the band members where possible.
Cleaning
Microphones will be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected between rehearsals. We will also be providing free disposable microphone covers. However we would recommend that you bring your own microphone if you are at all unsure.
Amp and PA controls will be wiped down between rehearsals.
Hire Drum Kits & Hardware: It is not viable to thoroughly clean hire Drum Kits between rehearsals. We recommend that drummers bring gloves to enable them to handle the hardware and cymbals when setting up, or wash their hands or use the hand-sanitiser provided in each room once they have set the kit up. If you are in any way unsure about this, we recommend that you bring your own kit.
Door Handles and the reception surfaces will be cleaned on a regular basis.
Toilets
We will operate a “one in, one out” policy. The layout of the toilets at Farm Factory is such that it is fairly obvious if there is another person already using the toilet. Please use common sense and respect others by maintaining a minimum 1-metre distance. The toilets will always be well stocked with soap and there will be hand-sanitiser on the storage racking outside the toilets should you wish to use it.
Hand-Sanitiser & Soap
One of the most important things that we can all do to protect each other is to wash our hands at regular intervals and hand-sanitise after touching equipment. The toilets will be well stocked with soap and there will be hand-sanitiser available at reception, in each room and outside of the toilets.
Drinks & Refreshments
Until further notice, we will not be able to serve you hot drinks. Cold drinks will be available - to reduce contact and minimise transactions, cold drinks will be increased in price to £1 (from 90p) and can be paid for in cash – no change given (so please bring some pound coins with you!). Alternatively, we can keep a tab for your room and at the end of your rehearsal one band member can come to reception to pay the tab by card in one transaction. Hand-sanitiser will be available close to the fridge at all times.
Do Not Attend Rehearsals If:
If you have been asked to shield or if you have any of the following symptoms: New cough, High temperature, Loss or change of taste or smell.
We look forward to seeing (and hearing) you back at Farm Factory and hope that we can count on your patience and understanding while we come to terms with the new guidelines.
Many Thanks
The Farm Factory Studios Team
Our Rehearsal Rooms
Rehearsal Prices
| Studios 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 7 | 2 Hours | 3 Hours | 4 Hours | 5 Hours or more |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Without Equipment Hire | £29 | £40 | £46 | £11.50 per hour |
| With Equipment Hire | + £6 | + £8 | + £10 | + £2.50 per hour |
| Room 6 | 2 Hours | 3 Hours | 4 Hours | 5 Hours |
| Without Equipment Hire | £34 | £44 | £54 | £13 per hour |
| With Equipment Hire | + £6 | + £8 | + £10 | + £2.50 per hour |
Single Musician rate: £10 per hour
Does not include equipment hire. Only Bookable 24 Hours in advance and is subject to availability.
| Instrument Hire (in-house use only) | Price per hour | |
| Electric Guitar | £3 | Please book in advance if required |
| Bass Guitar | £3 | Please book in advance if required |
Please Note: Cancellations must be made via the online booking system with at least 48 hours notice from the start of the booking.
NO EQUIPMENT HIRE: Room, PA, Mics & Stands Included.
WITH EQUIPMENT HIRE: Room, PA, Mics & Stands, Up to ANY 3 Hire Items Included.i.e. Drum Kit, Bass Amp, Guitar Amp. Extra hire equipment available from £3 per hour (minimum 2 hours).
To avoid disappointment, please book your backline in advance. Backline includes: Drums (not cymbals), guitar combos, head & cabs, bass amps & cabs
BACKLINE AVAILABLE : AMPEG SVT350 BASS HEADS, AMPEG SVT350 8x10 BASS CABS, MARSHALL HEADS & CABS, MARSHALL COMBOS, CRATE HEADS & CABS, CRATE COMBOS. PEARL DRUM KITS, YAMAHA DRUM KITS & MORE
Opening Times
These times are intended as a guide to availability and are effectice until further notice:
Monday to Friday: 11am - 11.15pm
Saturday: 11am - 5pm
Sunday: 11am - 7pm
Bank Holidays: Subject to bookings & prior arrangement
CANCELLATION POLICY
Please Note: Cancellations must be made using the online booking system with 48 hours notice from the start of the booking.
Please note that the opening times listed above are intended as a guide to availability. During quiet periods (usually daytimes), the office / reception may not be staffed. If this is the case when you call, please leave a message and we will endeavour to call you back and deal with your enquiry as soon as possible. Alternatively, please email info@farmfactorystudios.com
We highly recommend that you use the online booking system as this will be the quickest way of booking the time slot that you want.
Farm Factory Limited staff endeavour to open up a minimum 5 minutes before the first booking of the day. If you arrive early and there are already rehearsals in progress / the facility is already open, you will be permitted to load in early. This is subject to your room being clear / available and is at the discretion of the studio manager on duty.
Please click here to read our rehearsal terms and conditions in full.
How To Cancel
No exceptions to the rule, the Farm Factory Limited cancellation policy will apply barring an act of God / force majeure.
General Bookings
Please note all cancellations (except block bookings) within 48 hours of the rehearsal will be charged in full, this also applies to any hire equipment booked.
We do not accept provisional bookings. All bookings are definite and can only be cancelled with a minimum of 48 hours notice.
All Cancellations can be notified via the online booking system, by calling 01707 392030 (please leave a message if you get through to the answerphone) or by email
Recording Facilities
Recording studio avilable with or without Engineer
Due to the changing needs for recording facilities we have set up an option for 'do-it-yourself' recording sessions or you can book with an Engineer included as you always have in the past.
If you take the option of engineering the session yourselves, we will supply all the studio equipment (not instruments) required to record your session, including a powerful iMac loaded with Cubase 7.5 and also Logic 9.18.
If you wish, you can take the session home to carry on working, bring in a portable hard drive, large memory USB stick etc.
You also have the option of bringing in your own PC / Mac, simply connect to our Motu interface, USB or Firewire.
If you need an Engineer, just call us and we will supply one, obviously the price will reflect their services.
Bringing in Your Own Studio Equipment
For sessons lasting at least 8 hours or more, if you would like to bring in your own powered monitors, interface or even your line mixer as a preference we should be able to plug them up via our patch bays. Your own microphones are welcome also.
Booking Times
Booking times are available the same as the opening & closing times of the Rehearsal Studios
Booking Terms
To make a booking, call us on 01707 392030 or email us at info@farmfactory studios.com. Alternatively, you can make a provisional booking using this online form.
Please don't be offended if we ask you for a deposit to secure the booking (we probably won't if we know you). This is a non-refundable deposit, unless you cancel your booking within 7 days of the first hour booked, the deposit will be subtracted from your final amount due.
A card security deposit may be required for new customers before your session begins, regardless of the amount of time booked. This will be returned in full or can be used as payment at the end of the booked time, providing all the equipment is in working, present and undamaged condition.
Any equipment broken or stolen will be charged at replacement value.
A brief run-down of the recording equipment available:
- Separated Sound Treated Control & Live Room
- 27" Imac with Cubase 7.5 or Logic 9.18
- More plug ins than we can possibly list
- Motu 896 mkIII Hybrid Interface - USB & Firewire
- Focurite Octopre II Dynamic Mic Pream
- Eve 307 Studio Monitors
- Yamaha HS5 Stusio Monitors
- Mackie Big Knob Studio Control Box
- Samson S Phone 4 Headphone Amplifier
- HP 24" Monitor Screen (2nd screen)
- Sound Control Total Isolation Headphones
- AKG Headphones
- Microphones: Rode K2, Shure SM57s, Shure Beta 52A, AKG D112,
- AKG D40 Drum Mics, AKG C1000s, Lewitt Drum Mics, SE-X1
- Drum Mic Clips, Mic Stands
- Assortment of Wiring Looms, Digital Cables, Patch Cables
- Comfy Sofas!
Recording Prices
Without an Engineer: £20 per hour
With an Engineer: £35 per hour
To make a booking, call us on 01707 392030 or email us at info@farmfactorystudios.com.
Alternatively, you can make a provisional booking using our online form.
Booking Terms & Conditions
Please don't be offended if we ask you for a deposit to secure the booking (we probably won't if we know you). This is a non-refundable deposit, unless you cancel your booking within 7 days of the first hour booked, the deposit will be subtracted from your final amount due.
A card security deposit may be required for new customers before your session begins, regardless of the amount of time booked. This will be returned in full or can be used as payment at the end of the booked time, providing all the equipment is in working, present and undamaged condition.
Any equipment broken or stolen will be charged at replacement value.
Enquire About Recording
Please don't be offended if we ask you for a deposit to secure the booking (we probably won't if we know you). This is a non-refundable deposit, unless you cancel your booking within 7 days of the first hour booked, the deposit will be subtracted from your final amount due.
A card security deposit may be required for new customers before your session begins, regardless of the amount of time booked. This will be returned in full or can be used as payment at the end of the booked time, providing all the equipment is in working, present and undamaged condition.
Any equipment broken or stolen will be charged at replacement value.
Live / Rehearsal Recording
Live / Rehearsal Recording at Farm Factory Studios
Here at Farm Factory Studios, we have recently brought back our popular live recording service. This consists of up to 8 channel simultaneous recording through our digital interface, recorded into Logic Pro 9.
At the end of the session you can take away a CD of the recording or if you are taking away the stems to work on later, or mix yourself, a USB stick or external hard drive will be required so we can drop the Logic session or stems onto it (depending on if you are using Logic or another DAW at home).
WHO IS IT FOR?
Live / Rehearsal recordings can be a great tool for any band. Maybe you need to send venues a demo CD? Or you need some good quality Live takes on your social media?
A Live / Rehearsal recording is a great way to achieve this.
They can be used as a reference recording to see how you sound with some clarity, which is usually not possible if you have recorded onto a mobile phone etc. Some bands use it for pre-production purposes, before they go into the studio to record properly and others as just a record of the session or for fun.
Click here to listen to some examples on our Sound Cloud page: https://soundcloud.com/farm-factory-studios
HOW IT WORKS
Rehearsal recordings will take place in room 2, where you and your band will setup as normal for a rehearsal. Our engineer will then come in and place microphones around the room in suitable places to capture the best sound. A quick test to check levels, and you are good to go.
The engineer will press record and leave the session running until you want to stop. Because of the nature of the recording you will be unable to correct parts or record overdubs as this is purely designed to capture a live session.
WHATS NEXT?
At the end of the session, we will either then burn the audio to a disc (which is unedited), or give you the session files so you can mix the audio yourself. A separate mixing service is available if required.
WHEN IS IT AVAILABLE?
Our Live / Rehearsal recording is available on Mondays (daytime and evening), Wednesday (evenings), Friday (evenings), Sunday (daytime).
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
Using Farm Factory Studios Live Recording service is a cheaper option than booking a session in the studio (along with an engineer). Prices for live recording vary depending on requirements and the length of the session .
To find out more send us an email or call us on 01707 392030
Live Streaming Services
- Professional Live Streaming Service
- Totally Integrated with Paywall and Ticketing
- Covid-Secure Broadcasting
- Studio Quality Sound
- Multi-Camera Set Up
- Video Background and Visual Integration
- Stream Live from our studios in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire
- In some cases it is possible for us to take the service “mobile”
- Permissible under current guidelines (for paid work)*
*The latest assessment of the guidance from the Musician’s Union is:
Professional Activity: Studios remain open for professional recording, rehearsal, broadcast and streamed performance where the venue is Covid-secure. Professional recording, rehearsing, broadcast and streamed performance can also take place in theatres, concert halls, and outdoors, provided this is done in line with Covid-secure guidance.
One of the most frustrating aspects of the current situation, for us musicians, is the fact that we can’t get out and play to an audience at the moment. We’ve all got everything crossed that we’ll be back out there at some point this year, but until then, we’ve all got to be a bit more creative in trying to reach an audience.
We’ve been putting a lot of thought into it here at Farm Factory and have been busy during the past couple of months setting up our new online streaming gig service. We’re able to accommodate everything from solo acts to full band performances, all shot multi camera with a live mix that is fully integrated with a paywall / ticketing service.
After the stream you get a complete video performance and audio mix of your gig to use for getting yourself some actual gigs when we’re allowed out again! If it sounds like something that might tickle your fancy, head over to farmfactorystudios.com for more info on the services we offer.
If this sounds like something that might tickle your fancy, CLICK HERE and fill out the ENQUIRY FORM
See below for more examples of our Live Streams OR CLICK HERE
The Beatniks - Maggie Mae (streamed from The George III, Hoddesdon):
Stylus - Run To You (streamed from Farm Factory Studios, Welwyn Garden City):
The Beatniks - Help! (streamed from The George III, Hoddesdon):
xcerts - Full Gig (streamed from Farm Factory Studios, Welwyn Garden City):
Live Streaming Enquiry
The Musiclab Academy
The Musiclab Academy is a progressive and innovative music school . We have academies located within Farm Factory Studios, and a school in Hoddesdon. We teach drums, guitar, vocals, bass and keyboards to students of all ages and abilities.
Starting in September 2007 with just 15 drum students, The Musiclab has now grown to teach many pupils of all ages and abilities on guitar, drums, vocals, bass and keyboards.
We're really passionate about music and dedicated to providing quality, high-energy tuition within a safe, friendly and relaxed environment. Our tuition style is very much geared towards developing the student's creativity.
Classes are social and fun and designed to not only develop the student's skills on their chosen instrument, but to encourage interaction with other students and to build self-confidence. All students are encouraged to take part in our regular student gigs, where they get to showcase their skills to an enthusiastic audience of family and friends.
We believe the greatest motivation for progressing as a musician is very simple - enjoyment! If the student is enjoying their studies, then motivation will remain high. We also encourage our students to develop and maintain a professional attitude and approach to their studies to ensure that each individual has the best opportunity to achieve their full potential.
We specialise in group classes which offer great value for money and also provide several other key benefits. Our fully equipped music studios are suitable for anyone aged 5 or above.
CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE AND BOOK A FREE TRIAL SESSION
Contact Us
F.A.Q
How do I cancel a rehearsal booking
What size are your rooms?
What are your opening times?
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Blog
Guitar & Drum Lessons at The Musiclab The Musiclab is not only a great place to learn and be involved with music, we are also in two great locations - Hoddesdon and Welwyn Garden City.
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What to expect when you’re booking a rehearsal room.
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So you have some songs and want to get them recorded. Hiring a studio and an engineer for a day can be expensive so to get the most from your session, here's out a few things to consider before stepping into the studio:
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We were pleased to have Beata along for work experience during March. Here is Beata's blog....
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We were very pleased to have Emily Delacy along for a week of work experience at the end of May. Here's Emily's blog on her experiences...
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