Question 1

How do I book?

Accepted Answer

Choose your date, time, session type and any optional extras through our online booking system. Once your booking is confirmed, you'll receive everything you need ahead of your session.

Question 2

How do I know which times are free?

Accepted Answer

Live availability is shown on the booking page — every slot is marked open, fully booked or paused, and it refreshes automatically while you're choosing.

Question 3

What if I need to reschedule?

Accepted Answer

You can move a session yourself from your member area up to 48 hours before the start time. Inside 48 hours, message us and we'll do our best to help. If the new slot is peak time, the price difference is shown before you confirm.

Question 4

How do I cancel, and do I get my money back?

Accepted Answer

Cancel from your bookings screen. Eligible cancellations are refunded as Studio Credit, which sits in your wallet and can be spent on any future session or add-on.

Question 5

Can I book regularly?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our memberships are designed for creators and businesses who publish consistently, with reduced hourly rates, included hours and priority booking.

Question 6

How does peak pricing work?

Accepted Answer

Peak rates apply per hour: 20:00–midnight and 06:00–08:00 are 1.5× the standard hourly rate, and midnight–06:00 is 2×. The exact total, including VAT, is always shown before you pay.

Question 7

Do your prices include VAT?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every price shown on the site is inclusive of VAT, and a VAT invoice is issued for each payment.

Question 8

Where do I use a voucher code?

Accepted Answer

There's a voucher field at checkout for bookings, memberships and studio passes. The discount is applied to your total before payment.

Question 9

What is Studio Credit and where can I see it?

Accepted Answer

Studio Credit is a monetary balance on your account, created by refunds, goodwill gestures or credit purchases. Your balance and full transaction history live in your wallet, and credit is applied automatically at checkout.

Question 10

What's the difference between a membership and a studio pass?

Accepted Answer

A membership is a monthly plan with included hours and member rates, on a minimum three-month commitment. A studio pass is a one-off prepaid bundle of hours with no monthly fee — valid for 12 months from purchase by default.

Question 11

How do I upgrade, downgrade or cancel my membership?

Accepted Answer

Tier changes are handled in your member area and are pro-rated immediately, with your new hour allowance applied straight away. Downgrades and cancellations are available once your minimum term has been served.

Question 12

When do my membership hours and pass hours expire?

Accepted Answer

Membership hours renew on your billing date each month. Studio pass hours are valid for 12 months from purchase unless stated otherwise on the pass, and remaining hours are always shown in your account.

Question 13

Where can I see my bookings and guest details?

Accepted Answer

Every upcoming and past session is listed in your member area, including guest numbers, add-ons, calendar invites and the option to reschedule or cancel.

Question 14

Where do I find my invoices and receipts?

Accepted Answer

All payment receipts and VAT invoices are stored under Invoices in your account, and each one is emailed to you at the time of payment.

Question 15

How do I change my email preferences or password?

Accepted Answer

Update your contact details, notification preferences and password from your account settings. If you've forgotten your password, use the reset link on the sign-in screen.

Question 16

How do I update my billing address or VAT details?

Accepted Answer

Billing details, including your company address and tax ID, are managed in your account billing settings. These appear on every invoice we issue.

Question 17

Do I need any recording experience?

Accepted Answer

Not at all. Every booking includes a professional studio engineer who handles the cameras, audio and lighting, so you can focus entirely on your conversation.

Question 18

What's included with my booking?

Accepted Answer

Every studio session includes professional cameras, microphones, lighting, audio recording, an experienced engineer and access to our purpose-built studio.

Question 19

How many people can I record with?

Accepted Answer

Our standard podcast setup accommodates up to four guests. If your project requires more people or a bespoke setup, get in touch before booking.

Question 20

Can I customise the studio setup?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Lighting colours, camera angles and seating layouts can all be tailored to match your brand or production style.

Question 21

Can I livestream from the studio?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We can stream directly to platforms such as YouTube, Facebook and other supported services. Tell us before your session if you need livestreaming.

Question 22

Can I bring my own equipment?

Accepted Answer

Of course. You're welcome to bring cameras, microphones, laptops or any other equipment you'd like to incorporate into your production.

Question 23

Where is the studio located, and is there parking?

Accepted Answer

Empire Studios is based in Universal Square, Manchester, ten minutes from Manchester Piccadilly, with free parking on site.

Question 24

What types of content can I create?

Accepted Answer

The studio is ideal for podcasts, interviews, YouTube videos, online courses, corporate content, social campaigns, product launches and branded video.

Question 25

How quickly will I receive my files?

Accepted Answer

Professionally organised recordings arrive via secure cloud delivery within 72 hours of your session. Need them faster? Choose a quicker delivery option at checkout.

Question 26

Do you offer video editing?

Accepted Answer

Yes — editing, colour grading, audio enhancement, thumbnails and social clips are delivered through our partner studio Shortcut. Add an enquiry during booking and we'll quote you directly.

Question 27

Do I own my recordings?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Everything we record belongs to you, with full ownership transferred once your files are delivered.

Question 28

Where can I read your terms?

Accepted Answer

Our full booking, membership and cancellation terms are published on the site and linked from every checkout.

Ask us anything.

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