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FAQs | HighLife Studios

Frequently Asked
Questions

Everything you need to know before booking your session.

Booking10 Questions

You can book a recording, mixing, or podcast session or reserve a studio by clicking the "Book Now" button on our website. This takes you to our online booking platform where you can select a location, specific studio, date, time, session duration, and engineer.

You'll find the prices for different services and locations on the platform. A 50% deposit is required to book a session or rent a studio.

If you are unable to use our online booking platform, or you have questions, you can call us directly at (202) 930-2543.

To inquire about mastering, music production, and other services please contact us directly.

Our rates vary based on several factors including services requested, duration of the session, and location.

Washington, DC

  • Studio rental (no engineer) — from $50/hr
  • Session with engineer — from $75/hr

Rockville, MD

  • Studio rental (no engineer) — from $30/hr
  • Session with engineer — from $60/hr

All locations have a two-hour minimum. We offer block discounts for extended sessions. Specific rates are available on our booking platform.

When booking through our online platform you can pay using PayPal, debit card, or credit card. We also accept cash at our studios. We do not accept checks.

When booking over the phone, Cash App, Apple Pay, and Zelle are also accepted.

  • Deposit: A 50% deposit is required to book a session or rent a studio.
  • Payment: Full payment is due at the end of the session. Files will not be transferred until payment has been made in full.
  • Session Start Time: For billing purposes, the session begins at the client's scheduled arrival time, even if the client is late.

There are no exceptions to this policy. We appreciate your understanding.

A minimum of 48 hours' notice is required before the session to cancel or reschedule. If at least 48 hours' notice is not provided, the online deposit is forfeited and a refund will not be provided. Clients who provide the required notice can reschedule and transfer the deposit or receive a full refund.

Two-Hour Grace Period: You can cancel a reservation within two hours of making it and receive a full credit refund — unless the reservation is scheduled to start within the next two hours.

We're here 24/7/365 to support you whenever inspiration strikes.

Absolutely. We know artists can't always plan, and we frequently support last-minute requests for studio time. Same-day requests are subject to availability, but we'll do our best to get you in. Please note that same-day bookings cannot be made through our online system and a 50% deposit is required.

The studios are available by appointment only. Studio tours and consultations are available on request.

Currently guests must be able to ascend one flight of stairs to enter our studios. Please contact us with any questions or concerns, and we will make every reasonable effort to accommodate requests. Our goal is to welcome everyone, and we apologize for the inconvenience.

Session Details15 Questions

Please bring an external drive to load your bounces and session files after your session. No session files are stored or saved on site, so it's important that clients bring their own storage. Bounces and sessions can also be sent via email on request.

Clients will need to bring the following:

  • A valid ID to verify the credit card transaction
  • The instrumental or beat, ready for the session
  • A flash drive or portable drive to transfer and store session files — files are not stored on site

Yes! We'll provide the perfect beat for you — one that matches your vibe, gives your songs a distinctive edge, and helps you create music that stands out. You can select from our current library of beats, or we can help source beats from another library.

We also offer custom beat production services to create the perfect sound tailored to your style. Contact us and we'll work with you to create a beat that matches your vision. For more information visit our production page.

Our professional engineers and producers primarily specialize in Pop, Hip-Hop/Rap, R&B, EDM, Reggaeton, and Afrobeat. Beyond our core expertise, we have worked with countless artists in Jazz, Rock, Country, and Gospel.

Our team approaches recording and mixing differently depending on the genre, leveraging genre-specific techniques to achieve the right sound. Contact us to discuss your project and we'll pair you with the right engineers and producers.

Mixing can be done during your session as long as it's accounted for within your booked time. Mastering is completed separately after the session for an additional fee.

Alternatively, mixing can be scheduled and completed outside of your session for an additional fee. See our mixing services page for more information. We encourage clients to coordinate with the engineer in advance to tailor the process to their needs.

Currently we cannot accommodate full band setups. We have however worked with numerous groups and musicians to record bass, vocals, guitars, keyboards, and most other instruments. At this time, we cannot record drums in our studios.

Please contact us ahead of time to discuss your specific needs so we can best support your work.

Yes, clients are welcome to bring food and drink to a session. However, no food or drinks can be placed on the studio desk space.

Yes. Capacity for each studio is 8 people per session.

Our professional studios come equipped with industry-standard equipment. You can find our gear lists on the Washington, DC and Rockville studio pages. Artists are welcome to bring additional equipment to their sessions.

We are constantly updating and acquiring new gear. If you have any questions, please contact us.

Beats created during a production session remain the property of the producer unless exclusive rights are purchased. Your session fee covers the time and creative service, not ownership.

If you'd like full ownership and exclusive rights to the beat, that can be arranged for an additional fee. Otherwise, the beat is considered collaborative work and subject to a royalty split between the artist and producer. We're happy to discuss the best option for your goals before your session.

Our podcast and content room is designed with flexibility in mind. The space can be arranged to accommodate a wide range of formats, styles, and guest configurations — whether you're hosting a roundtable discussion, an intimate two-chair interview, a relaxed chair-and-couch conversation, or a multi-guest panel setup. We can configure the layout to meet your needs and match your vision.

Audio Editing

  • Up to 4 mics / 60 min of audio — $200
  • Over 1 hour — $100 per additional 30 min

Mixing & Mastering

  • Up to 4 mics / 2 hrs of audio — $200
  • Over 2 hours — $100 per additional 30 min

Video Editing

  • Up to 60 min of video — $350
  • 60–90 min of video — $450
  • Over 90 min — Custom Quote

Short-Form Video Clips

  • 3 clips — $150

All services include one round of revisions. Additional revisions billed at $75/hr.

Yes. We'll come to your office or other location to record your podcast. We've recorded content at the DC Convention Center, local universities, live music venues, and on the National Mall — and have even travelled to Los Angeles, Austin, and Davos, Switzerland for clients.

Recording on location requires advanced planning and is subject to the availability of our staff.

Absolutely. You're welcome to bring your producer, videographers, or creative team. We just ask that you let us know in advance so we can accommodate everyone.

If you're recording without editing, you'll receive your raw audio and video files immediately after your session.

For editing and mixing services, the turnaround time is typically 5–7 business days depending on the scope of work.

Still have questions?
Let's talk.

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