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podcast-companies-manchester

Get Your Content Out There with the Top 5 Podcast Companies in Manchester

  • Space - A podcast studio must have soundproofing and a comfortable setup to accommodate your team and guests. Aside from the acoustic treatment, we checked how well-ventilated the room is.
  • Equipment - To make podcasting convenient, we picked services that are equipped with high-quality technical equipment because recordings must sound professional.
  • Services - A studio that offers additional services apart from recordings comes in handy for podcasters. We selected providers that offer other types of support, like audio and video services.
  • Accessibility - We based this on how accessible the location is. Is there parking and is it near tube stations?
  • Rates - To cater to different types of budgets, we picked services that have reasonable hourly rates or various packages.

You probably already know that podcasts are a huge thing right now (unless you’ve been living under a rock). In this digital world, anyone can share their perspectives with the world—and unlike in the Middle Ages, this isn’t tough to do anymore.

But not everyone can simply do it at home, where you’ll probably hear noises from neighbours and dogs. So how do you do this, exactly? Start by hiring pros!

Lucky for you, we’ve reviewed our top companies that can help you start your podcast journey without a hitch! Below are the best places where you can record your podcast and get the help you need for the best results!

1. 80 HERTZ Studios

80-hertz-studios

Services: Space hire, recording sessions, post-audio services, mixing, music transfers, and more

Address: The Sharp Project, Thorp Rd

Contact: 0161 850 8088, [email protected]

Business Hours:

  • Monday – Friday: 8 am – 7 pm
  • Saturday: 10 am – 5 pm
  • Sunday: 11 am – 5 pm

Website

Google reviews score4.7/5
Facebook reviews score4.9/5
Total reviews4/5
Score consistency5/5
Space5/5
Soundproofing5/5
Layout5/5
Equipment5/5
Services5/5
Accessibility5/5
Rates(A higher score means better value)4/5

It’s no secret that 80 HERTZ Studios is one of the top podcast places in Manchester, given their wide array of services. They make podcasting easy for all because they can give you all the support!

These guys have a professional setup. Aside from studio rental, they offer post-production services, like Dolby Atmos mixing for enhanced listening and music mixing to blend the audio better.

Plus, they bring high-quality equipment! They have 4 cameras, offer full HD (also UHD), and have a timecode synchronisation system so the audio and video are fully synced.

To top it off, the rooms are comfortable, with air conditioners and over 20 lights to create the perfect mood. The best part is your guests don’t have to be physically present—there’s remote workflow integration for Zoom calls!

Although they’re not the cheapest, you get all that you need. Their accessible location, on-site parking, disability access on the ground floor, and food catering are bonuses!

Pros

  • Professional setup
  • Complete audio and video equipment
  • Remote workflow integration
  • Accessible location
  • Disability access

Cons

  • Pricey rates

Top of the class

“Great studio. Top of the class. Had a great time recording here. Smooth operations. Great collection of microphones and outboard. Thank you :)”

Thomas Blazukas, Google Review

Studio is comfortable and the equipment is extensive

“Just got through doing an orchestral mix and overdubs with George and his team at the studio. The whole process was very smooth and enjoyable and the sound we achieved was great. The studio is very comfortable to work in and the equipment is extensive and well understood to create a great sound. As other reviews have said, the Neve Genesys is something you don’t get the chance to use very often and it makes all the difference to a mix. Great studio and team – can’t recommend highly enough.”

Hugh Fowler, Google Review

2. White Bear Studios

white-bear-studios

Services: Recording studio, mixing services, music production

Address: 113 Pollard St

Contact: 0746 743 5290, ​[email protected]

Business Hours: Monday – Sunday: 10 am – 6 pm

Website

Google reviews score5/5
Facebook reviews score4.9/5
Total reviews4/5
Score consistency5/5
Space4.5/5
Soundproofing5/5
Layout4/5
Equipment5/5
Services5/5
Accessibility4/5
Rates(A higher score means better value)5/5

White Bear Studios is all about professional recording. It was actually established by a musician, producer, and mixer, so you know they have the right gear.

True enough, these guys have the complete equipment to make your podcast look and feel professional. They have high-performance microphones to ensure the sounds are crisp.

We were also impressed they stick to the industry standards in audio production. They actually use Pro Tools (the latest version, might I add) so you get to seamlessly edit the audio and video.

The studio space didn’t disappoint! We really liked the acoustics and there were no echoes or weird noises during audio recordings. But it doesn’t exactly have the most flexible setting for podcast video recording—it’s a tight fit, but it’s enough.

They are still a solid choice because they have a pretty good location. There’s on-site parking and bus stops nearby—although Piccadilly Station is a 20-minute walk.

Pros

  • High-performance microphones
  • Industry-standard editing tool
  • On-site parking
  • Good acoustics in the studio

Cons

  • Not the most flexible space
  • Not very accessible via public transport

Quality of the recordings is outstanding

“I can’t recommend Whitebear Studios highly enough! I’ve had the pleasure of recording many of my clients voice reels here and running voice-over workshops. The experience has been exceptional from start to finish. The team is incredibly professional and knowledgeable, always creating a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere. The quality of the recordings is outstanding – clear, crisp, and polished. They really take the time to understand your vision and bring out the best of your session. I don’t go anywhere else!”

Rachel Austin, Google Review

Professional and approachable

“Our experience with Dave was top. From all the studios we initially contacted, his professional manners got our attention and it wasn’t just a first impression. He was very approachable and kept good communications with us throughout. When the project took an unexpected turn, he was happy to accommodate and, beyond his professionalism, he’s brilliant at his craft and he delivered. It felt like our music was well looked after and we’re really happy with the results so we’re definitely coming back to him for our next projects.”

Fraud Authority, Google Review

3. HQ Recording Studio

hq-recording-studio

Services: Recording, post-production, audio transfer, video production and editing, and more

Address: Sherborne St, Strangeways

Contact: 07905 493 247, [email protected]

Business Hours: Monday – Sunday: 9 am – 12 am

Website

Google reviews score4.9/5
Facebook reviews score5/5
Total reviews3/5
Score consistency5/5
Space4/5
Soundproofing5/5
Layout3/5
Equipment5/5
Accessibility5/5
Rates(A higher score means better value)5/5

One of the reasons we like HQ Recording Studio is because they cater to all budgets. They only charge £35 per hour with a minimum of two hours, and that’s a really good value because it doesn’t matter what activity you do!

And yes, the price is all-inclusive already. That includes recording, post-production, video production, and editing—really cheap for all these things!

They actually have two studios, each offering something unique based on your needs. Although these are designed more for recording music, Studio Two does have a more comfortable space—but we admit it doesn’t have the most flexible setting for podcasts.

On the upside, the equipment is for professionals (this is a music recording studio, after all). You get high-quality microphones, a good selection of plug-ins, and an industry-standard digital audio workstation.

Another perk of going to this place is the amenities. It has a kitchen with a fridge, microwave, kettle, popcorn machine, and tea!

Pros

  • Affordable rates
  • All-inclusive price
  • Two studios
  • Professional equipment
  • Lots of kitchen amenities

Cons

  • Not the most flexible setting
  • Designed more for music recordings

Great sound, nice people, good price

“HQ is a great place to record with a good atmosphere that promotes creativity.  Georgia and Michael certainly know their way around ProTools so any kind of song is possible in their hands.  Great sound, nice people, good price and no avarice… What more could anyone want?! I returned a month later and the same experience as above was had.   All in all this is what recording should be like.”

Anthony HS, Google Review

Quality gear

“One of Manchesters longest running studios, HQ hasn’t survived 30 years for no reason. Mike and his team go above and beyond to fulfil their clients wishes and create a relaxed, creative atmosphere where anyone can create to their hearts content. Quality people, quality gear and quality final product. 5 *****.”

Craig Sanderson, Google Review

4. Astar Studios

astar-studios

Services: Recording, manufacturing, mastering, audio restoration, and more

Address: St Georges House, 56 Peter St

Contact: 0161 280 0908, [email protected]

Business Hours: Monday – Sunday: 10 am – 6 pm

Website

Google reviews score5/5
Total reviews4/5
Score consistency5/5
Space5/5
Soundproofing5/5
Layout5/5
Equipment5/5
Accessibility5/5
Rates(A higher score means better value)4/5

Astar Studios knows what you need for good recordings! Their studio has been used by music label giants, so that tells you exactly the kind of sound these guys make—they’ve been honoured as one of the best studios, too!

This is exactly the professional venue in Manchester you want for your podcast. The high-quality equipment, a vast selection of microphones, and the latest tools certainly help with flawless audio recordings.

We also like this place if you’re bringing guests. Despite focusing on music recordings, the studio is actually spacious and comfortable for podcast sessions.

It’s easy to get here, too. The studio is close to public transportation options and there are restaurants nearby for after-recording drinks with your guests.

However, all these incredible things come at a price. They’re not exactly the most affordable out there, which wasn’t surprising at all.

We understand the price, considering the high-quality equipment you get to use, the location, and the soundproofed studio!

Pros

  • Known as one of the best studios
  • High-quality equipment
  • Spacious space for podcast
  • Good location

Cons

  • A bit pricier

Top-quality studio and microphones

“Highly recommended!! I’ve recorded there on multiple occasions. Top quality studio and microphones etc… And Andy is the nicest guy, so easy to work with and a real pro!!”

Yehuda Heimann, Google Review

All-around professional experience

“I highly recommend Astar Studios, fantastic facilities, offering an all round professional experience.   The live room has the best acoustics I have experienced and it was pleasure to work with Andy.”

Mark Goldstone, Google Review

5. Oscillate Recording Studio

oscillate-recording-studio

Services: Recording, mixing, voice-over recording, music composition, and more

Address: Fourways House, 57 Hilton St

Contact: 077486 431 70, [email protected]

Business Hours: By appointment

Website

Google reviews score4.8/5
Facebook reviews score5/5
Total reviews5/5
Score consistency5/5
Space4.5/5
Soundproofing5/5
Layout4/5
Equipment5/5
Accessibility5/5
Rates(A higher score means better value)5/5

If you want broadcast-quality podcast recordings, you might want to take a look at Oscillate Recordings. These guys have all the right gear for high-quality sounds.

Their recording studio is equipped for podcasts, with an acoustically designed room, various digital audio workstations (DAWs), and a good selection of software that you can use for your audio recordings and the music you want to add!

It was pretty obvious from the beginning that this is a good place to record your podcast. I mean, Broccoli Productions (a part of Sony Podcasts) have recorded here—and we know how good their audio quality is!

Despite how professional the space is, we find it’s not really the most ideal unless you’re a one-man show. If you have guests, it’s not the most spacious place to record.

Nonetheless, it’s not as expensive as we originally thought for a professional studio. Oh, and it’s only five minutes away from Picadilly Station!

Pros

  • High-quality recordings
  • Good selection of software and DAWs
  • Reasonably priced
  • Convenient location

Cons

  • Small studio

Studio environment is outstanding

“Chris demonstrates exceptional professionalism and attention to detail, thoroughly collaborating to bring your vision to life. The studio environment is outstanding—clean, well-lit, and equipped with professional-grade facilities, including convenient beverage options. I wholeheartedly recommend Oscillate Studios for any creative project and will undoubtedly return for future work.”

Alana Cristina, Google Review

Relaxing and comfortable

“Had a wonderful first ever session here today with Aaron. He made my time there relaxing and comfortable and from what I heard produced exactly what I was looking for. He knows his stuff. The booking system was easy and pre session communication was excellent. Highly recommend.”

Mark Brisbourne, Google Review

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