Frequently Asked Questions

Tired of leaving the Studio with a bad mix?

Why Surdy Luxury Recording Studio Los Angeles?

  • 🌴Only Recording Studio in Los Angeles With Private Rooftop Deck!

  • 🏆 Consistently Ranked #1 “Best New Recording Studio in the Valley” on Google.

  • 🎚️ Professional, highly-compensated engineers.

  • 💬 Personalized attention — every artist works directly with an experienced, quality-controlled engineer.

  • 🚫 No chaos, no distractions, no games, no drama!

  • 🧼 Designer fragrances deck the halls. Bathrooms cleaned daily.

  • 📍 Located inside The Williamson, a private creative complex in the heart of the Valley.

Artist Preparation Guide

🎵 Choosing Your Beats & Instrumentals

“Rap is not music — it’s poetry.”

Before arriving, make sure your beats are ready in WAV, M4A, or MP3 format. For the best results, we recommend using professionally mixed-and-mastered WAV files (“two-tracks”) and purchasing proper licensing from your producer (e.g. via BeatStars or YouTube).

Many YouTube instrumentals are intentionally mixed for playback — not for recording — with artificial bass boosts or compression that ruin the clarity of your final record. Always acquire the original licensed version for optimal sound quality. The mix of the beats and instrumentals themselves have a huge impact on the final mix quality of your record.

Day of Your Recording Session

⏰ Timing & Communication

You’ll receive a confirmation text or call the morning of your session.

If you don’t, reach out before arriving to confirm.

  • Session times start 45 minutes into hour;

  • Recording begins at the top of the next hour;

  • 15-minute grace period provided.

We value punctuality — your time and our time are equally important.

Studio Etiquette & Session Principles

1. This Is Work — Not a Hangout!

Our studio inside The Williamson is a creative environment built for focus and excellence. Modern trap and hip-hop recording often require real-time collaboration (“back-and-forth” or “punching in”) with an engineer — which is why we operate without a traditional vocal booth. We’re here to create records, not parties. The entire recording studio suite serves as an industry-leading example of cutting-edge design — Owens Corning 703 and 706 acoustic treatment, GIK Alpha Series Corner Bass Traps, sound-proof concrete walls, and the infamous Neumann U87Neve 1073 Pre-Amp & EQ → legendary TUBE-TECH CL 1B Analog Tube Compressor comprise our sound-booth and industry-standard vocal chain. Barefoot MicroMain27 World Class Active Studio Monitors provide “deeply revealing sound demanded by top-of-the-line production facilities.” (Sweetwater)

If you’re looking to host an event, The Deck at The Williamson is available separately for $375/hr.

2. Guest Policy

To maintain focus, we allow a maximum of three people total:

  • You + two trusted guests (max three total).

  • All guests must show valid ID upon arrival, which will be scanned.

The Williamson community consists of producers and artists signed to major publishing labels, so please respect the workspace environment. Most professionals in our building treat their craft like a full-time job, clocking in 9-to-5, Monday thru Friday.

Pro tip: Friday and Saturday nights are often quiet — perfect for locking in uninterrupted.

3. Tips for Beginners

If you’re new to recording, we strongly recommend coming alone. It’s natural to feel pressure or stage fright around others — growth happens fastest in focused, private sessions. Every engineer and artist here earned their sound through years of consistency (“locking in”) and dedication. You can do the same — stay locked in, stay humble, and remember that greatness comes from patience, not projection!

Booking Policy FAQ

📲 How do I book?

Simply Call or Text (818) 336-2826! We’ll ask if you prefer to record in the morning, afternoon, or evening, and then schedule a time accordingly. For last-minute availability, Call or Text (818) 336-2826.

💸 Payment methods

We accept Zelle only. We are a fully legitimate, family-run business with a long-term outlook. If you insist on paying with Cash, there’s an additional $50 USD fee.

🎙️🔥 Get two hours free.

Trust issues? We understand. Pay us at the door (or a few minutes into the session so you can see what our vocal chain sounds like), $195 thru Zelle. Want two hours free on top? Zelle at least 24 hours in advance: (818) 336-2826 for Five Rivers Entertainment Holdings, LLC. 🏦

🔒What is the refund policy?

There are no refunds. Please confirm your booking and availability before payment. Our Zelle is (818) 336-2826 for Five Rivers Entertainment Holdings, LLC. 🏦 If this name comes up, you’re golden. If you’d like to speak to a real human, call (818) 336-2826 and leave a detailed voicemail. If available booking times are inconvenient, text or iMessage (818) 336-2826 for alternative accommodations.

🍃💨 4/20 Friendly?

Yes! We have a private rooftop deck dedicated just for smoking, vibes, and sunshine within our state-of-the-art, newly-constructed facility at The Williamson studio megaplex at 10440 Burbank Blvd. Because our building accommodates a variety of singers, song-writers, and recording artists across a variety of genres, smoking is permitted on the upstairs rooftop only.

🎙️🔥 Want an extra two hours to smoke?

Just Zelle (818) 336-2826 for Five Rivers Entertainment Holdings, LLC. 🏦 24 hours in advance! If that name comes up, you’re golden. Text or iMessage (818) 336-2826 for any additional questions. If you’d like to request a callback, please call (818) 336-2826 and leave a detailed voicemail.

⚠️ Did you know indoor smoking damages analog gear, causes health issues, & is a major fire hazard?

To comply with local regulations and to keep the fire marshal and bankers happy, smoking is permitted on the upstairs rooftop only. 🚒🧯

🎙️ Can I book without an engineer?

No — every session must include one of our in-house engineers (landlord/liability rules). You can bring your engineer friend, but our engineers run the session.

⏱️ I record and work very fast. Can I record more than 3 songs in the given time?

We never rush the process. Even if you finish recording all songs in one hour, there is a three song limit. We will spend the remainder of the time mixing.You can record up to 3 songs in up to 3 hours — whichever comes first ends the session. If you’ve elected to pay us beforehand for a total of 5 hours for $195, that extra time will ensure you leave with an A1, industry-standard mix and don’t feel rushed — we still cap each session to 3 Recordings.

🛠️ Analog-first — why it matters

A great analog signal is everything — digital “fixes” can introduce harshness. That’s why we invested tens of thousands in industry-standard gear and a legendary vocal chain used by Michael Jackson — the infamous Neumann U87 MicrophoneNeve 1073 Pre-Amp & EQ → legendary TUBE-TECH CL 1B Analog Tube Compressor comprise our sound-booth and industry-standard vocal chain. It’s also why we value quality over quantity.

🅿️ Parking Logistics

There is free street parking on Burbank Blvd and on the residential side streets. After parking your vehicle, kindly meet us at the front entrance. The back entrance is reserved for emergency exits only. The back private parking lot is reserved for tenants of The Williamson — do not park there.

🔁 Changes after the session?

No changes after a song is completed. You can request stems or book another session for more work.

📁 Stems & delivery

We keep careful archives (MM.DD.YYYY — session # — song #). We’ll send stems once via WeTransfer within 3 business days if you provide the exact original file name. Each source includes three versions:

  • dry

  • wet with reverbs

  • wet without reverbs

If you fail to download the delivery and request it again later, we charge $50 per song for re-delivery.

🧠 Recording engineer vs. digital mixing engineer (short)

Recording engineer = captures the sound: mic placement, gain staging (Neve 1073SPX), noise control, and analog compression (Tube-Tech). Analog captures can’t be “magically” fixed later, so the record must be captured right. Once we give source files, another mixing/mastering engineer can always finish the final polish digitally. But we think you’ll be satisfied working with us from start to finish. We will carefully handle the following:

  • mic placement — this is key.

  • eliminating background noise (we even have a switch to turn off the fresh air intake — our Studio is 100% sound-proof).

  • gain staging and EQ with the analog Neve 1073SPX

  • Analog EQ on the Neve 1073SPX

  • compression using the Tube-Tech CL 1B Analog Tube Compressor

  • ensuring the signal isn’t clipped

  • managing glitches during tracking

  • encouraging you to prepare hot tea for yourself to soothe vocal chords & aid the Auto-Tune algorithm — you still need to sound good without any effects!

Once something is recorded through analog hardware, it cannot be altered afterward.

If you’re coming from BandLab or basic home-studio setups, this is the next level — affordable access to real, industry-standard analog sound.

OVERVIEW

What is this waiver?

As part of our lease agreement with The Williamson Group, LLC, we are liable for any and all guests entering the facility. As such, our risk management team has created the following Indemnification of Liability Waiver.

What does this waiver do?

This waiver is designed to indemnify (or “release the liability of”) Surdy Luxury Recording Studio Los Angeles and Five Rivers Entertainment Holdings, LLC—which leases Studio 107 from The Williamson Group, LLC—from liability, and transfer it unto you, the client. The waiver is limited in scope to the duration of your recording session and applies only to activities within our recording studio.

What does this waiver mean?

Indemnification is “legalese” for transference of litigation risk between two parties. Agreements like this are commonly signed before guests are allowed into concerts, amusement parks, and so forth.

Essentially, this means that you—and you alone—are legally liable for the actions of yourself & your guests. In the rare event of a slip, fall, injury, or other accident, you acknowledge that you hereby revoke your right to sue us.

Please note this is merely an educational overview intended to provide clarity and is not part of the actual waiver. Please read the Indemnification of Liability Waiver thoroughly before entering the recording studio premises and contact us if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you!

INDEMNIFICATION OF LIABILITY WAIVER

Surdy Luxury Recording Studio Los Angeles

By entering and using the facilities, services, and equipment at Surdy Luxury Recording Studio Los Angeles ("Studio"), located at 10440 Burbank Blvd Ste 107, you ("Client") acknowledge and agree to the following terms and conditions:

1. Assumption of Risk

Precautions are taken to ensure safety & security of all guests and employees. The recording studio facility is equipped with security features including extensive 24/7 CCTV monitoring and keyless, state-of-the-art biometric entry. All persons entering will be asked to show valid government ID. Photos of ID are not allowed; the physical ID must be present and it will be scanned to verify authenticity. Studio reserves right to screen clients upon entry and decline at the door. Client acknowledges that participation in recording sessions, events, and related activities at the Studio carries inherent risks, including but not limited to serious bodily injury, death, equipment-related hazards, and potential property damage. Client voluntarily assumes all such risks associated with their use of the Studio.

2. Release of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Client hereby releases, discharges, and holds harmless Surdy Luxury Recording Studio Los Angeles, Five Rivers Entertainment Holdings, LLC, which leases Studio 107 from The Williamson Group, its owners, affiliates, employees, contractors, and agents ("Released Parties") from any and all claims, demands, liabilities, damages, losses, or expenses (including legal fees) arising out of or in connection with Client’s presence at or use of the Studio, whether caused by negligence or otherwise.

3. Indemnification

Client agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the Released Parties from any claims, damages, losses, or liabilities arising from:

  • Client’s actions, negligence, or misconduct while on the premises.

  • Any injury, damage, or loss suffered by Client, Client’s guests, or third parties due to Client’s use of the Studio.

  • Any breach of this waiver by Client or their guests.

4. Property and Equipment Responsibility

Client is responsible for any damage, theft, or misuse of the Studio’s equipment, instruments, or property during their session. Any damages must be reported immediately, and Client will be held financially liable for repairs and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

5. Conduct and Compliance

Client agrees to abide by all Studio rules, policies, and instructions provided by staff. The Studio reserves the right to refuse service or remove any Client or guest who violates these terms or engages in disruptive, unsafe, or unlawful behavior.

6. No Warranties

The Studio makes no guarantees or warranties, express or implied, regarding the condition, suitability, or performance of the facilities, equipment, or services provided.

7. Governing Law

This waiver shall be governed by and construed under the laws of the State of California, the State of Wyoming, and/or the United States of America. Any disputes arising from this agreement shall be resolved in the courts of the State of California, the State of Wyoming, and/or the United States of America.

8. Acknowledgment and Agreement

By entering the Studio premises or booking a session, Client affirms that they have read, understood, and voluntarily agreed to this Indemnification of Liability Waiver. If signing on behalf of a minor or third party, Client accepts full responsibility for their compliance with these terms. The individual booking a session must provide their full legal first & last name as reflected on government identification, and by doing so affirms under penalty of perjury that such information is true and correct. The booking party further acknowledges and consents to the following:

  1. That this Disclaimer has been shared, in its entirety, with every guest who will be present during the session.

  2. That the full legal name of all guests have been disclosed and recorded prior to entry.

  3. That no person may enter the premises without compliance.

FAIR USE DISCLAIMER

I. FAIR USE DISCLAIMER

  1. The materials displayed, distributed, or otherwise made available by Surdy Studios (hereinafter, "the Studio") may include copyrighted content, trademarks, trade names, service marks, logos, and other proprietary materials owned by third parties. The Studio asserts no ownership interest in any such third-party content except as expressly stated.

  2. All third-party materials are provided without warranty of any kind, express or implied, including but not limited to warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or non-infringement.

  3. The use of any third-party content by the Studio is intended to constitute "fair use" under Section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976 (17 U.S.C. § 107), or other applicable limitations and exceptions under United States or foreign copyright laws. Fair use determinations are made in good faith based on factors including, without limitation:

    (a) The purpose and character of the use, including whether such use is of a commercial nature or is for nonprofit educational purposes;

    (b) The nature of the copyrighted work;

    (c) The amount and substantiality of the portion used in relation to the copyrighted work as a whole; and

    (d) The effect of the use upon the potential market for, or value of, the copyrighted work.

  4. No representations or guarantees are made regarding the legal sufficiency or enforceability of any fair use claim. Users of content provided by the Studio are strongly encouraged to seek independent legal advice regarding the permissibility of any intended use.

  5. To the extent any use of third-party materials by the Studio exceeds the scope of fair use or other applicable exceptions, the Studio will expeditiously remove or disable access to such materials upon proper notification by the rights holder in accordance with the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (17 U.S.C. § 512) or other applicable legal authority.

    GENERAL PROVISIONS

  6. Severability. If any provision of this Disclaimer is held to be invalid or unenforceable under applicable law, such provision shall be struck and the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

  7. Governing Law. This Disclaimer and Addendum shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the law[s] of the State of California, the State of Wyoming, and the United States of America, without regard to their conflict(s) of law[s] principles.

  8. Entire Agreement. This document constitutes the entire agreement between the Studio and any user or third party with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior or contemporaneous understandings, representations, or agreements.

  9. Amendment. This Disclaimer and Addendum may be amended only by a written instrument executed by an authorized representative of the Studio.

  10. Effective Date. This Disclaimer and Addendum shall be effective as of the date of its posting or publication by the Studio and shall remain in effect until superseded or rescinded by the Studio.

Published July 21, 2025

Last Edit: October 31, 2025

This waiver is legally binding. If you do not agree to these terms, do not enter or use the Studio’s facilities.