FAQ’s
BOOKINGS
Can I view the studio before booking?
Yes, please get in touch with hello@westdigitalstudios.co.uk to arrange a time and date.
How do I make a booking?
Click the bookings link here ……….. and follow the steps.
If you have any questions or bespoke needs please get in touch.
Do you offer discounts for block bookings?
Yes. Book 10 hours at once and get 2 free hours of recording time. We also have a referral scheme. Refer a friend and receive 15% off your next booking. Get in touch with us at hello@westdigitalstudios.co.uk with your enquiry and we’ll provide you with a booking quote.
What is your cancellation/rescheduling policy?
Cancellations 7 days in advance will receive a full refund.
Cancellations 7 days to 48 hours in advance will receive a 50% refund.
Cancellations for bookings starting within 48 hours are non-refundable.
RECORDING AT THE STUDIO
How long do I need?
We have a minimum booking time of 2 hours. We recommend setting aside 15 mins at the beginning of your booking to do a quick tech check. This includes setting the camera angles, adjusting lighting and a sound check for microphone levels. After that feel free to book as long as you need within our opening hours.
What are your opening hours?
Our opening hours during the week are 10am-6pm. We also offer weekend bookings, please get in touch at hello@westdigitalstudios.co.uk to arrange a weekend booking.
Can I change the layout of the studio?
Feel free to get creative with the space and change the layout. Please factor in any set up and pack down time into your booking.
What’s the difference between Podcast Room 1 and Studio 1?
Studio 1 is a larger space, with 5 cameras and a wrap around OLED screen backdrop. You can use this to play moving images, graphics, have your remote guest displayed on or anything else you can think of. Follow this link…….. for room dimensions and full equipment list.
Podcast Room 1 is smaller than Studio 1. Its 3 camera setup is ideal for 1-3 person podcast but can fit up to 4. It also has the option for remote guests. Follow this link…….. for room dimensions and full equipment list.
Do I need a Camera Operator or Sound Engineer
This is completely up to you. Our studios can be booked on a self service basis. One of our skilled engineers will be on hand for your first recording to show you how everything works. Podcast Room 1 has the option of displaying all camera angles within the room so if you’re handling the recording by yourself you can view everything whilst recording.
Alternatively if you want the reassurance that everything is being well recorded, whilst you concentrate on your content we recommend hiring the studio with an engineer. This option provides the reassurance that all aspects of the recording process are expertly managed by a professional.
Do I need to bring my own equipment?
Our studios are equipped with everything you’ll need to record a podcast. If you wish to bring your own cameras, microphones etc that’s absolutely fine but please reach out to us before booking at hello@westdigitalstudios.co.uk and we’ll do our best to accommodate this into our setup.
Do you have a teleprompter?
Yes we have a teleprompter which can be hired for an additional fee of £35 per hour.
What happens if I go over my booked slot?
Overtime will be charged at your hire rate per 15mins. You will be informed before your booking if there is another booking after yours so you can plan accordingly for any overrun.
Can guests remote in?
Yes. We have the option for guests to remote into both of our studios.
Can I livestream my podcast?
Yes, we offer the option to livestream your podcast for an additional £?? Per hour. We run OBS studio which is a streaming standard software able to stream to any RTMP (Real-Time Messaging Protocol) supporting destination, including YouTube, Twitch, Facebook, Discord, plus many others.
Do you have refreshments?
We offer water, coffee and a selection of teas all free of charge.
Can I bring food/drink?
Please feel free to bring your own food and drinks. The studio has a small fridge, cutlery and plates that you are welcome to use.
Is smoking allowed in the studio?
We operate a strict no smoking policy. We do have a lovely garden space (see link for pictures) where you can smoke.
AFTER YOUR PODCAST IS FINISHED
How will I receive my files?
You can either bring an external SSD hard drive for immediate file transfer or we will send you a Google Drive download link where you can download your podcast recording. We’ll aim to get a download link sent to you the same day but please allow up to 48 hours during busier periods.
The Google Drive download will be available for 28 days, after this period files may be deleted. It is your responsibility to download and back up any files before the expiry date.
What type of files will I receive?
For a standard booking you will receive;
Isolated camera recordings. 1080p, 25fps mp4. These recordings will have a live audio mixdown of all the microphones in sync with the picture. (If your project needs to be recorded at a different frame rate please get in touch before your recording. We also offer the ability to record picture in 4K for an additional fee, please get in touch for a quote).
Isolated microphone recordings. 48Khz 24 bit WAV file type.
Will the podcast be edited?
No. Your booking includes the recording time and file transfer. If you would like to edit your podcast with one of our skilled editors, please get in touch with us at hello@westdigitalstudios.co.uk An edit can range from the simple to the complex so we prefer to discuss your vision first before offering a quote. We also offer shorter edits for social media.