By Michael Smith (Knolly Boy 2K), owner and lead engineer
Austin recording studios that publish an hourly rate with an engineer usually start around $65 an hour (the median advertised starting rate in our sample of 8 studios, checked November 8, 2026). The average in that same sample is about $76. Before you book anywhere, ask whether the rate includes an engineer and how many hours you must book.
At Blak Marigold Studio in Manor, two hours of recording with an engineer is $100. Packages with mix and master are $200 for 2 hours or $300 for 3 hours, mixed offline after the session (so you can stay focused on creating while you're here) and delivered in 3 to 5 days with two revisions included. If your beat is locked, start with 2 hours.
Jump to: Austin rates · Prices by project · How much time to book · Studio directory
What We Charge at Blak Marigold in Manor
Full disclosure, this is our studio. We'd rather say that up front. The rest of this guide is based only on what each studio publishes about itself. Plenty of these studios are excellent at what they do. If you're a rapper, a singer or a songwriter who wants a finished song at a clear price, here's what we charge.
Address: 14321 James Buchanan St, Manor, TX 78653, a short drive east of downtown Austin and easy to reach from Pflugerville, Elgin, Round Rock and East Austin.
Rates
| Service | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Recording, 1 hour only | $75 | Engineer included |
| Recording, 2 hours or more | $50 per hour ($100 for 2 hours) | Engineer included |
| Recording with mixing and mastering | $100 per hour ($200 for 2 hours, $300 for 3 hours) | Mixed offline after the session, two revisions included |
| Mix and master (send in) | $200 per song | 3 to 5 day turnaround, two revisions included |
| Mastering only | $75 per song | 3 to 5 day turnaround |
| 5.1 & 7.1 Dolby Atmos mix | $150 | 3 to 5 day turnaround |
| Creative Bundle | $450 for 4 hours | Producer, mixing and mastering for songs recorded in the session |
What you get
| You booked | You get |
|---|---|
| Tracking session (recording only) | An MP3 or WAV of the song, plus the session files |
| Recording package with mix and master | A mixed and mastered song, mixed offline and delivered in 3 to 5 days, with two revisions |
| Separate mix and master ($200) | A mixed and mastered song, delivered in 3 to 5 days, with two revisions |
| Stems | Available if you request them ahead of time |
Why artists pick us
Lead engineer Knolly Boy 2K (Michael Smith) has credits on music with 1.4 billion+ streams across 628 credits, as listed on Muso.ai as of November 2026.
Clear package pricing so you know the finished-song total before you walk in.
Rap, hip-hop and R&B vocals, singers and songwriters are our core.
Date Night Studio Experience ($165 for 2 hours, max 2 people) and studio parties are available when you want the room for fun, not a release.
Best for: rap, hip-hop and R&B vocals, singers and songwriters, first-time artists, finished songs with mix and master, Dolby Atmos mixes, date nights and studio parties.
Who should book elsewhere: if you need a big live room to track a full band or a drum kit, or a dedicated podcast and video set, use the directory below. Studios built for those jobs will serve you better.
When the Creative Bundle is worth it
The $450 Creative Bundle is a 4-hour session. Per the booking page, you work with a producer on custom beats, get mixing and mastering for the songs recorded in that session, and leave with 4K session video clips plus a push to playlist curators. Book it when you want production help in the room, not just tracking. If you already have a finished beat and just need vocals and a mix, the $200 or $300 package is usually the better fit.
Austin Recording Studio Rates 2026
We checked Austin-area studio websites on November 8, 2026. Only rates posted on each studio's own site or booking page are listed. Marketplace listings and third-party directories were not used in the medians.
Engineer-included sessions
| Studio | Area | Starting rate | Minimum or blocks | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blak Marigold Studio | Manor | $50/hr (2+ hrs), $75 for 1 hr | 1 hr | Book |
| Wonderland Studios | Buda | $30/hr | Not stated | Site |
| Three Hound Sound Studios | San Marcos | $60 for 1 hr | Blocks up to 12 hrs | Site |
| The Oven | Austin | $60/hr | Not stated | Site |
| Spitshine Studios | Austin | $65/hr | Not stated | Site |
| Femme Rock Recording Studio | North Austin | $65/hr | 4, 8 hr and day blocks | Site |
| Space ATX | South Austin | $75/hr (house engineer) | 12 hr lockout option | Site |
| Revolutionary Sound Studios | Round Rock | From $100/hr | 2 hrs | Site |
| Spectra Studios | Cedar Park | $150/hr with engineer | 3 hrs | Site |
Median advertised starting rate in our sample: $65 an hour (8 studios with published engineer-included hourly rates, not counting Blak Marigold). Average: about $76. Range: $30 to $150.
Room rental, specialty and block rates
Room only / freelance: Spectra $85/hr (no engineer, 3 hr minimum). Space ATX $50/hr with an approved freelance engineer. Three Hound Sound DIY production lounge from $20/hr.
Specialty: Evil Snail $60/hr for drum and live multitrack. HooDoo $85/hr full band tracking and $700 day lockout (mixing and editing $65/hr). Eastside $100/hr typical for commercial work, with a sliding scale offered.
Block pricing: 5th Street Studios (downtown) publishes Studio A at $350 for 4 hours or $625 a day, and Studio B at $275 for 4 hours or $475 a day, engineer included.
National context: KollabMe's 2026 studio time guide puts project studios at $50 to $100 an hour and working commercial rooms at $80 to $150.
How we checked these prices
On November 8, 2026 we visited each studio's own website or booking page. HooDoo's live rates page still shows $85/hr for full band tracking and $700 for a day lockout. We could not verify a $75/$750 figure on that page. 360 Skyline Studios has a booking site but does not publish hourly rates in a form we could capture, so it is listed as quote on request in the directory. Prices change. Always confirm with the studio before you book.
What Will My Song Cost
| Your plan | Blak Marigold price |
|---|---|
| Quick 1 hour vocal session | $75 |
| 2 hours of recording | $100 |
| Default: 2 hours with mix and master | $200, delivered in 3 to 5 days |
| 3 hours with mix and master | $300, delivered in 3 to 5 days |
| Creative Bundle (4 hours with producer) | $450 |
| Song already mixed, mastering only | $75 |
| Mix you send in, mix and master | $200 |
| 5.1 & 7.1 Dolby Atmos mix | $150 |
| Longer tracking, then a separate mix (for example 4 hours + mix and master) | $200 + $200 = $400 |
The package is the default for most artists. Use a longer tracking block plus a separate mix when you're recording more than one song, writing in the room, or need more than three hours of takes.
For a national comparison, this 2026 mixing and mastering price guide says most independent artists pay $300 to $700 per song for a mix and master.
Mixing desk and studio monitors at Blak Marigold Studio
How Many Hours Does One Song Take
Typical ranges. These aren't promises.
Vocals over a finished beat: often 1 to 2 hours for the lead, ad-libs and doubles.
Harmonies and backgrounds: 2 to 4 hours is common.
Writing in the room: a full block or more.
Live band tracking: setup alone takes longer, so plan on multiple hours.
What adds time: unmemorized lyrics, a beat still being changed, and too many people giving notes. What saves time: practicing the full song, knowing your BPM and key, and bringing a clean WAV and a reference track.
If you're unsure, book two hours. Here that drops you to $50 an hour, and the $200 package covers mix and master.
What Is Included in an Hourly Rate
Before you compare two studios, ask:
Is an engineer included?
Do I get my files? At Blak Marigold, a tracking session includes an MP3 or WAV of the song plus the session files. Need stems to mix somewhere else? Tell us when you book.
Is there a minimum? Some studios require two or three hours.
How to Save Money Before You Walk In
Prep checklist
Lyrics memorized, or at least on your phone
Beat exported as a high-quality WAV
BPM and key written down
Reference track picked out
Stems labeled if you're bringing a project for mixing (see our stem export guide and checklist)
Vocals warmed up
Only the people you need come along
Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early
Batch songs into one longer block when you can, and lock the beat before you book.
Mix session with CLA-3A and SSL plugins at Blak Marigold Studio
How to Book Studio Time
Pick your session on our booking page. Two hours of recording is $100. Two hours with mix and master is $200. Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. Reschedule at least 48 hours ahead.
Still comparing? See our top 10 recording studios in Austin, then our recording studio and mixing and mastering pages.
Not an artist? Try the Date Night Studio Experience ($165 for 2 hours, up to 2 people) or a studio party.
Book 2 Hours of Recording $100 · Book 2 Hours With Mix and Master $200
Mix station and monitors at Blak Marigold Studio in Manor TX
Find the Right Austin Studio for Your Project
Every card below is based on what the studio says on its own website, checked November 8, 2026.
Which studio fits you
Rap, hip-hop and R&B vocals: Blak Marigold, Ocean Wav, Revolutionary Sound, Spitshine, Camp'n
Singer or songwriter / finished mix and master: Blak Marigold, Three Hound Sound, Wonderland, Same Sky, The Oven
Dolby Atmos or surround: Blak Marigold, The Noiz Faktory (5.1)
Full band / live tracking: Arlyn, 512 Studios, 5th Street, Orb, Cedar Creek, HooDoo, Spectra, Same Sky
Drums: 512 Studios, Evil Snail, Same Sky, Eastside
Podcasts, voiceover and ADR: Eastside, Spitshine, HooDoo, The Noiz Faktory, Space ATX
Rehearsal plus recording: Space ATX, Evil Snail, HooDoo, The Oven
Women and non-binary musicians: Femme Rock
Date night or studio party: Blak Marigold
Hip-Hop, R&B and Vocal Studios
Ocean Wav Studios, Downtown Austin · 906 E 5th St, Ste 101, Austin, TX 78702 · Quote on request · Who it's for: rap, hip-hop, R&B, pop and indie, plus voiceover. No live drums. Available 24/7 by appointment.
Revolutionary Sound Studios, Round Rock · 2001 N Mays St, Suite 3, Round Rock, TX 78664 · From $100/hr, 2 hr minimum · Who it's for: independent hip-hop artists. Vocal booth sessions, memberships and artist development.
Spitshine Studios, North Austin · 5434 Burnet Rd #B, Austin, TX 78756 · $65/hr · Who it's for: recording plus custom instrumentals, podcasts, audiobooks and voiceover.
Camp'n Studios, East Austin · 301 Chicon St, Austin, TX 78702 · Quote on request · Who it's for: recording, beats and production. Site in English and Spanish. Also has a Los Angeles location.
360 Skyline Studios, Northeast Austin · 9333 Brown Lane, Austin, TX 78754 (inside Sonance) · Quote on request on their booking site · Who it's for: vocals, production and band recording in a contemporary room.
Band, Live Tracking and Big Rooms
Arlyn Studios, South Austin · 200 Academy Dr, Suite 140, Austin, TX 78704 · Quote on request · Who it's for: bands and artists who want a historic, fully equipped room. Neve/API hybrid and SSL consoles.
512 Studios, South Austin · 2228 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704 · Quote on request · Who it's for: in the studio's words, "Country band at noon, rapper at midnight." Live drum room and analog console.
5th Street Studios, Downtown Austin · Address by appointment (confirm when booking) · Studio A $350 / 4 hrs or $625 day. Studio B $275 / 4 hrs or $475 day. Engineer included · Who it's for: bands and artists who want vintage Neve or SSL rooms with tape available.
Orb Recording Studios, Southwest Austin · 9306 Ledgestone Terrace, Austin, TX 78737 · Quote on request · Who it's for: solo artists through orchestra-size sessions. By appointment.
Cedar Creek Studio, South Austin · 5012 Brighton Rd, Austin, TX 78745 · Quote on request · Who it's for: analog records on a private 9-acre property. SSL AWS 948 and Studer tape.
HooDoo Studio, Buda · 102 Saddle Blanket Trail, Buda, TX 78610 · $85/hr full band tracking, $700 day lockout · Who it's for: bands, rehearsal, live streams and voiceover. 1,200 sq ft live room.
Spectra Studios, Cedar Park · 1505 E New Hope Dr, Cedar Park, TX 78613 · $150/hr with engineer, $85/hr room only, 3 hr minimum · Who it's for: large high-end sessions and live show recording. Rupert Neve Designs 5088 console.
Same Sky, East Austin · 2704 E 2nd St, Austin, TX 78702 · Quote on request · Who it's for: bands, singer-songwriters and media. Live room, drums, strings, crash pad.
Assembly Line Studios, Hill Country · Address by appointment · Quote on request · Who it's for: bands who want to track and stay on site. Remote mixing available.
Stinson Recording Studios, Northwest Austin · 4615 City Park Rd, Austin, TX 78730 · Quote on request · Who it's for: recording plus music video production.
Podcasts, Voiceover and Post
Eastside Studios ATX, Austin · 501 N IH 35, Ste 205, Austin, TX 78702 · $100/hr typical for commercial work · Who it's for: voiceover, ADR, podcasts, sound design and bands.
The Noiz Faktory, Georgetown · Address by appointment · Quote on request · Who it's for: bands, ADR, composing and 5.1 surround mixing. 4,600 sq ft facility.
Rehearsal, Community and Budget-Friendly
Space ATX, South Austin · 7915 Menchaca Rd, Austin, TX 78745 · $75/hr with house engineer · Who it's for: bands that rehearse and record in one place. 31 rooms.
Evil Snail Studios, Manchaca · 12416 Twin Creeks Rd, Manchaca, TX 78652 · $60/hr drums and live multitrack · Who it's for: drummers and bands tracking live to mix at home. Rehearsal from $20/hr.
The Oven, North Austin · 6910 Shirley Ave, Austin, TX 78752 · $60/hr · Who it's for: local musicians who want recording, rehearsal and event space.
Femme Rock Recording Studio, North Austin · 2006 W Koenig Ln, Austin, TX 78756 · $65/hr · Who it's for: women and non-binary musicians recording a first demo or EP.
Wonderland Studios, Buda · Address by appointment · $30/hr · Who it's for: bands, singer-songwriters and voiceover. Alt-country, Americana, pop and folk.
Three Hound Sound Studios, San Marcos · 324 Riverwalk Loop, Suite 118, San Marcos, TX 78666 · $60 for 1 hour with mix and master in session · Who it's for: vocal-focused artists finishing singles and EPs.
If your project is vocals over a beat, a singer-songwriter single, a Dolby Atmos mix or a night in the studio, book Blak Marigold.
FAQ
How much does studio time cost at Blak Marigold?
One hour is $75. Two hours or more is $50 per hour ($100 for 2 hours). Sessions with mixing and mastering are $100 per hour ($200 for 2 hours, $300 for 3 hours). An engineer is included every time.
What is the median advertised studio rate in Austin?
Across 8 Austin-area studios that post engineer-included hourly rates (checked November 8, 2026, not counting Blak Marigold), the median starting rate is $65 an hour. The average is about $76. The range runs from $30 to $150.
What files do I get after my session?
A tracking session includes an MP3 or WAV of the song plus the session files. Packages with mix and master are mixed offline after the session, so you can focus on creating, and deliver a finished song in 3 to 5 days with two revisions included. Stems are available if you request them ahead of time.
How much does it cost to mix and master a song?
The 2-hour package with mix and master is $200. The 3-hour package is $300. Send-in mix and master is $200 per song. Mastering only is $75. A 5.1 & 7.1 Dolby Atmos mix is $150. Package and send-in turnaround is 3 to 5 days.
What's the total cost of a finished song?
Most artists should start with the $200 package (2 hours of recording plus mix and master). If you need more takes, the $300 package covers 3 hours. Longer tracking plus a separate mix is for multi-song or extended sessions.
Is an engineer included in the price?
Yes. Every Blak Marigold recording session includes an engineer.
How many hours should I book for one song?
If your beat is locked, start with 2 hours. Harmonies, writing in the room or live instruments can take longer.
What should I bring to my session?
Bring your beat as a WAV, your lyrics, your BPM and key, a reference track and a way to take your files home. Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early.
Which Austin studio is best for my band?
For full band live tracking, look at studios with big live rooms, like Arlyn, 512 Studios, 5th Street, Orb, Cedar Creek, HooDoo, Spectra and Same Sky. Blak Marigold is built for vocals, songwriters and finished songs.
Can I reschedule my session?
Yes. Reschedule at least 48 hours ahead.
