WE ARE BLACK BAY
Residential Recording Studio at the Edge of the World
Black Bay Studio is a high-end residential recording facility located on an island in the Outer Hebrides, Scotland.
Opened in 2016 in a former crab factory, the studio incorporates three spacious and beautifully designed acoustic rooms, comprehensive equipment list, comfortable accommodation for 9, and a dedicated team of staff who treat making records as a way of life.
We’re the UK’s most remote recording studio, but still easily accessed with several daily flights to Stornoway, plus ferry services to the mainland.
“Black Bay is the best residential studio I’ve ever been to – it’s the new Rockfield; but better!”
Cam Blackwood – George Ezra, London Grammar, Florence & The Machine…
“Black Bay is a hidden Gem. An exquisitely kitted out studio in the most uniquely secluded setting. 10 stars.”
Stuart Braithwaite – Mogwaii, Silver Moth…
“Black Bay is one of the best studios I’ve ever worked at, and I had one of the best sessions of my career, can’t wait to get back there. It has one of the greatest drum rooms in the UK, beautiful control room with big punchy mixing desk – all in the most stunning location at the ends of the earth, it’s a real adventure. Why would you want to work anywhere else?!”
Adrian Bushby – Foo Fighters, Muse, My Bloody Valentine, Placebo, Everything Everything…
‘Black Bay is a rare gem, the combination of a amazing sounding live space and a quality control room, that just so happens to be situated in one of the most idyllic locations in the UK’
Dan Moyler – Dua Lipa, George Ezra, Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes…
RECORDING
Everything you need to make the record of a lifetime. Whether you need a full production team, dry hire or anything in between, we’ll work around your needs and workflow.
EQUIPMENT
A vast and growing collection of classic and esoteric microphones, instruments, backline and outboard, all focussed around our gorgeous Cadac console.
MIXING
Exceptional mixing in house with all our analogue goodness, either for projects recorded here or elsewhere. We’ll make your recordings sound like a record.
MASTERING
We master hundreds of recordings for a wide range of artists. Whether recorded at Abbey Road or the Spare Room, we apply the same focus to your production to make it sound fantastic.
ACCOMMODATION
Relaxed, homely accommodation for up to 10 people across 4 bedrooms with single, twin and double rooms, bathrooms, kitchen and lounge with large dining table and comfortable lounge. Whether catered or self-catered, we will make you feel at home.
WRITING
RETREAT
Our facilities can be used by groups for a range of activities whether looking to teach, learn, workshop, relax, explore or create. Whether you are booking privately or with your business, get in touch to discuss how we can facilitate your retreat.
EXPLORE
With the Atlantic wilderness on your doorstep, wildlife, fishing, standing stones, surfing and the most incredible beaches in the world, there’s plenty to explore between takes, or even a few extra days before/after the session to experience the island’s unique magic.
THE STUDIO
THE CONTROL ROOM – 35m²
The meticulously designed control room sounds incredibly balanced throughout.
It is spacious enough for everyone to comfortably hang out together, and can also easily be tied into the live rooms so you can add guitar, bass or keys from the heart of the mix.
The Cadac J-Series console is the heart of Black Bay and sounds exceptionally warm and open – a real discovery for anyone who isn’t familiar with the Cadac sound.
The Live Room – 100m²
With oak floors, and pitched ceilings the Black Bay live room is something really special.
This huge space has been designed to sound big and open when you want it to, but the bespoke acoustic design is highly adaptable. Through the use of positioning, and our movable treatment, you can use the room to achieve a wide range of acoustics. We also have ties into all neighbouring rooms that can be used as isolation booths for amps etc.
The space sounds particularly good with acoustic instruments – piano and strings really sing and drums can sound properly massive.
The Dead Room – 40m²
The dry acoustic space is a big room in its own right at 40 square metres and has good sight-lines to the Live Room and Control Room beyond.
It has a very close acoustic thanks to the heavy acoustic treatment, but still sounds balanced.
There’s ample space to record a full drum kit and/or multiple musicians and the room also houses our extensive range of vintage, weird and wonderful guitars and backline – all ready to be picked/turned up.
THE STUDIO
THE CONTROL ROOM – 35m²
The meticulously designed control room sounds incredibly balanced throughout.
It is spacious enough for everyone to comfortably hang out together, and can also easily be tied into the live rooms so you can add guitar, bass or keys from the heart of the mix.
The Cadac J-Series console is the heart of Black Bay and sounds exceptionally warm and open – a real discovery for anyone who isn’t familiar with the Cadac sound.
The Live Room – 100m²
With oak floors, and pitched ceilings the Black Bay live room is something really special.
This huge space has been designed to sound big and open when you want it to, but the bespoke acoustic design is highly adaptable. Through the use of positioning, and our movable treatment, you can use the room to achieve a wide range of acoustics. We also have ties into all neighbouring rooms that can be used as isolation booths for amps etc.
The space sounds particularly good with acoustic instruments – piano and strings really sing and drums can sound properly massive.
The Dead Room – 40m²
The dry acoustic space is a big room in its own right at 40 square metres and has good sight-lines to the Live Room and Control Room beyond.
It has a very close acoustic thanks to the heavy acoustic treatment, but still sounds balanced.
There’s ample space to record a full drum kit and/or multiple musicians and the room also houses our extensive range of vintage, weird and wonderful guitars and backline – all ready to be picked/turned up.
EQUIPMENT
Mixing Desk
- Cadac J-Series 54 Channel Frame
Monitoring
- ATC SCM150A Pro Midfield Monitors
- Auratone 5C Super Sound Cube Passive Monitors
- ProAc Studio 100 Loudspeakers
- Yamaha NS-10 Studio
DAW
- Apple Mac Mini i7 – 3.2Ghz (64GB RAM)
- Apple Logic Pro X
- Avid Pro Tools Ultimate
- Steinberg Cubase 8.5
- Avid HDX
- Digidesign 192 Interface
- Lynx Aurora n 32 i/o HD
- UAD-2 Octo
- Arturia FX Bundle
- Plugin Alliance
- SoundToys 5
Outboard
- API 2500 Stereo Compressor
- Alan Smart C1 Stereo Compressor
- D.A.V. Electronics BG1 2 Channel Mic Preamp
- Empirical Labs EL8-XS Distressor Compressor/Limiter (X2)
- Neve 1073 DPX
- Orban 111B Stereo Spring Reverb
- Pete’s Place Audio BAC500 Compressor (X2)
- Radial Kommit Compressor
- Radial EXTC Reamp Units (x4)
- Stam Audio LA-2A
- Stam Audio 1176 (X2)
- Universal Audio 6176 Vintage Channel Strip
- DBX 160A Compressor/Limiter
- Wem Watkins Copicat Tape Echo
- Furman HR-2 Headphone Distribution Boxes (X5)
Microphones
Condensers
- AKG C 414 ULS (X2)
- AKG C 535
- Beezneez James Tube Mic
- CAD M179 (X2)
- Charter Oak SA538B Condenser
- Flea 47 U47 CLONE
- Kel HM-1 Condenser
- Kel HM-2 Condenser
- Kel HM-3 Condenser (X2)
- Michael Jolly Hulk condenser
- Mojave MA-201 LDC
- Neumann U 87 Ai
- Rode K2 (X2)
- Schoeps CMC 6 (X2)
- Shure SM81 (x2)
- STAM U87 (X2)
- C-Ducer Tape Microphone contact mic (X2)
Dynamics
- AKG D 202
- AKG D 112 (X2)
- AKG D 190 E (X3)
- Audix i5
- Coles STC 4035 Ball & Biscuit
- Dr Alien 8 Microphone
- ElectroVoice RE-50 (X2)
- Electrovoice RE 20 (X2)
- Sennheiser 421 (X2)
- Shure 545 Unidyne III (X4)
- Shure SM57 (X2)
- Shure SM58
Ribbons
- AEA R88 MkII
- Apex 205
- Beyerdynamic M 160 (X2)
- Coles 4038 (X2)
- SE Electronics R1 (X2)
- SE Electronics Voodoo VR1
Boosters
- Custom Cloudlifter – Black Bay (X2)
- TritonAudio Fethead (X2)
Amps
Guitar Amps
- Carlsbro TC100 Head
- Carlsbro Top50 Combo
- Carlsbro Top50 Head
- Fender Twin Reverb 70s
- Orange Rockerverb 100 Head
- Pignose 7-100
- Selmer 4 x 12 70’s Fane speakers Cab
- Selmer Treble ‘N’ Bass
- WEM Dominator MkIII Combo
- WEM 2×12” Cab
- Marshall 1922 2 x 12 Cab
- Sound City Plus 50
Impedance Boxes
- Radial JDI Acvtive DI Box
- Radial Stage Bug SB-2 Passive Di (X2)
- Ultra DI – Transformerless Behringer
- Radial ProRMP Reamp Box
- Reamp Custom – Black Bay
Bass Amps
- Ampeg SVT-2 Pro Head
- Ampeg 4×10″ Cabinet
- Ampeg 1×15″ Cabinet
- Ashdown ABM 500 Head
- Ashdown ABM 8×10″ Cabinet
Instruments
- Bechstein Grand Piano
- CSL Les Paul Recording 1970’s Japanese
- CSL Strat 1970’s Japanese
- Fender Jazz Bass 1978
- Fender Mustang Bass
- Fender Telecaster Custom
- Hofner President Archtop acoustic 1950’s
- Hofner Verithin 1965
- Hammond auto vari 64 Drum Machine
- Moog Matriarch
- Morales Mosrite Copy (’70’s Japan)
- Rhodes Stage MkII 73
- Selmer Astra 1967 hollow bodied electric
- WEM Teischord 70’s Organ
- Welmer Upright Piano
- Yamaha SK-30 Poly Synth
- Collection of pedals, toys etc
Drums
Drum Kits
- Gretsch 1972 Drum Kit
- Slingerland Drum kit
- Tama Superstar
- Premier Crown
- Rogers Vintage Drum Kit
Snare Drums
- Custom Maple Snare – 14 x 10″
- DW Maple Custom – 14 x 6″
- Gretsch Snare COB 4160 – 14 x 5″
- Ludwig Black Beauty – 14 x 6″
- Ludwig Colosseum – 14 x 8″
- Ludwig Supraphonic LM400 – 14 x 5″
- Premier 2000 – 14 x 5″
- TAMA Superstar – 14 x 5″
Cymbals
- Vintage Zildjian K Hi Hats – 14″
- Zildjian K Dark Custom Crash – 18″
- Zildjian ZBT Splash – 10″
- Paiste 2002 Crash – 17″
- Sabien AAX Ride – 22″
- Sabien Crescent – 22″
Other
- Cowbell
- 28″ Vintage 1920’s Bass Drum
Percussion
- Assortment of Shakers
- Cabassa
- Congas
- Guiro
- Jingle Bells
- Maracas
- Samba Band Drums
- Tambourines
- Vibraslap
- Wood Blocks
ACCOMMODATION
We have ample space for accommodation on site, all under the same roof as the studio. Our large, comfortable lounge and dining area boasts a fully kitted-out kitchen.
Up to nine people can stay on site very comfortably across four warm and cosy bedrooms. We have a mix of single, twin and double rooms, and two shared bathrooms. If you need to spread out a bit further, we can arrange additional accommodation a short distance from the studio.
We can arrange any catering you need whether fully catered, self catered or anything in between and can work within your budget. We’re proud to be Vegan/Vegetarian friendly but can cater for all requirements
We have ample space for accommodation on site, all under the same roof as the studio. Our large, comfortable lounge and dining area boasts a fully kitted-out kitchen.
Up to nine people can stay on site very comfortably across four warm and cosy bedrooms. We have a mix of single, twin and double rooms, and two shared bathrooms.
We can also provide catering or self-catered or something between the two. We’re proud to be Vegan/Vegetarian friendly but can cater for all requirements.
MASTERING
ABOUT
For us, mastering is about trying to understand the intention of a production, and then ensuring this is fully realised on every listening system, for every listener. Whether a Grammy winning engineer, or a bedroom producer, we’ve got your back.
With Dutch & Dutch 8C Mastering monitors, in a carefully calibrated room, we make careful judgements about your precious productions, and give them some love through our analogue gear like the Gyraff G22 Mastering compressor.
RATES
We believe top quality mastering needn’t be ludicrously expensive, and we offer competitive pricing for independent artists and labels as well as superb rates for repeat clients. We offer flat rates for singles, EPs and Albums, so no matter what you need in terms of media (Master for Itunes, Vinyl, CD/DDP etc) or different versions (instrumentals, radio edits etc) you’ll pay the same fixed price.
Please email for a quote: pete@blackbaystudio.com
MONITORING
- Dutch & Dutch 8C Mastering Monitors
- ProAc Studio 200 Loudspeaker
- OLLO Audio Studio S4X Reference Headphones
- Lynx Hilo AD/DA Convertors
PROCESSING
- API 2500 Mix Buss Compressor
- DAV BG3 Mastering EQ
- Gyraf Audio G22 Tube Vari-Mu Mastering Compressor
- Assortment of Plugin Suites (DMG, Fabfilter, Plugin Alliance…)
ABOUT
For us, mastering is about trying to understand the intention of a production, and then ensuring this is fully realised on every listening system, for every listener. Whether a Grammy winning engineer, or a bedroom producer, we’ve got your back.
With Dutch & Dutch 8C Mastering monitors, in a carefully calibrated room, we make careful judgements about your precious productions, and give them some love through our analogue gear like the Gyraff G22 Mastering compressor.
RATES
We believe top quality mastering needn’t be ludicrously expensive, and we offer competitive pricing for independent artists and labels as well as superb rates for repeat clients. We offer flat rates for singles, EPs and Albums, so no matter what you need in terms of media (Master for Itunes, Vinyl, CD/DDP etc) or different versions (instrumentals, radio edits etc) you’ll pay the same fixed price.
Please email for a quote: pete@blackbaystudio.com
MONITORING
- Dutch & Dutch 8C Mastering Monitors
- ProAc Studio 200 Loudspeaker
- OLLO Audio Studio S4X Reference Headphones
- Lynx Hilo AD/DA Convertors
PROCESSING
- API 2500 Mix Buss Compressor
- DAV BG3 Mastering EQ
- Gyraf Audio G22 Tube Vari-Mu Mastering Compressor
- Assortment of Plugin Suites (DMG, Fabfilter, Plugin Alliance…)
CLIENTS
Clients are the creative lifeblood of our studio at the edge of the world. Whether they’ve been looking for a small creative, intimate sound or something much larger, we’ve catered for all kinds of musical needs.
RECORDING
Adwaith
Astrid
Axis Of
BANNERS
Beinn Lee
Black Foxxes
Blue Nicotine
Cain
Caezar
Colin Macleod
Cree Mackenzie
Claudia Mettler
Daimh
Dante
Deathcrash
DLU
Elliott Armen
Gary
Fortuna Ehrenfeld
Fou
Felix Saunders
HAUX
Heal & Harrow
Homeslice
Ian Morrison
Jessica Danz
Jim Ghedi
The Klets
Jessica Danz
Jim Ghedi
The Klets
The Langen Band
Last Boy
Lucia & the Best Boys
Lucy Gaffney
Luthia
Mother Night
Nick Jonah Davis
Ninth Wave
Nissan
One Big Fuse
Organ Morgan
ONR
The Open Day Rotation/Willie Campbell
Rachel Newton
Rosie Sulivan
Raccoon Book Club
Ryan Cowly
Scott C. Park
Sean Harrisson
Silver Moth
Tamzene
Tigress
Tide Lines
The Tumbling Souls
Trekkah
Vegan Queen V
PRODUCERS
Adrian Bushby
Alexandre Leroy
Andy Bell
Ash Workman
Cam Blackwood
Dani Castelar
Dan Moyler
Jamie Mac
Faris Badwan
Matt Cooke
Max Hayes
Stuart Braithwaite
Tim Bran
René Tinner
Ross Wilson
MIXING & MASTERING
Aziz Ibrahim
Andrew MacDonald
Alan Stokes
Anna Bayne
Anteloper
Al Stokes
Alice Bentley
August Charles
Aziz & Dal
BBC Alba
Barring Tone
Beach Baby
Beans on Toast
Ben Mcconnachie
Between Islands
Black Honey
Blair Dunlop
Billie Flynn
Birth Rights
Bladderwrack
Blue House
Bloodhound
Blue House
Brand New Moon
Broken Family Band
Broken Ravens
Buffalode
Burning House
Burnt Paw
The Bison Family
C Joynes
Cantaloupe
Capitol K
Calm App
Capitol K
Cath and Phil Tyler
Cee Fax
Charlie Ulyatt
Chroma Bay
Chris Joynes
Childhood
CJ Mirra
Clémentine March
Concrete Ships
Craig Armstrong
Crashes
Crvves
Cylinders
Dan McLachlan
Dan Michaelson & The Coastguards
Dan Somogyi
Danko
David Leicht
dbh
DEAD RAT ORCHESTRA
Do Nothing
Eleanor Marsh
Edd Banard
Eddwood II
Eves
Foreversound
Flamingods
Free Money
Fall Town
Fyfe Dangerfield
False Advertising
Gabrielle Papillon
Garden of Elks
George Dewhurst
GiT
Great Ormond Street Hospital
Guido Spannocchi
Goddesses
Gramme
Gravegonzo
Grey Hairs
GUTS
Haress
Harrissen Larner-Mane
Henry Jamison
Henry Parker
Heron Valley
Hey Colossus
The Howling Lords
Household Dogs
Isaac
Itches
Iain MacKeever
Iain Mackinnon
ili
Jack Carty
The Jar Family
Jenny Moore
Jill Brown
John Johanna
John Hardy
John Samson
Joseph Knight
Joey Costello
Kagoule
Katie Cooper
Katie Spencer
Kate Eliss
Keto
Kitty MacFarlane
Kogumaza
Lizzi
Lartise
The Lafontaines
Last Generation
The Laurence Murray Project
Lav
Lewis Henry
LIFE
LoKa & the Moonshiners
Lord Ha Ha
Luke La Volep
MALKA
Marine Store Dealer
Mark Hewins
Maz O’Connor
Mist and Wing
Michael Wood
Michelle Fairley
Mighty Bossmags
Mike Barrett
Mikui Ball
Muna Ileiwat
Neil Halstead
Nick Aslam
Noon Garden
Nutko
Nick Green
Nuha Ruby Ra
Orlando
Owen Trommens
Pete Urpeth
Pre Goblin
THePETEBOX
Real Lies
Rai Kah Mercury
Ronika
Rose Karney
Rowan Hudson
Run Logan Run
Rebbekah Heich
Ryan Laurie
The Sea Atlas
Sihn
Sister Cookie
Silver Wilson
Shelter Point
SNAPPED ANKLES
Soul Savers
Split Electric
Tell Tale Tusk
Tom Beasly
Trail West
University of Highlands & Islands
Valeris
Van Couer
Venice Heath
William KZ Hearn
Wind Up Pros
Wolves! (of Greece)
Wulu
Yazmin Lacey
YVA
94 Gunships
CONTACT | GETTING HERE
We’d love to hear from you. Email info@blackbaystudio.com, pete@blackbaystudio.com, or click here to email us using your default app.
It’s hard to get more remote in Europe, but Black Bay has great transport links to the mainland UK. There are daily flights from Manchester, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Inverness and several ferry sailings each day from both Ullapool and the Isle of Skye.
We also have moorings for ocean-going vessels and even a helipad.
Black Bay Studio
The project was part financed by the Scottish Government and the European Community Outer Hebrides LEADER 2014-2020 Programme.
The project was part financed by the Scottish Government and the European Community Outer Hebrides LEADER 2014-2020 Programme.
