Are Recording Studios STILL Necessary for Music Production Today? | Bobby Owsinski's Inner Circle Ep. 614

Mar 3, 2026

Sam Rudy, founder of Pro Studio Time and former international studio manager, helps artists find the right recording spaces worldwide. He discusses whether studios still matter, why many inquiries never convert, the rise of residential writing camps, how vibe and daylight often beat gear, and AI’s evolving role in music production.

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INSIGHT

Hidden Rates Create Booking Friction

Most studio websites hide rates and availability, making direct comparison time consuming for managers and labels.
Pro Studio Time filters inquiries and matches sessions to studios, reducing the high volume of unsuitable leads studios must handle.

INSIGHT

Only A Fraction Of Inquiries Become Bookings

A surprisingly low share of studio inquiries convert to bookings, often only 20–40 percent.
Sam explains studios receive many unsuitable requests (budget mismatch, wrong expectations), so referral services act as a quality filter.

ADVICE

Pick Studios Based On Feel Not Just Gear

Choose studios for how they make performers feel, not just for gear; a large control room or daylight can improve performance.
Sam notes many bookings are for small writing rooms with just monitors and a vocal chain, yet daylight and atmosphere are increasingly sought.

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What role do commercial recording studios really play in today’s home studio world? In this episode of Bobby Owsinski’s Inner Circle, Bobby sits down with Sam Rudy, founder of Pro Studio Time, to explore whether studios are still necessary for modern music production, or simply a creative luxury. From writing camps and residential studios to AI disruption and changing booking habits, this conversation dives deep into how artists, managers, and labels are navigating studio choices in 2025.

Sam shares insights from working with over 130 studios globally, explains why so many studio inquiries never turn into bookings, and reveals what artists actually look for today, which is often less about gear and more about feel. If you have ever wondered whether high-end studios still matter, or how to choose the right space for your next session, this episode delivers answers.

Guest: Sam Rudy
Founder, Pro Studio Time
https://prostudiotime.com
https://www.linkedin.com/company/pro-studio-time

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Studios are perhaps not a necessary part of the production anymore the way they used to be, but they are still a place where people can get together and collaborate
• High quality audio is still very much a thing and necessary
• Most studio inquiries do not turn into bookings, often only 20 to 40 percent convert
• Many artists book studios not for the gear, but for how the space makes them feel
• A pair of speakers and a decent vocal chain is sometimes all you need
• Daylight and atmosphere are increasingly important factors when choosing a studio
• Residential studios have gained popularity due to flexibility and creative focus
• AI and new technology may disrupt parts of the industry, but past tools like drum machines and autotune ultimately expanded creativity
• Lowering the barrier to entry for music creation can lead to more artists eventually seeking professional studios
• Success in any field comes down to volume of iteration, doing it as often and as long as possible

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