Northern Rooms Manchester Studios was founded with a simple goal: to give musicians in the North a reliable, practical space where creativity doesn’t have to fight the clock or the noise outside. Hidden within the old brick walls of the Northern Quarter, the studios combine industrial charm with modern acoustics. Every room is built for clarity — not luxury for its own sake, but comfort and precision that let players stay focused.
The team behind the studios comes from Manchester’s grassroots scene: small venues, live engineers, and home producers who understood how difficult it was to find clean-sounding rooms without long-term contracts. The project started as a single rehearsal space, gradually expanding into a modest recording setup and three additional rooms. The balance between size and atmosphere was never lost. Each space still feels personal and calm, with daylight where possible and quiet HVAC systems that won’t hum through your tracks.
We believe in keeping things simple. Our booking model avoids memberships and confusing tiered packages. Artists, podcasters, and session players can book as they go, and everything needed for a productive session is already on site: stands, power, Wi-Fi, and friendly staff who understand signal flow as well as hospitality. Our philosophy is based on the idea that technical support should be present but never intrusive.
Inside the main corridor, a soft glow runs along the wall edges to guide you between rooms. The treated live spaces are tuned for neutral midrange response. Bass traps are hidden behind the wooden panels, and lighting can be switched from bright rehearsal mode to low evening tone. Musicians often tell us it feels more like a working studio than a rental complex, and that’s exactly how we planned it.
Our clients range from first-time bands to session veterans. Local songwriters use the booths for demo takes, while touring players drop in for warm-ups before shows at nearby venues. We also host writing camps, small podcast productions, and educational workshops focused on recording basics. Every visitor signs in at the reception desk, receives a quick rundown of safety points, and can grab a free hot drink in the small kitchen corner before heading in.
Community is important to us. Manchester’s music history is more than famous names — it’s rehearsal spaces, friends lending amps, and producers giving advice late at night. Northern Rooms tries to keep that spirit alive. We maintain an open pinboard where artists can post collaboration notes, instrument sales, or upcoming shows. From time to time, we hold “open patch” evenings where local engineers share recording tips and show how different mic placements affect tone.
Sustainability is part of our daily routine. The building runs on a renewable energy plan, and insulation was upgraded to reduce heating loss during winter months. Waste cables, batteries, and broken gear are recycled responsibly through Manchester City Council’s approved schemes. Even our cleaning products are chosen with low environmental impact in mind.
Safety and accessibility are taken seriously. Fire exits are clearly marked, each room is ventilated, and we keep first-aid kits available at reception. Our ground-floor spaces are wheelchair accessible, and ramps can be fitted for gear load-ins upon request. We also maintain full compliance with the UK Health and Safety at Work Act.
Behind every session, there’s a small team ensuring smooth flow. Amelia North, our recording engineer, is known for her calm, structured approach to sessions. Studio manager Joel handles logistics and keeps track of maintenance. Session host Sarah greets visitors, handles keys, and makes sure newcomers feel welcome. Together they balance professionalism with the relaxed tone that Manchester artists appreciate.
We don’t chase trends or fancy memberships. We care about what happens when musicians close the door, hit record, and something new takes shape. If that sounds like your kind of working day, visit us or drop a message. We’re here most days from early morning until late evening.
Contact Details
Address: 20 Oldham Street, Northern Quarter, Manchester M1 1JA, England
Phone: 441 616 903 472
Email: [email protected]