Been lucky enough to record here a few times, it's always been an amazing experience. Incredible rooms, huge range of mics and analogue equipment, and Chris is such a great engineer, always seeming to know how to get whatever sound I'm after. Best of all there's a family atmosphere that's always relaxed, I don't ever remember having felt stressed, even when I've been under pressure to get something finished. I love this place.
Matthew Falloon130 days ago
One of the best residential studios in the UK and also one of the music business's best kept secrets. Vale Studios is an amazing space for creativity and recording, run by an experienced in-house engineer and producer. The range of vintage equipment is unbelievable. I've recorded there with several different acts and the results have always been incredible. I can't recommend this studio enough.
Toby Jepson130 days ago
I’ve been working at Vale Studios for over ten years and have made many albums there are an artist and a producer. Putting the stunning location aside for a moment, it is the single most enjoyable studio I have ever worked in - and I’ve worked in most of the ‘name’ studios both past and present. What you get is a unique space populated by incredible gear that has been gathered and lovingly maintained by Chris D’adda the owner - who also happens to have incredible ears and knowledge of his equipment at an almost ‘read the manual from cover to cover and memorised it’ level. As far as I’m concerned atmosphere is everything and this place drips a homely class from its ancient masonry that is wonderfully conducive to making music. The accommodation is comfortable and exceptionally clean and managed by Chris’s wife who also bakes the best cakes known to man. The rates are very reasonable and the attention you receive as client would shame a studio who charge twice as much and provides half the quality. I wouldn’t think twice about recommending this wonderful place and would challenge anyone not to get great results from what is on offer - you’d literally have to be dead not to walk away completely satisfied. In summary: A compelling, old school, achingly brilliant studio run by wonderful people, and the gear is awesome too! AAA+
Jonathan Hucks130 days ago
Vale is a true hidden gem and without doubt one of the most underrated studios in the UK. I've been fortunate enough to work here on a couple of projects over the past few years and can never wait to get back!
The equipment is brilliant, lots of variety and options including a lot of stuff that you won't find easily elsewhere which as a producer and engineer really makes you try new things and opens up lots of possibilities. Alongside this the studio has everything you need and expect, equipment is set up logically making it very easy to start using which makes sessions flow very easily and lets you really take a step back from the technical side of things, allowing you to focus creatively.
The tracking rooms are brilliant with plenty of tielines, great sightlines, varied acoustics and being able to record in the entrance hall is brilliant. It opens up a whole world of possibilities sound-wise.
The residential areas are very comfortable, always spotless and from the minute you arrive you really feel at home and part of the family. And away from the nitty-gritty of the studio, this is one of Vale's major draws. Chris and Moira always make you feel more than welcome, they really go above and beyond to ensure everything runs super smoothly and nothing is ever too much trouble.
It's this atmosphere that really leaves an impression and keeps people coming back because, at the end of the day, a lot of studios are great technically but its the atmosphere and feeling you get in a studio, the feeling that immediately puts artists at ease, that allows people to open up and be as creative as possible, that's what really matters and Vale has that in droves!
Also, how can I forget Moira's baking, a delicious highlight of every session and something that without fail always comes up when reminiscing with bands about past visits!!
Brilliant people, stunning setting, top-notch studio and endless homemade treats, what more could you want??
Jennifer Curtis130 days ago
Stunning location, beautiful building, the warmest welcome. Felt at home instantly. Had the best studio experience and came away with some great recordings. Felt so welcome and relaxed... cant wait to return. Highly recomend.
Smile End130 days ago
Recorded an EP here in 2021 - super hospitable team running the studio in an amazing location. 100% recommend.
Richard Purchase161 days ago
Great place to record music. Chris is hugely welcoming to what is primarily his home. Such a relaxed and unrushed feel, perfect to make the most of the time. Accommodation is great, with plenty of space to chill when not recording.
Set in a beautiful village with 2 pubs and a great butchers, famous for pies, sausage rolls and home made curries.
As far as I’m concerned atmosphere is everything and this place drips a homely class from its ancient masonry that is wonderfully conducive to making music. The accommodation is comfortable and exceptionally clean and managed by Chris’s wife who also bakes the best cakes known to man. The rates are very reasonable and the attention you receive as client would shame a studio who charge twice as much and provides half the quality. I wouldn’t think twice about recommending this wonderful place and would challenge anyone not to get great results from what is on offer - you’d literally have to be dead not to walk away completely satisfied. In summary: A compelling, old school, achingly brilliant studio run by wonderful people, and the gear is awesome too!
AAA+
The equipment is brilliant, lots of variety and options including a lot of stuff that you won't find easily elsewhere which as a producer and engineer really makes you try new things and opens up lots of possibilities. Alongside this the studio has everything you need and expect, equipment is set up logically making it very easy to start using which makes sessions flow very easily and lets you really take a step back from the technical side of things, allowing you to focus creatively.
The tracking rooms are brilliant with plenty of tielines, great sightlines, varied acoustics and being able to record in the entrance hall is brilliant. It opens up a whole world of possibilities sound-wise.
The residential areas are very comfortable, always spotless and from the minute you arrive you really feel at home and part of the family. And away from the nitty-gritty of the studio, this is one of Vale's major draws. Chris and Moira always make you feel more than welcome, they really go above and beyond to ensure everything runs super smoothly and nothing is ever too much trouble.
It's this atmosphere that really leaves an impression and keeps people coming back because, at the end of the day, a lot of studios are great technically but its the atmosphere and feeling you get in a studio, the feeling that immediately puts artists at ease, that allows people to open up and be as creative as possible, that's what really matters and Vale has that in droves!
Also, how can I forget Moira's baking, a delicious highlight of every session and something that without fail always comes up when reminiscing with bands about past visits!!
Brilliant people, stunning setting, top-notch studio and endless homemade treats, what more could you want??
Highly recomend.
Set in a beautiful village with 2 pubs and a great butchers, famous for pies, sausage rolls and home made curries.
R