Recording Studio
Room pictures
Overview
Unlock your creativity in our newly refurbished Recording Studio. With state-of-the-art equipment and engineering expertise on hand, artists and bands are empowered to develop their musical ideas into professional broadcast-ready productions. The studio comprises a central control room and two live rooms, which can be hired in various configurations to suit your project. All spaces are air-conditioned and are fully wheelchair accessible. Your session will be engineered by one of our in-house recording engineers who will take care of capturing every nuance of your performance, leaving you to focus on the music!
Recording sessions at MAC benefit from the unique atmosphere of this bustling, multi-disciplinary arts centre encompassing theatre, live music, independent cinema and touring exhibitions, with on-site café and bar. Midlands Arts Centre is located just outside Birmingham city centre, alongside the river Rea, set in 120 acres of park, conservation and woodland.
Recording spaces
Control Room
Our acoustically optimised control room boasts an Audient analogue mixing console, analogue outboard processors, Universal Audio Apollo x16 and Apple Mac running Logic Pro and Universal Audio plugins. The space provides a focused and professional setting for production and mixing sessions, and can comfortably facilitate small tracking sessions, for example: vocals, acoustic guitar, podcasts or voiceovers.
This space can be hired with Live Rooms A and B. Please find details of our Live Rooms below.
Live Room A
Live Room A measures 4m x 5.45m, benefits from natural light, a great sounding acoustic, and can comfortably accommodate a three-piece band with drum kit or small ensemble. The room features two upright pianos: a modern Irmler by Bluthner and a charismatic 1960s 6-octave Bentley. Both pianos are well maintained and regularly tuned. Live Room A is next door to the control room and is connected via 16-channel tie-lines and video link.
Live Room B
At 10m x 5.7m, Live Room B is the larger of the two live rooms and benefits from a bright, yet controlled acoustic which can be dampened down with customisable acoustic panels. The room comes complete with a well-maintained Yamaha U3 upright piano, Premier XPK drum-kit, Zildjian A-Custom Cymbals, Pearl Sensitone Snare, and Martin Audio foldback speakers. Live Room B is next door to the Control Room and is connected via 16-channel tie-lines and video link. We have recorded everything from choirs to post-punk bands in Live Room B and it always delivers fantastic results.
Recording Studio facilities
Our acoustically optimised control room boasts an Audient analogue mixing console, analogue outboard processors, Universal Audio Apollo x16 and Apple Mac running Logic Pro and Universal Audio plugins.
The studio comprises a central control room and two live rooms, which can be hired in various configurations to suit your project. All spaces are air-conditioned and are wheelchair accessible.
Getting here
By car
Please note that the car parks adjacent to MAC are owned and managed by Birmingham City Council. This includes the Queen's Ride car park, the Pershore Road car park next to the Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park (BWCP) and the smaller Russell Road car park.
MAC is not responsible for these car parks or the car park charges. For further information, please refer to our terms and conditions.
Parking charges
MAC is not responsible for these car parks or the car park charges.
Blue Badge holders
Charges do not apply to Blue Badge holders and the Queen’s Ride car park provides a number of access parking spaces.
EV charging
An EV charging point is available in the Russell Road Car Park, B13 8RD.
Closing times
Edgbaston Rd (next to MAC) and Russell Road entrance closes at 11.30pm daily. Pershore Road entrance next to BWCP closes at 6pm daily.
Please direct any enquiries regarding car parking to parking@birmingham.gov.uk
By train
MAC is situated next to four train stations; Five Ways (1.3 miles), University (1.4 miles), Selly Oak (1.5 miles) and Birmingham New Street (1.7 miles).
Find train timetables.
By bus
Several bus routes take you to MAC - find bus timetables.
- 1 - Stop on Edgbaston Road (0.3 miles)
- 35 - Stop on Willows Road (0.5 miles)
- 41/45/47 - Stop on Pershore Road (0.5 miles)
- 61/63 - Stop on Bristol Road (1 mile)
Access and facilities
Wheelchair and step-free access
MAC is wheelchair accessible, with step-free and wheelchair access to all our spaces.
Toilets and showers
Accessible unisex toilets are available on every floor, fitted with alarm cords. If you require urgent access to a toilet, please ask a member of staff who will aim to guide you to the nearest toilet. We have accessible showers available on each floor. Please ask a member of staff for assistance.
MAC has a Changing Places toilet on-site with a changing bench, hoist and larger space for people with access requirements and assistants. To access the Changing Places toilet please visit our Welcome Desk or ask a member of staff for further assistance.
FAQs
Why should I hire with MAC?
We deliver a bespoke, experience-focused service and our team is passionate about delivering exceptional events.
MAC is a registered charity that aims to make art accessible to all. When you host an event here, all profits go towards creating life changing creative opportunities within our community. Thank you for your support.
Can I arrange a tour of MAC's spaces?
Our Hires team are happy to show you around and help find the most suitable setting for your event. To arrange a tour around MAC, please contact our team on 0121 446 3250 or email hires@macbirmingham.co.uk.
Alternatively, you can explore our virtual building tour from the panorama tab above, complete with 360 degree room capture, to take a look at our rooms at your own leisure.
What are MAC's opening hours?
MAC is open from 9am - late. Times may be altered to suit event hire requirements. If you need to access MAC early to set up your event, a member of the Sales and Events team will be there to help. If you arrive before 9am, please use the intercom system on the main door's entrance.
Can I film/ photograph at MAC?
If you would like to film or photograph at MAC - either in our rooms or public spaces - you will need to fill in a filming and photography request form, two weeks prior to your visit. Please return completed filming and photography request forms to hires@macbirmingham.co.uk
How do I make an enquiry?
Our Hires team is available from Mon - Fri between 9am and 5pm. Please call us on 0121 446 3250 or email hires@macbirmingham.co.uk. You can also fill in our enquiry form.
When is payment taken for a hire event?
Full payment is required ahead of your booking at MAC.
Terms and conditions
To ensure all our visitors have the best experience at MAC, event hires are subject to our full terms and conditions.
Pricing details
Available upon request
Minimum of 3 hours booking required. The recording studio must be booked 3 weeks in advance of your chosen date.
Capacity details
Max. 8 people